Russellville defeated Barren County 36-21 in the first game of the Pigskin Classic at Franklin on Saturday.
The Trojans scored just a minute and a half into the game. Hunter Jones caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Gill Thomas to put the Trojans on the scoreboard. Caleb Bogard's extra point gave Barren a 7-0 lead.
Russellville tied it up with 11:01 to go in the second quarter. The Panthers scored on a 33-yard run to tie the game at 7-7.
The Panthers went ahead 14-7 on a 63-yard touchdown pass with 3:43 to play in the first half.
Russellville added a touchdown and a two point conversion in the third quarter to take a 22-7 advantage.
The Panthers scored again in the third quarter on a 73-yard touchdown run. The point after touchdown attempt was good as Russellville led 29-7 with 4:19 left in period.
Russellville scored 23 seconds into the fourth quarter to stretch its lead. The Panthers scored on a one-yard run and hit the PAT for a 36-7 advantage.
Thomas found Jones for a 32-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter for the Trojans' second score. Thomas tossed an incomplete pass on the two point conversion attempt. The Trojans trailed 36-13.
The Trojans added their final score after they recovered an onside kick. They scored a touchdown and added a two point conversion to cut the Panthers' lead to 36-21.
Barren's next onside kick failed as Russellville recovered and ran out the clock.
Barren dropped to 0-2 with the loss, while Russellville improved to 1-1.
The Trojans return to action Friday at crosstown rival Glasgow. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Hank Royse Stadium.
