[jgrubby]

Defense wasn't bad against Ashland, there was just no need for 4 DB's in the game and Ashland was just pulling backside G and T and overloading one side.
Not to mention it was criminal the amount of holding Ashland blatantly got away with. No excuses though, Ashland won.


I just don't know why it seems so hard for these guys to just make a solid tackle with proper technique and wrap up. Simpson will laugh at their arm tackles and make them look like fools if they go for big hits all night. he is for real and the best back we will play all year, maybe twice as good as Zac Wilson. Offense needs to pick it up too, way too many missed blocks coming from the left side of the line, and the guards need to get out there and turn the corner.

They all want that devastating hit that everyone remembers!! You are correct they forget the fundementals of a good squared up hit.

[Beetle01]

They all want that devastating hit that everyone remembers!! You are correct they forget the fundementals of a good squared up hit.

Well noone on this team really has devastating hitting capabilities, what is more impressive would be holding a back like Simpson to under 100 yds, not trying to knock the crap out of him so he has to sit out a few plays.

Dline absoloutely has to get off their blocks this game. LB's gotta go wherever Simpson goes, and get there fast, if he gets open running lanes it will be TD after TD, they gotta fill those holes.

[Beetle01]

I heard the Storm kid got his eligibility and will be playing Friday.
He should be a nice addition to the Dline, and hopefully the coaches do the right thing and fill in the left tackle spot. That would really sure up our offensive line.

SK is going to load the box like crazy, so we are going to need a solid performance from Aj and need some pass blocking, which SK will exploit that left side and make passing a disaster for us just like in the Ashland game.

[ryanparker]

Could you give us any info on the Storm kid? I haven't heard of him. Is he going to help the line play? Is it just one side of the line that is weaker this year than last?

[Beetle01]

Could you give us any info on the Storm kid? I haven't heard of him. Is he going to help the line play? Is it just one side of the line that is weaker this year than last?

He's a good sized kid form Texas, seems to have quite a bit of athleticism. His strength is probably on the defensive side of the ball and getting penetration into the backfield.

Yes the left side of our line is substantially weaker than the right. guards excluded because in the Wing T they block for both sides
On the right you have Miller and Dillon 2 very good blockers with quick feet and great size. On the left you have Smith and Mitchell. Smith has some potential but I don't think this is his year, he should get some time but I think Storm should get his shot there, true he hasn't been here, but it is not fault his family had to move here and he is a Senior with good ability. Mitchell is just undersized but does a good job eventhough he is at times going against guys twice his weight. you gotta keep Mitchell in to somewhat try and keep the D honest to the pass, although you will see noone for SK deeper than 5 yds off the ball, with the corners stacked overtop the ends gonna see 10 in the box sometimes 11. Left tackle is where Ashland decimated us from. They came right through there on every single pass play. Dillon has been moving back and forth to try and improve the blocking for that side some. If we don't sure up that LT spot, we won't be able to do much passing to burn teams like SK who load the box.

[ryanparker]

If I'm not mistaken, Smith (the current LT) is a junior, right? If the new guy can come in and help out, then I say let him play! Has he been practicing with the team? Where do you see him fitting in on the D-Line? Will he give Dillon and Miller a break or will he play NG? Also, aren't the guards a little weaker this year as well? I know Foster was a pretty strong blocker last year.

[Beetle01]

If I'm not mistaken, Smith (the current LT) is a junior, right? If the new guy can come in and help out, then I say let him play! Has he been practicing with the team? Where do you see him fitting in on the D-Line? Will he give Dillon and Miller a break or will he play NG? Also, aren't the guards a little weaker this year as well? I know Foster was a pretty strong blocker last year.

