Pretty simple. Two things defined this game.

 

1) Just as Ashland did to Russell last year, the Tomcats defense dominated Russell in every way possible. Russell had nothing on offense to compete with Ashland. Multiple Ashland tacklers in on every play. They know where the Russell plays are going and they get there before Russell does.

 

2) Josh Alber.

How did Russell end up scoring?

How did Russell end up scoring?

 

They scored late in the game against the 2nd string. It was a pass from backup QB Sparks to WR Taylor.

Ashland keeps rolling.

The Russell line is not very good.

Maybe some of you Ashland fans can answer this for me. Why did Ashland go away from Josh Alber? No one on Russell's team could tackle Alber, yet Ashland gave away possession several times by either (a) bringing in other backs to replace him or (b) trying to go to a passing game that isn't very good.

 

I don't say this to stir the pot or anything. I'm just honestly curious. It could be that Ashland knew Russell wasn't much competition and was just wanting to work on some different plays, but it was obvious Alber could have had a record setting night if they had constantly fed him the ball.

Maybe some of you Ashland fans can answer this for me. Why did Ashland go away from Josh Alber? No one on Russell's team could tackle Alber, yet Ashland gave away possession several times by either (a) bringing in other backs to replace him or (b) trying to go to a passing game that isn't very good.

 

I don't say this to stir the pot or anything. I'm just honestly curious. It could be that Ashland knew Russell wasn't much competition and was just wanting to work on some different plays, but it was obvious Alber could have had a record setting night if they had constantly fed him the ball.

 

 

 

I'd say you answered your own question Ryan. Ashland plays Ironton next week, and no sense making Alber carry the ball more than necessary, and Ashland is going to have to be able to pass the ball against Ironton.

I'd say you answered your own question Ryan. Ashland plays Ironton next week, and no sense making Alber carry the ball more than necessary, and Ashland is going to have to be able to pass the ball against Ironton.

 

Yeah...I figured it might just have been where they were looking at the game as a glorified practice, but anyone would have to agree Alber could have gone for record setting yards this evening had they kept giving him the ball.

Congratulations Tomcats on being 4-0 !!!

 

 

Enjoy it for the weekend - then it's back to work Monday getting ready for Ironton.

 

 

I'm proud of Ashland's O-line. Whenever coach chose to run the ball; the O-line made it happen. :ylsuper:

 

Alber had about 208 yards, 3 TD's and a 2-point conversion. It was a big night for him.

 

Russell didn't have many yards of offense until late in the game. Their TD came against Ashland's 3rd string.

Ashland played a sound game for the most part, ground game looked good, but the passing still needs some work.

Russell will be fine, I still see the redevils making a big run in playoffs.

Russell will be fine, I still see the redevils making a big run in playoffs.

 

 

 

Russell will have to improve to get past Mason County.

Congratulations Tomcats on being 4-0 !!!

 

Enjoy it for the weekend - then it's back to work Monday getting ready for Ironton.

 

I'm proud of Ashland's O-line. Whenever coach chose to run the ball; the O-line made it happen. :ylsuper:

 

Alber had about 208 yards, 3 TD's and a 2-point conversion. It was a big night for him.

 

Russell didn't have many yards of offense until late in the game. Their TD came against Ashland's 3rd string.

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I said 2nd string.

 

In all seriousness, Ashland did look pretty good on defense. I'd like to see that Ironton game next week. If the Tomcats can pull off a win against Ironton, then it may be worth the trip to Fort Thomas later in the year to see what happens!

Russell will be fine, I still see the redevils making a big run in playoffs.

 

Unless big improvements are made, it's going to be tough for Russell to do a lot in the playoffs this year. Mason County is the top ranked team in 3A this year and they would see them early in the playoffs. Belfry and Breathitt are both better than Russell as well this year.

Congrats to the Tomcats on the win., imo easily the best team in NEKY the area this season :thumb::thumb:

 

(Alber is for real, imo the best back in this area)