The early part of the schedule for the Russellville High School football team has been absolutely brutal.

But the Panthers are now getting into the portion of it where they should really be able to shine.

Despite playing up two divisions in Class 3A, Russellville is one of the best teams in its district and region.

Tonight the Panthers play their first District 2 game of the season as Hart County comes to Rhea Stadium.

Russellville has not lost to the Raiders since joining the Class 3A district.

So this is a chance for the Panthers to really get rolling.

Russellville started out with a tough 28-27 loss to Franklin-Simpson – after rallying back from being down 28-14 in the final two and a half minutes.

Then blowout losses to Warren Central and Warren East followed.

But last week, the Panthers came through with an impressive 26-15 victory over Marshall County, a Class 6A school, to end the losing slide.

Tonight the Panthers should have every opportunity to get on a winning streak – despite the fact that Hart County comes into the game with an impressive 3-1 record.

Tonight is also Homecoming for the Panthers. To check out the Russellville Homecoming candidates, their pictures are on Page B-10 of this section.

Meanwhile, Logan County High School’s football team takes to the road tonight after wrapping up a successful two-game homestand.

The Cougars won both of their last two contests in impressive fashion. Last week Logan County got 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns from senior Thomas Washington to knock off Metcalfe County 26-6.

Quarterback John Logan Dockins also had a big game, throwing for 213 yards and two scores.

Just one week prior, LCHS got its first win of the season by beating Webster County 56-14.

Tonight Logan County travels to Monroe County for what should be an extremely tough battle. The Falcons are a perfect 4-0 so far this year.

Kickoff for both the RHS and LCHS games is scheduled for 7 p.m.

— OJ Stapleton is the editor of the News-Democrat & Leader.