[16thregioner]

My initial thought was Ashland by 14. That’s because Russell is 0-7 and you’d think they might be ready to get out the basketballs at this point. Not so fast, though. Russell, even though they’ve lost 5 heartbreaking games by single digits, hasn’t showed any signs of quitting yet and given this rivalry, I don’t think the Devils mail this one in. A win here could make up for all of their other 7 losses.

Ashland has more players than Russell so that will be a problem for the Devils. Fresh bodies on both sides of the ball will wear on them as the game goes on. Russell has the stronger line, though, so if they can play straight ahead ball control offense with a downfield pass to Patrick mixed in every few plays, Russell could present some problems for Ashland. Russell needs to shorten the game.

Ashland seems to have found an identity on offense and that identity is balance. They’ve done a good job the past few games of mixing up Jennings, Thomas, and Strader runs with both the short and long passing games to Houston, Jordan, and Adkins. One problem the Tomcats may face this week, though, is the loss of their kicker. The paper said their field goal kicker is done for the season as he’s having shoulder surgery this week. Russell, of course, has the area’s best kicker in Totten so this is a huge advantage for the Devils in what could be a game decided by extra points.

I look for Ashland to win the game, but it’s going to be closer than what paper would indicate. I think Russell will come out fighting because a blowout loss here could drive a stake through the Russell football program’s heart in many different ways as orange vultures could be circling. Ashland, on the other hand, could propel themselves into what could be a deep playoff run with a good performance. It sure appears these are programs headed in opposite directions but I think the rivalry keeps it close.