The first two games were very competitive, the last 3, not so much.

 

2004 Semifinals - Belfry 39 Russell 17 at Belfry

2005 Semifinals - Russell 20 Belfry 14 at Russell

2006 Semifinals - Russell 19 Belfry 0 at Belfry

2008 Round 2 - Belfry 42 Russell 0 at Belfry

2010 Regionals - Belfry 42 Russell 14 at Belfry

The first two games were very competitive, the last 3, not so much.

 

2004 Semifinals - Belfry 39 Russell 17 at Belfry

2005 Semifinals - Russell 20 Belfry 14 at Russell

2006 Semifinals - Russell 19 Belfry 0 at Belfry

2008 Round 2 - Belfry 42 Russell 0 at Belfry

2010 Regionals - Belfry 42 Russell 14 at Belfry

 

The 2005 game is the one I remember the most. That was a classic.

The 2005 game is the one I remember the most. That was a classic.

Yep, watched that one with you, right?

 

Russell built a 20-0 lead at the half and Belfry came back in the 2nd half. Belfry actually scored a touchdown late that would have tied it up (or put them ahead with the XP) but a procedure penalty on one of the backs brought it back and Russell held on to win.

 

I also remember one of the more remarkable plays in that game. Right before halftime, Russell broke a long run down the sideline. I can't remember if it was Tommy Brown or Kasey Clark, but the RB was free and clear and it looked like a sure TD. Belfry's Matt Maynard ran him down from behind and it was just an incredible play. Maynard came from so far away to save that TD or it would have been 27-0 at the half.

 

Russell went on to win the title by a couple of TD's. That small movement by the back on that procedure penalty, which was a legitimate call, probably cost Belfry a 3-peat.

Yep, watched that one with you, right?

 

Russell built a 20-0 lead at the half and Belfry came back in the 2nd half. Belfry actually scored a touchdown late that would have tied it up (or put them ahead with the XP) but a procedure penalty on one of the backs brought it back and Russell held on to win.

 

I also remember one of the more remarkable plays in that game. Right before halftime, Russell broke a long run down the sideline. I can't remember if it was Tommy Brown or Kasey Clark, but the RB was free and clear and it looked like a sure TD. Belfry's Matt Maynard ran him down from behind and it was just an incredible play. Maynard came from so far away to save that TD or it would have been 27-0 at the half.

 

Russell went on to win the title by a couple of TD's. That small movement by the back on that procedure penalty, which was a legitimate call, probably cost Belfry a 3-peat.

Yes we did. It was definitely a tale of two halves. I want to say Belfry was driving at the end of the game, and Kasey Clark had an interception to end the game. I could be wrong on that, but for some reason that's what my brain is telling me this morning.

You may be right. I think Belfry had thrown to big TE Aaron Chapman successfully that game, but I can't seem to remember an interception late. Your memory is probably better than mine.

You may be right. I think Belfry had thrown to big TE Aaron Chapman successfully that game, but I can't seem to remember an interception late. Your memory is probably better than mine.

 

I wonder if we could find the game thread from that game in the BGP archives?

I wonder if we could find the game thread from that game in the BGP archives?

 

Found it. http://bluegrasspreps.com/ky-football-high/russell-20-belfry-82227.html

My post from that thread.

Congratulations to the Russell Red Devils. What a great ballgame this was. It was a battle of two halves. Russell flat out dominated the first half, and could have very easily been up 34-0 at halftime if it hadn't been for two big defensive plays by Belfry. Belfy seemed to gain the momentum after Michael Horn went out with an injury. Russell's defense came up big though we they needed too. A great coaching move to move Casey Clark out to cover #30 from Belfry. It paid off with the big interception to seal the victory for Russell. I am very happy for the Red Devils, and like I told Coach McGlone after the game I am thrilled to death for him. Here's hoping that the Red Devils bring home the hardware next weekend. My prayers go out to Mike Horn. I know he has to be thrilled that Russell is in the Championship, but has to be crushed that he won't be able to play in the game that he has worked all of his life to play in.

I think this should be a GREAT game. Both teams are physical and well coached. That being said I think that if this was a best of 7 series Belfry would win for sure, but in a 1 game format anything can happen. Below I have listed what I think are Russell's Keys to Victory. On below is Belfry's. I wish both teams the best of luck and whoever wins I hope they win next week as well and represent the East well.

 

Russell Keys to Victory

1. Win the turnover battle: I don't think Russell can win unless Belfry helps them. Russell needs to find some help and TOs are the best help in a game like this.

2. Match Belfry's Physical Play: Belfry will be the most physical team Russell has played all year. Russell has to match the physical play and hold their own. The most important stat of this game will be 3rd and short (3yds or less) for Belfry. If Russell does not win half of those situation battles and get Belfry's O off the field I don't think they can win.

3. Take some shots: If Russell and Belfry both play well Russell loses. Plain and simple. Russell needs to take some calculated shots down field and make some plays. If they play to conservative Belfry's overall talent will win IMO.

 

Belfry's Keys to Victory

1. Be Belfry. You are the better team. Limit turnovers and penalties and you will play in Bowling Green.

2. Contain Conley. Bronson Korzep is a hard runner and tough kid, but Nick Conley is special. He turned in over 200 yds vs Ashland and made tacklers miss. Belfry can handle a down hill runner like Korzep, but they can't let Conley get in space and make plays. Russell's best chance against Belfry's defense is that they break some big plays and Conley is the best chance for that.

3. Don't get Caught Looking Ahead: Belfry should win this game but don't get caught up with the score from out West. Ask Pikeville what happens when you look ahead.