James Russell was prepared to state his case, though he admits it still might not save him.
A career-high 15 tackles plus a forced turnover in Robert E. Lee’s 7-0 win Friday over Park Crossing should provide cover, but Russell was not optimistic.
When it’s your 17th birthday, and mom has a certain tradition on her son’s big days, sometimes you have to, well, grin and bear it.
“She’s going to listen to me,” Russell said, his backside prepared for its annual rite of passage with — of course — one to grow on.
“I’m going to tell her that I played a good game. ‘Mom, I did good.’ Dad will help me out, too.”
Russell had avoided it before Friday’s weather-delayed kickoff, but he was sure he’d be targeted late Friday night.
Heck, he may catch it early next week as well.
“We’ll probably jump on him, too,” quarterback Tyrone Franklin said, admitting the Generals had not planned on any (other) specific gift.
“We got the W. That was the present.”
Russell has had big birthdays before. Last year, for his Sweet 16, his dad gave him $500, which he spent on shoes and clothes.
He didn’t expect such largesse this time, other than Lee beating the Thunderbirds for a third straight year.
Russell was a part-time starter last year who finished with 30 tackles, he said. The senior might surpass that total soon.
“He proved himself,” first-year Lee head coach Eric Hudson said. “He didn’t play that much last year, but he stepped up and had a big game.”
Russell helped the Generals hand Park Crossing its first shutout loss in school history. The Thunderbirds, who are in their sixth season, had had 268 yards offense, more than double Lee’s output.
“As long as we won, that’s all that matters,” Franklin said. “Next week, we expect more, on offense and defense.”
Franklin threw a 7-yard TD pass to Jamari Smith midway through the second quarter, but he also tossed two interceptions.
Twice, Park Crossing threatened to score and, twice, suffered turnovers inside the 10. In the final minute, the Thunderbirds were at the Lee 28 before four straight incomplete passes ended it.
“The main thing,” Russell said, “was to just win the game.”
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