[16thregioner]

After seeing Russell in the Boyd 7-on-7, I think this will be a really decent Russell team. Patrick is the best receiver in the area. They can just throw it up and he will go get it. Their line looks strong as well. I expect their running game of Oborne and Richardson-Crews to be their foundation. Combine that with the best defensive coaching in the area and I think the Devils will be very competitive.

That being said, their schedule doesn't do them any favors. Boone County returns all their main players and visits week 1 looking to avenge last season's loss to Russell. Raceland returns their entire team with additions. Russell visits the new Ram turf in week 2 as the Rams will be looking to avenge their bad loss to Russell last year. Wheelersburg comes to Russell for week 3. Enough said. Russell visits Montgomery in week 5, another team who returns everyone and will be looking to avenge last season's loss. Dunbar visits in week 6. Russell goes to West Carter in week 10.

The lightest part of the schedule is the district games, of which East Carter and Ashland will still not be gimmes. Even though this Russell team isn't a bad team, they could end up 5-5. Depth will be an issue as the season rolls on with lots of players having to play both ways. We will see how they do with the wear and tear of the tough schedule.