[RunItUpTheGut]

Have to go with the Heart in this one, Whitley by a feild goal. Did Whitley's place kicker return this season or was he a senior?

He graduated.

[RunItUpTheGut]

And what year or year's was that RunItUpTheGut?

The last time we won on log mountain was 2000 by the score of 27-10. We also won at home against Bell in 99.

I went 2-1 against Bell while in high school. We went to 4A in 2001, and dropped Bell off the schedule and didnt start playing again until 2006.

[RunItUpTheGut]

Im really excited for this game.
This could be one of the closest games we play all year, and for opening weak is amazing.

[SEKYFAN]

This is definitley an interesting game.
IMO, this could be the game of the year, and its the first game of the year for Whitley.
Russell County comes out and embarrasses Campbellsville 51-0.

To be honest I dont know which way this will go. IMO, Russell County is a top 6 or 7 team in all of 4A and Whitley is a year older.

Should be a great game to get out and watch.

Campbellsville is really down this year. They only have 5 seniors, 3 juniors and 7 sophomores on the team. They do have 16 freshman on the roster, but they are going to struggle with that breakdown of players. So I wouldn't put too much stock in Russell Co.'s win.

I expect Whitley to win, something like 28-21.

[laker20]

Campbellsville is really down this year. They only have 5 seniors, 3 juniors and 7 sophomores on the team. They do have 16 freshman on the roster, but they are going to struggle with that breakdown of players. So I wouldn't put too much stock in Russell Co.'s win.

I expect Whitley to win, something like 28-21.

Campbellsville is down, but remember, the scoring was done for the most part by half time. In fact, Britt only carried the ball 9 times, and the Russell Co 3rd string received some significant playing time in this one.

The Laker Coaching staff is making sure that the team knows that Whitley Co is a very good team. They will be prepared. I expect the Lakers to pull out the victory, but as long as they come out and handle the pressure of this game setting (W or L) then this game will make them better come playoff time.

[LeeCoUKFan]

The key to this game, IMO, is whether or not Whitley County's defense can stop Nick Britt. If they're able to contain him for the most part, I think they can win but, if they can't, it will be a win for the Lakers. Right now, I am leaning towards Russell County winning but, I will be rooting for Whitley County!! Lets go Colonels!

[Russell_Football]

The key for whitley to win is to stop Britt. If you look back at the games they lost last year (against Rock and Mercer) Britt only ran for 35 yards each game. The key for any team is to stop Britt, BUT this year Mann (QB) is more experienced and has a better arm. Its gonna be a great game and prepare both teams for the playoffs.

[RunItUpTheGut]

Im afraid if you key on Britt to much, other players will burn you.
Im really glad this game is in Whitley County this year. Any of you Russell County fans ever been to the campus? Or need directions?

[Lakerdad]

I played for Coach Sharp when he was our D coordinator. What I thought was his best trait as a coach was he really knows how to fire up a football team. RC will be ready. Yes he knew defense and I played middle line-backer, so I got to know him and his tendacies pretty well. He's a good coach. Now, he has the talent to go out and play against just about anybody. Despite the Lakers defense last year, they were still hard to beat. Sharp will stack the box and make the qb beat him. Just like in basketball, u can't let the superstar or the other teams best player beat you. Russell has plenty of talent on offense. If too many eyes are on Britt, he will be the decoy so one of his other speedy teammates gets by the D. I heard Whitley is good, but I would take Russell on the road by two touchdowns.

[PreacherVol71]

Isn't it just off the interstate?

[RunItUpTheGut]

^
Heading South on I75 get off exit 15 Williamsburg and hang a left.
Go about 2 or 3 miles and youll see our sign on the left and thats where youll turn left.
Its very simple to get to.

[topnotch]

I have to go with Whitley they have that great senior class. they seeem to be just a better team. it will depend on Ysidro HE will be the best athlete on the field. Whitley34 Russell 16

[willseeuntheHOUSE]

According to khsaa Russell County gave up an average of 15.5 points per game with 4 shutouts last football season. The team lost very little, if any,

on defense. I feel the key will be the play of both defenses and can the Lakers defense play as well or even better this season. If the boys have gotten stronger and smarter then maybe one should keep an eye on the defense of this team.

[RunItUpTheGut]

Only 2 more days and we'll find out.

