Russell travels to face rival Ashland this Friday. This has been a one sided affair in favor of the Tomcats since 2022. That year Russell lost by 6 and the year before they actually won by 3. Since that 2022 game though it has been nothing but Ashland blowout wins.

Rusell struggled to score last week against Paintsville while Ashland steamrolled East Jessamine by a tune of 53-0.

This Tomcat team has really been just a multi-faceted success so far this season. There really isn't much hope in Russell slowing them down.

Last week - playing a good team on the road - was an opportunity for Russell to inspire some belief that they can compete with the Tomcats. The Devils fell pretty flat, mainly on offense.

Yet again, I don't think they have the horses to run with Ashland. Russell needs a fast start and Ashland has to help them out. I don't see that happening.

Tomcats by at least four scores.

From Russell's perspective, Ashland is their main rival in all sports which might fire them up some but it will still be a 20+ win for the Tomcats.

Ashland by running clock.

Ashland with a possible running clock.

NFHS Video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/my-town-tv/gambdc8e32f9d

On 9/13/2026 at 1:16 PM, citycat said:

From Russell's perspective, Ashland is their main rival in all sports which might fire them up some but it will still be a 20+ win for the Tomcats.

This was the best rivalry in that part of the state for thirty years, but the fire went out long ago. This hasn't really been a big game on Ashland's side for many years now after winning 19 of the last 21, mostly blowouts.

Hopefully Russell can get back to that level at some point and help restore the rivalry to its former glory. At its peak, it was the biggest game on the calendar in NEKY.

Tomcats will win.

Scoreless late in the 1Q. Russell is putting up a fight.

russell 0 ashland 0 after 1.

End of 1Q

Ashland 0

Russell 0

Ashland 7 Russell 0 4:24 2nd

Ashland 14 Russell 0 :37 2nd

Ashland 14 Russell 0 halftime