Here we go, this one is for the District Championship. This is the game in District that Russell and Bath County fans have been waiting for.

 

 

 

Thoughts?

Both teams come in playing good football. Russell has righted the ship after an 0-3 start running off 5 in a row. Bath County started good but had a setback at the Mud Bowl at West Carter. The loss now looks to have re-focused the Wildcats who have hit in all cylinders the past 2 weeks. Should be a great game.

I think Russell wins a dog fight. It’ll be close as last year.

Russell's run defense has been stout (giving up about 30 ypg) during this five game win streak. They'll be put to the test this Friday. Swartz has had a couple of standout games against Russell.

 

A poor start like they had last week could really hurt them versus Bath. It looks like the Wildcats have made strides in the passing game. Swartz is still Plan A. But it looks like they at least have a Plan B now, which is one more plan than they've had the last couple of years.

 

I'm expecting a competitive game. If Russell is locked in from the opening kick, I think they win by two TDs. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 28-14 or 35-21. Oh, and one more thing... I'm tired of watching Swartz disappear in the rugby scrum and suddenly emerge seemingly from out of thin air to break off a long run. It's happened way too many times for my liking. Find him. Wrap him up. Take him to the ground. Don't let go until you hear a whistle. Repeat.

Bath runs what Bath runs: line every one up foot-to-foot and try to out flank you. Bath has some BIG dudes. FB is 300+lbs and is hard to bring down. Swartz is the likely winner for the district player of the year. However, Bath’s defense is porous and sometimes confused. I think Russell will do as they please offensively, as long as they don’t shoot themselves in the foot like they did against Lewis. Russell is going to have to step up defensively and play physical. Russell’s defense has played tremendously the last three weeks, although against inferior opponents. I think this game will be very close at halftime, but Russell pulls away late in the third.

 

Russell 35

Bath 14

Russell 35

 

Bath County 21

Bath County 28

Russell 21

I think Bath will get this one.

I think Bath will get this one.

This is nice to hear from someone who has played both teams. Heard similar after the Fleming Co game from them.