Ashland 61 Russell 7 - final

 

Running clock most of the second half, with JV players.

Ashland stats when the varsity went out:

 

263 yards rushing

203 yards passing

Hunter went 11-14-0 passing

 

Ashland scored all 8 times they got the ball - including the JV/Freshmen at the end of the game. Ashland attempted to kick the extra point twice, only making the second one.

 

Ashland has not beat Russell this bad since the 1940's according to the radio crew.

This may be the year that Ashland gets back over the Johnson Central hump.

Took this shot of a young Russell fan who woke up to see the halftime score.

I can't post what I am really thinking because I realize these are just high school kids who are surely trying to do their best. What I will say, though, is it is truly amazing how this series was consistently competitive just 3 years ago. Now it's not. Rather, it's quickly turned into an embarassment. Talk about two programs headed in vastly different directions. This was the worst loss Russell has suffered since at least before 1998 (the KHSAA site doesn't go back before then). It may be the worst loss of the Ivan McGlone era. What a shame.

 

Ashland did not bring out the JV for the entire 2nd half. In fact, the starting offense played the 1st series of the 2nd half with what was already a 40 point lead. They also inexplicably went for 2 on the final TD of the game??? I'm not sure what exactly they were trying to prove there. Whatever the case, though, I realize it's Russell's responsibility to stop them and they didn't do it.

 

Ashland is good. They'll have some tough games against Ironton and Johnson Central, but I think they have a real shot to go undefeated until they meet Highlands. I'd be surprised if any of the other Northern Kentucky teams beat them like Dixie Heights did last year. On the other hand, Russell needs considerable improvement.

RP, I'll say it. Had someone who was texting me during the game and asked me if they quit. I replied that they had to start to have quit. I don't care to vent a little. Personally as a fan, I get tired of watching kids yuk it up on the sideline during a game that they are being raped and pillaged. I get tired of seeing kids yank their helmets off at midfield so everyone in the stands can gawk at them (perhaps I'm overreacting about that one, didn't play the game that way, and would have had our rearends ripped had we done that). No heart, plain and simple. But all will mend next week, they'll wax Boyd and they'll all be tickled.

 

I will say one thing, I would like to commend Paul Spradlin. Can't say much positive about the outcome, the effort, etc. but Mr. Spradlin played full speed like always. He's a joy to watch.

 

As for Ashland, what can you say? They totally dominated the game, they mashed Russell in every facet. Congrats to the Cats and good luck across the river next week!

Has Jivin' Ivan run his course or is it just a down year?

I think Ivan McGlone will be at Russell for as long as he wants to coach.

 

On another note, I think Time Warner cable might need to discontinue coverage of this game. Now Russell fans have to suffer through watching this over and over on channel 24 for the next year. :-)

Congrats to Ashland...I am very glad they are not in our District til next year!

Two teams going in different directions! What is going on in Russell?

RP, I'll say it. Had someone who was texting me during the game and asked me if they quit. I replied that they had to start to have quit. I don't care to vent a little. Personally as a fan, I get tired of watching kids yuk it up on the sideline during a game that they are being raped and pillaged. I get tired of seeing kids yank their helmets off at midfield so everyone in the stands can gawk at them (perhaps I'm overreacting about that one, didn't play the game that way, and would have had our rearends ripped had we done that). No heart, plain and simple. But all will mend next week, they'll wax Boyd and they'll all be tickled.

 

I will say one thing, I would like to commend Paul Spradlin. Can't say much positive about the outcome, the effort, etc. but Mr. Spradlin played full speed like always. He's a joy to watch.

 

As for Ashland, what can you say? They totally dominated the game, they mashed Russell in every facet. Congrats to the Cats and good luck across the river next week!

 

Thanks for saying it. There are a few who showed good effort in the game. There are fewer who have showed good effort year round in preparing for the season. Ashland is faster and stronger across the board. Did they just happen to luck into having a bunch of good athletes or do they work harder than the Russell players in the offseason? Perhaps a little of both? I hope Russell isn't getting satisfied with losing to Ashland in every sport year after year.

... Running clock most of the second half, with JV players.

 

Ashland did not bring out the JV for the entire 2nd half. In fact, the starting offense played the 1st series of the 2nd half with what was already a 40 point lead. ...

 

Ashland's first series of the second half took 2:40. The score started the running clock and Coach Hart substituted every starter at that point. This was early in the 3rd quarter and most of the half is accurate.

 

I should probably have let this pass, but accurate reporting is something I take seriously.

... Ashland is faster and stronger across the board. Did they just happen to luck into having a bunch of good athletes or do they work harder than the Russell players in the offseason? Perhaps a little of both? ...

 

Ryan, I feel your frustration. Just a few years ago Ashland fans were asking the same kinds of questions. I think hard work is vital. An average player can make himself competent through hard work. However, there has to be some God-given talent to make great players. As they say, you can't teach speed. It seems to me that talent levels come in waves. You have good coaches and there will be better days ahead.

Ashland keeps on rolling. This looks to be a special season for the Tomcats.

 

I agree with Graybeard, McGlone and Co haven't suddenly forgotten how to coach.

 

One thing I hate to read about is Red Devil players quitting when they are down a couple of scores. I witnessed that at Belfry a couple of years ago in the playoffs. That was one characteristic you didn't expect from Russell, yet it was obvious in that game at CAM and sounds like it is happening again. Hope they can get that fixed, whether it is contempt or apathy or whatever, because that type of thing can be a team killer.

Game Stats from the Independent (Russell/Ashland)

 

First Downs 8, 22

Rushes/yards 32-119, 34-318

Passes 3-5-1, 11-14-0

Passing yards 22, 202

Fulmbles-lost 4-0, 3-0

Punts-avg 2-34.0, 0-0

Penalties 1-15, 7-60

Return yards 0, 10