Russell County Football Preview
By Perry Swack
Russell County Lakers
Coach: Ryan Richardson, Third Season
Record at School: 12-6
2020 Record: 6-1
Lost to Warren East, 33-14, in the first round of the 4A Playoffs
Starters Returning: 5 on Offense, 5 on Defense
Russell County went a perfect 6-0 in the regular season last year before losing in the opening round of the playoffs to district rival Warren East. The 2020 Lakers used a fearsome running game behind Collin Darnell and Dylan Bland to the tune of 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns. The duo averaged nearly 200 combined rushing yards per game and were a major reason behind the Lakers ranking fourth in scoring in Class 4A. Senior quarterback Gavin Gossage is expected to have a big season in Russell Springs after throwing for nearly 600 yards, rushing for nearly 300, and scoring twelve total touchdowns in 2020 (nine passing, three rushing). Freshman Braxton Walters and sophomore Collin Burton will also be called upon in the run game. The coaching staff is excited for the return of senior wide receiver Gage Hicks, one of the few returning pass catchers from 2020. Incoming senior Kelby Grider will also be expected to contribute at receiver.
The Lakers lost their top two tacklers to graduation in Mason Hinkle and CJ Vonfumetti; however, they will return Larin Coffey (44 tackles, one sack), Gossage (33 tackles, five for losses, two interceptions), and Hicks (30 tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery). Russell County ranked eighth in Class 4A in scoring defense, ninth in rushing defense, and second in fumbles recovered per game last season. Returning some of its top defensive playmakers will help the team in its effectiveness on that side of the ball.
Kicker Yarley Medrano also returns for the Lakers after ranking among the class leaders in kicking. The sophomore nailed 29-of-33 point-after-attempts (87.9%) and played a major role in 2020.
Coach Richardson’s club will kick off the season with a rivalry game at Adair County. The Lakers will then travel to Somerset before hosting Barren County. A rivalry game at Casey County awaits on September 10. Another road trip to Warren East in Week 5 opens district play. Russell went 4-0 over district opponents Warren East, Warren Central, Franklin-Simpson, and Allen County-Scottsville last season. How will they fare in 2021? “We will be very young, and our schedule will be more difficult,” analyzed Richardson. “We just hope to be able to improve week to week and gain valuable experience for our young kids.” I expect the Lakers to be in the mix for their first playoff win since 2013.
