The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – When Alleghany hosts Brookville on September 5th at Casey Field, the game will carry a little extra meaning for Brookville assistant coach Dustin Russell.
Russell, a 2007 Alleghany graduate, returns home to coach against the program where his football journey began.
“It is always good to come back home,” Russell said. “Alleghany will always hold a special place in my heart. There are so many fond memories and experiences that made me who I am today.”
Russell played for the Mountaineers from 2004–2007, helping the 2007 squad finish 6-5 and reach the playoffs for the first time since 1988. Now on the opposite sideline, he’s focused on preparing Brookville for a tough matchup.
The Bees return a strong core on both sides of the ball this fall. “We have many returning starters and the addition of the Thomas boys has made an immediate impact,” Russell said. “We’re very athletic and long at the skill positions, with a three-year starter at quarterback and a handful of linemen with game experience.”
Brookville will need all of that experience against Alleghany’s team Russell knows won’t be easy to slow down.
“The first thing that stands out is their quarterback, Des Jordan. He is a stellar athlete that can throw and run the ball,” Russell said. “Their offense can attack you in many ways — from running their G scheme to sprint out in the passing game. Defensively, it looks like they’ve made a switch to the 3-3 stack, which allows them to be aggressive and keep offenses on their toes.”
Russell also spoke about the expectations at Brookville. “This is a storied program with three state titles and multiple regional and district championships. Our goal is to get this program back to the top. We’re fighting every day to achieve that goal. This season, we want to take the necessary steps to make us elite again.”
Away from the field, Russell credits his wife, Megan, a former Clifton Forge resident, for helping him balance family and football.
“Football wives never get the credit they deserve,” Russell said. “She is my rock — the one who works, provides for the kids, cooks, cleans, and handles everything during the long hours demanded by coaching. Even through all the chaos, she’s always there supporting and cheering me on.”
Kickoff between Alleghany and Brookville is set for 7 p.m. Friday September 5th at Casey Field.
