[FBALL]

A great game to watch.


This loss should hurt and hurt badly. I hope the players remember that feeling and build from it.

The positives:

Both teams played with alot of heart and intensity. It was obvious from the start.

Both offenses moved the ball well. Russell ran the ball well though Jones still looked a little gimpy on the ankle.

Both teams played well enough to win and made big plays. It was very entertaining to watch

The negatives:

Russells pass defense. IMO cover two with man underneath would have been better. Too many times the cornors and safety were isolated with no deep help. The young secondary really should have learned a lesson tonight.

Turnovers and silly penalties. Both teams had some turnovers but they were pretty even. The facemask penalty on the final play is something you cannot do. Russell had players in position and Ponzer was not going to score on the final play. He really did make a fabulous catch on that play though and this is just an example of never knowing what is going to happen and playing hard until the final horn.


Coaching:

I hate to say it but I really think Russell got out coached tonight. The onside kick with 11 seconds being the prime example. SK had one long kick return but Dolly has plenty of leg to kick it deep and should have done so. Why give SK the short field with so little time left.


In the end both teams should hold there heads up. They both made plays to win the game and played hard until the end. Simon Kenton gets a BIG win that should only boost their confidence. Russell played a team that could match up better physically with them and also played well enough to win.

Russell will be a factor in 3A. They need to get ready for a very good Mason County team and reamain positive.