You know I'm not sure what happened on that. Although a little bird told me that the coach messed up.

 

Well, Coach Jaggers didn't mess up, he just took a chance at something that isn't very often done, but due to how bad the winds were, I think it will help some of you make some sense out of it. Heres the explanation for the decision at the coin toss.

 

From the Danville Paper:

 

For the first time in his coaching career, Marty Jaggers had his team kick off both halves because of the windy conditions at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. The strategy almost backfired in the third quarter when a 54-yard pass enabled Russell to get a first down at the 20 before Mercer's defense held.

"It was a gamble on my part. I just thought having the wind was that big. I've never done that, and probably never will again because it didn't work," Jaggers said. "If that had cost us the game, I would have been second guessing myself."

 

 

You guys at Russell have a great program. The game was great, two physical teams slugging it out. Now that we will be in different classes next year, you can bet that us Mercer folk will be pulling for you all, at least this one will. Your staff, players, etc. know how to play physical, and that's what football is all about. Yesterday was nothing more than two GREAT teams in a slugfest, knockdown drag-out!!

 

Lastly, if anyone wants to talk about heart, you obviously have to point out all the players on both teams, especially on the defensive side. But, Corey Jackson of Mercer (#2), played the entire game with what Mercer's Ath. Trainer Todd Davis, said is about a "grade 2 seperation" in his right shoulder. Corey didnt say anything about it until after the game, but indicated that he felt it after the 1st play of the game when #56 from Russell just flat out laid the wood to Corey. That being said, Corey eximplifies the heart that all of these kids played with the entire year!!

 

Best of luck to the seniors from both teams in all that they do. Kasey Clarke, you're a stud, young man! To next years teams, I hope to see both of you back playing for you newly respected Class(s) State Championship!!:thumb:

Go TITANS!!!!!

Must be a boring day in Erpenville if Vanny-G is boning up on his college football rules.

There are four words to describe Kasey Clark.. Football Player, with class!!

This kid has shown that he is the real deal. He is a very talented athlete but plays with his heart and soul. It has been a pleasure to watch him over the last few years. Kasey is the product of an excellent program. He has had the support of a great Family and comes from a long bloodline of good football players.I had the pleasure of being a team mate of his uncle many years ago and watched his dad play for the Rams. It was easy to see where Kasey's talents come from. Todays Independent has a picture of Kasey displaying the heartbreak emotions of a young man that thought yesterday was the worst day of his life. The local news channel also conducted a post game interview with Kasey as OldRambler had posted earlier. Clark handled himself with nothing but respect, giving praise to his team mates and to Mercer Co. He made no excuses. These kind of things sometimes go unnoticed but it shows what kind of player and person Kasey Clark really is. I wish him the best of luck at the next level. You have represented our area well!!!

http://http://www.wsaz.com/sports/headlines/4803751.html

Here is WSAZ's coverage of the game. I think its the second story in the

Saturday morning sports wake-up call clip. (Right column under featured

sports videos). It includes that 4th and goal play from the goal line view and

an interview with Kasey Clark.

Stories from the Daily Independent about the game.

 

http://www.dailyindependent.com/localsports/local_story_335235959.html

 

http://www.dailyindependent.com/localsports/local_story_336000754.html

 

http://www.dailyindependent.com/localsports/local_story_336000645.html

 

http://www.dailyindependent.com/localsports/local_story_336000125.html

 

http://www.dailyindependent.com/localsports/local_story_336000514.html

I was clearly wrong about Russell. I thought Mercer would blow them out, but Mercer was able to win against the hardest opponent that they had all year. Great game played by both teams and the defense by both teams was amazing. Mercer's defense ended up being the difference in the outcome instead of the offense and that was quite a change for Mercer. I was very impressed with Clark and Wills and the size of Russell's offensive and defensive lines. Mercer has not played a tougher opponent on the line of scrimmage. The offensive line for Mercer could not hold blocks against those guys which severely hurt the explosive running offense that Mercer has. I have every reason to believe that if Russell had gone down the field to kick a field goal to tie the game that would have won in overtime. Fortunately for Mercer they got the turnovers when they needed them to stop Russell. I was puzzled why Russell didn't just go to Clark on every play. It seemed as though he couldn't be stopped. Once again, congrats to Mercer for winning their first state championship. Maybe at some point they can begin a home and home series with Russell so we can continue to see great games between these two teams.

 

I also think the weather played a part in this game. The cold windy weather seemed to help Russell more so than Mercer. Just my opinion though.

I thought the TD call on 4th and goal was pathetic. The overall offiiciating in this game was pretty bad. Neither team gained an advantage from it however.

Congrats to both teams. Hard fought game by both teams. Russell fans saw this game was going to happen back in August

Did not understand the call on Mercer 1st TD. The ball was ruled down by forward progress by the ref on Ruusell side. He had it marked about the 2ft line. Should have been Russell ball. Wasn't a factor of the game.

Russell D-Fence was awesome and congrats to coach Morris. 5 turnovers is hard to come back from and the D-fence gave the offence every opportunity to put points on the board.

Many comments were made about the play calling ?????????????

Why didn't Russell stay with the running game when they still had time left on the clock to run it down and score cause Mercer D was not stong enough to hold the running game

There are some plays that you set up to run 10 - 12 plays down the road and a lot of people where wondering why Russell was running these plays at times in the game when your straight up running game was getting it done ???????

With the wind blowin at 22 knots the best kicker in college could not have made that one ??????????????

I guess that's why they call us fans and we are in the bleachers ????????

Congrats to Mercerburg on a AA State Championship.

Hope you do as well in 4-A next season.:lol:

Russell seniors hold your head high and carry on with that DEVILPRIDE :fire:

Congratulations Titans, what a magical feeling, huh?

I was clearly wrong about Russell. I thought Mercer would blow them out, but Mercer was able to win against the hardest opponent that they had all year. Great game played by both teams and the defense by both teams was amazing. Mercer's defense ended up being the difference in the outcome instead of the offense and that was quite a change for Mercer. I was very impressed with Clark and Wills and the size of Russell's offensive and defensive lines. Mercer has not played a tougher opponent on the line of scrimmage. The offensive line for Mercer could not hold blocks against those guys which severely hurt the explosive running offense that Mercer has. I have every reason to believe that if Russell had gone down the field to kick a field goal to tie the game that would have won in overtime. Fortunately for Mercer they got the turnovers when they needed them to stop Russell. I was puzzled why Russell didn't just go to Clark on every play. It seemed as though he couldn't be stopped. Once again, congrats to Mercer for winning their first state championship. Maybe at some point they can begin a home and home series with Russell so we can continue to see great games between these two teams.

 

I also think the weather played a part in this game. The cold windy weather seemed to help Russell more so than Mercer. Just my opinion though.

 

 

I don't think the cold was much of a factor, the players weren't feeling it after the first minute of play. The wind took Russell's passing game away, Mercer didn't have a passing game(10 passes in 14 games I believe), So I'm gonna have to go with the weather helped Mercer.

I don't think the cold was much of a factor, the players weren't feeling it after the first minute of play. The wind took Russell's passing game away, Mercer didn't have a passing game(10 passes in 14 games I believe), So I'm gonna have to go with the weather helped Mercer.

 

Cold weather + Speedy Backs= Tight hamstrings and a few of the backs had been battling hamstring problems all year. So I dont think the weather helped Mercer that much.

I'm not saying the weather didn't hurt Mercer, but they seemed to be running just fine, you know they had tight hamstrings? It's cold for everybody.. The wind took away 1/3 of Russell's offense. Mercer doesn't pass the ball.

And another one bites the dust!!!

ya but it took more than a reg. 2 aa team to do it.Alot more.

Nice job both sides. But Russell will be the first to tell you that it is hard to win with FIVE turnovers. Sounded like they outgained Mercer in total yardage, and if I am not mistaken, did Mercer county even pass the ball today?

 

Russell definitely slowed Mercer's juggernaut offense.

Yes Mercer threw one pass ,I was sitting in the 1st. row and thought he was throwing it to me.

I thought the TD call on 4th and goal was pathetic. The overall offiiciating in this game was pretty bad. Neither team gained an advantage from it however.

I believe someone gained from it surely you are just being nice.Take away the gift of 6 then the no-call of movement from the O-line on the extra point what do you have?

Yes Mercer threw one pass ,I was sitting in the 1st. row and thought he was throwing it to me.

He was....it's called throwing it away.