?   vs.    ?

Ashland Tomcats (2-2, 4A #10) | Russell Red Devils (4-0)

? 'Resurgent Red Devils Seeking Escape From Tomcat Torment'

It's been a long time since Russell consistently held up its end of what was once the best rivalry In NEKY. 
Ashland has kept the Devils in the dark 18 of the last 20 times they've met, with the last two years featuring running clock routs for the Tomcats, a first in the rivalry’s history. 
A new year brings renewed optimism to Red Devil Hill. The defense has been the backbone of the team each week and quarterback play has been superb, bordering on flawless. Jayden Frasure has completed 78% of his throws with nine touchdown passes and zero picks. The aforementioned defense has yielded 117 yards and 5.7 points per game. 
Ashland won't be deterred by anything they read, in here or elsewhere. The Tomcats may not be playing up to their recent standard this season, but if they know anything at Blazer, it's how to perform an exorcism. 
Ashland's team speed has stretched the Devils beyond their limits over the last two decades. 
The gap has narrowed slightly in that department, but Cam Davis still has wheels that gave Russell fits last year and flying to the football is a hallmark of Tomcat defenses.
Despite Russell's hot start, recent history dictates that Ashland is still a prohibitive favorite, even at Henry R. Evans Stadium. 
This could still serve as a turning point game for the Devils, even at 4-0. A win over Ashland would potentially set Russell up for its best season in years. 
Before they can look ahead, they must first clear the high mental hurdle in front of them.

Its crazy to think how this once evenly heated rivalry has turned so one-sided.  Even with Ashland dominating the series its still a big game for both schools.

This is one of our podcast games of the week!

 

The Ashland offense had dynamic success in their blowout win over East Jessamine. I think that is the key here for them to saddle Russell with their first loss of the season. Besides Cam Davis, look for Brody Simpkins to continue to make an impact in multiple facets of the game. He was a factor running the ball, catching the ball and stopping the ball this past Friday.

21 hours ago, se7ens said:

The Ashland offense had dynamic success in their blowout win over East Jessamine. I think that is the key here for them to saddle Russell with their first loss of the season. Besides Cam Davis, look for Brody Simpkins to continue to make an impact in multiple facets of the game. He was a factor running the ball, catching the ball and stopping the ball this past Friday.

Ashland's ability to run away from Russell has to be the Devils' chief concern. Well designed plays by the Tomcats and/or blown assignments by Russell have plagued the latter in the recent history of this rivalry. 

Russell has never been able to afford mistakes against Ashland. When they've had prior success, it was largely due to superior execution, winning the turnover battle, controlling the line of scrimmage, and muddying up the game defensively, as opposed to letting the Tomcats run wild and free, which is something they're apt to do against Russell in recent years.

Russell's defense has been outstanding so far, which I think gives them a chance to poach a win while Ashland is in the midst of a soft rebuild. It's fair to say that Ashland has been in Russell's head for some time now. A win is on the table this year, but they have to play well early and not let Ashland get away. Then it becomes a snowball situation, and Russell fans know that script by heart.

Bump.

Not sure who the favorite is in this one? History says the Tomcats but until last week they just looked average. Last week they looked like the second coming of the 90’s Cowboys. Was that due to East Jessamine just not being very good or was it the Tomcats improving? I’m not sure?? The truth is probably a little of both. In the end I think the Devils are a little more motivated and if they don’t self inflict I can see them pulling this one out. The ball will have to bounce their way a time or two and I think that happens. I also thought the same thing last year when Greenup was undefeated and salivating for a win against Ashland and then got taken to the woodshed. So, I may be wrong. 

Russell is playing very good football so I don’t see them losing this one, it may be a bit close because of the rivalry factor for both teams!

https://www.mytowntv.com/russell-high-school

 

On 9/18/2025 at 3:09 PM, rerun said:

Not sure who the favorite is in this one? History says the Tomcats but until last week they just looked average. Last week they looked like the second coming of the 90’s Cowboys. Was that due to East Jessamine just not being very good or was it the Tomcats improving? I’m not sure?? The truth is probably a little of both. In the end I think the Devils are a little more motivated and if they don’t self inflict I can see them pulling this one out. The ball will have to bounce their way a time or two and I think that happens. I also thought the same thing last year when Greenup was undefeated and salivating for a win against Ashland and then got taken to the woodshed. So, I may be wrong. 

Ashland is the favorite until Russell can take the field with confidence against the Tomcats year in and year out. It's been a while.

19 hours ago, 79ram said:

Russell is playing very good football so I don’t see them losing this one, it may be a bit close because of the rivalry factor for both teams!

If Russell's going to prove you right, Jayden Frasure needs to keep up his level of play, namely not turning the ball over.

Strong opening drive by Ashland. The o-line had its way.

7-0 ? 

8:23 1Q

Russell is forced to punt. Bad punt, attempting to kick away from Cam Davis. Ashland ball at midfield. 

Ashland aggressively on the move at the Russell 24.

A Tomcat store here would be debilitating for Russell. 

First and goal Ashland inside the 1.

Touchdown Tomcats. They're running it down Russell's throat.

14-0 ? 

3:25 1Q