Beech Tree News Network

Max Ward was the head coach and Robert Tuck was a senior the last time a Butler County football team defeated the Russellville Panthers.  Tonight, the Bears have what some high school football observers believe may be their best shot against a team that is a perennial football power.  And, it's homecoming to boot.
Butler County (2-0) will square off against Russellville (2-0) tonight with kickoff set for 7 p.m. following Homecoming 2015 festivities. 
"Homecoming will create a great environment with a great crowd.  There will be many distractions throughout the day and we have to stay mentally focused to overcome these distractions," said B.C.H.S. head coach Ryan Emmick.  "We have started slow the past two weeks and we cannot allow the distractions of the activities and change in schedule to make us unfocused and unprepared for the game."
Butler County defeated Logan 46-6 on opening week and handed Edmonson County a 49-14 loss last week.  Meanwhile, Russellville has also been strong out of the gate.  The Panthers defeated Trigg 48-19 opening week and beat Ft. Campbell 42-21 last week. 
"This game is another test for our team to see where we are at.  Russellville is an excellent team that is very well coached by John Myers and they will expose the weaknesses we have.  This game will show where we need to improve and give our team an opportunity to test ourselves against the best," said Emmick.  "This is another step to take to get where we want to be as a team. We will face adversity in this game and how we react to adversity will reveal the character we have as a team."
For Brian Bivens, defensive backs and special teams coach, containing Russellville's speed will be his top priority. 
"Russellville is a team that always has a tremendous amount of speed and this year is no different. They have backs that can break an 80-yard touchdown run any time they touch the ball," said Bivens.  "As a defense, we have to try to contain this speed and limit the big plays as best as possible. In the secondary, we have to always be conscious of their passing attack as well. They will try to lull our DB’s to sleep with their run game and then throw one deep to their 6’4” playmaker outside. This is a game in which disciplined, fundamental football is a must for us," added Bivens. 
According to defensive coordinator Brandon Embry, his game plan will remain steady.
"The game plan for Russellville will not change much compared to previous weeks," said Embry.  They have speed at all skill positions so we must take better angles and try to stretch them more.  We have to limit their ability to get to the edge because of their speed."

The game will be aired live on The New Q - WLBQ 101.5 FM with John Embry, Cody Donaldson, and Josh Scott. 

Below is a history of Butler County/Russellville games as provided by Mark Allen, director of football operations for Butler County: 

1990.... at Butler Co.  / Russellvill wins 36-0; goes on to win the Class A State Championship
1991.....at Rhea Stadium/ BC Wins 15-8

1992-2006 Did not play

2007 - Russellville wins 32-8
2008 - Russellville wins 28-2 in three overtime.
2009 - Russellville wins 34-14
            - Russellville wins 42-7 (2nd Round KHSAA Playoffs)
2010 - Russellville wins 22-19
2011-2012 - Did not play
2013- Russellville wins 41-0
2014- Russellville wins 35-6

Below is the timeline for tonight's activities: 

Football Homecoming Activities.- Friday Night
BCHS vs. Russellville
6:00 pm Parade of Cars begins around the track.....
6:10 pm...... couples begin to enter the field & announced
6:30 pm....... Homecoming activities complete
6:30pm .......both teams on the field...
650 pm........ National Anthem
655 pm........ Coin Toss
7:00pm...... Kickoff