The Russell Red Devils visit the Greenup County Musketeers in game 2 of the season for one of the biggest annual rivalry games on either teams schedule. Russell (1-0) comes off a 35-6 victory over East Carter while Greenup County (0-1) comes off a hard fought 44-28 loss to Ashland. The Devils shut out Greenup last year 37-0 and have won the last 9 in a row in the series between the 2 schools. Greenup County's last victory over Russell came in the year 2000, when current Raceland head coach T.J. Maynard led the Musketeers to a 21-13 win over his alma mater.

 

Will this be the year Greenup breaks the streak and defeats the Devils? Will Russell carry on their dominance of the Musketeers? Thoughts? Predictions?

I believe this will be Greenups year to win. Good luck Musketeers.

I believe this will be Greenups year to win.

 

I have to agree, but I still think the Muskie's defense is suspect.

 

Greenup Co. 28

Russell 21

I have to agree, but I still think the Muskie's defense is suspect.

 

Greenup Co. 28

Russell 21

That is a good prediction. No matter who wins this one I suspect it will be the best game between these two teams in quit a while.

GC 27 - Russell 24

Does anyone know how banged up GC is after the Tomcat game?

Most of the offensive lineman were at the High School Saturday afternoon for ice baths! A little stiff and sore but nothing serious. They will be watching film of the game this afternoon and then start preparing for Russell tomorrow.

Greenup (this year) is exactly the kind of team that Russell struggles with (historically) – big, strong and physical up front. I think GC will control the LOS and therefore win the game in the trenches. But, not without a fight from Russell (who never goes down easy). Greenup needs to eliminate fumbles and penalties, because Russell will capitalize.

 

I’ll say GC by 1-TD

Russell 21-14.

Russell should spread GC out if possible.

I'm very interested in this game because I think we'll find out alot about both teams on Friday night. Hopefully it's a good, close, hard-fought game. I have no prediction, I don't really like to predict area HS games that much. Good luck to both teams. :thumb:

I suspect Greenup will try to run it straight at Russell and challenge them to stop it. From the way everyone is describing Greenup's new rushing attack, putting all 11 in the box might not be enough. Sounds like Russell may need some Greenup penalties and turnovers to slow down the Musketeer running game. That's quite possible, though, as Greenup is sure to be over-amped for this one and has shown the propensity for both in the past. I'm sure we'll learn a lot about the heart of this year's Russell players in this game along with the next 2. This 3-game stretch with Greenup, Ironton, and Ashland should prepare the Devils for anything else that is to come their way this season. If nothing else, they'll be ready for the ice baths after this is over.

 

If everyone's assessment of the Greenup offensive line is correct, though, then Russell is going to need to find ways to match scores against Greenup like Ashland did until the Musketeers start making mistakes. I'm encouraged they've shown the willingness to go to a shotgun spread formation early this season. Watching them beat their head against the wall with outmatched personnel running the Wing-T against the likes of Ashland and Ironton the past couple of years gets a tad frustrating. QB Patrick Cooper has looked pretty good in the preseason scrimmages and first game throwing the ball. The question is how will he respond throwing the ball while running for his life at the same time? Will he make good decisions? We may find out Saturday. Obviously, Justin Davidson will be his number one target, but I suspect Greenup will be keying on him. A couple other Russell receivers may need to step up for the passing game to be successful. From what I've seen, they have a few capable players that could fill this role so all is not doom and gloom for the Devils. This is, of course, assuming Greenup proves they can stop the Wing-T running attack in the first place.

 

I also wouldn't discount the possibility of special teams playing a role. Lest we forget that last year's Russell-Greenup game was supposed to be a good game as well. That was before Travis Jones broke Greenup's will to win by taking a kickoff back for a TD and then returning a punt for a TD. The game was over just like that. Of course, I realize Russell doesn't have Travis Jones on the field any more and Greenup has apparently been pumping iron relentlessly since last season. So that being said, I look for this to either be a close Russell win or Greenup by a blowout. Either way, it will be a great atmosphere for an intense high school football game come Saturday night. In my opinion, the overall key to the game will be Russell getting positive momentum early on with either the first score or a Greenup miscue. If they do, that might be enough to put some doubt in the minds of the Musketeers. If Greenup gets it going early on and gains confidence, though, then I suspect Russell will face a difficult uphill climb the rest of the night.

I would like to say that I'm confident that our Devils would win, but with all due respect to East Carter, it's as if they're starting the season Saturday. Gonna have to stop the run to have a chance. Thankfully they are all healthy. I suspect a close game.

Greenup names the score in this one. GC hasn't won this game since 2000 when Coach Maynard was at the helms in Musketeer land. Victories are limited for GC in this series but they have all occurred in Lloyd. Who knows how many years before this happens again but this year, GC is way more talented.

I heard GC lost one of their O-lineman to a auto accident this weekend. He wasn't seriously injured, but bruised and sore - probably out this week. Anyone know if this is true?