Russell 27 Mason Co. 26 (OT)

Like most, I'm looking forward to the rematch. A few observations from a casual fan:

 

#13 for Russell was a stud. Mason had no answer for him. My understanding is that Russell's QB is dinged up; limiting his effectiveness.

 

Mason I believe showed a limited playbook. Few if any deep passes (although the running game was pretty effective, to my surprise). I look for lots more of the playbook to be utilized should the rematch come to pass.

 

I'm not going to pin the blame in a one-point game on the officials; but we seem to be getting some really strange calls here in Maysville; and they haven't all gone against the Royals. There's absolutely no excuse for a ref being faked out when everyone else in the stadium sees the QB running up the left sideline following a WR blocking for him. Would Cox have scored? We'll never know. Did that play wind up giving the Devils a short field? Sure did.

 

Russell needs to find someone who can field a kickoff or a punt. To their credit, just about every one of those drops were recovered by the Devils.

 

The decision to go for 2 will be debated for some time. Conventional wisdom is to go for the tie at home. However, what lost the game was not the refs or the failed 2-point conversion. It was the sack after Mason had run back an interception deep in Russell territory (why did Russell throw in the first place - going for the win on the road?).

 

Both teams have things to work on before what will hopefully be a rematch in a few weeks. Good luck to the Royals and the Devils the rest of the way!

#13 Abrams has been playing very well lately. The QB, Jones has played on a bum ankle since the Ashland game. He is a tough kid that is playing through alot of pain. Hopefully the off week before the playoffs will offer an opportunity for it to heal up.

I think the lack of a deep passing game was dictated by coverage in the secondary. Russell adjusted after the Simon Kenton game. The threat of the deep pass did however open up the running lanes and the short routes IMO.

Russell's return man has shown sure hands in the past. I think it a mental thing right now. The kid has too much talent to worry about it. If he just goes out and plays the game I think it will be fine.

I think the decision to go for 2 was probably the right one. If it came down to extra points I think the advantage went to Russell in the kicking game. Again just my opinion.

I hope the reamatch occurs. Two good teams that should both play better and still be a very entertaining game.