So how many times has Raceland played Ironton over the years? And while we're at it, let's look at Raceland's non-conference teams played over the years:

 

Boyd

Greenup

Ashland

Fleming Co.

East Carter

West Carter

Paintsville

Rowan County

Lewis County

South Floyd

Coal Grove

Lawrence County (got a spankin' 52-0)

Bath County

Johnson Central (back in 1998 before they were much count)

 

Murder's Row? Hardly. Now, I don't have a dog in the hunt, but it does chap my butt to see the high and mighty Racelander's dogging Russell for "refusing to play Ironton", when they've not exactly called them up or played many tough teams either. Yes, you've played Ashland for many years, but other than that, cupcake city. Appears a little hypocritical. But, what do I know, I'm a muppet.

 

If you are referring to my comment about Symmes Valley, that was a joke. Hence, the smiley face after I typed it. Besides, I don't recall bashing Russell for not scheduling the Tigers. Heck, I'm glad to see the 2 teams playing. If I weren't on the sidelines with Raceland, I would be at Tank Memorial Stadium to watch this. I think it will be a great atmosphere.

Any Russell fan crying about people giving their opinion on a score in a prediction thread is silly. Now, I own up to my prediction, it probably will be a spanking. I do not know what the score will be but Saturday we can all discuss that. There have been many Russell fans that predicted lopsided scores against many local schools and it's okay because that is their opinion. Now, Russell is going against Ironton, who has returned to their tradtional place as "top dog" in the area. Russell is not as strong this year and this all leads to the logical ending of a spanking. Could Russell suprise Ironton and make it close or even win? Heck, yes!!!! That's why the game is played and score is kept. Anything can happen. But to draw out individual quotes as some sort of Russell bashing is absurd.

 

Good luck to both schools.

 

No offense meant. This is what makes the games fun!

 

Besides, I recall several past threads where Raceland and Ashland fans have pulled out quotes and even pieced words together in an effort to prove their point. My point is everyone thinks Russell is going to get clobbered Friday night, so I pulled out a few of the more eloquent ways of putting it that this thread provided.

 

Russell does have a chance to gain some respect locally with a good showing Friday night.

No offense meant. This is what makes the games fun!

 

Besides, I recall several past threads where Raceland and Ashland fans have pulled out quotes and even pieced words together in an effort to prove their point. My point is everyone thinks Russell is going to get clobbered Friday night, so I pulled out a few of the more eloquent ways of putting it that this thread provided.

 

Russell does have a chance to gain some respect locally with a good showing Friday night.

 

I agree totally with this.

For my two cents, the whole vibe of several of the posts (by Racelander's)was that Russell has been afraid to play Ironton over the years. I was not calling out any specific thread. And yes, sidelinedoc, you put a smiley face next to the Symmes Valley comment, but jokes like that are rooted in hidden truths. It's like the guy who always says, "you're fat and ugly, just kidding. What, you have no reason to be insulted, I was just kidding." And Sidelinedoc, I'll see you at church and give you a hard time (insert smiley here!!!!!)

 

Also, was I there when Raceland tried to schedule? Of course not. However, no matter what "obstacles" Raceland has tried to overcome to schedule these tough schools, I was pointing out that in the past 10 years, they haven't either. Sure, LC might have been state semi-finalists that year, but one game in 10 years isn't much to brag about. I'm just pointing out the "pot calling the kettle black" that is apparent.

 

What I do know about the Russell-Ironton situation is that when they did play halfway consistently in the past, something happened that really made Coach McGlone mad and he pretty much vowed to never play them again. Not playing them had nothing to do about fearing them or trying to play cupcakes to pad the win column. Coach McGlone has too much class for that crap.

 

Also, I've been around the Russell camp for the past decade (but am no longer around much), and while we are talking about Raceland begging to play Russell and Russell refusing, the mindset was this: It is a lose/lose situation for Russell to play Raceland. If Russell beats them, they really gain nothing. If Russell loses to Raceland, then they have gained nothing but grief from little brother down the river. Should that have been the mindset? I definitely think not. However, that can't be changed now. Except for last year, I would venture to say that about every other year Russell could have played Raceland, they would have beaten a smaller, lesser opponent, which would not help prepare them for the playoffs. It's obvious that some Raceland posters despise Russell, and maybe deservedly so in their eyes. They will dog Russell every chance they get and are doing so now with Ironton. So, enjoy doing so. At least, maybe it will make you feel better all day long.

 

Now, for the original topic of the thread. I knew Raceland was down this year compared to the last two, but the Russell W and the margin surprised me. I do know that Russell is down a bit this year with the QB situation still a big ??? and a good but not great running game. I think Russell's D will keep them somewhat in the game, but probably cannot overcome the talent and athleticism of the Lawrence County Ohio All Stars. My prediction: 40-7 Ironton.

