article Kane was able in OT

On a night when many teams around the state were resting starters for the playoffs, the Raceland Rams and Russell Red Devils had no shortage of motivation to leave it all on the field at Henry R. Evans Stadium.

After two straight district losses, including a 50-7 setback to Paintsville, Raceland needed to find it's mojo in time for the postseason. The Rams seemingly did just that on Halloween eve by outlasting the Red Devils in OT. After holding Russell scoreless on it's opening possession in OT, Raceland RB Kane Snyder took a handoff, saw a pile of humanity in front of him and bounced it off tackle. He raced toward the corner of the end zone and dove for the pylon, giving Raceland a 27-21 victory over neighboring rival Russell. This makes six wins in a row for Raceland in this series, dubbed the "Rail Cities Bowl".

The Red Devils were still playing for the 1 seed in their district after finishing district play locked in a three way tie with West Carter and Fleming Co. Russell's loss, coupled with other outcomes on Friday night, gave West Carter the 1 seed and the district championship.

Both teams showed plenty of heart and had to overcome numerous mistakes on this night, especially on special teams. A bad snap over the head of Russell's punter set up Raceland's first score from inside the five yard line. There was an unsuccessful fake punt by Raceland that may or may not have been intentional that gave Russell the ball inside Raceland's 30. Following an unsportsmanlike penalty after a Russell TD, the ensuing kickoff sequence featured not one but two kickoffs out of bounds. The second set Raceland up in Russell territory. Throw in a missed XP by Russell and this was not exactly a "banner night" for special teams.

Raceland's Snyder finished the game with 79yds rushing and 2 TDs. The Rams front seven on defense deserve praise after holding Russell to a season low 90yds rushing, surrendering just 56 to RB Nick Conley. LBs Bailey Walker, Seth Holbrook, and Jake Whitt along with DL Isaac Wallace and Jerome Hall(feel free to comment below if I've left some out) led a strong defensive effort up front.

Russell QB Jacob McKee threw for 211yds and 3 TDs, but was picked off twice(two of Russell's four turnovers on the night). WRs Drey Boehm and Landon Brewer(two TD receptions) continued their strong play as of late. Jacob Martin also caught a TD pass for the Devils.

Raceland will try to carry this momentum into the playoffs. The Rams will now hit the road for Round 1 against Bishop Brossart.

Russell stays at home to host Pike County Central. A win next week likely sends Russell back to Pond Creek for the second year in a row to face frequent playoff nemesis Belfry.

Great job DMC.