[laker20]

Of course everyone knows that almost all of my football viewing involves Russell Co. So, based on games I saw this year:

1. Best game you saw or heard this year

Knox Central @ Russell Co. one of the most exciting games I've ever watched. This game was so hyped up and both teams were ready to play. Either team could have won this game. I don't think the lead was ever more than 7, and it kept going back and forth. Had these two teams played 4 more quarters it would have probably stayed just as tight.


2. Best offensive, defensive, special teams player
Offense--Nick Britt Russell Co and Jeffery Canady Knox Central
Defense--Matt Robinson (ihigh vs Knox Central) The boy really was a beast.
Special Teams--Lucas Williams Kicker Russell Co.

3. Best Ironman (plays on both sides of the ball)
Boston Bryant - Whitley Co. Had never heard of this young man before they came to Russell, but left the game having a tremendous amount of respect for him.

4. Best play you saw this year
Russell Co QB sneak to take the final lead against Knox Central. On 3rd and Goal Barton Mann was stuffed at line but kept his feet and was shoved through on the right by Nick Britt. See above video @ 12:35 mark.

5. Most surprising team this year (good or bad)
Tie: Collins and Southwestern. Both teams made it deep into the playoffs having to deal with unusual circumstance. For Collins it was now home field to play on, and for Southwestern it was much more.

6. Greatest moment from the season
For me it was the Laker win over Knox Central. Being a Knox Central Graduate living in Russell Co and having a son who lettered for the Lakers, this was a game I'd been waiting for since the realignment was announced. This on top of the fact that I grew up playing ball with the Canady's and my son is a very good friend of Nick Britt's gave me a personal interest in both these teams. I could have never imagined a more exciting game.

7. Final thoughts on the realignment

For Russell Co it wasn't a big difference. While in the east we were in the district with ACS and Franklin Simpson, and matched up in the playoffs with Lone Oak's district. Now we're in the Rock and Knox and line up with Boyle and LexCath. So we basically went from one tough region to another. At least we don't have to make that long drive to Paducah to go play the Lone Oak anymore. However, I'd love to make the shorter drive to BG to play the Purple Flash next December.