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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Russell looks to continue winning tradition
Team photo of 2008 Russell High School Football.
Purchase this photoRUSSELL, Ky. -- The Russell Red Devils won an average of 12 games during the last five seasons with several common ingredients.
A hard-nosed offense, a stingy defense and solid leadership.
Work in the weight room and veteran coach Ivan McGlone's system lends itself to the first two aspects, but with the departure of Tyler Jones, the heart of the Red Devils on both sides of the ball last season, there is a large void needing filled.
A.J. Cordle replaces Jones at the quarterback position, but the role of leader could fall to backfield mates Drew Abrams and David Bailey. Will Rice will also get carries and be a leader on each side of the ball.
The key to success for Russell's run-based attack is a strong offensive line, and the Red Devils have to replace several pieces with only two returning starters. In fact, one of those starters is tight end Michael Dillon, although at 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, he is more like an offensive tackle that is eligible to catch a pass.
"As much as we run it, we always use a big end," McGlone said.
In McGlone's Wing-T system, guard play is important and Cameron Smith returns with experience while Travis Jones has moved to the spot from the backfield.
The center position was also a point of emphasis, and McGlone said Nick Blevins and Spencer Hutchison will split time.
Tackles will be returning starter Drew Miller and likely Koty Perkins, although Zach Smith and Trenton Peterman are pushing for playing time also.
Despite having nearly 50 players out this season, several players will play on both sides of the ball. McGlone's most experienced defensive position will be the secondary where Cordle, Bailey and Abrams all started last season.
At linebacker, Rice and Kamron Smith return as starters, but others will have to step to the forefront of the Devils' physical defense.
On the defensive front, Travis Jones, Derek Fossom and Navarone Alleshouse will all see time at defensive end while the defensive tackle position will be by committee.
Most of the defensive tackles will also see action on the offensive line. Blevins, Miller, Dillon, Hutchison and Perkins will all see time at the position.
While the abundance of players is a good problem for McGlone to have, he would much rather have people sticking out in his mind as taking a grasp on each position.
"Someone said to me that we have to develop some depth and I said 'We have to get a first team first, then we'll develop the depth,'" McGlone said.
Jason Dolly will handle the kicking duties again this year while Bailey will serve as punter.
