Final.

 

 

Russell puts subs in on offense with 5 or 6 remaining in the 4th.

Good win for the Red Devils. East Carter has a pretty good squad, their best in a long time. Physically, they don't look like your typical East team from recent years.

 

The way the game started had me a little concerned that this might just be one of those nights. The less than desirable weather conditions, the early turnover, the ease with which East Carter moved the ball down the field to score, the ensuing three and out by Russell... all suggested a long night at the "Hank" to me. But this Russell team has a different feel to them, like they're not going to fall prey to the pessimism and bad body language that has occasionally plagued Russell in the last few years. This is a confident bunch that believes if they apply their strengths to the opposition, they'll find themselves on the winning end of the scoreboard.

 

East didn't really have an answer for the Russell ground game. The trio of Conley, Anderson, and Jachimczuk combined for 388 yards on 37 carries. Those three seem to be getting stronger as the season progresses. The defense made some adjustments, got a couple of turnovers, and got some pressure on Hicks at crucial moments to stall some Raider drives. East has the pieces to give Russell problems in the playoff rematch, they just have to find a way to get the Devils off the field and finish a couple more drives of their own.

I'm sure now that both teams have each other on film against each other, adjustments will be made for the one that counts.