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Russell Suffers First Loss of 2022 at Smith Center

KRSL RHS Football
KRSL RHS Football

The Russell High School football team suffered its first setback of the season with a 35-14 loss at Smith Center on Friday, September 16.

Smith Center (2-1, 2-1 Mid-Continent League) senior running back Bentley Montgomery scored two rushing touchdowns, one from 27 yards out and the other from 23 yards out, in just the first few minutes of the game. Redmen junior running back Luke Franklin scored a 19-yard touchdown run late in the quarter and Smith Center led 21-0 after the opening period.

With 10:15 to play in the second quarter, Russell (2-1, 2-1 MCL) got on the board with a one-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Wyatt Middleton. The score capped off a nine-play, 73-yard drive. Senior kicker Charlie Krug's extra point kick was good. However, Smith Center's junior kick returner Benjy Carr returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a TD. The Redmen led 29-7 at the halftime break.

With 8:47 remaining in the third frame, Middleton connected with senior wide receiver Jackson Cross for a 36-yard touchdown pass for the Broncos. It was a nine-play, 69-yard drive. Krug's PAT was good, but Smith Center led 29-14 heading into the final stanza.

Montgomery added another late rushing touchdown from six yards out for the Redmen and Smith Center won 35-14.

Smith Center outgained Russell 336 total yards to 264 yards. The Redmen totaled 275 yards rushing and 61 yards passing. The Broncos finished with 255 yards passing and just nine yards rushing.

Middleton completed 20 passes for 248 yards for Russell. Cross caught seven passes for 116 yards and a score. Freshman slotback and wide receiver Walker Middleton caught six passes for 64 yards.

Montgomery finished with 108 yards on the ground on 15 carries for SC. Franklin totaled 80 yards rushing on 10 carries. Senior fullback Jake Sasse rushed for 60 yards on 15 carries for the Redmen.

Russell returns home on Friday, September 23 to host Beloit and the start of district play. Catch the game from Shaffer Field on KRSL AM 990, 98.1 FM and KRSL.com with pregame coverage at 6:30 PM and kickoff at 7.