[FBALL]

Not offended, and didn't say Pikeville shut them down. Pikeville made mistakes too - didn't cover onside kick, bad fake punt that gave Russell a very short field, and a turnover inside Russell 5...
Pikeville had the better offense (could run and pass), had the better defense (made some stops and forced some turnovers) and had better special teams. They were better in every area. Period.
Russell will continue to get better, no doubt about that...

I've said all along that Russell is much in the same boat as Pikeville was last year. Young talent leading they way. A freshman and a sophomore as their two best skill players.

Pikeville won and was better. No doubt. But I do think the margin is a bit misleading.

Honestly I still can't believe Russell punted that ball before the half that got blocked. They have a punter that takes way too long to get a kick off and the only time Pikeville had stopped Russell was by turnovers.

Estep is a great player. Seems to really have a knack for being in the right spot.