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08-14-2010, 11:30 PM
Russell scrimmaged Spring Valley (WV) tonight at Spring Valley. No clock was used and it was nothing like the format of a real game. The teams alternated and took 10 plays per drive starting at their own 30.
Russell's first team offense took the field. The traditional running plays we've grown accustomed to seeing didn't seem to gain much yardage. However, there was a bright spot. Patrick Cooper looked good at the QB position. I think they've picked the right guy there. They lined up in shotgun spread formation a couple of times and had success with that. In fact, I believe the running play they ran from that formation worked better than any of the traditional plays. Cooper also completed a WR screen pass that went for decent yardage from this formation. Russell managed to drive well into Spring Valley territory but couldn't come up with any points.
Spring Valley's first team offense didn't break any huge runs against Russell. However, they threw about a 60 yard bomb pass play for a TD on about their 3rd play from scrimmage. They reset at the 30 and went on to move the ball pretty well against Russell's first team defense. Russell needs some serious work on pass defense as receivers were running wide open on a few plays and there was little to no pressure on the Spring Valley QB.
Russell took the ball again and fielded what appeared to be most of the first team with the exception of the QB position and maybe a few others here and there. They tried senior Jordan Roark and sophomore newcomer Googie Hayes at QB. Neither managed to complete a pass. The running plays went nowhere. They tried putting Googie Hayes in shotgun formation but he still had no time to make a play. The Spring Valley defenders were in the backfield quickly and in large numbers. It sort of reminded me of how Ashland plays Russell the past few years. All in all, I think Russell might have mustered about 20 or 30 yards on their 10 plays.
Spring Valley's 2nd drive still appeared to consist of their first team offense while Russell rotated in a few second team defenders in different spots. Again, Spring Valley moved the ball well. Russell was aided by a fumble after a long play by Spring Valley. Thanks to Russell recovering the fumble, Spring Valley had to move the ball back to where the play started from. Spring Valley didn't score on this drive as the drive stalled out on the 10th play probably from about Russell's 15 or 20 yard line.
From this point on, the teams rotated in what appeared to be their JV squads for 10 plays each for the next 2 series. On the 3rd series, Spring Valley's defense dominated Russell as Russell got next to nothing on the ground. Spring Valley scored on their first play from scrimmage on a long run and then scored again later in the drive. The JV of Spring Valley appeared to just physically outmatch Russell's JV.
That's when I left because the rain was coming and it didn't look like the starters were going to take the field again.
All in all, I was disappointed in how Russell looked because I know Spring Valley isn't supposed to be one of the dominant teams in WV this year. They lost 3 division 1 players along with a host of seniors off last year's team. They do seem to have a good program and are replacing the departed players with what appear to be more than competent players, but I was hoping Russell would look better against them than they did.
From the limited amount that was on display from the first team, I am confident that Cooper will do a good job and that a few receivers have the ability to help him. I would imagine Russell will score more points if they are willing to mix in this new spread and shotgun formation on occasion. There doesn't appear to be a running back that stands out as the type of runner who is going to violently hit the line of scrimmage, break tackles consistently, make all the right cuts, and have breakaway speed. Russell has been spoiled with these type of running backs for about the past decade.
I am confident in the QB, a few receivers, and the kicker. Even though we didn't get to see the kicker since Russell didn't score, I know they have a good one. I am concerned, though, about the line and the defense, particularly the pass defense. They look like they still need some work.
Russell's first team offense took the field. The traditional running plays we've grown accustomed to seeing didn't seem to gain much yardage. However, there was a bright spot. Patrick Cooper looked good at the QB position. I think they've picked the right guy there. They lined up in shotgun spread formation a couple of times and had success with that. In fact, I believe the running play they ran from that formation worked better than any of the traditional plays. Cooper also completed a WR screen pass that went for decent yardage from this formation. Russell managed to drive well into Spring Valley territory but couldn't come up with any points.
Spring Valley's first team offense didn't break any huge runs against Russell. However, they threw about a 60 yard bomb pass play for a TD on about their 3rd play from scrimmage. They reset at the 30 and went on to move the ball pretty well against Russell's first team defense. Russell needs some serious work on pass defense as receivers were running wide open on a few plays and there was little to no pressure on the Spring Valley QB.
Russell took the ball again and fielded what appeared to be most of the first team with the exception of the QB position and maybe a few others here and there. They tried senior Jordan Roark and sophomore newcomer Googie Hayes at QB. Neither managed to complete a pass. The running plays went nowhere. They tried putting Googie Hayes in shotgun formation but he still had no time to make a play. The Spring Valley defenders were in the backfield quickly and in large numbers. It sort of reminded me of how Ashland plays Russell the past few years. All in all, I think Russell might have mustered about 20 or 30 yards on their 10 plays.
