3A District foes once again, Fleming County travels to Henry R. Evans stadium Friday night to play the Russell Red Devils. Both teams got the district portion of their schedule off to a good start last week as Fleming beat Lewis County while Russell squeaked by West Carter.

 

The teams have had similar results so far this season. Fleming is 3-2 with their losses coming to 4A Rowan County and 5A Woodford County. Their most impressive win came against 3-3 1A Raceland. Russell is 4-2 with their losses coming to 5A Ashland and Ohio powerhouse Ironton. Their most impressive win came against 3-2 West Carter. As you can see, both teams have beaten the teams they were favored against and lost badly to the teams they were supposed to lose to. With Mason County the heavy district favorite, the outcome of this matchup could determine who gets a home playoff game in a few weeks.

 

Judging from the stats on the KHSAA site, Fleming County sticks to the ground and spreads their rushing attack around pretty evenly. Chip Clark has carried 42 times for 350 yards. Andrew Earlywine has carried 52 times for 239 yards. Justin Conley has carried 36 times for 150 yards. Devon Duncan, who must have been out the first 3 games, has carried 15 times for 119 yards. Clayton Rapp, who also must have been out the first 3 games, has carried 17 times for 79 yards.

 

Russell, of course, primarily sticks to the ground attack as well. They don't spread it around nearly as much, though, as their main back, Travis Jones, has carried 96 times for 773 yards. Will Rice has carried 49 times for 215 yards.

 

Neither team appears to have much of a passing attack to speak of so homecoming festivities aside, expect a quick game come Friday night.

 

This should be a really good game as I think the teams will be pretty evenly matched. Fleming County should break a couple of big plays due to their speed and athleticism while Russell's Travis Jones should do the same for Russell. I'm going to predict that Russell wins because of the kicking of Tanner Locey and punting of Nathan Taylor. Both have been standouts this year fielding their special teams duties. This and the home field advantage add up to a 24-22 Russell win.

I like Russell in this game. I think the Defense of Russell is a little better then Fleming Co. Russell will win this in a low scoring game. Russell moves better on both sides of the ball. Fleming's line on both sides are very big and slow. Russell's coaches do a lot better job coaching then fleming Co's RUSSELL 21

FCHC 14 Plus it's a home game.

Russell this will be three in a row and 2-0 in dist. play. A very important game for you.

I think Russell will come out with the victory, but this will be a better game then in years past. Fleming is fairly good at what they do.

 

But, I am not staking my football knowledge on this one.

Red Devils take this one in a hard fought battle. 28 14

I think Russell pulls it out. I'll be rooting for the Devils, they are the definition of class, IMO. It will be close but I think Jones will be the difference. He is a good back.

Fleming plays a smashmouth, grind it out style of football somwhat like Russell. I do think that Fleming could possibly beat Russell this season but with the game at Russell I'll pick the Red Devils.

 

Russell 27

Fleming 18

This is the game I am going to this week. I believe that Russell will be there best in the second half of this one, Russell wins 27-19 over Fleming Co. and I can't wait for this battle.

Russell by a couple of scores in this one.

Russell 28

Fleming Co 20

Russell 27-12.

Russel wins in a defensive battle. 21 14.

I think Fleming has a better than usual team this year. However, I think home field advantage makes a difference in this one.

 

Russell by 14

Russell 21-8

This should be a good hard hitting game and if Russell does`nt bring their best Fleming Co. will beat them. Good luck to both.

27-7 Russell.