[FBALL]

I think you're right. Not trying to be the master of the obvious, but it's going to be important for Russell to find a way to score.

Last year, it seemed as if Ashland had numerous defenders on the ball carrier as soon as he got the ball. I would imagine the same speed that Ashland brought last year is still there and probably even better.

Do you think it will help that we got experience of being swarmed on almost every play last week against Ironton? Maybe we'll know what not to do now! :biggrin: In all seriousness, though, I would imagine we'll see the old familiar plays. It will just be up to the players to execute them to perfection.

What makes you think this year's defense is going to slow down Ashland? Don't get me wrong. I really hope they do, but last year Ashland ran for 321 yards against us, scored 36 points, and that was with them fumbling the ball 6 times and turning it over 3.

I hope Russell is ready to give a maximum effort all game long on both sides of the ball Friday. It will be needed.

First off I think Russells defense is better this year than it was last year. I know that sounds strange after giving up 45 points.

Ashland did have 321 yards against Russell last year. Carter had the majority of them and Demartino Racked up the last 80 or so with a minute left in the game on that last TD run when the entire defense just quit and let him go. I take that back 9 out of the 11 on the field quit and let him go. It was a simple run out the clock play and the defense just stopped. I don't think this team has near the attitude problem as last year. So if the if they tackle DeMartino on that one play they score 29 points, some of which were scored by special teams and gain only 240 yards. Those aren't bad numbers.

Again I liked the way the defense hit against Ironton. They took some chances on blitzes and it burned them some but they had to try to force something with the defense because the offense wasn't going to move the ball with any consistancy.

For Russell to win they will have to play better on offense. At least sustain some drives and get the defense off of the field. You can't go 3 and out every time and expect to win. They also can't let Ashlands defense and special teams have the big plays. I wouldn't mind seeing a couple of different formations and I know of a few plays that Russell has run in the past that would slow Ashland's defense down some.

I think this is going to be a low scoring game. A hard hitting game. The winner doesn't break 20.