I'd say he will fill in at all spots, but mostly Ng since we have been giving up alot in the middle this year. The guards may be a little weaker than last year but I don't see much of a difference, Foster was good but he was no world beater. In the wing T if your not running alot of sweep and toss plays, which we are not, the G just basically has to get inbetween the kickout guy and the ball carrier.

wing T is very simple and why it shouldn't be a big deal for Storm to come in and play right off. I mean its block down and kick out. Very simple. There are some trickier plays to it, but we aren't running those so it shouldn't matter.

[highschoolfootballfan]

Could you give us any info on the Storm kid? I haven't heard of him. Is he going to help the line play? Is it just one side of the line that is weaker this year than last?

Storm is going to be a big addition! Yesterday they had him going into the backfield as a blocking back, just like Bender from last year. Same number and everything.

[Beetle01]

Storm is going to be a big addition! Yesterday they had him going into the backfield as a blocking back, just like Bender from last year. Same number and everything.

That would be a huge mistske imo. As it was last year.

[ryanparker]

Thanks for the good info! So what do you think the chances are that we see some imaginitive stuff on offense the rest of the year? And do you think Russell can win these last few games and be competitive in the playoffs if we stick to the usual plays?

[Beetle01]

Thanks for the good info! So what do you think the chances are that we see some imaginitive stuff on offense the rest of the year? And do you think Russell can win these last few games and be competitive in the playoffs if we stick to the usual plays?

This season can go 2 ways. The first and most likely way is that they put Storm at WB for blocking, thus eliminating any threat of the pass game and leaving the left side of the oline a big ??. Teams will load the box and the run will go nowhere, SK still has a pretty ineffective D so we may still be able to move the ball, but eventually they will stop it. It will be completely obvious when Bailey comes in what is going to happen, either a reverse or a pass. Thus doing away with keeping the defense honest. We will lose to SK and Raceland. We will beat Mason, win the first rd playoff and lose to either SC or Belfry @ home in the second round, depending on who wins their regular season district matchup.

Or they can give Storm a shot @ LT, my prediction is he will be a great improvement and give us depth, allowing Smith to come in and give breaks and gain more experience for next year. Gives us better pass protection and teams that load the box and 100% focus on Drew will get a heavy dose of Bailey and Mitchell in the air game, once they move back to an honest D you use Drew to finish them off. Kinda like a 1 - 2 punch. If we can force teams to play us straight up, I have 100% confidence in this team to beat anyone they face for the rest of the season and in the playoffs. That left side is Aj's backside and we need someone there that gives him confidence he's not going to get his head ripped off everytime he drops back to pass. I think this will be the emotional and confidence shot in the arm this team needs.

[ryanparker]

I agree that Russell needs an effective passing game to win this year. Actually, they have always needed an effective passing game to go really far into the playoffs...but there have been some years where Russell had the type of line and backs to still consistently gain good yardage on the basic running plays even when the other team loaded the box. This team doesn't look like they can do that, though. It would be asking for a superhuman effort on the part of Abrams, Bailey, and Cordle to get that done.

It looks like Russell has the tools to have a decent passing game. Bailey and Mitchell appear to be pretty good receivers and Cordle looks to be a decent passer. I always thought Dillon could be used as a weapon over the middle, but I have come to the point where I don't expect that to happen now. And why not a screen pass to Bailey or Abrams? These guys seem like they would be terrific in open space.

Given your excellent description of the situation, Beetle, I certainly hope the new guy is given a fair shot at the left tackle position. The benefit of leaving Bailey and Mitchell in all the time is obvious with the receiving threat they pose. We will see what happens.

[ryanparker]

One more question...how come the defense doesn't look to be as strong this year? Over the past few years, many people were claiming Garry Morris was one of the best defensive coordinators in the state. This year, I just mostly read complaints about poor tackling and sitting back in zone coverage. What has happened?

[Beetle01]

One more question...how come the defense doesn't look to be as strong this year? Over the past few years, many people were claiming Garry Morris was one of the best defensive coordinators in the state. This year, I just mostly read complaints about poor tackling and sitting back in zone coverage. What has happened?

