What does Russell need to do to improve in 2017? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

Russell has some big losses to overcome at the skill positions. Nick Conley was a special (and very underrated) talent. Blackburn was solid as well.

 

The Devils had one of those teams last year that I honestly am not sure they got the credit they deserved. They will be judged for their lopsided loss to Belfry and an one-point loss to Ashland, but in all honesty I think they could have competed with nearly any 3A team not named Belfry or Corbin. Probably an underdog to the better teams on the West side of the bracket, but more towards the 5-7 range than the 7-10 range people pigeon holed them.

 

When looking at 2017 I think Russell remains at a solid level but they do take a step back losing some of those Seniors. They won several very close games last year by making key plays late from these Seniors and I think you lose that.

 

The key to Russell's season will be protecting their territory. The Devils are the gold standard in their District and with several teams effectively returning more experience (Fleming County, West Carter, Bath County) the Devils may have more pressure than years' past. It's going to be hard to knock of Belfry, but if the Devils can win their District and reach the Regional Finals I think it keeps them moving in the right direction until the talent can replenish.

Conley leaves some big shoes to fill, for sure. His versatility likely won't be replaced. But, to be honest, I'm not super concerned about the RB position. Incoming junior Landon Duvall looks to have added a good 15-20 pounds of muscle since last year and will give Russell a burst out of the backfield that they haven't seen in some time. He looked really good during track season. Incoming sophomore Malakai Anderson is a future star who could pair with Duvall for a potent 1-2 punch.

 

I've been high on QB Austin Smith ever since​ I saw him as a freshman. I think he's primed for a big year as a senior. He should have a very good O-line in front of him, with 3 returning starters (Brown, Hill, & Braden.)

 

IMO, the biggest question marks next season are WR, LB, and DB.

 

The top four in receiving yardage are gone, including highly underrated 3 year starter Landon Brewer.

 

All three LBs have graduated. However, some early injuries allowed Grant Bates to get a few starts under his belt and John Giles saw a lot of reps down the stretch last year. Look out for the name Grant Wilburn. He could be a breakout star at outside backer.

 

The secondary got hit pretty hard by graduation. Gone are Brewer and Conley at safeties. That's a combined 7 year's worth of starting experience. Also gone is shut down CB Drey Boehm and his 6 INTs from 2016. Nathan Brinkman returns at one corner. Look for Cole Coburn at the other. You can probably pencil in Jaeden Layne at one of the safety spots.

 

I'm looking for a monster season from Ryan Stump. He proved to be a fearsome pass rusher last year. I'm eager to see if he can be an even greater force while facing, what I'm sure will be, his fair share of double teams. Austin Braden returns to hold down the interior D-line. Gotta find some youngsters to pick up the slack left by Jacob Pierce and Seth Deboard. They both came up big for Russell last year and consistently brought it every Friday night. Neither will be easily replaced.

District could be interesting this year.

 

Fleming returns a great core of skill people and one of the better QBs in EKY. One of the biggest issues for Fleming in the game last year against Russell was Russell's D-line dominating the line of scrimmage and never really allowing Crump to set his feet and make a good throw. If the Panthers can put together a good line, suddenly that game gets real interesting.

 

Bath County has a lot of ground to make up, but they apparently have a really good young class or two​ coming up. Don't know if they're ready in 2017 or if they're still another year away.

 

West Carter's certainly in the mix as well.

Russell is still the king of the district. If not for the night of the monsoon 2 years ago they would be back to back district champs since realignment. To be the man you got to beat the man.

 

With that said they have some BIG holes to fill, more than anyone else in the district. Smith and Stump will have good seasons but they will need new blood to step up. It's still their world but the door could be open for someone in the right situation.

Aug 26 vs. Greenup County

Sept 1 @ Ironton

Sept 8 vs. Ashland

Sept 15 @ Boyd County

Sept 22 @ West Carter*

Sept 29 vs. Fleming County*

Oct 5 @ Pendleton County*

Oct 13 @ Lewis County*

Oct 20 vs. Bath County*

Oct 27 vs. Raceland

 

* District Games

Does anyone know if the cross bracketing of the 3A playoffs goes into effect this upcoming season?

Does anyone know if the cross bracketing of the 3A playoffs goes into effect this upcoming season?

 

It is my understanding that it does. Pairings are supposed to be announced in July.

It is my understanding that it does. Pairings are supposed to be announced in July.

 

I would hope they keep regions 1 and 2 together and 3 and 4 together. The current cross bracketing in 5A and 6A has district 3, 4, 5, and 6 crossing east-west regions. Could have Belfry and Boyle Co districts playing one region and Russell and Louisville Central districts playing the other.....insert Corbin cheers here. Common sense would have yearly rotation between 1/2/3/4 in west and 5/6/7/8 in the east. Hope that plays out but who knows.

I would hope they keep regions 1 and 2 together and 3 and 4 together. The current cross bracketing in 5A and 6A has district 3, 4, 5, and 6 crossing east-west regions. Could have Belfry and Boyle Co districts playing one region and Russell and Louisville Central districts playing the other.....insert Corbin cheers here. Common sense would have yearly rotation between 1/2/3/4 in west and 5/6/7/8 in the east. Hope that plays out but who knows.

 

That is how I heard it would be.

That is how I heard it would be.

 

Which way?

Which way?

 

With 1,2,3, and 4 alternating playing in the West and 5,6,7 and 8 alternating playing in the East.

I would hope they keep regions 1 and 2 together and 3 and 4 together. The current cross bracketing in 5A and 6A has district 3, 4, 5, and 6 crossing east-west regions. Could have Belfry and Boyle Co districts playing one region and Russell and Louisville Central districts playing the other.....insert Corbin cheers here. Common sense would have yearly rotation between 1/2/3/4 in west and 5/6/7/8 in the east. Hope that plays out but who knows.

 

Completely​ agree. Cross bracketing within each semi-state would be more than enough to keep the playoff pairings fresh. No need to ever ask a team from our district to drive all the way to Paducah for ​a 1st round game.

Who does Russell scrimmage besides East Carter this year?

How are things looking on Red Devil hill?