Goal Lines: Russellville to host Sweet Springs in home opener

Russellville fans cheer during a home game last season against Harrisburg. Russellville will open its home schedule tonight against Sweet Springs.
Russellville fans cheer during a home game last season against Harrisburg. Russellville will open its home schedule tonight against Sweet Springs.

The Russellville Indians are ready to get back on the field.

After missing last Friday night's game against Tipton due to COVID-19 issues with the Cardinals, Russellville (1-0) will open its home schedule tonight against the Sweet Springs Greyhounds (1-1).

"There was some sadness we didn't get to play last week," Rulo said. "But there's still a lot of energy looking forward to (tonight).

"I think it's going to be a good game."

Sweet Springs opened its season with a 35-20 loss at Father Tolton before topping Carrollton 21-7 last Friday night.

The Greyhounds have a total of 19 players on the team, including nine seniors, in the program's final season of 11-man football.

"Those nine seniors are pretty good and they play a lot," Rulo said. "I think they want to finish their high school careers well."

Zapher Lea, a senior, is the Sweet Springs quarterback.

"He does a good job managing the offense," Rulo said.

Among his weapons are senior running backs Matt Eckhoff and Cole Lovercamp, along with junior fullback Blake Schroeder.

"They like to get the ball to their play-makers," Rulo said.

Defensively, the Greyhounds operate mostly out of an four-man front.

"They look to keep everything in front of them and not give up the big play," Rulo said.

The Greyhounds have been adept on special teams this season. Sweet Springs returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Tolton and nearly did it again against Carrollton.

"They're not super flashy," Rulo said. "But they block well, they tackle well, they're solid. They do what they need to do to win."

Russellville used the week off to heal up from the opening victory against Missouri Military Academy.

Rulo was impressed with the way the Indians' defense played in the 40-6 victory.

"We did a great job of running to and swarming the football," he said.

Despite putting up the 40 points, Rulo is looking for more out of his offense.

"We need to be a little more consistent," he said. "We got a lot of those on big plays, we need to be able to continue drives."

With the opening win, the Indians are No. 1 in the Class 1 District 5 standings.

"If we don't play anymore games, we will continue to be No. 1," Rulo said with a laugh. "But we want to play more games."

Sweet Springs defeated Russellville 42-6 last season on its way to a 6-3 record last season.

"They've been pretty salty the past couple of years," Rulo said.

Tonight, it's back to football for the Indians.

"It's been a great week of practice," Rulo said. "We need to go out and play well, continue to get better. That's our focus."

Game time is 7 p.m.