Well the zone works fine if your getting pressure on the QB. However, we are not getting pressure. Also it seems at times the LB's are not filling the holes like they should be. Having some trouble fighting through the "crowd". Also no defensive line penetration and you add that with missed arm tackles or people going for "big" hits and you get what we have seen this year.

That being said I think they have done better than most are giving them credit for. We have held on many 4th and shorts. So we will just have to wait and see. For this team its about motivation on the defensive side. I'm sure they have all been looking forward to these last 3 games. To be honest with the exception of Ashland those other games were barely more than scrimmages, and even the Ashland game seemed to have a scrimmage attitude about it. I hope to see vast improvement Friday night. Simpson is awesome, he may very well be the best RB in Kentucky, especially with the weak oline he has. He has more yards than Rashard Carter on nearly 50 less carries and a much much weaker oline. So this team better be ready, or they will see Simpson touch the ednzone 6 or 7 times Friday.

[charliez]

Russell will be facing a team which lost last week's game with Boone co. 42-7 . Miles Simpson was held to just 24yards, in 10 carries his lowest of the season . Russell will have to stop Simpson sounds like they relay very much on him. Russell needs to capitalize on any early mistakes SK may have. Have to take advantage of every opportunity , get them down & don't let um up.

[Jeepman]

Well the zone works fine if your getting pressure on the QB. However, we are not getting pressure. Also it seems at times the LB's are not filling the holes like they should be. Having some trouble fighting through the "crowd". Also no defensive line penetration and you add that with missed arm tackles or people going for "big" hits and you get what we have seen this year.

That being said I think they have done better than most are giving them credit for. We have held on many 4th and shorts. So we will just have to wait and see. For this team its about motivation on the defensive side. I'm sure they have all been looking forward to these last 3 games. To be honest with the exception of Ashland those other games were barely more than scrimmages, and even the Ashland game seemed to have a scrimmage attitude about it. I hope to see vast improvement Friday night. Simpson is awesome, he may very well be the best RB in Kentucky, especially with the weak oline he has. He has more yards than Rashard Carter on nearly 50 less carries and a much much weaker oline. So this team better be ready, or they will see Simpson touch the ednzone 6 or 7 times Friday.

Keep in mind that even with all the negative stuff going around about Russell's inability to wrap up and tackle correctly they are still a very good football team. I would say that 95% of the Coach's, fans, and Administration in Kentucky would love to have the problems that Russell has. The good things that Russell does greatly outweigh the things the are doing poorly.

I have a gut feeling that Russell is going to put it all together this week and come home with a win. Even if they loose they are still a good football team.

[ryanparker]

You are right. We all should still remember that Russell is pretty good. That is a fact that a few local teams could find out in the coming weeks. It seems as if Russell has been left for dead by many after the embarassment at Ashland. Here are some stats I posted on another site in response to someone questioning Coach McGlone's abilities:

Here's a summary of Russell's results over the last 11 years (I counted this year as well) with an emphasis on how we compare to our area teams (and by that I mean 16th region schools):

* Russell's overall record in the last 11 years: 108-30
* Russell's overall record vs Ashland in the last 11 years: 6-5
* Russell's overall record vs Boyd in the last 11 years: 8-3
* Russell's overall record vs Greenup in the last 11 years: 9-2
* Playoff record - Russell has played as long or longer into November/December than any other team in our area for the past 11 years in a row. In fact, every other team from our area has usually been destroyed when they get far enough in the playoffs to be playing good competition:

2007 - lost to Breathitt by 3 in state quarterfinals,
2006 - beat Corbin by 8, shut out Belfry 19-0 at Belfry, lost state championship game by 3 to Mercer
2005 - won at Newport by 1, beat Belfry by 6, won state championship over Owensboro Catholic by 13
2004 - lost to eventual state champ Belfry in state semifinals
2003 - lost to Lloyd Memorial in state quarterfinals
2002 - lost at eventual state champ Breathitt by 1 in state semifinals
2001 - lost to Fleming in 2nd round
2000 - lost to Lexington Cathoic by 1 in 2nd round
1999 - lost to Boyle in 2nd round
1998 - lost to Prestonsburg by 6 in 1st round