[Russell_Football]

i think this game will be as exciting as the Knox Central-Russell game last year. Russell won on an interception to seal the deal. 2 days and we will find out who the better team is.

[PreacherVol71]

No one is looking past Whitley...Bryant is a beast...the QB has a ton of potential...they will have home field advantage....however we bring everyone back from a 9 and 2 squad...A squad who gave up some yards but ultimately shut out the colonels last year 30 -0. Britt went for over 200 yards. The Lakers have developed many other weapons to go along with Nick. The Lakers will score often when they have the ball the key will be if Whitley can control the clock with long drives. The Colonels could pull off the upset..but that is what it would be...if the Lakers play up to their potential they should head home with a big victory....
Lakers 35
Colonels 14

[Russell_Football]

PreacherVol, im right there with you. Russell shut this team out last year and they have only lost 1 guy to graduation and i believe a corner quit, but they have replaced both players and look better than they did last year. I dont see this team losing many games this year if any.

[laker20]

i think this game will be as exciting as the Knox Central-Russell game last year. Russell won on an interception to seal the deal. 2 days and we will find out who the better team is.

I agree 100%.....the Knox Central-Russell Co game was probably one of the best HS football games I ever watched (the game at Rock wasn't far off), and this could very well live up to that same level. I can't wait to be in the stands....hot dog in hand...cheering the Lakers on friday. This is one of those games that I really don't care if we win or not.....just get better from it.

PreacherVol, im right there with you. Russell shut this team out last year and they have only lost 1 guy to graduation and i believe a corner quit, but they have replaced both players and look better than they did last year. I dont see this team losing many games this year if any.

I think both of these players graduated. I expect WC to go up the middle and then try the edges once they think the Laker D is cheating in. The style they play is very similar to what ACS played when when many of these boys were Freshman, but WC has a bigger stronger full back option. They can go speed or power without changing the personnel on the field. The Laker D-line and Middle LBs will need to be able to stop the power game or the OLBs and Corners will start cheating in. Next thing you now Ysidro will be running or throwing to the open edges of the field. I love this style of offense.....it's not just 2 dimensional Run/Pass........it's Run/Pass/Power/Speed.

And although last year was a 30-0 win, it was far from a lop-sided game. WC moved the ball down field consistently the entire first 3 quarters. It just so happened that the Laker defense kept stopping them just shy of good field goal range. Bryant was worn out in the 4th quarter and Russell Co was much more dominant. This may be a factor Friday....with this being Whitley's first real game of the year, the Lakers may have a conditioning edge, but I don't expect WC to rely as much on Bryant this year.

[laker20]

I have to go with Whitley they have that great senior class. they seeem to be just a better team. it will depend on Ysidro HE will be the best athlete on the field. Whitley34 Russell 16

I'm not sure which team actually has the better senior class, but I am sure that Ysidro will not be the best athlete on the field. I think he has the makings of becoming an extremely good player, but Nick Britt is the type of athlete that only comes along once in a while. If you are attending this game, I am confident you will come away agreeing with me.........and I by no means am knocking Ysidro, both he and Bryant could be on my team any time.

[Russell_Football]

[quote=laker20]I agree 100%.....the Knox Central-Russell Co game was probably one of the best HS football games I ever watched (the game at Rock wasn't far off), and this could very well live up to that same level. I can't wait to be in the stands....hot dog in hand...cheering the Lakers on friday. This is one of those games that I really don't care if we win or not.....just get better from it.

I cant remember a better football game than the Russell-Knox game. They fought till the end and came out on top. Russell will need to do the same in this game. I expect big things from both teams during this game. Win or lose both teams will come out a better team.

[Russell_Football]

Nick Britt will by far be the best player on the field. He has speed, strength and he can see the field better than most running backs. He is a one of a kind athlete.

[llabtoof]

Whitley only averaged 20 points a game. And did not score in the game last yr and graduated basically the whole line . And Russell did not lose anyone . If I was a betting man which one would I choose ???? And ps I am a oompa loompa . I'll let u know on Friday

[RunItUpTheGut]

Whitley only averaged 20 points a game. And did not score in the game last yr and graduated basically the whole line . And Russell did not lose anyone . If I was a betting man which one would I choose ???? And ps I am a oompa loompa . I'll let u know on Friday

We know. I could try to get your name changed for you if youd like...

