[ryanparker]

This was as complete a domination as one could imagine at the line of scrimmage. It's been awhile since I've seen a Russell team get beat like this. Russell did have numerous penalties and mistakes, but I don't think that was the key factor in determining the outcome. Ashland fumbled a few times as well giving Russell plenty of chances to do something.

When Russell tried to run, the backs were seemingly met with 3 to 4 tacklers almost immediately. Some Ashland defenders were whipping blockers and some were just in the right places at the right times. It appeared Ashland had the entire D very close to the line of scrimmage on any given play but Russell couldn't make them pay. The only way Russell was going to make big yards running was by the backs breaking numerous tackles...not just one. Abrams did this once in the second half...but it just wasn't enough. Russell tried to pass a few times with little success other than a halfback pass trick play that went for big yards.

Ashland ran the ball very consistently and very well with Carter and Albers. Huge holes were being opened and their backs made the Russell defenders miss on a consistent basis, much like Wilson of Boyd County did a couple weeks ago. Ashland didn't need to pass. Their line and running backs were so dominant that it wasn't needed.

To summarize, Russell stepped it up in competition this week and didn't appear to be ready for how good Ashland was. Ashland has been talked down a lot with their poor performance last year and losses to Raceland and Ironton this year. Quite honestly, without having seen them play I expected a close Russell win. Boy was I wrong! It is clear that Ashland is an excellent team who just happens to face a very difficult schedule. I wish them luck the rest of the year as they move on to play the Johnson Central's of the world.

I really hope Russell's players come back from this, practice harder, and want it more the rest of the season. They put out a good effort tonight, but it wasn't anywhere near the fire that Ashland played with!