[nekysportsfan]

Ashland should win this game, but it will be closer than most expect. I don't look for Russell to come out and roll over to the Tomcats. Injuries hurt Ashland in this one as their top wide receiver, top defensive lineman, and top defensive end are all out. Two other players are playing with their hands wrapped up in a cast. From what I hear, Ashland should be just hoping those guys can make it back for the Johnson Central game at the end of the season.

If Russell can contain Pittman and Ratliff running the ball, then this could be a ballgame. The Devils would have beaten Ironton last week had it not been for a bad snap for a safety, a punt block for a TD, a fumble on a big drive late in the game, a missed FG late in the game, and the defense giving up a 70-yard TD run. They managed to make just enough bad plays to lose it while playing pretty good the rest of the game. Russell needs to play power football as it has been established that Ashland can be ran over up front. I think Russell can make it interesting.