Russell travels to the beautiful CAM stadium next Friday for the 5th playoff game between these 2 teams in the last 7 years. The head-to-head series is tied at 2 apiece with Belfry winning in 2004 and 2009 and Russell coming away with victories in 2005 and 2006.

 

The 2 programs have shared a great deal of success over the past decade. Since 1998 (as far back as the KHSAA website goes), Belfry has an overall record of 133-41 with 2 state championships, 1 state finals appearance, and 3 additional regional championships. In that same time frame, Russell has an overall record of 122-44 with 1 state championship, 1 state finals appearance, and 2 regional championships.

 

The 2 programs are led by 2 of the top 7 winningest high school football coaches in Kentucky football history. Belfry's Philip Haywood is 3rd on the list with an overall record of 335-118. Russell's Ivan McGlone is 7th on the list with an overall record of 296-135, which doesn't include a 28-20 record he accumulated while coaching Huntington Vinson in West Virginia early in his coaching career.

 

Both teams favor ground attacks. Both teams are used to winning. However, neither team was predicted to be a serious contender this season as rebuilding years were forecast for both. In fact, most figured this week's matchup would be Mason County against Sheldon Clark, the two number 1 seeds that Belfry and Russell defeated on the road to reach this point.

 

It should be an exciting night of football next Friday in Belfry.

I give a slight edge to Belfry in this one. This should be game for the ages 25-21.

The bracket on the KHSAA's website says that the game is at Russell. The website also says that if the seeding is the same, then the game will be hosted by the even numbered district (Belfy). Is this a typo on the KHSAA website?

Belfry by 2+ Touchdowns.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

 

I just doesn't seem like the playoffs unless Belfry and Russell meet along the way. LOL

 

These two programs know each other very well and should be well prepared for Friday night. Both teams are playing better now and have grown up a lot over the course of the season, which is what you hope to see from a young team.

 

This one should be a lot of fun.

 

First team to throw a pass is a chicken.

I've said three games in a row Russell would lose. The only one I have gotten right is the RHS vs RHS game! The two playoff games I thought Russell would lose. They played their hearts out and won! So I'm saying they will lose again. Belfry by 50!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

GOOD LUCK RUSSELL!

Russell has certainly suprised me in the first two playoff games as well. I just don't think they can beat Belfry.

The Red Devils may just prove me wrong again and I hope they do just that. :thumb:

 

Belfry 35

Russell 17

...First team to throw a pass is a chicken.

 

 

LOL.....Funny stuff there Watusi!

Russell has some of it's players back from health issues or injury. Not the same squad they had at season's end. I suspect a close game either direction. I'm hoping Watusi will by me a hotdog at the concession stand.

Russell has some of it's players back from health issues or injury. Not the same squad they had at season's end. I suspect a close game either direction. I'm hoping Watusi will by me a hotdog at the concession stand.

I can do better than that, doc. :thumb:

 

Are you going to wear your Belfry sweatshirt?

I can do better than that, doc. :thumb:

 

Are you going to wear your Belfry sweatshirt?

I may have to leave the Belfry shirt at home for this one. I may be in my camo bibs if it's as cold as I imagine it will be.

Russell having their injured players back is a big plus...Going with the Devils & the "Old Ball Coach" in a mild upset by 7.

Belfry at home will be to much for Russell. I'll take Belfry 21-13.

Should be good one.

I feel Russell has dodged 2 bullets so far but I think the magic dust is gone, just some magic corn left in the pocket. I have to give the edge to Belfry in a classic old-fashioned high school football game, unless the magic corn can make the Russell backs fly. :lol: