Good post. I haven't seen Raceland play but have definitely heard enough tales about their line to realize Russell could be in for a tough night Friday. Since you have seen both teams play, let's get into some more specifics. Do you anticipate Raceland to simply line up and run straight at Russell? If they are as strong up front as everyone says, then I don't see what Russell could do to slow them down. Do you see the game as a lopsided physical mismatch or is it a game Russell could be competitive in if they show up with a different attitude?

 

My gut feeling is that Russell had better come up with some creative ways to put some points on the board Friday. Given the strength of Raceland's line, it is unlikely their usual running game will find success, so they probably need to come up with something a little "out of the box" to catch Raceland off guard. Russell is known for sticking to the same offensive game plan no matter what, though, so the chances they come out with a different offensive mindset is remote. Also, it would be nice if Russell's special teams play could deliver some big plays like perhaps some good kickoff returns, recover an onsides kick, etc....but again, I haven't seen a lot of that capability either in watching Russell this season.

 

With all that being said, I think Russell had better hope they can get some Raceland turnovers. I think it is going to take some unique happenings for Russell to have a shot in this one. What do you think?

 

 

Knowing Vanderhoof and Maynard and how strong Raceland is up front, I do think they will take it straight to Russell Friday night. I think they're going to try and show them just how strong they are and try to cram it right down the Devils throat. If successful, that has the potential to end the game quickly against a team who seems to be searching for an identity. I'm sure you will see the usual spread formations at some point from the Rams but I do believe we'll see them bring it straight to Russell with those 2 RBs who just run so freakin hard. I would say that the Rams will just flat pound Russell into the ground but they do have Gary Morris walking the sidelines. I have seen that man work miracles on the defensive side of the ball. I do agree with you that it would benefit the Devils for Raceland to come out in all those spread formations. That would give Russell a great chance cause I've seen Coach Morris work wonders against those types of offenses. Remember Owensboro Catholic? You're right, they definately need some turnovers and special teams needs to play great and maybe steal some points from Raceland or put some up themselves. If Russell can stop Raceland 1st couple of drives and gain a bit of confidence, that could be huge for the Devils. That's why I think Vanderhoof will want to come out strong up front and demoralize them early. Make them think that they have no chance. That's what I think their strategy will be. Russell needs to come out FIRED up. You know what they're going to do but I think they need to diverse the playcalling just a bit to keep the Rams off balance because I feel like Raceland is so much strongr up front on both sides of the ball. Russell does not want the Rams to load the box. Cordle needs to play a perfect game. He needs to lead his team and make the plays when they ask him to throw. If not, it could be a long night for the Devils. I think Raceland wins by 2 or 3 TD's because of the strength of Raceland up front. They are just so strong and those 3 RBs run so hard and hit the hole fast. That's just my opinion but sometimes these rivalry games can go completely different than expected. You just never know in these games.

Knowing Vanderhoof and Maynard and how strong Raceland is up front, I do think they will take it straight to Russell Friday night. I think they're going to try and show them just how strong they are and try to cram it right down the Devils throat. If successful, that has the potential to end the game quickly against a team who seems to be searching for an identity. I'm sure you will see the usual spread formations at some point from the Rams but I do believe we'll see them bring it straight to Russell with those 2 RBs who just run so freakin hard. I would say that the Rams will just flat pound Russell into the ground but they do have Gary Morris walking the sidelines. I have seen that man work miracles on the defensive side of the ball. I do agree with you that it would benefit the Devils for Raceland to come out in all those spread formations. That would give Russell a great chance cause I've seen Coach Morris work wonders against those types of offenses. Remember Owensboro Catholic? You're right, they definately need some turnovers and special teams needs to play great and maybe steal some points from Raceland or put some up themselves. If Russell can stop Raceland 1st couple of drives and gain a bit of confidence, that could be huge for the Devils. That's why I think Vanderhoof will want to come out strong up front and demoralize them early. Make them think that they have no chance. That's what I think their strategy will be. Russell needs to come out FIRED up. You know what they're going to do but I think they need to diverse the playcalling just a bit to keep the Rams off balance because I feel like Raceland is so much strongr up front on both sides of the ball. Russell does not want the Rams to load the box. Cordle needs to play a perfect game. He needs to lead his team and make the plays when they ask him to throw. If not, it could be a long night for the Devils. I think Raceland wins by 2 or 3 TD's because of the strength of Raceland up front. They are just so strong and those 3 RBs run so hard and hit the hole fast. That's just my opinion but sometimes these rivalry games can go completely different than expected. You just never know in these games.

