The Russellville Panthers finished last season with a 10-3 overall record, 6-1 in the region and perfect in the district at 6-0. They lost fourteen seniors and the majority of their starting offense including quarterback, fullback, halfback, and two starting linemen.

Coach John Myers said, "We're probably going to end up playing seven or eight both ways so we're working on developing some depth we don't have a lot of depth right now and continue to improve."

The Panthers will return six starters on both sides of the ball. Overall team speed will be their biggest strength. They are focusing on learning how to utilize that team speed how to improve their defense.

Senior Craig Mathews will be starting his fourth year and will be playing linebacker and fullback. He is expected to provide a lot of leadership, strength and stability to both the offense and defense. Fellow senior Thomas Vysa will be starting his third year at offensive lineman and defensive lineman. He is an extremely hard worker. "He's not overly blessed with talent but he makes up for it with his work ethic in the weight room and on the field. The kids feed off of him and he is a tremendous leader," Myers added.

Starting his third year will be senior Donavan Harris at defensive back and running back. He runs well, and is very strong. "He is a small kid," said Myers, "but he has a huge heart and plays extremely hard and I expect him to have a great year." Last year's wide receiver and backup quarterback is senior Zach Smith who is expected to be the starting quarterback this year and also play defensive back. He is a very versatile, athletic player, with very good speed who can be used all over the field.

Smith is very optimistic when it comes to his team this year. " I think our receiving core is going to be really good this year, we are quick in the backfield and our line is experienced this year, which is something we haven't had in a few years," he said.

With many playing on both sides of the ball the Panthers will have to avoid injury and be very well conditioned. If they can learn how to utilize their team speed and improve their defense they can have another impressive year.

2008 Schedule
Aug. 29 Franklin-Simpson Russellville 7:00 PM
Sept. 6 Barren County Russellville 5:00 PM
Sept. 12 Edmonson County Russellville 7:00 PM
Sept. 19 Adair County Adair County 7:00 PM
Sept. 26 Butler County Russellville 7:00 PM
Oct. 3 Glasgow Glasgow 7:30 PM
Oct. 9 Hart County Hart County 7:00 PM
Oct. 17 Danville Danville 8:00 PM
Oct. 24 Open Russellville Open
Oct. 31 Todd County Central Todd County Central 7:00 PM
Nov. 7 Logan County Logan County 7:00 PM

2007 Results
Aug. 24 Franklin-Simpson Franklin-Simpson 29-17 (W)
Sept. 1 Daviess County Franklin-Simpson 23-26 (L)
Sept. 7 Edmonson County Edmonson County 49-6 (W)
Sept. 14 Adair County Russellville 61-0 (W)
Sept. 21 Butler County Butler County 32-8 (W)
Sept. 28 Glasgow Russellville 38-34 (W)
Oct. 5 Hart County Russellville 46-14 (W)
Oct. 11 Danville Russellville 22-54 (L)
Oct. 19 Open Russellville N/A
Oct. 26 Todd Co. Central Russellville 42-0 (W)
Nov. 2 Logan County Russellville 55-14 (W)
Nov. 9 Hart County Russellville 34-12 (W)
Nov. 16 Edmonson Co. Russellville 33-14 (W)
Nov. 23 Central Central 28-48 (L)