Russell 2010

[Ram]

What does Russell need to do to improve in 2010? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

[mcpapa]

To me, Russell seemed a little small last year compared to years past. Some beef across the lines may be one of the first orders of business for the Red Devile.

[sidelinedoc]

I would agree with Mcpapa on this one. That was one of the smallest Russell teams I have ever seen.

[Russelldad]

Make that 3 for 3. I also agree with McPapa. Size across both lines (esp. offense) has to be addressed.

[YNot]

They had a freshman this past year who was huge and actually looked to move fairly well. Not sure of the name, saw him in a freshman game, but a large lad no doubt.

[TheBurnOut]

Russell is going to be strong this year. Last year was not a typical year for Russell, expect them to be back in 2010.

[ryanparker]

I like the optimism of the Burnout, but I, too, would be concerned about the size along the lines as well.

 

The loss of 3-year starting linebackers Will Rice and Kamron Smith will likely be noticed on the defensive side of the ball. It will also be difficult to find a replacement for Travis Jones, who was probably 90% of the Russell offense last season. He made numerous plays and often gained big yardage on his own.

 

I hope Russell gets the QB situation straightened out before the season starts this year. I assume it will be either Logan Dehoff, Patrick Cooper, or Jordan Roark since all 3 saw significant time at the position last year.

 

I would expect Joel Korzep, Luke Bailey, and Paul Spradlin to play big roles on defense. Zach Thompson and Spradlin should get some of the carries on the offensive side of the ball.

 

I hope the team utilizes Justin Davidson effectively. He played safety last year on defense and played some offensively, but certainly looks like he could be a good pass catching threat at tight end on offense.

 

The kicking game should be good again as Tanner Locey returns after being one of the best in the area last year.

 

Overall, I think the team has 10 or 11 guys that I can think of off the top of my head that should play really well. I hope they are in shape because they need to keep them on the field as much as possible. This combined with the typically solid coaching and execution we've come to expect from Russell should lead to at least 5 or 6 wins.

 

They have 6 home games this year so that will help some. It will be an upset if they can beat Ironton, Ashland, or Mason County. Raceland will be a tough game as well as they now have a 2-game losing streak to the Rams. I hope some of the younger players we haven't seen play on the varsity level step up and surprise me.

[Ram]

Good to see you back Ryan. How about Lee Marr, I think he is back this season and could make a big difference on the OL/DL.

[CatsCatsCats]

I couldn't believe how small Russell was last year. They seemed to be really young, but maybe I'm mistaken. I'm sure they'll be fine, 1st or 2nd in the district as usual.

[ryanparker]

Good to see you back Ryan. How about Lee Marr, I think he is back this season and could make a big difference on the OL/DL.

 

I think he was a senior last year. In fact, I think most of the line last year consisted of seniors. Since everyone refers to it as being one the smallest and weakest in recent memory, though, maybe that isn't a bad thing.

 

Other than Joel Korzep (who will probably play on the line out of necessity but looks like he has the speed and skills to play elsewhere as well), I have no idea who will be playing there.

[howwelookin]

I like the optimism of the Burnout, but I, too, would be concerned about the size along the lines as well.

 

The loss of 3-year starting linebackers Will Rice and Kamron Smith will likely be noticed on the defensive side of the ball. It will also be difficult to find a replacement for Travis Jones, who was probably 90% of the Russell offense last season. He made numerous plays and often gained big yardage on his own.

 

I hope Russell gets the QB situation straightened out before the season starts this year. I assume it will be either Logan Dehoff, Patrick Cooper, or Jordan Roark since all 3 saw significant time at the position last year.

 

I would expect Joel Korzep, Luke Bailey, and Paul Spradlin to play big roles on defense. Zach Thompson and Spradlin should get some of the carries on the offensive side of the ball.

 

I hope the team utilizes Justin Davidson effectively. He played safety last year on defense and played some offensively, but certainly looks like he could be a good pass catching threat at tight end on offense.

 

The kicking game should be good again as Tanner Locey returns after being one of the best in the area last year.

 

Overall, I think the team has 10 or 11 guys that I can think of off the top of my head that should play really well. I hope they are in shape because they need to keep them on the field as much as possible. This combined with the typically solid coaching and execution we've come to expect from Russell should lead to at least 5 or 6 wins.

 

They have 6 home games this year so that will help some. It will be an upset if they can beat Ironton, Ashland, or Mason County. Raceland will be a tough game as well as they now have a 2-game losing streak to the Rams. I hope some of the younger players we haven't seen play on the varsity level step up and surprise me.

 

I'm hearing there may be a new face possibly in that role, which in turn would allow the 3 you mentioned to play elsewhere, and would surely strengthen them offensively. Again, just hearsay.

[Ram]

I think he was a senior last year.

 

You may be right, for some reason I was thinking he was a Jr. last year.

[TheBurnOut]

Russell will be small but fast. Team speed will be their strong point.

[sidelinedoc]

"B-O", if I may call you that. You seem to be pretty well informed, give us a little more info regarding where you see this team ending up in November/December.

[ryanparker]

I, too, would like more info from someone more well-informed. For starters, I wonder who they are planning on lining up where?