Thoughts & Predictions

Going to be a good one. Ashland wins a close one.

Baker gets 200 on the ground and the Tomcats win this one by 10. If Tomcats contain Conley they can win it big I just don't think that'll be the case.

Would really like Russell to carry this momentum over and get the win, but Im not sure. I think without Paledino and Young, Ironton isnt as good as they showed against Wheelersburg. Not taking anything away from Russell, its hard to beat a bad Ironton team at Tanks Memorial, let alone a good one, they earned tonights win. If Russell can neutralize baker and control TOS they will win. But my gut tells me that Baker gets his and Ashland continues to improve their passing game and takes this one.

 

Tomcats 35

Russell 28

Hopefully we can keep under the radar until playoffs. We thrive on being underdogs but I'm gonna wait till we assess the injuries before I make a pick. Will be a good game either way.

Would not surprise me if Russell won this one, no doubt they are better coached. I just think this is the Tomcats year.

 

Ashland 22

Russell 17

This will be a very close and good game. I agree with Old Rambler in that the biggest advantage Russell has over Ashland is coaching. The gap is wide on that front and that can be worth quite a few points. Both teams have star running backs. The consensus would be that Baker is better than Conley and that is true, but it's not by much. Baker obviously has more speed and moves, but Conley runs with far more toughness and will. Everything else about these teams is fairly even. So what matters more? A great coach or a great running back? I just can't see this game not being a nail-biter.

ttt

I don't think there's any way Ashland loses this game again this year. While Russell may have the edge in coaching but Ashland is going to come out with some fire.

 

Russell did beat Ironton in Ironton which is no easy task and that makes me think it will be close, but Ashland gets another impressive confidence building win on their way to a state title run.

The way each team is playing right now it only has to help both the Devils and Tomcats get ready for district play. Devils have a "bend but don't break" defense while the cats have "Q" who in the past has put up nice numbers on Russell's own field. Should be a good one.

Ashland's D is playing pretty darn well. May be the best D Russell will face. Russell D playing well also but think Ashland is on a mission. Ashland 28-22

I agree...that is if Ashlands mission is to be 2-1 by week 4. Lol

This will be a very close and good game. I agree with Old Rambler in that the biggest advantage Russell has over Ashland is coaching. The gap is wide on that front and that can be worth quite a few points. Both teams have star running backs. The consensus would be that Baker is better than Conley and that is true, but it's not by much. Baker obviously has more speed and moves, but Conley runs with far more toughness and will. Everything else about these teams is fairly even. So what matters more? A great coach or a great running back? I just can't see this game not being a nail-biter.

 

I don't think Baker and Conley are even in the same universe. Conley is a nice high school back, but lets not get carried away.

I must say the I was a little bit surprised Ashland beat GW and I was shocked that Russell won in Ironton. So is Russell's QB still hurt? I imagine that will impact the game some on Friday. I think Ashland will be out for revenge, but I imagine this game will be fairly close. Turnovers and penalties will be huge (as they are in most game). I think Baker and Ashland's defense are too much.

 

Ashland 28

Russell 13

I don't think Baker and Conley are even in the same universe. Conley is a nice high school back, but lets not get carried away.

Yes, Baker is better then Conley, but you have to put it all in perspective. It still comes down to OL versus DL and defense. Can Conley come out of this game with better stats then Baker? Yes, if Russell's line controls the line of scrimmage and Ashland's defense doesn't play well. That doesn't mean Conley is a better back then Baker, but it would probably mean Russell wins the game.