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.

 

That's pretty much what happened last year. By no means did Russell shut Q down, but they did keep him bottled up all night. He finished the game with 147yds rushing, but it took him a season high 26 carries to do it. If you can hold Baker to 5ypc, you've given yourself a good chance to win.

 

Conley, in terms of pure physical ability, isn't on Q's level. However, he does have good speed, size, vision, and moves in the open field. Nick plays with an edge and runs as hard as any RB around. He outperformed Q at Putnam last year, rushing for 214yds and 2 TDs while averaging 10ypc. Conley also had 100yds rushing against Ashland as a freshman in 2013 and was the offensive MVP of the Kiwanis Bowl in 2012(again over 100yds rushing). Something about Ashland seems to bring out the best in #4 . For Russell's sake, I hope it continues this Friday.

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.

 

Yes, obviously. Last year Russell controlled the line of scrimmage, but I think several of those big boys (Suman atleast) are gone. I think the much improved Ashland D and lines are the difference here.

Yes, obviously. Last year Russell controlled the line of scrimmage, but I think several of those big boys (Suman atleast) are gone. I think the much improved Ashland D and lines are the difference here.

Quite possibly. I was just commenting on Baker and Conley, not really who would win. The bottom line is, Baker is better then Conley, but Conley is a very capable high school player and can hurt Ashland, particularly if the Russell supporting cast plays well.

After Baker graduates Conley is the best back in the area though.

Russell wins they more then likey win out and finish 10-0. They would be heavy favorites against anyone left on their schedule and really only 1 team that could pull the upset ( Raceland)

Ashland has a much more difficult path left. I know your not suppose to look ahead but you know the Devils have to be thinking perfection is in their grasp with a W this Friday. That is huge motivation for them.

You gotta remember. Most of Russell's linemen played if not started last year against Ashland. Greenups line was quick while Irontons was big. Ashlands is a good mixture of both. I believe the lines match up pretty well for this game.

Ashlands line is much improved from last season. Just sayin.

After Baker graduates Conley is the best back in the area though.

 

You could very well be right, but I'm told the younger brother of the basketball playing Robinson girls at Ashland is a very good running back. I've yet to see the young man play. He's a freshman I believe.

What is McKee's status for the game? He is a key player for Russell.

I can only imagine it may be a game day decision. Will be ready in either way. How's that for vague. Lol

My thoughts are that Conley is going to get his numbers (however, somewhat limited by Ashland's run defense). Baker will be as explosive as ever. Ashland will get O'Brian more involved in the offense with our passing game. Yes, that's right, I did say passing game. The Tomcats pull this one out by at leas 14. I know Russell is a good team, I just don't see Ashland slowing down after an electric (no pun intended) game against GW.

 

Ashland 28

Russell 14

I hope to see some improvement in Russell's passing game this week. So far, they haven't really had any explosive plays throwing the ball. Any consistency at all would open things up some for the RBs. Russell has a good group of RBs, but only Conley has really had great success in their first two games. Depending on who's taking the snaps for Russell, they might take some shots down the field to test the Ashland secondary. We haven't seen much of that so far this year.

 

If I recall, O'Bryan didn't have a good game against Russell last year. He seemed visibly frustrated at times. Russell needs to neutralize him again and not let him wreak havoc and disrupt their offense.

My thoughts are that Conley is going to get his numbers (however, somewhat limited by Ashland's run defense). Baker will be as explosive as ever. Ashland will get O'Brian more involved in the offense with our passing game. Yes, that's right, I did say passing game. The Tomcats pull this one out by at leas 14. I know Russell is a good team, I just don't see Ashland slowing down after an electric (no pun intended) game against GW.

 

Ashland 28

Russell 14

Having 4 Tomcats within a block of my house has advantages. Got to look at the Ashland playbook for this week. We all know it will have a heavy dose of Baker but look for the CATS to open up the Offense some more Friday.

For some reason I just don't see this game be as close as some are expecting. I hope I'm right.

 

 

 

Ashland 35

 

Russell 14

Having 4 Tomcats within a block of my house has advantages. Got to look at the Ashland playbook for this week. We all know it will have a heavy dose of Baker but look for the CATS to open up the Offense some more Friday.

 

I fully expect Ashland will be opening up the playbook a little more each week as the season progresses.

 

I was left scratching my head a bit when Ashland only attempted one pass against Raceland, which was intercepted, then elected not to throw the ball again. But when I sat down and thought about it, I made some sense of it. New qb, first game jitters against a quality team. Go with what works and get the win, practice on what didn't work and gradually open up the playbook from week to week.

 

Last Friday against GW, I could tell that seems to be the plan. Ashland opened up the playbook just enough to keep GW honest, which allowed Baker to get his yards, along with a couple of passing td's. Had Ashland elected to not throw the ball, I don't think they would have won that game.

 

If Ashland keeps improving from week to week like they did last week, they will be a tough out for anyone in 4a when the season is winding down.