Russellville's Johnny Drumgole (25) runs down the field Friday, September 2, 2016, during a game against Butler County at Ken Barrett Field in Russellville. (Bac Totrong/photo@bgdailynews.com)

RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville football team ran its way to a 50-42 victory over Butler County on Friday at Rhea Stadium.

Russellville had a trio rush for more than 100 yards to counter three touchdown passes and three touchdown runs from Butler County quarterback Rex Henderson and improve to 3-0 on the season.

“That was Russellville football,” Russellville coach John Myers said. “We were playing short-handed on the defensive side of the ball from a personnel standpoint tonight and our kids, they fought and battled for four quarters. Our offensive line did a tremendous job and those backs, especially Dru West (were tremendous). Our game plan coming in was to feed that fullback. Once we established the fullback, it really opens up the offense. We were fortunate to be able to execute that.”

Russellville never trailed, but needed a late drive to keep the ball away from Butler County (2-1) and hold on for the victory.

The Panthers built a 21-7 lead after one period with touchdown runs from West, Jaylyn McMurry and MJ Jones countering a Henderson 9-yard keeper.

Butler County inched closer early in the second period when Henderson found Daltyn Haven for a 24-yard score on the right side of the end zone.

Russellville got a 5-yard run from West to make the score 27-14 with 2:58 left in the first half, before Henderson found Gage Ward in stride for a 62-yard touchdown pass 20 seconds later that allowed the Bears to pull within 27-20.

Butler County turned the ball over on the first play from scrimmage in the second half, setting up McMurry’s 8-yard scramble that gave the Panthers a two-score lead. 

“That may have been the play of the ballgame,” Myers said. “That was a crucial turning point in the ballgame.”

Russellville extended its lead to 42-20 after a 21-yard run from Johnny Drumgole and a two-point conversion from West, but the Bears would rally.

Henderson scored on a 5-yard keeper late in the third period and then connected with Ward for a 43-yard touchdown pass to trim the deficit to 42-34 with 9:38 left in the game.

Russellville stemmed the momentum with a four-minute drive that ended when McMurry avoided a rush, ran across the field and broke free for an 11-yard touchdown run to make it 50-34.

“Jaylyn is a warrior,” Myers said. “He battles and he competes. He’s done a tremendous job for us over the last two years. I am very proud of him.”

The Bears added one more score, but Russellville recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to preserve the victory.

West finished with 152 yards rushing for the Panthers before leaving the game with an ankle injury. Drumgole had 130 yards and McMurry added 110 yards rushing.

Henderson threw for 249 yards and three scores, while rushing for 99 yards and three scores.

Both teams return to action at 7 p.m. Friday. Russellville will travel across town to face Logan County, while Butler County will host Apollo.

BCHS 7 13 6 16    — 42 

RHS 21 6 15 8     — 50

First quarter

RHS  West 2 run (Watkins kick), 9:27

BC Henderson 9 run (Richardson kick), 6:53

RHS McMurry 7 run (Watkins kick), 4:01

RHS Jones 17 run (Watkins kick), 0:40

Second quarter

BC Havens 24 pass from Henderson (Richardson kick), 11:14

RHS West 5 run (kick blocked), 2:58

BC Ward 62 pass from Henderson (kick failed), 2:38

Third quarter

RHS McMurry 8 run (Watkins kick), 8:27

RHS Drumgole 21 run (West run), 4:17

BC Henderson 5 run (pass failed), 0:32

Fourth quarter

BC Ward 43 pass from Henderson (Henderson run), 9:38

RHS McMurry 11 run (Jacolbie Mason run), 4:07

BC Henderson 1 run (Henderson run), 2:12

— Follow prep sports reporter Micheal Compton on Twitter @mcompton428 or visit bgdailynews.com.