[RedDevil1981]

Sheldon Clark was missing three players due to suspension.

One big difference with the Steelers analogy. There isn't free agency and a draft for high school football. You make the best out of what you have. Over the years not to many coaches in the state have done more.

Coach McGlone is an old school conservative coach. He is not going to change the entire system to stem a lull in talent. He will stick with what they do and the younger players will learn. They may take a few lumps but they will learn.

..... and he will continue to beat the weak teams and no longer compete with the stronger teams. Ivan will not compete with Ironton, Ashland, and other mid schools having up years. I respect your loyalty to Ivan but the time has come...... I hate to admit that myself.

[RedDevil1981]

That is still the problem. Maybe that is as strong as the mule gets. The weight room is open all offseason. You can lead a mule to water but you can't make him drink.

The weight room is a joke and the "strength coaches" are weak. By the way..... you can set the mule on the bench!

[EKUAlum05]

I have a feeling that Russell got the worst of the brawl in Belfry last week. Not only do they get a visit from the team that should be the 2 seed, they have to face a team that will be extremely motivated to get that rematch at Belfry.

Expect to see one of the most frustrating offenses you will face. Hager will undoubtedly use the same clock grinding, lay on the back of the offensive Guard, fall forward, repeat, offense that he uses in all big playoff games. He will minimize possessions and force the smaller Devils to make plays on defense and make their offense have to capitalize on nearly every drive.

The good news is this almost always ensures a game either team can win..the bad news is it ensures a game either team can win

[FBALL]

I love Ivan as a person but I think I saw him giving up again tonight. The teams were evenly matched. The Wing T takes about 15 minutes prep time for a defense - the wide open "system" or pro style offence takes a lot of practice to learn to defend. We don have a passing QB this year but we have several receivers this year that were each about 4-6" taller than the guys trying to defend them. Cooper didn't throw a great ball all night but he did have his receivers going up and making catches in spite of the throws. He also missed a lot of wide open receivers.

The teams were evenly matched. Neither team has a game breaker. The difference in the game was that Russell gave up the big play and the numerous blown assignments in pass coverage for Russell.

I know people thing the spread is all that but I really believe had Russell gone to the power I and the lead plays earlier in the game it would have loosened up that Raceland defense alot.

By the way I agree. Ivan is a great person.

[ryanparker]

Expect to see one of the most frustrating offenses you will face. Hager will undoubtedly use the same clock grinding, lay on the back of the offensive Guard, fall forward, repeat, offense that he uses in all big playoff games. He will minimize possessions and force the smaller Devils to make plays on defense and make their offense have to capitalize on nearly every drive.

The good news is this almost always ensures a game either team can win..the bad news is it ensures a game either team can win

Does Sheldon Clark have a good offensive line and backs that run hard?

[FBALL]

The weight room is a joke and the "strength coaches" are weak. By the way..... you can set the mule on the bench!

Is that why they won the 3A state weight lifting title 2 years ago. The weights are there. The work ethic is not.

Russell players and fans for the most part have gotten spoiled and complacent. They think they are preordained to win every game. It doesn't work that way. 9 out of 10 schools in the state would love to have a 6-4 season be considered a down year. At Russell that just means that the coaches don't know what they are doing four years removed from a state championship.

[FBALL]

..... and he will continue to beat the weak teams and no longer compete with the stronger teams. Ivan will not compete with Ironton, Ashland, and other mid schools having up years. I respect your loyalty to Ivan but the time has come...... I hate to admit that myself.

I am loyal to the man even though I do agree that the offense could be more diverse. I don't agree with every move he makes but I am not about to sit here and say the man can't coach.

[pirateman]

wow what happen to russell? they always are competing good this time of year. hope they ready for a good SC team 1st round of playoff. should be a dandy. SC should have everyone back and healthy by playoff time.

[FBALL]

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Racelands field still sucks.

[ryanparker]

Is that why they won the 3A state weight lifting title 2 years ago. The weights are there. The work ethic is not.

Russell players and fans for the most part have gotten spoiled and complacent. They think they are preordained to win every game. It doesn't work that way. 9 out of 10 schools in the state would love to have a 6-4 season be considered a down year. At Russell that just means that the coaches don't know what they are doing four years removed from a state championship.