Russell and Ashland are very similar in talent year in and year out. Other than that, no other school in the area compares. Ashland is a larger school and thus has to play better competition. Therefore, they don't traditionally make it as far in the state playoffs. I think Russell has established themselves as a "powerhouse" in our area. Are they a statewide powerhouse? No. But I think they have done enough to at least be respected statewide. These are pretty good results that Coach McGlone has had...not mentioning the fact that he won the state in 1978 as well with an entirely different generation of Russell players.

[Russelldad]

[quote=Beetle01] The guards may be a little weaker than last year but I don't see much of a difference, Foster was good but he was no world beater. In the wing T if your not running alot of sweep and toss plays, which we are not, the G just basically has to get inbetween the kickout guy and the ball carrier.QUOTE]

I don't know that I would totally agree with that statement. If you look at the rushing stats for the two years he started at guard (He didn't even play guard until the summer of his junior year) the numbers aren't too bad
(These stats are courtesy of the Russell High Football Site)

2006

Beekman = 520
Wells - 375
Lewis = 242
Total = 1137 (This excludes Casey's 1610 yards which were mostly ran behind another pretty decent guard in Mr. Wills)

2007

Abrams = 1273
Bates = 674
Rice = 83
Total = 2030 (This excludes Tylers and Baileys yards which were mostly ran behind E. Boyd)

Plus that out of 106 passing attempts Tyler was only sacked 6 times during the year.

So your right, he may not have been a "World Beater"(not many of those to be found) but he did a pretty good job of "Guarding" the tradition of the Wing-T.

On a side note, I think given time, that K. Smith will do pretty well there too.

On another side note, I think that with the right attitude on Friday night, that RHS can take care of SK and get the revenge for them ending the winning streak on our turf.

[Beetle01]

[quote=Beetle01] The guards may be a little weaker than last year but I don't see much of a difference, Foster was good but he was no world beater. In the wing T if your not running alot of sweep and toss plays, which we are not, the G just basically has to get inbetween the kickout guy and the ball carrier.QUOTE]

I don't know that I would totally agree with that statement. If you look at the rushing stats for the two years he started at guard (He didn't even play guard until the summer of his junior year) the numbers aren't too bad
(These stats are courtesy of the Russell High Football Site)

2006

Beekman = 520
Wells - 375
Lewis = 242
Total = 1137 (This excludes Casey's 1610 yards which were mostly ran behind another pretty decent guard in Mr. Wills)

2007

Abrams = 1273
Bates = 674
Rice = 83
Total = 2030 (This excludes Tylers and Baileys yards which were mostly ran behind E. Boyd)

Plus that out of 106 passing attempts Tyler was only sacked 6 times during the year.

So your right, he may not have been a "World Beater"(not many of those to be found) but he did a pretty good job of "Guarding" the tradition of the Wing-T.

On a side note, I think given time, that K. Smith will do pretty well there too.

On another side note, I think that with the right attitude on Friday night, that RHS can take care of SK and get the revenge for them ending the winning streak on our turf.

don't think I was saying Foster wasn't a great player. I was just answering to the fact that Ryan asked if I thought there was a big dropoff at the G position, in which I don't think its that big of a dropoff from last year.

