By Perry Swack
James “Shadetree” Matthews Stadium – October 2, 2020 – 7:00pm
Last Week
Russell County defeated Warren Central 63-22
Franklin-Simpson lost to Allen County-Scottsville 28-7
2019 Meetings
The Lakers and Wildcats met twice in 2019: Franklin won in the regular season by a score of 35-21, before knocking off Russell County 37-14 in the first round of the Class 4A Playoffs. Franklin-Simpson ran for a combined 710 yards in the two victories over the Lakers behind Leandre Stutzman’s 307 yards. Russell County’s Dylan Bland and Collin Darnell rushed for over 100 yards in the regular season contest, but both were held in check in the second meeting. The Wildcats forced seven turnovers in the playoff meeting, including three interceptions by Stutzman.
Last 5 Games in this Series
2019 – Russell County 14 @ Franklin-Simpson 37 (4A Playoffs)
2019 – Franklin-Simpson 35 @ Russell County 21
2010 – Russell County 28 @ Franklin-Simpson 38
2009 – Franklin-Simpson 45 @ Russell County 20
2008 – Russell County 28 @ Franklin-Simpson 35
Preview
Franklin-Simpson has won at least seven straight games in the series, dating back to 1998. The Wildcats and Lakers have been on-again, off-again district foes recently being paired back together in 2019. While Franklin has held a clear advantage in the series, it would appear that the 2020 matchup should be an opportunity for Russell County to take a victory. The Lakers come into this meeting flying high after opening the season with three straight victories, only the second time the program has started 3-0 since 2014. Coach Ryan Richardson has entered his second season with expectations that the Lakers can win their first playoff game since 2013. Through the opening three games, RCHS has outscored its opponents 158-41. Junior quarterback Gavin Gossage has completed 22-of-43 passes for 393 yards and seven touchdowns, while also rushing for 159 yards and three more scores. The senior duo of Collin Darnell and Dylan Bland has split carries with Darnell leading the team in rushing yards (302) and Bland in touchdowns (5). Senior wideout CJ Vonfumetti has caught nine passes for 178 yards and five TDs.
Franklin-Simpson has had a frustrating start to the Max Chaney Era. A two-point loss at Russellville was followed up by a 21-point loss to district rival, Allen County-Scottsville. Malik Carter has been the team’s leading rusher with 38 carries for 139 yards on the season. The team will look to get back on track on offense as they have managed to only score three touchdowns in two games. Freshman Hayden Satterly has been a bright spot for the Wildcats on defense. The linebacker has tallied 16 total tackles with two coming for losses. Sophomore defensive lineman KJ Hardesty has also played well with ten tackles.
Prediction
Russell County 34, Franklin-Simpson 27
Russell County is currently 2-0 in district play and a win Friday night would put them one step closer to not only hosting a playoff game for the first time since 2013, but also winning the district. Franklin-Simpson will come out ready to roll and will score well more than its season average (9.5 points per game), but they won’t be able to overcome the Lakers. Russell County will run to victory – literally – behind the two-headed monster of Darnell and Bland. I expect both to run for close to 100 yards and each score a touchdown as the Lakers head back to Russell County 3-0 in Class 4A, District 2 play.
Next Week
Russell County will have a bye next week before returning to host Butler County on October 16 at 7:00pm.
Franklin-Simpson will have a bye – at the time of publication – after Logan County had to cancel its game with F-S to reschedule a district matchup with Madisonville-North Hopkins.
