RCHS halts 3-game skid with win over TCC

TALLADEGA – The RCHS Tigers entered this season in a rare and unenviable position. For the first time in over three years they were on a losing streak.

Having lost the final three games of 2005, the Tigers got themselves moving in the right direction with a 14-0 win over Talladega County Central on Friday.

“It gives us a little boost,” said RCHS head coach Pat Prestridge. “Last year we came off a 3-game losing streak and we didn’t win the fall jamboree (against Cleburne County.) So, you know, it’s good winning one and getting a little confidence and getting a little feeling of your new positions – because everyone’s playing a new position now.”

A huge roster turnover has many of the Tigers changing their stripes to find out where they fit best. Rod Nunn, who started the preseason at tailback, took the majority of the snaps at fullback while the speedier Courtney Hunter got the majority of the carries.

Hunter also provided all the points the Tigers would need as he returned the second half kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. The RCHS defense made those points stand up.

RCHS added some security later in the game when Quinton Prothro completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Rod Nunn.

Hunter carried 15 times for 70 yards while Prothro – despite a rough night passing the ball – rushed 12 times for a team-high 91 yards.

“We started Rod (Nunn) in the spring game and the fall jamboree. But Courtney’s got that extra little burst of speed,” said Prestridge. “He had a good game. We’re just glad to have a win I guess, because TC’s a lot better than they have been. They’ve got a new coach and their kids get after it a little bit more.”

Outside of the backfield shuffle, Prestridge was most pleased with the improved performance of his special teams unit. This was the team’s weakest link last year as they routinely botch extra points and struggled on kickoffs and punts as well. But Quincy Potter showed a strong leg on punts and kickoffs to give the Tigers an advantage in the field position game, and placekicker Skyler Lovvorn converted on both of his extra point attempts.

“One of the good things (from Friday) that we didn’t have last year is the special teams,” said Prestridge. “We had a return for a touchdown on the second half kickoff. I think our special teams are just a little bit different this year. Punting-wise, Potter’s a great punter. I mean, he can boom it. So I feel like field position is going to be the key.”

Prothro completed just two of nine passes for 55 yards. His other completion was to Amos Miamen for 25 yards.