Defending champs seem to be healthier than they were in the latter part of the regular season, while Russell is looking more like the Russell of old. Both teams get it done on the ground, as they have combined to rush for nearly 8,000 yards this season.

 

Who moves on?

Defending champs seem to be healthier than they were in the latter part of the regular season, while Russell is looking more like the Russell of old. Both teams get it done on the ground, as they have combined to rush for nearly 8,000 yards this season.

 

Who moves on?

Watusi.

Watusi.

#winning #itstheshoes

Belfry looked really, really good offensively Friday with their full arsenal of players back. Belfry is a really tough team to defend this year with the way Hatfield is running and the speed and home run ability they have outside with Taylor and Willis. Catron adds emotion and is a superb blocker.

 

With that said, Lawrence County has a very nice offensive team but a defensive juggernaut they are not. Russell will be much more stout defensively and the Korzep kid will be the best LB Belfry has seen all year.

 

Belfry's OLine is massive and typically they just steamroll smaller teams, but Russell has enough size to make it interesting.

 

What it comes down to is speed and individual weapons benefiting from team mechanism. Belfry has a significant advantage in team speed on both sides of the ball. Russell has two great players in Korzep and McKee, but Belfry has about 6 different guys with the ability to take the game over every play.

 

RUSSELL:

- Can you block Horton? Russell's offense is predicated on establishing the inside run to open up the offense and Horton can be an one man wrecking crew on a running game.

- Can you establish an intermediate passing game? Russell doesn't really have the deep passing options..but they have some nice disciplined route runners and McKee is good at mid range throws. Belfry traditionally gives up the short and intermediate stuff and dares teams to be patient and accurate. If Russell takes what is given and executes they can move the ball.

- Exceptional Tackling outside and penetration up the middle. Hatfield is George Foreman. He cripples you with heavy gut blows and even when you defend him his punch still has enough power to do damage. Teams who stop Belfry usually are teams who create penetration to make sure the mesh point is off and Hatfield has no momentum. It is also the best way to create turnovers. The trade off here is usually your OLB's, CB's, and Safety's are asked to make one on one tackles in open space when Belfry gets outside, especially on the option.Miss the tackle and it is 6 points. Make the tackle and it's 3rd or 4th and Long.

 

 

BELFRY:

- Keep McKee contained. He is quick as a housecat and those QB's traditionally give Belfry fits. No 20 yard scrambles on 3rd and 12 when everyone drops downfield...no 3rd and 5 where you miss a sack and let him gain 6 yards running at an angle to the sideline. If you have a shot at him bring him down.

- Put a hat on Korzep every play of the game. Offensively he is Russell's lifeblood. He is their do it all back, their best receiver, their best downfield blocker, and their emotional heart. Russell cannot win with Korzep neutralized. Defensively he is a monster. He plays upfield..he is their best threat to intercept passes... and he reads plays and gets in the backfield as good as anyone I have watched the past few years. Every play..both sides of the ball... he needs a hat on his chest.

- Less than 4 offensive penalties for the game. We are just going to toss that JC game out.... Belfry's 2 deep was non-existent that night... but the one persistent bugaboo that has either gotten them beat or kept games close has been untimely penalties. False Starts will happen... illegal shifts.. a defensive PI when you are beat... but don't take points or a 30 yard gain off the board for a personal foul 15 yards behind the play that takes you from a Touchdown to a 2nd and 18. When it is 3rd and 3 at the Russell 38 don't false start making it 3rd and 8.

 

Based off what I expect:

Belfry 34

Russell 17

 

in a hard fought game.

I believe Russell hangs around for a little bit but the Pirates are too much.

Belfry 41

Russell 24

I believe Russell has more in the running game than just Korzep, Conley is a pretty formidable runner in his own right and Cole has the speed to break one as well. I do agree that Korzep is the leader if you attack his game you are attacking the head. All things being said a 3 hour bus ride is tough. If Belfry doesnt put it on the ground they will play in the final yet again. This game will be close throughtout I believe but eventually Belfry gets up two scores and without a true deep threat it will be hard to overcome a two score deficit. I say Belfry 28-14.

If any Belfry fans want to get a look at Russell, their game with Bourbon County is available on youtube.

 

 

 

Seems odd to see Russell not running the Wing-T.

Rumor is Austin Woolum is seeking Doctor's clearance and may be available to go Friday.

 

Would be a big help to Belfry's chances.

 

Woolum is the Starting SE and a reserve in the secondary, but more importantly is a valuable asset as a Placekicker. He's not Tyler Pack, but he has legit range to 40+ yards and is very consistent on both XP's and Kickoffs. Apparently there is a video floating around of him kicking 50 yard FG's after practice.

Belfry is healthy right? With those 2 booked end D linemen, they will be too much to handle. Belfry wins this one.

Belfry is healthy right? With those 2 booked end D linemen, they will be too much to handle. Belfry wins this one.

 

Healthiest they have been since Week 1 and if Woolum is back they will be as close to 100% as you can get.

 

The Preece kid is hurt who plays a lot on the OL I believe and that is the only other injury of significance.

Belfry BIG

Bwahahahahaha

Belfry moves on 42-10

I know Belfry and Russell have squared off against each other several times since 2000 in the playoffs? And there have been some great games. Does anyone know the record between the 2 teams in those games, and how many times did one or the other go one to win the championship after they battled? I'm sure Toots knows the answer.