Russell comes into this game having won two in a row against South Point by a score 35-13 and Magoffin County by a score of 38-0 after losing to Mason County and Greenup County, both teams which combine for records of 7-1. Replacing quite a few names from last year, Russell has relied on an assortment of players offensively to shoulder the load and are still in the mode of figuring out the right recipe for success, but have been figuring that out.

Ashland starts 3-1, with wins against a young but talented Raceland team along with West Jessamine and Bardstown. The Tomcats have a great QB in LaBryant Strader and several athletes like Braxton Jennings and Cam Davis around him that have explosive ability. However, Ashland has made some changes to try to shore up their offensive and defensive lines, both of which have struggled at times this season. The offensive line improved against Bardstown, picking up several blitzes and for the first time this season LaBryant Strader had time in the pocket.

This matchup can be broken down analytically all day - but numbers are thrown out the door in what is one of the best sports rivalries in Kentucky. Ashland won 47-10 last year, but it was a 10-7 game deep into the second quarter and late in 2022 a 2-9 Russell team had the ball on Ashland's 20 with a chance to score late and lost 20-14. Ashland would make the state semifinals that season. What are your thoughts on this one?

23 minutes ago, TCR said:

Russell comes into this game having won two in a row against South Point by a score 35-13 and Magoffin County by a score of 38-0 after losing to Mason County and Greenup County, both teams which combine for records of 7-1. Replacing quite a few names from last year, Russell has relied on an assortment of players offensively to shoulder the load and are still in the mode of figuring out the right recipe for success, but have been figuring that out.

Ashland starts 3-1, with wins against a young but talented Raceland team along with West Jessamine and Bardstown. The Tomcats have a great QB in LaBryant Strader and several athletes like Braxton Jennings and Cam Davis around him that have explosive ability. However, Ashland has made some changes to try to shore up their offensive and defensive lines, both of which have struggled at times this season. The offensive line improved against Bardstown, picking up several blitzes and for the first time this season LaBryant Strader had time in the pocket.

This matchup can be broken down analytically all day - but numbers are thrown out the door in what is one of the best sports rivalries in Kentucky. Ashland won 47-10 last year, but it was a 10-7 game deep into the second quarter and late in 2022 a 2-9 Russell team had the ball on Ashland's 20 with a chance to score late and lost 20-14. Ashland would make the state semifinals that season. What are your thoughts on this one?

Ashland 41

Russell 7

Strader was out for this one last year and it may have taken Ashland a half to adjust to its temporary identity. Once they did, the dam burst as the Tomcats poured well over 400 rushing yards on the Devils. With Strader in fine form, I look for Ashland to take command from the start.

Russell has a lot of good young pieces, but they might be in over their heads this week.

If the ball bounces just right and luck is on their side Russell may be competitive for a bit. My guess is the young devils take some lumps and must "endeavor to persevere" in this one. The one advantage Russell has is that the rivalry has lost it's luster, at least on the Ashland side of things. TJ loves the underdog role.  He will have his team ready and motivated. The Tomcats need to match Russell's intensity and do their homework or this game will be closer than necessary. 

Bump.

Live Stream

 

 

Strader finds Sam Lyons for 40 yards and a TD. 

7-0 Ashland 

9:42 1Q

Cam Davis takes a hand-off 30 yards for Ashland's second touchdown. 

14-0 Tomcats

2:35 1Q

Strader hits Davis deep in stride for a 40 yard TD. Ashland is doing whatever it wants.

21-0 Tomcats 

10:30 2Q

Braxton Jennings gets in on the action with a 12 yard touchdown run. 

28-0 Ashland 

6:50 2Q

Make it three touchdowns for Cam Davis in the first half. 

Halftime 

Ashland 35

Russell 0

Final. Ashland rolls, 48-7.