[FBALL]

PS

EKU 05, I still think Simon Kenton is better than any 3 a team and Ashland would be right near the top.[/QUOTE]

Good analysis though.....

The key for Russell is figuring out effective ways to use their advantages to hurt Belfry. Russell has more team speed and a defense with the ability to force turnovers.

IMO what will decide this game is whether Russell plays conservative on defense or if they play aggressive. A conservative approach would mean Belfry will control tempo and impose their will physically, if Russell plays aggressive and fail to tackle then Belfry may put up 40+ points. If Russell plays aggressive and disrupts Belfry in the backfield and make tackles, the Devils may just hvae what it takes to shut down Belfry's offense.

It's also going to be interesting to see what develops out of both teams' passing games. This is the best passing team Belfry has had in recent years, they just have had no real need to use it. Russell also has proven to have numerous weapons. In the games Russell has beat Belfry their passing game and QB play has been one of the biggest factors.

Good points.

I think the deciding factor is going to be in the head.

Belfry has been steady all year. Granted they have really only been tested once. Passed that test with flying colors I might add. They believe they will impose their will just as they believed they would against Johnson Central. That mental edge is IMO the reason they beat the Eagles.

Russell has been all over the place. They have played some pretty good teams and at times looked good against all of them. Russell's nemesis has been the big play. Believe it or not when they have been on offense. They have had to many negative plays on offense. Be it due to missed assignments or ridiculous penalties. These are drive killers. If they drive the ball and then have the negative plays against Belfry they would really be digging themselves a hole. They have had momentum in some of those games this year and then given it back because these mistakes. I truly believe that if Russell plays without the silly mistakes on offense and keep their heads on straight then this is anybody's game.