[Beetle01]

You are right. We all should still remember that Russell is pretty good. That is a fact that a few local teams could find out in the coming weeks. It seems as if Russell has been left for dead by many after the embarassment at Ashland. Here are some stats I posted on another site in response to someone questioning Coach McGlone's abilities:

Here's a summary of Russell's results over the last 11 years (I counted this year as well) with an emphasis on how we compare to our area teams (and by that I mean 16th region schools):

* Russell's overall record in the last 11 years: 108-30
* Russell's overall record vs Ashland in the last 11 years: 6-5
* Russell's overall record vs Boyd in the last 11 years: 8-3
* Russell's overall record vs Greenup in the last 11 years: 9-2
* Playoff record - Russell has played as long or longer into November/December than any other team in our area for the past 11 years in a row. In fact, every other team from our area has usually been destroyed when they get far enough in the playoffs to be playing good competition:

2007 - lost to Breathitt by 3 in state quarterfinals,
2006 - beat Corbin by 8, shut out Belfry 19-0 at Belfry, lost state championship game by 3 to Mercer
2005 - won at Newport by 1, beat Belfry by 6, won state championship over Owensboro Catholic by 13
2004 - lost to eventual state champ Belfry in state semifinals
2003 - lost to Lloyd Memorial in state quarterfinals
2002 - lost at eventual state champ Breathitt by 1 in state semifinals
2001 - lost to Fleming in 2nd round
2000 - lost to Lexington Cathoic by 1 in 2nd round
1999 - lost to Boyle in 2nd round
1998 - lost to Prestonsburg by 6 in 1st round

Russell and Ashland are very similar in talent year in and year out. Other than that, no other school in the area compares. Ashland is a larger school and thus has to play better competition. Therefore, they don't traditionally make it as far in the state playoffs. I think Russell has established themselves as a "powerhouse" in our area. Are they a statewide powerhouse? No. But I think they have done enough to at least be respected statewide. These are pretty good results that Coach McGlone has had...not mentioning the fact that he won the state in 1978 as well with an entirely different generation of Russell players.

Russell has done well, and the fact that they have produced as many if not more talented players as Ashland, a school with twice the population, speaks well for our JFL program. Most of those teams were very very talented. Some weren't as much 98, 01, 03 stick out. 99 and 02 were very big squads with talent, and 04-now have been very talented, just not as much size as I wish they would have had, and I think we could have three-peat.

[Russelldad]

[quote=Russelldad]

don't think I was saying Foster wasn't a great player. I was just answering to the fact that Ryan asked if I thought there was a big dropoff at the G position, in which I don't think its that big of a dropoff from last year.

No offense taken. But imo after watching this years O and D Lines compared to the 2006 and 2007 teams, and the overall yards gained and yards allowed by the lines, the overall line play (On both sides of the ball) have dropped off more than a little this year.

But I believe the biggest difference beside the lines that I have seen this year over the past 3 years is that this years team doesn't seem to have any "leave it all on the field" leaders this year. As far back as I can remember we have always had at least 1 or more every year, that you could count on to ignite the team with their "leave it all on the field" play. Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't see it this year.

[ryanparker]

I agree with you. I questioned before the season if Russell had any players that would be able to step into the roles that Adam Foster and/or Josh Wills had played so well the past few seasons...players who look like winning meant a lot to them out on the field and players whose teammates would be willing to follow their lead. It is certainly not obvious if Russell has anyone like that this year. It was obvious before.

To be honest, it really appears that whole personality of the sidelines is different this year...right on down to the equipment manager who used to run around urging on the crowd. It just doesn't seem like there are as many people as "into it" as there have been in year's past.

[FBALL]

Russell football is starting to remind me of Mark Twain. I think the report of the Red Devil's demise has been a bit premature.

While the loss to Ashland hurt, that was a game that should have taught them alot. It was a close ballgame that snowballed under an avalanch of mistakes. It was much more of a mental beating than a physical one. Every other game as Beetle said was pretty much a given and the players knew it. They also played like it.

This years team has plenty enough talent to keep a wonderful run going. To do that though they are really going to have to pick up the intensity and sustain it. Right now Raceland's players and fans think they are going to blow Russell out. Many of them have told me how bad its going to be. Personally I'm getting sick of it. Mason County is thinking the same thing. Simon Kenton I'm sure is thinking this is going to be a rebound from their performance last week.

