Greg Owens heads athletic alumni recognitions at Russellville High School.
Thirty-five years ago our Russellville Panthers enjoyed one of their finest seasons. After an opening night win over Trigg County and a tough loss to highly regarded Franklin-Simpson, the Panthers closed out the season with 12 straight wins.
Playoff wins over Fulton County 28-0, Edmonson County 42-0 and Paris 19-7 earned the Panthers their 4th State Championship game appearance .The Panthers handled Cumberland 42-13 for their second Class A State Championship.
The Panthers averaged 27 points per game while giving up only 11.
The honors poured in for Coach Ken Barrett's champions. Making all WKC were Al Smith, Clay Parrish, Brent Wilkins, Rodney Gordon, Brian Fruits, Sonny Green, Eric Coker, Andy Woodall, Oscar York, Bryan Wilkins, Jesse Wooldridge, Jonathan Cage, and Terry Dillihay. Earning All Southcentral were Green, Cage, Parrish and York.
Oscar York was named second-team All State overall for his defense, and Jonathan Cage earned 1st Team All State on offense and defense.
What a Year and What a Team! Let's all get out this Saturday and relive these great memories of Panther Football as we recognize these Panther icons.
They are to be honored as part of Russellville’s district game with Fulton City Saturday. Game time is 2 p.m. at Rhea Stadium and Ken Barrett Field.
It's going to be a great day to be a Panther!