Simon Kenton (2-1) exits Week 3 limping a little after a thirty point mauling by Johnson Central. The Pioneers' defense was swallowed up by a tidal wave of JC blockers that paved the way for nearly five hundred yards rushing. Forty-seven of SK's sixty-one plays ended with quarterback Chase Crone either throwing or running the ball. That's a heavy load for anyone, let alone a sophomore.

Russell comes in rolling at 3-0, winning its games by an average score of 43-5. But the Red Devils have gotten by with a sub-par strength of schedule. That changes this week when a perennial 6A top ten program rolls into town. Russell has shown great balance this year, with nine different players finding the endzone.

The last time the Pioneers ventured into Russell's back yard was back in 2007. The Devils were riding a 34 game home winning streak and held a 41-39 lead over Simon Kenton in the waning moments of the game. Consecutive home win #35 seemed like a sure thing when a last second Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete…. until the flags flew. Pass interference was the verdict rendered against Russell, setting up Simon Kenton with an un-timed down deep enough in Russell territory that a field goal attempt was the reasonable call to make for the Pioneers. The kick sailed through the uprights, ending Russell's streak and making SK's trip back up the AA Highway seem much shorter than the trip down.

A Simon Kenton win would get them back on the right track following the JC loss with a crucial stretch of district games on the horizon. A victory for Russell would push the Devils into the 3A championship conversation. Will the Pioneers return to their winning form, or will Russell make a statement to the rest of 3A that they're ready for a seat at the table?


 

I think Simon Kenton bounces back with a win.

I have to give the edge to Simon Kenton because they have played the tougher Schedule to this point. I just hope Russell makes this game competitive and has a chance to pull the upset at the end. Either way win or lose, I feel Like this game will prepare Russell for the District and the rest of the season.

5 minutes ago, GOREDDEVILS said:

Either way win or lose, I feel Like this game will prepare Russell for the District and the rest of the season.

This is the type of aggressive scheduling you'd like to see more of from Russell in the future. It's a big step in the right direction as far as getting the program to that next level. 

SK by 10

If Russell wins this game, does that make them a legitimate contender for the Class 3A state championship?

4 minutes ago, gchs_uk9 said:

If Russell wins this game, does that make them a legitimate contender for the Class 3A state championship?

If they win this game and all their district games, yes. A win vs SK looks great but it doesn’t matter if they can’t get over the hump and beat Ashland. Ashland is the win they have to get to be considered a 3A title contender.

 

 

Despite coming off the loss to Johnson Central, Simon Kenton still has to be a considerable favorite here. This Russell team looks pretty legit to me, but that's based off of how they've looked against teams with a combined record of 2-5. This is a big step up in competition.

The balance on offense has been a welcomed sight. I hope that continues this week. I think it'll have to if Russell wants to have a shot at winning this game. 

Calpreps shows Russell should win by 3. This could be a close one.

8 minutes ago, Tigerpride94 said:

Calpreps shows Russell should win by 3. This could be a close one.

I would like to see SK win but the Pioneers are young.  It's tough when a lot of their leaders are sophomores and juniors.  This game is a bit of a toss up right now I'd say, SK should win, doesn't mean they will.

5 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

Despite coming off the loss to Johnson Central, Simon Kenton still has to be a considerable favorite here. This Russell team looks pretty legit to me, but that's based off of how they've looked against teams with a combined record of 2-5. This is a big step up in competition.

The balance on offense has been a welcomed sight. I hope that continues this week. I think it'll have to if Russell wants to have a shot at winning this game. 

I wonder how much of that balance has to do with them playing teams that are a combined 2-5? Is Russell willing to be balanced against the better teams on their schedule like Simon Kenton, Ashland, West Carter, and Raceland?

10 hours ago, Pacman69 said:

I wonder how much of that balance has to do with them playing teams that are a combined 2-5? Is Russell willing to be balanced against the better teams on their schedule like Simon Kenton, Ashland, West Carter, and Raceland?

Russell's not really built for the downhill, between the tackles, run heavy offense they had last season. The line is lighter this year and there's no second power back like Malakai Anderson (6'1" and 220 lbs) to compliment Conley. With Jachimczuk's growth as a passer and maybe the deepest group of receivers they've ever had, I look for the passing game to continue being more of a priority than it's been in the past. That's not to say they won't ride Conley when the need arises, but I think the commitment to offensive balance is something Russell will strive for every week.

4 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

Russell's not really built for the downhill, between the tackles, run heavy offense they had last season. The line is lighter this year and there's no second power back like Malakai Anderson (6'1" and 220 lbs) to compliment Conley. With Jachimczuk's growth as a passer and maybe the deepest group of receivers they've ever had, I look for the passing game to continue being more of a priority than it's been in the past. That's not to say they won't ride Conley when the need arises, but I think the commitment to offensive balance is something Russell will strive for every week.

If Russell can stay balanced, they’ll be tough to beat.