By Morgan Bryce
Editor
Despite lengthy weather delays and sloppy field conditions, Smiths Station emerged victorious in a road trip to Seale for their season opener, defeating Russell County 34-6.
The first quarter lasted nearly 90 minutes because of hard rains and frequent lightning strikes nearby. Weather conditions, paired with a turnover and seven committed penalties, limited the Panthers’ potency on offense, but not for long.
Smiths Station raced to a 20-0 lead at the end of the first half, as the offense found its groove. The Panthers added two more scores in the second half, maintaining the shutout until the final five minutes of the game, when the Warriors managed to get on the board.
Junior quarterback Corey Minton turned in a strong performance, completing 11-of-17 passes for 93 yards. Smiths Station’s running backs, led by bruiser L.C. Harris, pounded the Warriors for a combined 179 yards on 35 carries.
With the win, the Panthers improve to 1-0 to start the young season. Smiths Station returns to Panther Stadium this Friday to face 5A Valley, who dropped a tight 25-21 contest to rival Lanett last week. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. C.S.T.
Russell County, 0-1 overall, will travel to Ozark to play Carroll High School next Friday, who is after defeating B.T. Washington 47-20.