I think Russell has greatly improved from where they were earlier in the season. The personnel changes on defense have helped immensely. Storm Burgess and Steven Stapleton playing every down on defense has helped a lot. They are both very good. The overall effort on the field appears to have been there the last couple of games as well. The Russell team that played Raceland would have beaten the Russell team that played Ashland earlier in the season by 4 TD's.

 

That being said, are these improvements good enough to beat Belfry? I think they are at least good enough to make it a game against Belfry. I don't think the game is going to be a blowout. If Belfry is going to advance, I really think Russell is going to make them earn it...so I predict Russell pulls out the win with a recovered short kickoff, a few Belfry penalties, a timely Belfry fumble, and an unexpected aerial assault. 27-21.

I agree Ryan, I don't think this will be a blow out. Russell was fired up for Raceland, and I think they will be equal fired up, or more, for Belfry. These two teams have a long history and I think we may see Russell's best game of the season this week.

 

I know Russell will make, at least, a close game of it. I just hope they get in a place to make the win at the end. I think it is possible, all Russell has to do is believe and come out and execute.

Look's like there is not going to be much talk about this game,just line them up and go after it........Get focused Devil's,you do have your work cut out for you,just have to want it a little more than they do!

I hope that my Red Devils can pull this one off but it will be a major task at hand.

 

Red Deviles 21

Belfry 20

It is great to see two teams from Greenup County still going strong in the playoffs, good luck to the Red Devils.

Russell, remember what we always say up the road from you. Both teams are 0-0 and it is win and advance, simple as that. Who cares what their record was in the first season. They put 11 on the field and so do you. Play 120% every play and don't let them win a play!!!!!! You have been here before, now go do it and make yourself, your team, coach and school proud!!!!!

 

TCB!!!!!!!

 

:dancingpa:dancingpa:dancingpa

What is the secret to beating Belfry? A glance at history says its score 25 points or more.

 

In their last 110 games (2001-2008) they have allowed 25 points or more only 20 times. But their win/loss record in those 20 games is 6-14, or 30%.

 

On the flip side, their record when they hold opponents under 25 points, their record is 86-4, or 95.6%.

 

Overall Win/Loss Record 2001-2008 = 92-18, 83.6%

 

When Belfry's Defense allows:

20-24 points, their record = 7-2, 77.8%

25-29 points, their record = 6-5, 54.5%

30-34 points, their record = 0-4, 0.0%

35-39 points, their record = 0-1, 0.0%

40 + points, their record = 0-4, 0.0%

If there is one team I would pick to beat the Red Devils, it would be Belfry.

What is the secret to beating Belfry? A glance at history says its score 25 points or more.

 

In their last 110 games (2001-2008) they have allowed 25 points or more only 20 times. But their win/loss record in those 20 games is 6-14, or 30%.

 

On the flip side, their record when they hold opponents under 25 points, their record is 86-4, or 95.6%.

 

Overall Win/Loss Record 2001-2008 = 92-18, 83.6%

 

When Belfry's Defense allows:

20-24 points, their record = 7-2, 77.8%

25-29 points, their record = 6-5, 54.5%

30-34 points, their record = 0-4, 0.0%

35-39 points, their record = 0-1, 0.0%

40 + points, their record = 0-4, 0.0%

 

:eek: Two of those 4 losses when alowing under 24 points though were 20-14 and 19-0 defeats to Russell the last two times they played them.

:eek: Two of those 4 losses when alowing under 24 points though were 20-14 and 19-0 defeats to Russell the last two times they played them.

 

Makes it interesting, don't it? :jump:

 

 

 

The other two came back-to-back, but were in different seasons. Can you name them?

Makes it interesting, don't it? :jump:

 

 

 

The other two came back-to-back, but were in different seasons. Can you name them?

 

Breathitt County in 2002 Regional Finals, Boyd County in 2003 Pike County Bowl

I didn't think it would take you long. It did take me a while to put those numbers together though.

 

BTW, I guess if you score 30 on the Pirates it is a lock. Their record when giving up 30+ is 0-9. So if you are going to score 25, you might as well go ahead and put up 30 and not take any chances. (Why do I hear Charles Barkley in my head?)

Additionally, these numbers could be even more impressive in terms of how Belfry struggles when giving up over 24 points... instead of being 6-5 you could easily say they were 2-5.

 

West Carter- 08 Belfry had starters pulled before end of 3rd Quarter

Breathitt- 07 Belfry won 62-28 and Breathitt added a late score on JV

Pike Central- 07 Belfry had starters pulled by end of 3rd Quarter

Middlesboro- 06 Belfry won 49-26 and Middlesboro added a late score

I am having a hard time figuring out a way for Russell to win this game.........

 

But many of you have................? :confused:

 

 

They won't.

 

Belfry by 2 TD'S

It's game day, Devils. Time to get ready for the trip into enemy territory. Keep focused and keep your pre-season goals in sight. Don't listen to the nay sayers, go play your game and have faith in yourself, your teammates and your coaches and bring home a victory!

Edited November 21, 200817 yr by sidelinedoc

Very true Doc,other Russell teams have went to Belfry and came back with a W. Just have to play hard and leave it all on the field,look for there to be some turnover's with the weather condition's for tonight.Anything can happen,just have to want it more!:thumb: