[FBALL]

It was pretty good hard hitting game. Mason County executed and came out on top. Congratulations to the Royals. Two pretty good teams in this game.

Biggest play of the night IMO was the TD at the end of the first half for Mason County. On 4th and 9 the reciever fell backwards into the endzone and the ball went through the Russell defenders hand and landed right in his gut. It was that kind of night and Mason did a good job of controlling the second half.

Russell was killed also by special teams play. This may have been the deciding factor between to very even teams. Mason had two huge kickoff returns in the first half. The first was called back on a holding penalty. Mason County went three and out on that series. The second was returned to about the Russell twenty yard line and set up Mason County's first score following a Russell scoring drive.

Not having Bailey tonight I thought was a big key. He is a big part of the offense, defense and a good punter. His absence I think put Russell in some tough spots.

On a positive note I thought the Russell defense really looked better tonight. They gave up some big plays that should have been stopped but I liked the effort.

Finally the Russell passing game has to get better. You can't hold onto the ball that long. Throw the ball or take off.

Mason County is a good team. I can see how they played with Boone County and Campbell County.

Russell still seems to be a team struggling to find its rythem. I know people have been calling for it but I think they tried passing too much tonight and it hurt them. 1st and 10 at the Mason 25. Take a sack. Get a penalty punt on 4th and 33 and have it blocked. Give the ball to Mason County at the Russell 48 after a good drive got them down the field in the first place.