 

It does seem as if it would be foolish for Raceland to do anything other than run the power game. When you are that much stronger than your opposition, why take unnecessary risks that you don't have to take? I agree with your assessment. There is not much a defensive coordinator can do when the other team is simply running you over.

 

I also agree that Russell needs to vary from their standard offensive strategy in this one. I think Russell's skill position players are as good, if not better, than Raceland's. They have got to get the ball to Bailey and Mitchell via some short passes in open space on the edges of the field and allow them to make plays. Abrams is a good runner, but the power running game might not be the best strategy to beating this Raceland team.

It does seem as if it would be foolish for Raceland to do anything other than run the power game. When you are that much stronger than your opposition, why take unnecessary risks that you don't have to take? I agree with your assessment. There is not much a defensive coordinator can do when the other team is simply running you over.

 

I also agree that Russell needs to vary from their standard offensive strategy in this one. I think Russell's skill position players are as good, if not better, than Raceland's. They have got to get the ball to Bailey and Mitchell via some short passes in open space on the edges of the field and allow them to make plays. Abrams is a good runner, but the power running game might not be the best strategy to beating this Raceland team.

 

 

I couldn't agree with you more. The way to take Gary Morris out of the game is to just run the ball straight down there throat. If the other team is stronger up front there is not much a DC can do. Russell HAS to get those 2 players the ball in space and that will open up the run more with Drew. You're exactly right. Since Raceland is so strong up front the Devils will have to diversify from their straight Wing T. I know they have it in their arsenal, I've seen them practice it. I've even seen them run a shotgun. LOL!! How great would that be to see Cordle drop back to take snaps. I doubt very seriously it will happen but seems as though spread teams put up some point on Raceland. But anyway, I agree with you. Raceland needs to run right at them and Russell needs to diversify. They really should just trade playbooks!! I think they both need to do what the other is known for. HA HA!!

I don't think bulletin board material is really needed for Raceland in this one. This year's Russell team is a world away from being as good as last year's team and is a galaxy away from being as good as the '05 and '06 teams. Let's face it. The stars are aligned for the Rams in this one. This game pits the best Raceland team in a decade against the worst Russell team in a decade. No bulletin board material is needed when you simply have the better team.

 

And darn it, I really wanted to come on here and give you Raceland guys a hard time about how Russell is going to win this week! But after witnessing this Russell team play again tonight, I have to say they are going need a turnaround for the ages to beat Raceland. And since I don't think they are allowed to bring back Tyler Jones, Adam Foster, Toby Hicks, Jonathan Cornwell, and Greg Bender from last year's team, the facts are the facts. Raceland should beat this team and beat them badly.

 

That being said, I voted for Russell in the poll just to make sure they had one vote. ;-)

 

I'm so sick of hearing about, Tyler, Adam and so on. Lets stand behind the kids we have. A little encouragment cant heart

I believe it was an Ashland supporter calling for a "Blank at the Hank."

As the apparent lone Raceland poster in this thread (although a "shifty" one in the yes of Ram fans because I believe in supporting both Raceland AND Russell and think too many grown-ups act like children over the rivarly ie not talking about the game, calling one or the other "little brother", making fun of the others stadium, etc.) I've given the Devils their due.

 

The fact is Russell could very well win this game. And the Raceland players and coaches are well aware of that and THAT is what matters. These games aren't won or lost in BGP threads believe it or not. What any of you say here should have no bearing on what happens on Friday nights. And if it does? Then that is a failure by the Coaching Staff. But I've never heard of some kid coming out to play on a friday night and not doing well because the BGP poll didn't go in their favor or because Fan A complained about the size of your stadium. Come on now. Let's be realistic. If a player needs a post from BGP to get pumped to play he needs to quit playing. Period.

 

We adults put too much stock in these things. This place is supposed be a fun place to talk about the game. Period. And anyone who makes more of it than that is fooling themselves.

