New era, same rivalry: Rush Springs rolls past Badgers in 8-man opener

By Mike Arie on Thursday, September 3, 2026
  • Elmore City-Pernell’s Jesse Cook goes up and intercepts a pass in front of Rush Springs’ Derrick Boyster during Friday’s 48-0 loss to the Redskins. Photo by Mike Arie
    Elmore City-Pernell’s Jesse Cook goes up and intercepts a pass in front of Rush Springs’ Derrick Boyster during Friday’s 48-0 loss to the Redskins. Photo by Mike Arie
  • Elmore City’s Carston Lauderdale (#44) leads the defensive charge along with Brock Parks (#70) and Owen McConnell (#11) stopping Rush Springs back Cayden Silverhorn during Friday night’s action. Photo by Mike Arie
    Elmore City’s Carston Lauderdale (#44) leads the defensive charge along with Brock Parks (#70) and Owen McConnell (#11) stopping Rush Springs back Cayden Silverhorn during Friday night’s action. Photo by Mike Arie

    RUSH SPRINGS — Over the past 25 years, the Elmore City-Pernell Badgers and Rush Springs Redskins have met on the 11-man gridiron 18 times. Friday night at Joe Tunnell Field marked a new era as the rivals squared off for the first time in 8-man football.

    Rush Springs dominated the initial 8-man battle, mercy-ruling the Badgers 48-0.

    The Redskins amassed over 450 yards of total offense, churning out 2…