[Tomcat68]

Russell could do the same as Covington Catholic and Highlands and jump from 3A to 5A. That would up the competition level in the district significantly by adding Montgomery County, Woodford County, and Johnson Central. I wouldn't suggest that though.

This is how a Russell schedule could shape out beginning in 09.

Fleming County*
Lewis County*
West Carter*
Mason County*
Ashland
Ironton
Boyd County
Greenup County
Raceland

That's only 9 games which closes out their district as well as all local rivalry and money games. It also includes 4 good or very good teams. Russell could schedule another big school (a la Simon Kenton) to round out the schedule. 5 good teams is about the max Russell can afford to put into their schedule while keeping local money making games in as well.

Looking back though, they would just be exchanging East Carter for Fleming County and Lawrence County for Ironton in comparison to this year.

I think this boils down to show that even though Russell's schedule looks lackluster, it's about the best any AD could do while keeping the local money makers in the schedule.