SK PIONEER SPORTS: LWLWLWLW Pattern Continues ad EERS Beat Devils

Russell High School is in Greenup County in Flatwoods, Kentucky. Two things usually come to mind when you think of Flatwoods; Billy Ray Cyrus’ hometown and football. The folks there take their football seriously. You can check out their website listed below to get a flavor for their fervor for the sport. SK traveled to their stadium last year and were given a huge break that was the difference in the game when a facemask penalty was called on the last play of the game. With Russell out for some revenge and SK trying to erase the memory of last week’s drubbing, the Pioneer fans had to wonder how this game would go. SK held serve with their win-loss alternation and comes out on top 40-20.

SK took the opening kick and drove for the TD in a fairly easy drive. The extra point was missed and SK leads by 6. Russell took their first possession down the field in just as easy fashion and the kick was blocked. You kind of had the feeling that this could have been one of those games where the team with the ball last wins. The Pioneer defense got their act together and made sure that didn’t happen. They hit hard and forced several fumbles on the night.

The Pioneers came out with a different look on their second offensive series as sophomore Chad Lawrence came out at quarterback and Pat Bustle was the tight end. Lawrence would run the Eer offense the rest of the game. Ironically, the best passing play of the night was when Lawrence connected with Bustle for a big gainer. Besides tight-end, Bustle also played linebacker and running back. Lawrence had a couple of passes dropped, another big gainer called back for an illegal man downfield but definitely looked good in the position. On SK’s last TD, Lawrence made a nice run and dove out of bounds after gaining the first down. A Russell would be tackler sneered at him for not taking the hit. Lawrence just calmly said; “First down man” and went back to the huddle. The very next play, he went back to pass, couldn’t find anyone and then took off. He made a spin move that caused several Russell players to miss and went in for the TD.

This night though was another big night for Miles Simpson. The junior scored 5 TD’s. (Going on memory because it was hard to keep up.) He broke one 80 yarder and came flying by me flat out moving out. I am not sure how many yards he had but it was a bunch. Simpson was a difficult tackle for the Devils and made them miss all night.

The turning point of the game was a defensive stand that took place right before the end of the first half. Russell had the ball first and goal from the three with about two minutes to go. The first two plays were running plays that the Pioneers stopped. Third down was play action that was broken up. On fourth and goal, Austin Baldwin got through the line and was able to bring the ball carrier down from behind. A great series by the defense.

SK faces a must win next week against Campbell County if they wish to make the playoffs. The game is at 7:00 at SK.

Lots of other photos at http://www.figsphotos.com/g/sk_versus_russell

Here flies another Russell fumble.