It's just a little disappointing to me that the work ethic of those from 2002/3 to 2006/7 was not passed on to the next generation of Russell players. Was the gene pool just that good for those few years??? The program had an opportunity to build on the state championship appearances and become a perennial contender. Just as you say Coach McGlone is either stubborn or patient, I say the Russell fans are not necessarily spoiled and complacent, but rather just expect excellence, which I think is a requirement if you are going to consistently produce it.

[that's right]

The leadership was there like I said and it showed. The off season wieghts showed tonight, and all the running showed great shape 4th q ball. #10 Johnny Sheaer could have also been MVP. The line for Raceland goes Grant 255,Jobe 250, rodney 300, eddie 220, caudill a solid 210, Flocker 240, Johnson (out sick) 220. All these boys carry it well and are pretty strong. And for the seats on the visitor side< I say a lot of empty seats? And ramfan04 was a great ball player and knows his football, I still wouldn't want to take him on head to head; he looks to still be in pretty good shape!!:Thumbs:

[EKUAlum05]

Does Sheldon Clark have a good offensive line and backs that run hard?

Marginally yes and yes (IF THE NON-SUSPENDED PLAYERS ARE HEALTHY). Moore is banged up and he is their best playmaker and their big run threat. Sloan is their workhorse, Ray is a versatile threat to run or receive, the QB is quick andcan make plays with his feet, but is not real accurate when scrambling. If play action is working and he has time to set his feet he is really good.

Line wise it is your typical SC line. Big, strong, but not real quick. They are good at drive blocking, but aren't very good at pulling. Russell should be able to shut down most stuff to the outside and most misdirection qith their quickness, as long as they don't over pursue. Losing the bckfield not only killed their running game but their passing game as well, all three backs are good at catching the ball.

Expect to see a solid mix of cut blocks and straight drive blocking where the back runs right onto the guards back and another linemen pushes the pile forward.

Belfry really frustrated SC's offense with their quickness and disrupting the play in the backfield. SC will put the ball on the ground if you hit them...they lost 3 fumbles on 3 straight plays vs. Belfry..one of which spawned the frustration that turned into Royal Rumble.

[FBALL]

It's just a little disappointing to me that the work ethic of those from 2002/3 to 2006/7 was not passed on to the next generation of Russell players. Was the gene pool just that good for those few years??? The program had an opportunity to build on the state championship appearances and become a perennial contender. Just as you say Coach McGlone is either stubborn or patient, I say the Russell fans are not necessarily spoiled and complacent, but rather just expect excellence, which I think is a requirement if you are going to consistently produce it.

There is nothing wrong with having high expectations. But with those expectations you have to have some humility. Every school has years when sometimes the talent just isn't there. That is the case right now IMO. Last year that was not the case. I have seen people say that Russell is better this year than they were last season. That is not true. Last year Russell had alot more talent. The problem was attitude. I like this years team much better. Though not nearly as talented they do play hard. Facts are that is not enough to overcome the youth and dificiencies of this group.

[pitchfork]

Raceland was just stronger and better coached. If you would take off your MAROON colored glasses and call it like it is. It PAST time for a change.
Russell weight program is a joke. This same senior class has never lost to Raceland starting all the way back to when they where 7th & 8th graders. Embarassed them all the way thru until this year??????
As for that is the only players to turn to. It is because the others saw the writing on the wall and choose not to play. Just ask some of the last years players. Certain players will not come off the field if you have to make him the QB. Congrats to #21 Taylor he is the best improved player and should be on the field more.

[exFootballer]

Im glad the weather was nice!!!! great football weather... when I was walking to my car after the game, I noticed it starting to sprinkle... Im not sure if it was rain... or tears from Flatwoods... lol... I assume rain bc it was just a sprinkle... and after losing to little ole Raceland the past two years, I would think those flatwoods tears would be more monsoon-like haha.. Goodluck in the post season guys

[openminded]

congrats to the Rams

[Beetle01]

It's just a little disappointing to me that the work ethic of those from 2002/3 to 2006/7 was not passed on to the next generation of Russell players. Was the gene pool just that good for those few years??? The program had an opportunity to build on the state championship appearances and become a perennial contender. Just as you say Coach McGlone is either stubborn or patient, I say the Russell fans are not necessarily spoiled and complacent, but rather just expect excellence, which I think is a requirement if you are going to consistently produce it.

