[ryanparker]

It sounds like the posts are getting a little harsher as we go along! I watched the game on TV again last night and it is rather obvious that Ashland is just flat out the stronger and more passionate team. Russell lost some very strong players from last year's team in Hicks, Foster, Tyler Jones, and Cornwell to graduation as well as Bates to injury. Those are a group of tough and strong guys that are difficult to replace...some of which appeared to be emotional leaders. Weren't some of those guys contributors to the state weightlifting title? It seems like those losses have sort of gotten exposed as we stepped up in competition Friday night.

Beetle makes several seemingly valid points as it sure did seem that a quick passing game might have worked against that D last night and it did seem that the 4 DB's were sort of irrelevant as Ashland chewed up yards on the ground. Let's hope the coaches work with what they've got this year and figure out a way to give them the best chance for success.