Devils look for positive finish

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November 2, 2012

Devils look for positive finish

Aaron Snyder The Independent The Daily Independent Fri Nov 02, 2012, 06:00 AM EDT

FLATWOODS — Maybe a week's worth of rain is just what Russell needed.

Practicing inside for most of the week, the normal sounds of practice echoed throughout the high school gymnasium. They put out a unique vibe.

"It's been a little different, but the sounds you hear in the gym kind of inspire you a little bit," said Russell coach Ivan McGlone.

McGlone has 43 playoff coaching wins in his 36 seasons at Russell. His 37th season carries on with a home meeting with Garrard County tonight at 7:30.

Russell (6-4) finished second in Class 3A District 6 due to a heartbreaking loss against Mason County in which it led by 18 points in the second half before falling, 32-28.

Just last week, the Red Devils had one of their poorer performances of the season, having had three turnovers and mustering miniscule amounts of effective offense in a 25-14 loss to Raceland.

"If our offense isn't consistent, our defense is going to suffer too," McGlone said.

It's not all been dreary for the Red Devils, though. Their quarterback, Lance Evans, didn't throw an interception until the last game of the season. He has 775 yards through the air. Leading rushers Troy Huffine and Googie Hayes have both battled injuries this season, but they are healthy now.

Evans is comfortable handing off to a number of running backs in the Wing-T offense. Huffine (600, 13 TDs), Hayes (521), Bryant Cathey (470), Gage Stevens (258) and Bronson Korzep (255) have all surpassed 250 yards on the ground.

Garrard County (6-4) is reliant upon its defense. The Golden Lions have allowed just 15.3 points per game, and have not given up more than 28 points in a single contest.

McGlone said the Golden Lions look strong and big on defense. Garrett Caudill leads the team with 72 tackles. Bradley Rector has 67. Overall, Garrard County has accounted for 35 tackles for loss.

Garrard County knocked Russell out of the playoffs in the second round a year ago.

"Their speed killed us," McGlone said.

While Garrard County did lose some of that speed, the Golden Lions didn't diminish too much in the production department.

Noah Williams has paced the ground game with 1,104 yards and six scores. Quarterback Billy Abney is 55 of 108 for 828 yards, seven TDs and two picks.

Russell's last three playoff wins are by 15 total points. McGlone is just fine with that.

"We'll take them by one point," he said. "We may be sweating them out, but we'll take them."

AARON SNYDER can be reached at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.

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