[ryanparker]

I'm not so much disappointed in the fact that Russell didn't win as I am in the fact that they got blown out again by the 2nd decent team they've faced this season. Deviloligist, I agree with you that it is not evident who the leader on the field is (1) who wants to win and (2) who has the respect of his teammates so that his desire to win matters in that they actually follow his lead. It could be that this person exists on the team, but I agree that it is not evident to those watching the games who it might be. It would be nice to see some positive shows of emotion sometimes from someone. I only listened last night, but if Burgess can bring that element, then that is great. I think it is important for a team to have one or more emotional leaders who can set things straight every now and again.

As a Russell fan, I want to feel like the team is going to compete for 4 quarters as hard as they can. I noticed the Daily Independent article this week talked about the Russell players dropping their helmets and bending over in exhaustion in the 3rd quarter. Maybe the problem is simply that the conditioning of the team is poor? In reference to Deviloligist raising the possibility that this team just might not be that good, I ask why did you guys think this team was going to be on the level of the last few years anyways? They lost Foster, Jones, Cornwell, Bender, Boyd, Bates, and Hicks that I can remember. They might have equally talented replacements, but it sure doesn't look like the replacements match the desire and effort that a lot of those guys brought to the table.

That being said, I agree with FBall that the Mason County game is the biggest of the year because it is for home field in the 2nd round of the playoffs. I'll be pulling for them to come together and decide it is time to show that they can beat a good team.