NEKY Week 3 Spotlight

It will be a big weekend at a couple local high schools. Both Russell and Raceland will have their Hall of Fame induction nights this weekend. The Red Devils will host Ironton on Friday night and the Rams will entertain East Carter on Saturday evening. These are both huge events for each community as they honor their great athletes from the past. Let's take a closer look at our spotlight game Ironton and Russell.

These two teams come into the contest on opposite ends of the spectrum. The Tigers are licking their wounds from 49-6 shellacking at the hands of Wheelersburg while the Red Devils won a defensive struggle over county rival Greenup County. I am sure if Ironton has any pride they will be foaming at the mouth tomorrow night at The Hank. Can they rebound for a victory or will the Red Devils get a rare two-game win streak in the rivalry?

The Tigers could muster only 133 yards of offense last week. All of the yardage came on the ground and 71 yards came on a run by halfback Ethan Duncan. Senior quarterback Jake Isaac returns at quarterback and will need to complete some passes to balance the Tiger offense. Tyler Webb, a 6'6" 300 lb. lineman, anchors a strong offensive line that will face an attacking Red Devils defense that caused several turnovers last week. The Russell defense limited Greenup County to 26 yards of total offense. A trio of juniors, (Ryan Stump, Grant Bates, and Austin Braden), were instrumental in the huge defensive effort. Stump had nine tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Bates nabbed an interception and Braden was in the backfield all night from his defensive line position. I look for the Tigers to try to play smash mouth football with their big offensive line but they must pass efficiently to keep the Devils honest.

The Devils' offense could only muster 119 yards of offense last week. Nick Conley was bottled up all night by the Musketeer defense. Junior quarterback Austin Church made two big plays down the stretch to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for the boys from Flatwoods. Senior Landon Brewer scored the lone touchdown on a 23 yard strike from Smith. He is a threat to take it to the house anytime he touches the ball. The Ironton defense was torched for five touchdown passes by the Pirates in their opener. I am sure Coach Mark Vass has definitely addressed that area of his defense in game preparations this week. Coach TJ Maynard will be game planning to get Conley loose this week. The senior tailback can dominate a game with his hard running. The offensive line will have to be better this week for the Devils to win.

The home opener is always special at The Hank. Throw in the Hall of Fame festivities on a holiday weekend and it has the makings of a large home crowd. This game has the makings of another defensive slugfest. I think this Devil defense could be special this season with its athletes and their endless effort. A late Conley TD run will be the difference as the Red Devils make it two in a row over the Tigers.

PVs Pick: RUSSELL

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