Looking at the 2-deep chart in Saturday's Independent, Russell looks to reload again next season... :flame:

 

 

I would say that Russell has a good shot at repeating Belfry's great accomplishment of back to back titles. I for one, would love to see it. :thumb: :thumb:

I would say that Russell has a good shot at repeating Belfry's great accomplishment of back to back titles. I for one, would love to see it. :thumb: :thumb:

 

 

I look for the East to be loaded again in 2006! I think Belfry will have something to say about Russell going again, but I do think Russell will be the team to beat! They are the best now and you know how that goes! To be the best you have to beat the best!

I was very happy for Russell and Coach McGlone Saturday. My crew was cheering for the Red Devils and even though we were a couple of old Belfry boys, when you are refering to the teams as "we" and "they", you know you have a stake in it. And when "we" won the game, it felt good. :thumb:

 

It was great to see a well executed game plan play out the way it is supposed to. Russell ran it and ran it some more, they played keep away from OC and then got the two turnovers, which were enough. It had to be frustrating for OC to have to play that much defense and you know they were anxious to get their hands on the ball a lot more than they did.

 

I know it isn't a popular style of play, but I will always love to watch a running team when they are clicking. It really just boils down to assignments and execution, like any other offense, but without as many risks. And it is a thing of beauty, especially if you are familiar with it and can follow some of the little things that make it work.

 

The last three AA titles have been won with a grand total of 16 passing yards on 2 completions if my memory is correct. Belfry had 0 and 5 in their two titles and Russell had 11. Something about that makes me smile.

 

On a side note, somebody needs to nominate the Russell water boy for an award. That guy was working hard and was a crowd favorite by games end. He even got some much deserved jumbo-tron time. :ylsuper:

 

Congrats again to all the players, coaches and great fans of the Red Devils. Hope to meet you again in November for the right to return to the pizza box.

To the players, coaches and fans of Russell...congrats on representing our district with pride and class...oh yeah, and bringing home the state championship. Our players were in your corner saturday and were pleased with the great game. Kasey Clark had a tremendous year and without him, it would have definitely been a different Russell. He may not be the best running back, but he has such a natural instinct, it's as if he sees the holes before they open up...his will and strength also got some much needed first downs in the championship game...Great Job Russell...truly an example of a great HS program!

Congrats to Russell. Sure would have liked to have seen Newport in this game and bringing home the hardware but it wasnt that way. Well at least we were knocked out by the AA State Champs in OT by 1 pt.

No one can say that Newport was not a contender. You guys are tough.

Congrats to Russell. Sure would have liked to have seen Newport in this game and bringing home the hardware but it wasnt that way. Well at least we were knocked out by the AA State Champs in OT by 1 pt.

 

We know the feeling all too well here at Russell...see the 2002 semifinal game against Breathitt County to see what I mean...

From a Western Ky standpoint, I'm disappointed that Owens Catholic didn't make a better showing...They are better than what they played...I still believe Ft Campbell was the best team in the west in 2a and there style of offense is very similar to Russells and there defense was more physical, as well...I think it would have made for a very fun game to watch...But, hey, I'm taking nothing away from OC. They did what it took to beat FtC and thats all that matters. Just think it would have been a great game to see...

No one can say that Newport was not a contender. You guys are tough.

Agreed! :thumb: it was one heckuva season and ended the way we didnt want it to. But its over now and at least we can say Region 3 was the toughest in AA!

Congrats to Russell!!!!!

..

 

I agree....FC would have matched up better with Russell IMO, and walked all over them with their running game. Its all about matchups.

I agree....FC would have matched up better with Russell IMO, and walked all over them with their running game. Its all about matchups.

 

I'll agree with the matchup part - several of us said the same thing on Saturday evening.

 

As for the "walked all over them" statement, I'll just leave that nugget for others to address...

 

Frances

I agree....FC would have matched up better with Russell IMO, and walked all over them with their running game. Its all about matchups.

 

In that case, we appreciate you beating the best team in the west & making it so easy for us to win the title!! :thumb:

Obviously, Fort Campbell was out of shape, and the platoon system so loudly touted by Aces03 last week was the determining factor in that game ...

 

Frances

Thankfully we play the championship in December, in 30 degree temps with tons of 2-3 minute media timeouts...I never saw the so called fatigue that Russell was supposed to succumb to...In fact, they looked a bit fresher than the guys from OCath...IMO