Yet another second round game that replays an earlier classic, Ashland plays host to Russell after winning by seven at Russell earlier in the season. In the first game, Ashland spotted Russell fourteen earlier points before making a comeback to get the victory. Ashland took care of business against Greenup in round one while Russell had one of the more impressive first round wins, romping over a good East Carter team. This looks like an outstanding playoff game. Who gets the victory?

Two really good teams here I’m going with Ashland in a tight one 20-14.

Spring Valley brought the Tomcats back down to earth. They still haven't lost to an in state team however and this isn't the week they get that loss.

 

Get there early, Putnam is going to be special this week.

I have a feeling Russell's going to need to make at least one high impact play in the passing game to beat Ashland. They mowed the Tomcats down with the running game in the first quarter a few weeks back, but once Ashland got their teeth into the game, Russell struggled to finish drives, most notably on Ashland's goal line in the fourth quarter.

 

Russell's defensive effort three weeks ago was about as good as you could ask for, save for the length of the field, game winning touchdown pass. Hester got loose once for 30-40 yards, but was otherwise kept in check, and Pittman got blown up in the backfield a few times and never got the chance to stretch his legs and showcase that game changing speed of his. Keeping him quiet two games in a row will be a challenge. Look for Ashland to try and get him the ball in space beyond what their gameplan entailed in the first meeting.

Seriously considering taking this one in in person. Lots of good games this weekend!

Seriously considering taking this one in in person. Lots of good games this weekend!

 

This is just one of twenty second round games featuring ranked opponents. That's twenty out of forty-eight games this weekend.

The only other time Ashland and Russell met twice in a season was 1988, when Russell won at Putnam to clinch a district title in the regular season and Ashland paid them back in the playoffs in Flatwoods. What does that mean for this week? Absolutely nothing :lol2:, but Russell would love to pull off a reversal of those results 31 years ago.

ttt

Ashland builds on their previous win over Russell and wins this one by a couple of touchdowns.

 

Ashland 28

Russell 14

6-0 Ashland early 1st quarter. 11:49 1st

13-0 Ashland 3:38 1st

13-0 after 1.

If you're an Ashland fan, you almost couldn't ask for a better start to this game. They completely caught Russell off guard. If this were a boxing match, Ashland staggered Russell badly in the early rounds.

Russell better find their footing or this one could get ugly.

Not what I expected.