Well its time to shut everyone up. To the players, people are doubting you. Many think you are not up to par with many of the recent Russell teams. Even some of your own fans are doubting you. Now is the time. Maximum effort every play. Show them all that you are better than what they are giving you credit for. The talent is there without a doubt. Just make the most of it.

[Devil09]

[quote=Beetle01]

No offense taken. But imo after watching this years O and D Lines compared to the 2006 and 2007 teams, and the overall yards gained and yards allowed by the lines, the overall line play (On both sides of the ball) have dropped off more than a little this year.

But I believe the biggest difference beside the lines that I have seen this year over the past 3 years is that this years team doesn't seem to have any "leave it all on the field" leaders this year. As far back as I can remember we have always had at least 1 or more every year, that you could count on to ignite the team with their "leave it all on the field" play. Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't see it this year.

Time to quit worrying about my stats, or my playing time , or who's watching.

[kybaseball]

Who in the world that knows anything about football would question Ivan's :rockon: ability to coach? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.:redboxer:

[FBALL]

Who in the world that knows anything about football would question Ivan's :rockon: ability to coach? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.:redboxer:

Believe it or not it has gone on for as long as I can remember. People have been complaining about the offense since the first State Championship in 1978.

There is some basis for it. Sure Russell has the ability to go to different formations and keep teams more honest. They don't always do that. I have said for a long time that Coach McGlone is either the most patient or most stubborn man I have ever know. They usually do run a small group of plays. The thing is is that every play looks the same. So there is some deception through similarity.

Personally I would like to see some more of the Power I and some slants and screens thrown in the mix. One thing I know is that if his team doesn't get the basics right they won't tinker with things much. I do expect things to open up a little more in the last few games of the regular season. Not alot but a little bit.

On another topic alot of people have said the offensive line has been weak. I don't really think they have. They have run the same plays. The defense knows whats comming and they have still amassed over 1900 yards rushing so far this season. Inconsistancy has been the main weakness of this team so far IMO.

[kybaseball]

Nothing meant to you FBALL but that's crazy.He has over 300 wins and 2 state championships and really should have 3. Has Russell even had a losing season on his watch?The only chink in his coaching armor is being able to beat Ironton more than once. Thats it. I know a lot of schools would love to have the success he has had.

[FBALL]

Nothing meant to you FBALL but that's crazy.He has over 300 wins and 2 state championships and really should have 3. Has Russell even had a losing season on his watch?The only chink in his coaching armor is being able to beat Ironton more than once. Thats it. I know a lot of schools would love to have the success he has had.

Yeah Russell has had losing season's under McGlone. Every school has up and down cycles. Recently Russell has been up.

People have criticized Russell's schedule ever since realignment placed them with East Carter, West Carter, and Lewis County. It was even worse when Powell and Estill were in the district. But Russell used to play one of the toughest schedules around.

Remember the district that Russell played in until the late 80s consisted of Russell, Belfry, Johnson Central and Sheldon Clark. Only the district champion made the playoffs. Granted Sheldon Clark and Johnson Central weren't very good at that time.

Realignment in 1987 placed Russell, Ashland and Montgomery County in the same district along with East Carter, Lawrence County and Rowan County with the top two going to the playoffs.

The Russell schdule my senior year went something like this

Tates Creek
Greenup County
Ironton
Linsley Acadamy
Portsmouth
Boyd County
Harrison County
East Carter
Rowan County
Montgomery County
Ashland

Point being, when Russell has had more flexibility they have had a very difficult schedule most years.

[Playboy5]

SK wins this one I think..Should be a classic for sure!

[Beetle01]

I just want to see from this team what I saw from them in the first half of the GC game. If everyone remembers back to that, you had no idea where the ball was going, Abrams, AJ on a boot, pass, Bailey or Rice. Every play was different. We also nearly gained a first down on every play. Granted GC is not a great team, but why did we ever get away from that offense? Where did that intensity go?