[RunItUpTheGut]

I agree 100%.....the Knox Central-Russell Co game was probably one of the best HS football games I ever watched (the game at Rock wasn't far off), and this could very well live up to that same level. I can't wait to be in the stands....hot dog in hand...cheering the Lakers on friday. This is one of those games that I really don't care if we win or not.....just get better from it.




I think both of these players graduated. I expect WC to go up the middle and then try the edges once they think the Laker D is cheating in. The style they play is very similar to what ACS played when when many of these boys were Freshman, but WC has a bigger stronger full back option. They can go speed or power without changing the personnel on the field. The Laker D-line and Middle LBs will need to be able to stop the power game or the OLBs and Corners will start cheating in. Next thing you now Ysidro will be running or throwing to the open edges of the field. I love this style of offense.....it's not just 2 dimensional Run/Pass........it's Run/Pass/Power/Speed.

And although last year was a 30-0 win, it was far from a lop-sided game. WC moved the ball down field consistently the entire first 3 quarters. It just so happened that the Laker defense kept stopping them just shy of good field goal range. Bryant was worn out in the 4th quarter and Russell Co was much more dominant. This may be a factor Friday....with this being Whitley's first real game of the year, the Lakers may have a conditioning edge, but I don't expect WC to rely as much on Bryant this year.

Great post. If this game is close or within a TD or two or a final drive to win the game, ill give the edge to Russell County. We are still playing too many guys both ways. It could definitely be a conditioning factor for us come the 4th quarter.
Its no secret that Whitley will try to bust it up the middle, and then throw in a jet sweep or toss sweep when the defense start keying on the football. I wouldnt be surprised to see Whitley get some good yards on some TE waggle passes or short screens to keep the RC defense honest. Like you, this game means potentially nothing unless either has a district tie breaker they need to settle, so i dont care much if we win or lose, the true gift of this game is it should be a good one. Whitley needs to step up to the plate in this game and get noticed. We lack lustered around last year until it was to late to recover and it costed us the season.
If our line holds up and we can sustain some long clock draining drives, it could be a good game, but a very quick one.

[RunItUpTheGut]

I'm not sure which team actually has the better senior class, but I am sure that Ysidro will not be the best athlete on the field. I think he has the makings of becoming an extremely good player, but Nick Britt is the type of athlete that only comes along once in a while. If you are attending this game, I am confident you will come away agreeing with me.........and I by no means am knocking Ysidro, both he and Bryant could be on my team any time.

Britt will be the best all around athlete on the field friday, theres no question about that. The kid is very good. Anyone who says otherwise doesnt know the game. We have some kids who are great football players and two or three have a real chance at playing at the next level. This is why we play the game though. If anyone says your not the best player on the field, you get a bunch of friday nights to prove it.

[Nefarious83]

Russell County by 20+

[Dietpepsidrinker]

It won't be 20 plus either way....I am morally sure that Russell is not 20 better than Johnson Central, or Pulaski......or Whitley.

Home is a great place to be and early was a difference in last years game, and it could make a huge difference this Friday night.

[willseeuntheHOUSE]

It won't be 20 plus either way....I am morally sure that Russell is not 20 better than Johnson Central, or Pulaski......or Whitley.

Home is a great place to be and early was a difference in last years game, and it could make a huge difference this Friday night.

Beat Pulaski by 23 last year and Whitley by 30. One would not expect this to happen again but football is unpredictable at the very least. To be morally sure is a bold statement and leaves one open to eat crow. Grilled or deep fried?

[laker20]

It won't be 20 plus either way....I am morally sure that Russell is not 20 better than Johnson Central, or Pulaski......or Whitley.

Home is a great place to be and early was a difference in last years game, and it could make a huge difference this Friday night.

I'm not sure how those three teams fit together. Of course the Lakers have two of the three on their schedule....so we shall see. As to Johnson Central, I hope we have the chance to see if we are 20 points better, because that would put us in a semi-final game.....I'd take that although it is highly unlikely.

[daybowbow]

Russell Co. is the same team from last year except for one major improvement, competent fullback play. That was the only glaring offensive problem from last years team and it appears Mason Short will be able to take some pressure off of Nick as a lead blocker and taking the hits on 3rd and short carries.

Whitley will keep it close but Russell will pull away late.

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