Slade Russell, West Plains football, Sr.

On the field: West Plains standout Slade Russell is already making an early case for MVP through the first three weeks of the 2026 football season. Last week was another case and point for the senior as Russell ran all over Seminole during a 54-24 thumping of the Indians. For a third straight week, Russell went over the 200-yard mark, chewing up 209 yards on 20 carries with four touchdowns, one of those going for 71 yards. Through the first three games, Russell has posted a full season worth of numbers, toting the rock 67 times for 663 yards (9.9 yards per carry) with seven TDs. He’s also another receiver if his younger brother, and West Plains quarterback, Timber, needs him. Russell has snagged eight catches out of the backfield for 133 yards for two more scores.

Head coach Jeff Lofton: “Slade always has great attitude, he always brings the energy, and he’s a tremendous leader. Being a three-year starter, Slade is one of those guys that gives us another coach on the field. When he is in his element and he is getting his yards, he just feeds on his teammates and we all love that. He and his brother (Timber) have lineman over for dinner and they both know how important those guys are to their success. What I love is his leadership has come along so much. He helps the young guys. We all know about his strength and his speed, but he is now holding guys accountable.”

Russell: “We have a much different team, but I love how we’ve started off this year. We are all on the same page and everyone is doing their job. I feel like we’re playing great on offense and my confidence is right there on how I’m playing. I know I couldn’t do it without the offensive line, and those guys have been paving a way for me to get these yards. We just want to keep growing and getting better, and we want to achieve our goals at the end of the year.”

About Russell

Favorite band or musician: YoungBoy

Favorite social media platform: Instagram

Favorite athlete: Derrick Henry

Bet you didn’t know: He loves to be outside and loves to play golf.

Parents: Seth and Lacy Russell.