It is down player wise, but the big change you saw was the realignment to six classes. That really opened it up for Russell when state power houses moved out of their class. If teams like Boyle Co. and Lex. Cath were still around....well so much for state appearances or titles. Itd be a 2nd round exit every year.

Also I think I saw you compare the Steelers to Russell....and Im just going to say yes the Steelers did always run the ball, but they didn't win games because they ran all over people, they won games because their defense made up for their terrible offense.

As for the defense, well its a complete joke of a scheme when playing that offense. The first thing any decent coach is going to ask is why were you not in a Nickel package with 5 db's? Second of all Russell's downfall has always been defending the pass....wanna know why? DB is probbaly the hardest position in HS football to play, especially when your team plays the same predictable zone that leaves players wide open 20yds down field from where the TE lines up. Always has been there, always will.

You might have a safety sitting over top, but you man up otherwise, especially at the HS level, and definitely if you have the better athletes out there.

I could go on for hours about what is wrong with the coaching at Russell, and I don't mean to lump all the coaches in there, mainly just Ivan. I like the man as a person, but its year like these, when Russell doesn't just completely outmatch everyone athletically that you see him get exposed.

I don't know about you all, but if I have no passing game what so ever, I goto a shotgun formation with Jones, ala a Wildcat type offense. Especially when your line couldn't block my 15y/o dachshund. And run the option all day long with Jones, Rice, and White-Reed.

You can still run some wing-t, but that option offense would be 80% of the time.

People also want to mention how great Russell has done, what team in the area, even schools who are much bigger have had nearly as much talent over the last 15 years? Noone, and it is not even close at all. I can name 20 players off the top of my head that had they played at one of the better schools in the state would have easily went major d1.

[Southern Rocker]

It is down player wise, but the big change you saw was the realignment to six classes. That really opened it up for Russell when state power houses moved out of their class. If teams like Boyle Co. and Lex. Cath were still around....well so much for state appearances or titles. Itd be a 2nd round exit every year.

Also I think I saw you compare the Steelers to Russell....and Im just going to say yes the Steelers did always run the ball, but they didn't win games because they ran all over people, they won games because their defense made up for their terrible offense.

As for the defense, well its a complete joke of a scheme when playing that offense. The first thing any decent coach is going to ask is why were you not in a Nickel package with 5 db's? Second of all Russell's downfall has always been defending the pass....wanna know why? DB is probbaly the hardest position in HS football to play, especially when your team plays the same predictable zone that leaves players wide open 20yds down field from where the TE lines up. Always has been there, always will.

You might have a safety sitting over top, but you man up otherwise, especially at the HS level, and definitely if you have the better athletes out there.

I could go on for hours about what is wrong with the coaching at Russell, and I don't mean to lump all the coaches in there, mainly just Ivan. I like the man as a person, but its year like these, when Russell doesn't just completely outmatch everyone athletically that you see him get exposed.

I don't know about you all, but if I have no passing game what so ever, I goto a shotgun formation with Jones, ala a Wildcat type offense. Especially when your line couldn't block my 15y/o dachshund. And run the option all day long with Jones, Rice, and White-Reed.

You can still run some wing-t, but that option offense would be 80% of the time.

People also want to mention how great Russell has done, what team in the area, even schools who are much bigger have had nearly as much talent over the last 15 years? Noone, and it is not even close at all. I can name 20 players off the top of my head that had they played at one of the better schools in the state would have easily went major d1.

:Clap::Clap:

Very well put you hit it right on the head.

[Statmaster]

Raceland was just stronger and better coached. If you would take off your MAROON colored glasses and call it like it is. It PAST time for a change.
Russell weight program is a joke. This same senior class has never lost to Raceland starting all the way back to when they where 7th & 8th graders. Embarassed them all the way thru until this year??????
As for that is the only players to turn to. It is because the others saw the writing on the wall and choose not to play. Just ask some of the last years players. Certain players will not come off the field if you have to make him the QB. Congrats to #21 Taylor he is the best improved player and should be on the field more.