 

I agree 100% :thumb:

Man, what Russell team are you watching? The 6th grade team? Because they have all the qualities that you've mentioned but the varsity surely does not. First off, I have ties to Russell so I'm speaking from my brain and not my heart. I don't know how you can say the things that you're saying about Russell unless you're looking through maroon and gold glasses. When has Russell's line dominated anyone this year? I saw them play Lewis County and they didn't even handle them at all!!! You say that Raceland's line is just OK? Are you kidding me? That is one of their biggest strengths this year. That is what I believe gives them a shot at winning the state title. Every challenge that has been placed before them, they have met head on and succeeded every single time. This is a very tough Raceland line. I see probably 4 times as many football games as the average fan every year and let me tell you that Raceland's line is one of the best I've seen this year. As far as Russell's secondary being so great.....what makes them so great? What have they done this year that makes you think that? In case you didn't notice, the Rams have 2 of the best RBs in the area. Definately the hardest RBs in the area and I'd say the state. I'm not bashing Russell at all, like I said, I have some great ties to Russell and some really great memories. Ijust don't think this team has what it takes to beat the Rams and I don't see how anyone who has seen them play this year could say the things you've said and actually believe them. If you were saying this at the start of the year, I'd agree whole-heartedly. There doesn't seem to be any leadership on this team. Nobody to get in someone's face when they get out of line or gets lazy as this team definately seems to do quite often. They don't seem to have any heart and that's the most disappointing thing of it all. They have talent but without heart, you have the year like their having right now. I hope they can turn it around before the playoffs start. I really hope so. From what Ive seen of the Devils and Rams this year, both teams are headed in opposite directions and it may get ugly in Russell friday night. I really hope I'm wrong. I just don't see how you could say those things if you'd seen either team play more than once. It just doesn't make any sense to me at all.

 

Great post !:thumb:

It's one thing to say that Russell should open up the playbook. However, Russell's passing stats from last Friday's game - 2 of 15 for 45 yards, 1 Int. The Red Devils had better not fall behind by a couple of TDs; they do not appear to be built to come from behind.

I hear Bailey still won't be healthy enough to play. That basically takes away the big play capability of Russell, recieveing, rushing, and kick returns. Also probably the best punter in the area and maybe the state, with a couple 50+ and one 69 yarder. It also means Raceland will only have to stop Abrams to win. So Raceland should come away with this one.

I hear Bailey still won't be healthy enough to play. That basically takes away the big play capability of Russell' date=' recieveing, rushing, and kick returns. Also probably the best punter in the area and maybe the state, with a couple 50+ and one 69 yarder. It also means Raceland will only have to stop Abrams to win. So Raceland should come away with this one.[/quote']

 

That is definitely bad news.

It's one thing to say that Russell should open up the playbook. However, Russell's passing stats from last Friday's game - 2 of 15 for 45 yards, 1 Int. The Red Devils had better not fall behind by a couple of TDs; they do not appear to be built to come from behind.

 

I would like to see them go for some different types of passes. Those 13 incompletions and 1 interception were the result of trying deep passes over and over. Why not try some 5-10 yard passes?

I'm so sick of hearing about, Tyler, Adam and so on. Lets stand behind the kids we have. A little encouragment cant heart

 

I am there every week cheering for them to play well! When honestly analyzing the games, though, that is the main difference between this Russell team and the last few year's teams. Everyone on the message boards asks what is wrong with this year's team...so I just chime in with my opinion. Russell graduated better players than they had to replace them with. It is likely a Raceland fan will be on here next year saying the same thing about their team.

I'm so sick of hearing about, Tyler, Adam and so on. Lets stand behind the kids we have. A little encouragment cant heart

 

 

me to!

I am there every week cheering for them to play well! When honestly analyzing the games, though, that is the main difference between this Russell team and the last few year's teams. Everyone on the message boards asks what is wrong with this year's team...so I just chime in with my opinion. Russell graduated better players than they had to replace them with. It is likely a Raceland fan will be on here next year saying the same thing about their team.

 

 

Well said, as usual RyanP - for everything there is a season, turn, turn. :thumb:

34 hours till kickoff. Get your popcorn ready!

I'm so sick of hearing about, Tyler, Adam and so on. Lets stand behind the kids we have. A little encouragment cant heart

 

Very good point…it reminds me of the Rick Pitino comment “Larry Bird is not walking through that door, fans. Kevin McHale is not walking through that door, and Robert Parrish is not walking through that door. And if you expect them to walk through that door, they're going to be gray and old.”