RUSSELLVILLE INDIANS – FOOTBALL

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Russellville High School went 8–3 and looks to stack back‑to‑back winning seasons as its young program keeps growing. Head coach Timothy Rulo, in his fifth year, writes, “We are excited for the upcoming season. We were very humbled by the success that we had last year and want to see our program make the next step and have back to back winning seasons.” He notes that “The Russellville program is still young and is learning what it takes to be successful,” and while “new faces (need) to step into roles,” the staff “feel(s) confident that the potential is there to accomplish all our goals.” Assistants include Nik Ferri, Jason Kimminau, Matthew Witt, Cooper Basnett, Austin Anderson, Bryce Hale and Jon Moberly.

Offensively, Russellville returns five starters and runs the flexbone. Rulo writes, “We run the flexbone. We try to spread the ball out to as many playmakers as possible. We want to stretch the field both horizontally and vertically.” Senior running back Matthew Carlton (6‑0, 185) carried “35 Carries for 352 Yards and 3 TDs,” senior linemen Corbin Johnson (5‑11, 195) and Josh Fisher (6‑0, 240) plus junior lineman Kooper Lackman (6‑0, 210) anchor the front. Junior back Landon Borman (5‑10, 165) had “32 Carries for 190 Yards and 4 TDs – 3 Catches for 98 Yards and 3 TDs,” and sophomore quarterback Andrew Eickhoff (6‑0, 160) steps into the QB role.

Defensively, three starters return in a multiple front. Johnson at linebacker posted “37 Solo – 81 Assists – 7 TFLs – 1.5 Sacks,” Carlton at defensive back had “12 Solo – 24 Assists – 2 TFL,” Fisher at defensive line recorded “8 Solo – 22 Assists – 7 TFLs – 2.5 Sacks,” and senior DL Hayden Barnett (6‑1, 215) added “6 Solo – 32 Assists – 4 TFLs – .5 Sack.” Rulo writes, “We are a multiple front defense. The goal is to get as many helmets to the ball as possible! We want to create as much Chaos as possible on defense!”

Johnson is the MVP nominee, described as “a hard working young man who loves football,” the “leader of the defense” who also does “a great job on the OL,” and is poised for a breakout senior year. Eickhoff is the underclassman to watch, a multi‑sport athlete who “has all the tools to be successful” and is expected to grow as he leads the offense for the next three years.