[EkyLb]

I completely agree with your assessment. It is whether or not Russell can pass effectively enough to get first downs against the better teams that determines whether or not they will win or lose. For the most part, their running game, defense, and special teams are generally solid enough, but the better teams can shut down their running game to some extent. As you said, the lack of an effective passing game against Mason County will probably mean a close game. However, the lack of an effective passing game against Belfry this year will equal a loss.

Russell's run can be shut down, but when that happens the other team usually totally commits to the run, look at the difference between the 2 times we played EC, the first time they were completely committed to stopping Russell's run, most of the time, their safety, was only 5-6yds deep, and Mitchell had a stellar game. Last Friday they backed off some, and Russell ran all over them, Russell has gotten much better since then, and healed up also. I'm just worried that in most games this yr, Russell has only thrown 4-6 times, so there's not very many reps in live action, full pads, full speed, people trying to hit you and swat the ball, no amount of practice can make up for that kind of experience, receiving or passing.