If opponents around the Texas Panhandle didn’t already know the name Slade Russell, they certainly do now.
The West Plains senior running back put on another show Friday night, running for 209 yards and four touchdowns as the Wolves overwhelmed Seminole 54-24 in front of 5,600 fans at Happy State Bank Stadium.
The wild part? Russell did most of his damage in barely more than a half of football.
Russell carried the ball 20 times, averaged 10.5 yards per attempt and ripped off a 71-yard touchdown run. By the time his night was essentially finished, West Plains had turned its Homecoming game into a rout.
For a player who has spent the last three seasons giving opposing defenses headaches, this was just another Friday night.
West Plains improved to 2-1 and will return to Happy State Bank Stadium at 4 p.m. Friday to face Lubbock Cooper Liberty.
The Wolves wasted little time taking control against Seminole.
Paxton Chandler opened the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run, and Gipson Gnagy added the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Sophomore quarterback Timber Russell helped set up the score by connecting with senior tight end Kade Schneider for a 13-yard gain into the red zone.
Then Slade Russell took over.
He scored twice during the first quarter as West Plains raced out to a 20-0 advantage. The Wolves weren't just beating Seminole at that point. They were controlling practically everything.
The defense had plenty to do with it.
Senior defensive end Gage Blaser and senior middle linebacker Cash Lofton helped keep Seminole's offense uncomfortable throughout the opening quarter. The Indians struggled to sustain drives, repeatedly giving West Plains opportunities to put more points on the board.
West Plains happily accepted.
Russell found the left sideline for another touchdown in the second quarter, and Bentley Chandler powered in from 5 yards out as the Wolves stretched the margin to 34-0.
Seminole finally broke through late in the half with a touchdown pass, but West Plains wasn't finished.
Sophomore cornerback Kline Hooker intercepted a pass shortly before halftime, his third pick in the last two games. That turnover gave Gnagy an opportunity to drill a 40-yard field goal and send West Plains into the locker room with a commanding 37-7 lead.
Anyone hoping Seminole might make things interesting after halftime didn't have to wait long for an answer.
On the Wolves opening possession of the third quarter, Russell exploded for a 71-yard touchdown.
Game over.
That run pushed the lead to 44-7 and put the finishing touch on a monster performance from the West Plains captain.
Seminole continued battling and eventually found some success through the air, but the outcome was never seriously in doubt. The Indians scored touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarters and added a field goal as time expired.
West Plains answered with a 44-yard Gnagy field goal before Timber Russell connected with Boston Hunt for the Wolves final touchdown.
The final score might say 54-24, but West Plains had this one firmly under control long before the final horn.
And while Slade Russell will deservedly grab most of the attention, there was plenty to like about the rest of the Wolves offense.
Timber Russell completed 12 of 15 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. Hunt caught four passes for 62 yards and a score while adding 25 yards on two carries. Schneider had three catches for 28 yards, Nate Alvarez caught three passes for 39 yards and Kelby Williams added a 6-yard reception.
West Plains was especially punishing on the ground, finishing with 312 rushing yards on 40 attempts. Ten different West Plains players recorded a carry.
Defensively, West Plains held Seminole to only 59 rushing yards. The Indians did find success throwing the football, as quarterback Jacob Gonzales completed 34 of 59 attempts for 359 yards and three touchdowns. Jaycen Robledo was the biggest problem for the Wolves secondary, piling up 221 yards and two touchdowns on 13 receptions.
But West Plains also produced turnovers when it needed them. Hooker came away with his interception, while senior defensive back Seth Watson forced and recovered a fumble.
There will certainly be things for West Plains to clean up after allowing 359 passing yards, particularly with district play getting closer.
For one night, though, West Plains fans could enjoy a convincing Homecoming victory and another reminder of just how dangerous this offense can be when Russell gets rolling.
Three games into the season, West Plains has made one thing abundantly clear.
Everybody knows Slade Russell is getting the football.