Spring Valley's 2nd drive still appeared to consist of their first team offense while Russell rotated in a few second team defenders in different spots. Again, Spring Valley moved the ball well. Russell was aided by a fumble after a long play by Spring Valley. Thanks to Russell recovering the fumble, Spring Valley had to move the ball back to where the play started from. Spring Valley didn't score on this drive as the drive stalled out on the 10th play probably from about Russell's 15 or 20 yard line.
From this point on, the teams rotated in what appeared to be their JV squads for 10 plays each for the next 2 series. On the 3rd series, Spring Valley's defense dominated Russell as Russell got next to nothing on the ground. Spring Valley scored on their first play from scrimmage on a long run and then scored again later in the drive. The JV of Spring Valley appeared to just physically outmatch Russell's JV.
That's when I left because the rain was coming and it didn't look like the starters were going to take the field again.
All in all, I was disappointed in how Russell looked because I know Spring Valley isn't supposed to be one of the dominant teams in WV this year. They lost 3 division 1 players along with a host of seniors off last year's team. They do seem to have a good program and are replacing the departed players with what appear to be more than competent players, but I was hoping Russell would look better against them than they did.
From the limited amount that was on display from the first team, I am confident that Cooper will do a good job and that a few receivers have the ability to help him. I would imagine Russell will score more points if they are willing to mix in this new spread and shotgun formation on occasion. There doesn't appear to be a running back that stands out as the type of runner who is going to violently hit the line of scrimmage, break tackles consistently, make all the right cuts, and have breakaway speed. Russell has been spoiled with these type of running backs for about the past decade.
I am confident in the QB, a few receivers, and the kicker. Even though we didn't get to see the kicker since Russell didn't score, I know they have a good one. I am concerned, though, about the line and the defense, particularly the pass defense. They look like they still need some work.
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08-14-2010, 11:48 PM
How big is Russell up front this year?
08-15-2010, 12:38 AM
I wouldn't worry too much about this scrimmage. Spring Valley is one of the largest schools in West Virginia and has established themselves as one of the better football programs as well. The did lose some key players from last years 9-2 squad but expectations remain high for them.
08-15-2010, 12:05 PM
Thanks for the info from the scrimmage, but I will have to agree with Fball, Spring Valley has a excellent football program and has gained much respect in WV as a dominating team. I'm not worried the Devils will come along and not disappoint. I have that much faith.
08-15-2010, 12:37 PM
4real Wrote:Thanks for the info from the scrimmage, but I will have to agree with Fball, Spring Valley has a excellent football program and has gained much respect in WV as a dominating team. I'm not worried the Devils will come along and not disappoint. I have that much faith.
I, too, have faith that they will come along. The starting offense only really saw the field for 10 plays and did have some limited success. Spring Valley looked pretty good to me, but it's hard for me to tell if they are on the same level as an Ashland or Ironton. Overall, the scrimmage wasn't a complete disaster or anything. I think it just showed that Russell has some things to work on in the short and long term.
08-15-2010, 01:02 PM
Starting offense/defense was back on the field in a game situation at the end. You left too soon. Drove the ball down the field and ended the drive from about the 20yd line with an interception. Pass defense was porous. Not sure of a solution, but pressure on the passer would be a good start. Otherwise, I expect a long season if the opponent has any passing game at all. Glad I went. Now I've seen Russell, and Ashland in game situations. Looking forward to next week.
On a side note, I talked my brother-in-law into staying when he wanted to leave before the storm hit. And he cursed me all the way home trying to navigate running water in South Ashland.
On a side note, I talked my brother-in-law into staying when he wanted to leave before the storm hit. And he cursed me all the way home trying to navigate running water in South Ashland.
08-15-2010, 01:37 PM
justaguy Wrote:Starting offense/defense was back on the field in a game situation at the end. You left too soon. Drove the ball down the field and ended the drive from about the 20yd line with an interception. Pass defense was porous. Not sure of a solution, but pressure on the passer would be a good start. Otherwise, I expect a long season if the opponent has any passing game at all. Glad I went. Now I've seen Russell, and Ashland in game situations. Looking forward to next week.
On a side note, I talked my brother-in-law into staying when he wanted to leave before the storm hit. And he cursed me all the way home trying to navigate running water in South Ashland.
I would like to see L Bailey move to left corner because of his speed and height then move Thompson to safety.
Talked to Cooper and he said he could have easily run the ball in at the end of each possession but chose not to because he needed the practice throwing in those situations.
08-19-2010, 10:46 AM
mightydog Wrote:Sounds like the exact same script, as to pass deffense,that Russell has every year-no pressure on the Qb, and the receivers running all over the field wide open.
Thanks for the report but I was wishing for something better. That standing around & not pursuing the qb or kickers while on defence & allowing receivers to attempt to catch the ball unguarded in the past has really hurt them & its something that I can't believe hasn't improved.. Turning the defencive backs loose & accepting a interference call every now & then would work better than always playing it safe... At the very least teams would know the devils D will hit you! :zzz:
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