Written by: JMF
Coach TJ Maynard and the Russell Red Devils hosted the Mason County Royals to start the 2023 season. Coach Maynard is starting his 10th season as the Red Devils coach, and coming off an untypical 2-9 season in 2022. Mason County went 13-1 last season and lost in the state semifinals. The Red Devils were looking to put 2022 in the rearview mirror, and start 2023 off with a bang. Russell would do just that with a huge 28-8 victory over class 4A powerhouse Mason County.
The Red Devils QB, Ethan Pack would complete 6 of 9 passes for 51 yards, 2 TDs, and would rush for 79 yards. Andre Richardson-Crews would carry the ball 18 times for 81 yards and two scores. Haiden Anderson had 1 catch for 23 yards and a score. Caleb Rimmer had 1 catch for 4 yards and a score. Elijah Hankins would run the ball 4 times for 60 yards. As a team the Red Devils would run the ball 43 times for a total of 252 yards and 2 TDs.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Red Devils were led by Brennen Smith with 5 tackles and a sack. As a team the Red Devils would finish with 4 sacks on the night. Caleb Rimmer and Reagan Banks both had a sack each, and Josh Hudson and Noah McDaniels would get credit for ½ a sack each. Ethan Pack, Parker Mitchell, and Caleb Rimmer would each record an interception in the game as well.
Mason County’s lone score would come on a CJ Authur Kickoff return for a TD. Mason County QB, Keshaun Thomas completed 9 of 25 passes for 117 yards, but he threw 3 INTs. Trey Walker would carry the ball 5 times for 32 yards. Garryon McClain had 3 receptions for 49 yards in the loss.
The Red Devils look to carry the momentum from the season-opening victory into next week’s matchup with Greenup County (0-1). The Red Devils will travel to Greenup County for the Aug. 25th matchup with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Mason County looks to rebound at home, as they host Montgomery County (1-0) on Friday, Aug. 25th for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Best of luck to both teams.
Photo Courtesy of Wayne Chaffin
