The Russellville High School soccer team came within an overtime away from advancing to the District 7 championship game and the regional tournament for the first time since 2001. The Panthers pushed Franklin-Simpson into extra frames before falling on the Wildcats home field 2-1.

“This was the best game we had played all year against a top-level team,” head coach Nathan Thompson said. “Give Franklin credit they found a way to win, but this hurts on our end.”

RHS jumped out of the gate early after Houston Chance scored from 25 yards out in the 30th minute to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead heading into intermission.

Russellville held onto the lead until 12 minutes left when Cullen McElroy tied the game for Franklin after his one touch shot sailed just over the Panther keeper. McElroy scored on a loose ball that was cleared outside the box by the defense.

The Wildcats didn’t waste much time in the overtime periods by scoring just four minutes in when Hunter Flynn split two Panther defenders off the dribble and put a shot in the back of the net. RHS had 16 minutes left to try and match the goal but came up empty to finish their record at 5-8-4 on the year.

“It was a battle for 100 minutes and I was really pleased with the mentality and focus that our team showed,” Thompson said. “We didn’t reach our ultimate goal of making the regional tournament but it still was a very good season. With a new coaching staff you really have to credit the team for coming together and peaking at the end of the year.”