Any Russell fan crying about people giving their opinion on a score in a prediction thread is silly. Now, I own up to my prediction, it probably will be a spanking. I do not know what the score will be but Saturday we can all discuss that. There have been many Russell fans that predicted lopsided scores against many local schools and it's okay because that is their opinion. Now, Russell is going against Ironton, who has returned to their tradtional place as "top dog" in the area. Russell is not as strong this year and this all leads to the logical ending of a spanking. Could Russell suprise Ironton and make it close or even win? Heck, yes!!!! That's why the game is played and score is kept. Anything can happen. But to draw out individual quotes as some sort of Russell bashing is absurd.

 

Good luck to both schools.

 

:thumb: Anyone giving people a hard time about any prediction on any game is silly imo. A prediction thread is about opinions and you know what they say about opinions...everybody has one . I don't think that anyone on here is going to determine the outcome/score of any game by what we predict. I am pretty sure the teams that are playing will do that. We are very good but just not that powerful :lol:.

I honestly don't care who wins this one. I will add that should Russell pull what imo would be the "upset of the year" and beat Ironton, I will be on here gladly giving them credit and taking my serving of crow. Should Russell make it close I will do the same. Good luck to both teams and may both stay injury free.

My statements was not meant as a cut on Russell at all, more of making a point (and one joke) on comments on Raceland's schedulng. Ironton imo would put a beat down on anyone on our side of the river this year (and most years) with the exception of Ashland this season. Ironton may very well beat Ashland but imo that one will be very good football game but that is for the Ashland/Ironton thread whe that time comes around.

This will be the only warning in this thread. We will talk about the prediction of the Ironton/Russell game and that's it. Anything else will cause the thread to be closed and the offender will have crossed the rule #12 line. Any discussion of the merits between Raceland and Russell can be hashed out in another thread. Feel free to start that one if you wish.

... Russell has an opportunity to win a lot of respect from area fans by making a game of it on Friday night.

 

... Russell does have a chance to gain some respect locally with a good showing Friday night.

 

 

Absolutely Ryan – that is one of the reasons it’s good to play a strong team. I think Ironton is strong this year.

 

Your devils really have nothing to lose. They just have to make a good showing to earn respect.

 

I’ll be back on here giving it, if they earn it.

Absolutely Ryan – that is one of the reasons it’s good to play a strong team. I think Ironton is strong this year.

 

Your devils really have nothing to lose. They just have to make a good showing to earn respect.

 

I’ll be back on here giving it, if they earn it.

 

Here, here. I am a true fan of high school football and will always congratulate the victor, no matter who I chose to win. As I said earlier, good luck to both teams.

Ironton is too much for young Devils.

 

Ironton 30

Russell 9

 

Still- I REALLY hope Russell finds a way and proves me wrong.

Still- I REALLY hope Russell finds a way and proves me wrong.

 

From some whispers out there, I think Russell may be ready seize this opprotunity. Hall of Fame coach and great kids, let's see how they match up with a soon to be Hall of Fame coach and great athletes.

 

As much as Russell fans think all area schools are against them, you are wrong!!!!! I want to see Ashland and Russell hang 2 losses on the Tigers.

From some whispers out there, I think Russell may be ready seize this opprotunity. Hall of Fame coach and great kids, let's see how they match up with a soon to be Hall of Fame coach and great athletes.

 

As much as Russell fans think all area schools are against them, you are wrong!!!!! I want to see Ashland and Russell hang 2 losses on the Tigers.

 

It is an interesting "round robin" of games over the next 3 weeks: Russell @ Ironton tonight, Ashland @ Russell next week, and Ironton @ Ashland the week after that.

From some whispers out there, I think Russell may be ready seize this opprotunity. Hall of Fame coach and great kids, let's see how they match up with a soon to be Hall of Fame coach and great athletes.

 

As much as Russell fans think all area schools are against them, you are wrong!!!!! I want to see Ashland and Russell hang 2 losses on the Tigers.

 

Preach like it is Doc, but lets also not forget the war preparation of defensive coordinator Coach Morris. A break or two early for Russel and its a ball game.

Preach like it is Doc, but lets also not forget the war preparation of defensive coordinator Coach Morris. A break or two early for Russel and its a ball game.

 

I agree with this 100%. Coach Morris get's no love. Such is the life of a defensive coordinator. I believe his bunch has lived up to what he has asked them to do. Bend but do not break. I really wish I could be there tonight.

 

 

(And I'll throw Russell one of my bones here and shock all of you............)

 

 

TCB!!!!!!!!

I agree with this 100%. Coach Morris get's no love. Such is the life of a defensive coordinator. I believe his bunch has lived up to what he has asked them to do. Bend but do not break. I really wish I could be there tonight.

 

 

(And I'll throw Russell one of my bones here and shock all of you............)

 

 

TCB!!!!!!!!

 

I never thought I'd see the day!