Russell will lose to Ashland, and win the rest versus a very weak schedule. But once they get to the playoffs they don’t have control of who they play and may very well lose in the first round.  What think you?  Can the Red Devils do more?  Less?
 

Russell is an interesting program to watch this year. Graduating everyone up front and returning just about every skill player except the QB is interesting for Coach Maynard. His ground and pound style may be nuanced a little this year, though they have some weapons outside in the Pennington brothers. Defensively, they should be very good, especially early on. They are experienced and fast in the secondary and return key linebackers.

Can their DL stop the run? This is an important question moving through the early part of the season, defensively. Offensively, can they get the ball to the Pennington brothers through the air? 

Russell certainly gave a respectable appearance in the region final against Belfry last year. Can they get there again? There is certainly no reason the Devils lose their district. Ashland will be a tough test for them. Coal Grove will give the Devils an early season test in regard to the questions about their OL/DL. The Hornets will be very good with a 3 star defensive end and a wingback that may be the quickest kid on the field (both Pennington brothers would have something to speak on that). Nevertheless, I think the Hornets pull out a win against the Devils in a close game. 

The Greenup game is an interesting game. For the first time in the rivalry's history, Greenup has won the Backyard Brawl trophy three years in a row. Of course, many area fans will say this is large in part due to the success of Tyson Sammons. Greenup has something to prove, but Russell is tired of the Kelly Green and Gold. This sets up quite a showdown in Lloyd. 

If, IF, the Devils lose their first two games, what happens? Coach Maynard and company has always done a very good job of rebounding following losses, most notably in 2018 where the Devils lost three straight to start the year to Greenup, Ironton, and Ashland. The Devils responded with 6 straight wins, a regular season district title, and a regional final appearance at home against eventual state champ Louisville Central. 

I think the ceiling for the Devils is 10 wins but the floor could be 6 or 7. The Devils continue their success into the playoffs, though, with at least one or two wins. 

That’s the problem with a program that should be competing for final four appearances playing such a weak schedule:  we won’t know a thing about the Red Devils until the playoffs. 

 And, the real problem for Russell, they won’t know anything about themselves until the playoff either. 

Russell is a historically good program in decline that they blame on other area schools,  all the while waving a white flag as they complain about competition while scheduling weakly. 
 

Give me reason to think differently. 

4 minutes ago, Ram said:

That’s the problem with a program that should be competing for final four appearances playing such a weak schedule:  we won’t know a thing about the Red Devils until the playoffs. 

 And, the real problem for Russell, they won’t know anything about themselves until the playoff either. 

Russell is a historically good program in decline that they blame on other area schools,  all the while waving a white flag as they complain about competition while scheduling weakly. 
 

Give me reason to think differently. 

Well, let's not forget 2022 when Russell ended the year 2-9. It's understandable to say the Devils are still in the midst of rebounding from a historical year, only three seasons out. Those freshmen turned seniors, now, are the leaders. Last year was a much improved squad than the two years prior. 

I think many may think this is a weak schedule, but I would argue the out-of-district games of Greenup (lost three straight to them), Ashland, Coal Grove, and Breathitt aren't games to take lightly. Paintsville, sure, weaker than the others. They can't control their district, even if it is the weakest in the area. I'd say this is a pretty good schedule for the program. Coming off a regional title appearance may water it down some, but they did graduate some big pieces. 

Checking-in on my pre-season predictions.  Looks like I may be on target with Russell.  I called they would only lose in the regular season to Ashland, and that is the case to this point.  The Red Devils face-off with East Carter this week, this is their only shot of proving me wrong, probably.  Russell sits at 7-1 versus a schedule that resembles coffee grounds being brewed for the third time.   Can they win a playoff game after the weak regular season schedule?  They lost by 42 to the only quality team they have played. 

3 minutes ago, Ram said:

Russell sits at 7-1 versus a schedule that resembles coffee grounds being brewed for the third time. Can they win a playoff game after the weak regular season schedule?  They lost by 42 to the only quality team they have played. 

That's a good one.

3 minutes ago, DevilMayCare said:

That's a good one.

If I can't be right, at least I can be funny. 

If the question is still "can Russell win more than nine games?" and you vote yes, then tomorrow night borders on being a must-win. Breathitt County in Jackson next week will be a tough place to win a game.

A loss to East Carter means hosting Henry County in Round 1. Russell would be a prohibitive favorite in that one. Beyond that, they'd likely be on the road at Lloyd Memorial for the second round.

1 minute ago, DevilMayCare said:

If the question is still "can Russell win more than nine games?" and you vote yes, then tomorrow night borders on being a must-win. Breathitt County in Jackson next week will be a tough place to win a game.

A loss to East Carter means hosting Henry County in Round 1. Russell would be a prohibitive favorite in that one. Beyond that, they'd likely be on the road at Lloyd Memorial for the second round.

I think Henry County and Russell could be a good matchup, The Wildcats are currently .500 against a lackluster schedule.  

Loyd Memorial would likely be the end of the road.  

I think this Friday will tell us a lot.  Should be a great game with the Raiders.  

33 minutes ago, DevilMayCare said:

If the question is still "can Russell win more than nine games?" and you vote yes, then tomorrow night borders on being a must-win. Breathitt County in Jackson next week will be a tough place to win a game.

A loss to East Carter means hosting Henry County in Round 1. Russell would be a prohibitive favorite in that one. Beyond that, they'd likely be on the road at Lloyd Memorial for the second round.

Breathitt won't be easy and they can definitely move the ball and score points... but Breathitt has a M.O. and that is a clear vulnerability to teams who can win the LOS and execute fundamentally sound football. 

Breathitt is very inconsistent and for whatever reason has a bad tendency to lose their composure and make unforced errors more at home then they should. If Russell enters that game healthy I like their chances but the Devils will need to score points consistently.