redevil78

I can't wait for this game! I think Russell has the edge as the Devils dispatched Greenup Co. in a workman like fashion last week. This Russell team will not be over confident, but they will have a notable swagger and for good reason. They are the defending AA State Champs. They have scrimmaged and played as a cohesive unit these last few weeks with everyone knowing and understanding their roles and positions on the team. They do have a bonafide Mr. Football candidate in Kasey Clark. And to the man, they all love to play and beat Ashland; especially at Putnam. The Tomcats stubbed their toe in their opening with a good Raceland team, but obviously regained some much needed confidence against Belfry last week. Coach Hart has figured out who should throw the ball and who should catch it. But has the Ashland O-line jelled enough to hold off a hungry and very physical Devil Defense. I don't think so. It has been stated that the Russell game really doesn't mean that much to Ashland as they consider Boyd co. their real rivalry game. Well, once again they may find a team on the other side of the ball that wants to win it more than they do. I certainly hope that is the case. The one thing we can probably all agree on is that the fan base for both teams will be out in force. This is the marquee game for this week in high school football and I wouldn't miss it for the world. Russell 28 Ashland 13

Good win for the Tomcats! Congratulations. It seems the QB dilemma has been solved with Mahan doing a good job under center and McDavid putting his talents to best use at WR. I predicted Belfry to win big over this Ashland team after watching them get manhandled the week before by Raceland. That's exactly why you suit-up and actually play the games. Next week's game at Putman should be a barnburner. My Devils were firing on all cylinders last nite in Lloyd. Again, congrats on a great, gutsy performance over an always good Belfry program.

Raceland looked to strong in last week's game: Raceland 21 Rowan 10

The Belfry brand of football will be too much for this Tomcat team: Belfry 24 Ashland 7

Russell 28 Greenup 13

Congratulations to Raceland for a great win! I know this is cliche, but I think they wanted the win more than Ashland. They were certainly more physical on both sides of the ball (other than #25 & #42; both ran very hard on every play.) Sitting on the Ashland side I could hear the Coach rip his linemen for missing blocks throughout the game. Ashland had size up front, but they seemed slow. I would normally give the losing team a parting shot about regrouping and getting back on track with the next game.... but their next game is Belfry. Ouch!!! The following week they get to host my Red Devils. Another Ouch! But what do I know, I predicted Ashland to beat Raceland.

Ashland 35 Raceland 10

Aarron Beekman and Darrell Wells; some Josh Hopper

I totally agree Devil58. I still believe that the Boyd Co. loss was a "wake-up and smell the coffee" event last season. I was just noting that this team seems to have the horses to run the table for the regular season. We could, however, come out flat on any given Friday nite and get beat.

I think Red Devil fans have to feel good about what they saw last nite on the field. I too was concerned about the size of the Cabell-Midland team. But we owned the line of scrimmage all nite. There were alot of substitutions and tinkering going on for Russell. I don't want to jinx the team, but this could be the year that we go undefeated for the regular season. Ashland will probably be our "gut check" game with the edge for emotion and home field advantage to the Tomcats. Can't wait for the 25th and the Musketeers!!!

:thumb:

Who is Josh??? What # is he?

:thumb:

I was trying to be kind.

I wouldn't put them in the "homer" category. They're just not very good at broadcasting HS football.

I really don't feel comfortable commenting on that at this time.... Just Kidding GrayBeard! The secondary is solid. Horn had great speed last year, but I don't think we give up that edge this year. Receivers will pay a painful price when they venture into the Devil secondary. Jacob Sizemore is a headhunter. Kasey has great range and ability, Marcus Frazier can cover as well. I thought the scrimmage overall was typical. There were some good plays, but they had the two teams balanced quite well so there weren't any breakout performances imo.

I think we scrimmage Spring Valley on Saturday and Cabell-Midland on Tues., both are WV teams.

I'm hearing that the Musketeers are not as bad as last year and that they will be able to compete. They don't have a lot of kids on the team, the the ones they have want to be there. Look for that soph class to make big contributions throughout the season. I plan to check them out the first week against E Carter.

Greenup County has a lot of big kids/good athletes; just no interest in playing for the football team. Last year, a group of "old schoolers" tried to help with the program, but it didin't seem to translate to success on Friday nights. I think the soph class for this year is the future. These underclassmen are sure to get their chances to play significant minutes, but they may not be ready to compete for wins. This program is probably another year away from getting back on track. I wish them the best, but it will be ugly when they meet the Devils.

Let the festivities begin! The Devils will have to actually suit-up and play all four quarters of each and every district game. (It's really not our fault that other teams in the district have not been competitive over the years. Every district has its dominant teams year in and year out.) That being said, we do get a measure of our strengths and weaknesses in the three non-district tune-ups with Greenup, Ashland and Boyd Co. True to form, however, Ivan will surely use these matches to further shape and tinker with the formidible offense known as the wing-T. And like last year, we could come out and play flat and lose one or more of these games. (Reference last year's manhandling by Boyd Co.) But also, just like last year, I see the Devils running the table through the district and firing on all 11 pistons come playoff time. Kasey Clark will be a man among boys until we see Belfry. He'll get as much yardage and points as Ivan will allow. For the Devil fans, I predict this to be yet another enjoyble football season home and away. And knowing how much fun the trip to the Pizza Box was last year, I can't wait to paint up the vehicle and hit the road again this December. :devil:

Ouch! I know that seemed like it was a football score, but it was actually basketball.

I'm really looking forward to the start of the season. The first few games may not find the team firing on all cyclinders, but as the season progresses Ivan should have them tuned up and ready for a deep run in the playoffs. Go Devils!!!

Jeepman, That being said, do you think these Devils want a piece of Boyd County?

I guess I was referring more to the non-district part of the schedule. The local teams have to be sick of hearing about the rings, etc. I know I would be. I think these teams will have a little extra incentive to try and knock the Devils off. However, there could be a reverse revenge factor when Russell suits up for the BC Lions this year. They whipped out butts good last year.

I think it will be interesting to see how this team responds to playing each game as the defending AA champs. They may start with a swagger, but they have to remember that they will get everyone's "A" game. Ivan and staff will do what's necessary to keep the mental aspect in the right place. I look for the team to meet the challenge. Should make for a bunch of entertaining Friday nights.