They've lost to them 2 years in a row now. :Clap: :1:

[Stardust]

Raceland 27 Russell 15


Russell 7 8 0 0 15

Raceland 0 14 6 7 27

Scoring summary:
Rus--Travis Jones 14 run (Tanner Locey kick); Rac--Tyler Farley 1 run (Rocky Jobe kick); Rac-- Johnny Shearer 70 pass from Farley (Jobe kick); Rus--Will Rice 4 run (Rice run); Rac--Jeremy Barr 21 pass from Farley (pass failed); Rac--Shearer 35 pass from Farley (Jobe kick).
Records: Russell 6-4, Raceland 6-4.

Kentucky.com

[Stardust]

More details: Tyler Farley ran for a touchdown and threw for three more to send the Rams to a home win over Russell.

After his 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, Farley threw scoring passes of 70 and 35 yards to Johnny Shearer and a 21-yarder to Jeremy Barr.

Kentucky.com

[that's right]

GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT! This Russell bunch lost to Raceland's senior group in the 7th grade and beat them as 8th graders by a td. Tyler Boyles QB 7th Tyler Fraley 8th.:biggrin:

[Graybeard]

Congratulations to the Rams for the sweet win over Russell – two years in a row!

Must have played your best game of the season so far - keep rolling.

[ryanparker]

I think we all can agree that Coach McGlone is a great man, but the Russell coaches are neither geniuses or morons. Coach Morris was thought to be genius at stopping the spread offense and the Wing-T looked like a well-oiled machine during the middle of this decade. Now Morris is said to not have clue what he's doing and McGlone is thought to be ready for the retirement home.

It's all about the players.

[ryanparker]

I do agree with you, Beetle, about running the Wildcat offense with Travis Jones. He's up there with the best Russell running backs this decade and he's head and shoulders the best on this team. The passing game isn't going to blossom before the playoffs, so why not put the ball in your top players hands on every play?

[RedDevil1981]

If you would take off your MAROON colored glasses and call it like it is.

Do you get those at Norman's locker room?? I do need a pair...

Certain players will not come off the field if you have to make him the QB.

What does that mean??

[CatDawg]

Let's get the thread back on the subject of this game.

[Beetle01]

I just want to know why at Russell there is no such thing as an in-game adjustment?

Its basically we have a plan, if it doesnt work from the get go, well we are pretty much screwed.

I mean every time they got Jones the ball on the outside he terrorized those Raceland kids. But of course they are going to run the quick pitch, 8-26, and the counter 95% of the time instead of doing whatever it takes to get him the ball on the outside and win the game. McGlones mindset honestly, is if we cant win running it up the middle all night long, we dont deserve to win. Thats the truth, and honestly if I had a kid in the Russell system, as long as Ivan was there, they would be at Ashland, maybe Raceland if they werent very good, or were small. lol jking about the Raceland part, you couldnt pay me to send my imaginary kids there.

[BIGRAMLOVER1979]

Im so glad that my first post is on a thread where Raceland smashes Russell.

And about the part not sending your kids to Raceland well im an Ironton grad, so is my brother, he sent his kid to Russell, mine go to Raceland and he will tell you he wishes he was as smart as me:blabbermo

I just want to know why at Russell there is no such thing as an in-game adjustment?

Its basically we have a plan, if it doesnt work from the get go, well we are pretty much screwed.

I mean every time they got Jones the ball on the outside he terrorized those Raceland kids. But of course they are going to run the quick pitch, 8-26, and the counter 95% of the time instead of doing whatever it takes to get him the ball on the outside and win the game. McGlones mindset honestly, is if we cant win running it up the middle all night long, we dont deserve to win. Thats the truth, and honestly if I had a kid in the Russell system, as long as Ivan was there, they would be at Ashland, maybe Raceland if they werent very good, or were small. lol jking about the Raceland part, you couldnt pay me to send my imaginary kids there.

[RedDevil1981]

Let's get the thread back on the subject of this game.

That's no fun - the game's over and unfortunately so is the season.:bigeyed: