FOOTBALL: Bears beat Russellville in season opener, 29-7

Sat, 08/19/2023 - 4:43pm — Steve Lemaster

RUSSELLVILLE — Winning its season opener, Butler County pulled away to beat Russellville 29-7 in the Lewisburg Bank Bowl at Logan County High School on Friday, Aug. 18.

The Bears scored first and never trailed in the season opener. Butler County led 6-0 at the conclusion of the first quarter.

Extending its lead, Butler County led 20-0 at halftime.

The Bears maintained an advantage over Russellville throughout the second half. Butler County led 20-7 at the end of the third quarter.

Butler County rushed 48 times for 207 yards and three touchdowns in its winning effort.

Lonnie Phelps was named MVP of the game.

Lonnie Phelps paced Butler County on the ground, rushing 15 times for 72 yards.

Following Phelps in Butler County's ground game, Gage Beasley rushed nine times for 47 yards.

Behind Beasley, Trevor Joiner took 14 carries for 43 yards and one touchdown.

Another Butler County running back, Jay Peralta, rushed five times for 29 yards.

Reaching the endzone twice, Butler County quarterback Garrett Phelps rushed five times for 16 yards and two touchdowns.

Garrett Phelps produced on the ground and through the air. Making an impact through the air, Garrett Phelps completed three of six passes for 25 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively for the Bears, Joiner, Logan Hargrove, Dillon Hudnall and Will Amos each registered seven tackles.

Both Beasley and Garrett Phelps recorded one interception for the Bears.

On the ground, Russellville was limited to 84 rushing yards and one touchdown on 19 carries. Donovan Armstrong paced the Panthers on the ground, rushing 12 times for 73 yards and one touchdown.

Quarterback Octavious McKeage led Russellville through the air, completing 10 of 19 passes for 105 yards while throwing two interceptions.

Butler County is scheduled to host Webster County for its home opener at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25.