Tigers want to counter Wildcats' athleticism

By Staff
Justin Schuver, Hartselle Enquirer
When asked what he sees from Benjamin Russell’s game films, Hartselle coach Bob Godsey had a simple answer.
The Wildcats have historically been a power in Class 5A, making the playoffs the last 11 seasons and advancing to the state semifinals in 2005 before falling to eventual champion Homewood. Eight seniors from that state semifinal team eventually signed to play college football, including four players who signed Division-I scholarships.
But the Wildcats have appeared to reload in a hurry, finishing the regular season with a 7-3 record and a third-place finish in the competitive Region 5. Their 5-2 region mark finished behind first-place Chelsea (7-0) and second-place Briarwood Christian (6-1).
Historically, Benjamin Russell is known for its defense and that seems to again be the case this year as the Wildcats have held their opponents to just 16 points a game. Led by Auburn commit Eltoro Freeman and another Division I prospect in Jonathan Birmingham, the inside linebackers are especially strong.
Although led by defense, the Wildcats’ offense is certainly capable of producing points as well. Benjamin Russell averaged 29.5 points per game during the regular season, primarily as a result of a punishing rushing attack led by senior Chaz Russell. For a change of pace, the Wildcats will bring in smaller but quicker junior Dre Wilson and move Russell to fullback.
The Wildcats don’t pass too often, but when they do they are led by quarterback Casey Cutts, a junior starting his first varsity season. Cutts’ primary target is Erlando Mennifield, the cousin of current Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens.
The Wildcats are coached by Willie Carl Martin, a graduate of Benjamin Russell who has led the program since 2001.
Martin’s Wildcats finished the regular season with a non-region matchup against Class 3A Clay County. Clay County, which won the 2005 state championship in Class 2A and moved up a classification this season, won that hard-fought game 29-28. Their other regular season losses came to Chelsea and Briarwood Christian; those two losses were by 10 points and 3 points, respectively.
Martin said he is also impressed by Hartselle’s defense.
Kickoff for the game is at J.P. Cain Stadium Friday night at 7 p.m. Admission is set by the AHSAA at $7.