[Tomcat68]

AA #1 Russell (1-0) is coming off of a very solid win in the Backyard Brawl against county rival Greenup County. They are looking to put a 3 game winning streak together against Ashland as they travel down the river and through westwood to Putnam Stadium.

Ashland (1-1) has shown two totally different teams this season. A season opening loss to a very good Raceland team with Drew McDavid at QB had the Tomcats reeling and had the fans chantings "Put in Mahan." You also heard such stirs as "This is going to be a long season," and "I don't think I'll be going to any road games this year."

The Tomcats rebounded in week 2 knocking off AA #2 Belfry in an OT thriller. Much of the success was contributed by, you guessed it, new QB Darrell Mahan. Mahan lead the Tomcat offense with about 135 yards passing, 100 or so of those to now WR Drew McDavid, and 2 TDs. He also lead the rushing attack putting up 80 yards or so.

Russell has had to replace some key components of their 05 state championship team, but may be better than ever this year. QB Tyler Jones takes over after the departure of Tommy Brown and RB Nick Lewis earns a full time roll with the departure of Justin Potter.

Mr. Football nominee RB Kasey Clark returns for his senior season after being the key cog in the 05 state champion team. Even bigger things are expected of him this season.

As long as the score stays close, as I'm sure it will like it does in most rivalry games, this should be one of the premier games across the state. Can Russell's senior class finish their varsity careers undefeated against Ashland? Can Ashland prove last week's win wasn't a total farce and that their real team this season weren't the ones who fell to Raceland?

Players to be watched:
Russell:
QB Tyler Jones
RB Kasey Clark
RB Nick Lewis

Ashland:
QB Darrell Mahan
WR Drew McDavid
FB/LB Fields Davis

Prediction:
Russell shows why they're the defending state champions as Ashland shows they're still a contender this year but came up short against the Devils once again after their emotional rollercoaster through the first 2 weeks.

Kasey Clark plays solid but is contained for most of the game, but Lewis and Jones get the job done while the Ashland D focuses mainly on Clark.

Mahan makes some great plays, and some not so great plays. Interceptions cause trouble for the Tomcats and short fields for the Devils.

Score:
Russell - 22
Ashland - 14