Playoff Preview: "Game of Skill" awaits Red Devils against Colonels

FLATWOODS — The game of chess is described as a game of skill. Likewise, football is considered a game of chess.

So when the Russell Red Devils and Bourbon County Colonels kick off this Friday night at Henry R. Evans Stadium, coach T.J. Maynard will be looking at this match up as a game of skill.

"Number one is they got a lot skill guys everywhere that can make plays. So it's going to be imperative that we tackle well in space, make them earn everything down the field and don't let them get a cheap one over the top."

Bourbon will come into the game with an arsenal of skill and talent on the offensive side of the ball.

The top playmaker for the Colonels will be quarterback Malachi Rennie. On the season, Rennie has completed 107 of 195 passes this season for 1,686 yards and 14 touchdown tosses. Rennie also leads the team in scoring and is second in rushing with 476 yards.

"(Rennie) is the straw that stirs the drink, so to speak when running and throwing the football," said Maynard.

Rennie's two main targets when spinning the ball will be senior WR Jacob Ezell. On the season, Ezell has caught 30 passes for 521 yards and has 6 touchdowns. The other key receiver will be senior Bryson Carr with 24 catches for 449 yards and 4 scores.

In the rushing game, the Colonels are headed by Rennie but also have two other weapons to compliment their quarterback.

Shayne Bowling comes into Friday as the second leading rusher with 56 carries for 408 yards and 4 scores. The other back the Colonels will use is Carr with 345 yards on 52 carries and 6 touchdowns this season.

Despite of all the skill matchups, the game could come down again to the play in the trenches.

"They got two really good guys in King Lee and Bryant Martin. They'll be a challenge for us. But as you advance in the playoffs you should face better teams and players."

On the season, Lee has recorded 33 solo tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. Martin has 19 solo tackles 11.5 tackles for loss and a pair sacks.

Defensively, the Colonels are giving up 13 points a game and surrendering just 163 yards of offense per game.

Rennie also is one of the main playmakers defensively with tackles (34 solo, 52 total) and interceptions (4) on the season.

Friday will more than likely be the final home game for Russell for the remainder of the playoffs. The KHSAA uses an RPI rating system that will re-seed the remaining teams for the Regional Finals. So the Red Devils will have to go on the road for the remainder of the postseason

"This will be our last home game for sure if we win. So again you're playing at home and you want to get that for your seniors and also to advance to get a games closer to a regional championship and Kroger Field."

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KHSAA 3A Playoffs

Bourbon County Colonels (9-1) at Russell Red Devils (8-2)

Time: Friday, November 14, 7:00 PM

Where: Henry R. Evans Stadium/Ivan McGlone Field, Flatwoods, KY

Key Matchup to Watch:

Russell offensive line vs. Carroll County defensive line

The Colonels will be a big challenge up front for the Red Devils. Bourbon sports two defensive linemen that have combined for 24 tackle for loss and 6 sacks by themselves. But Russell's offensive line has been battle-tested on several occasions this season. If Russell's ground attack gets going early, they can set the tone the rest of the way.

Impact Players to Watch:

Malachi Rennie, Bourbon County

You could say Rennie is the Colonels Mr. Football. Rennie will be a key focus of the passing and running games. Rennie threw for 209 and ran for another 77 in the Colonels 50-7 blowout win of Fleming County last Friday.

Kanenan Jacobs, Russell

The Red Devils will need to control the edges on Friday whether it be the passing or running game. This means the outside backers will need to play firm enough against the run and loose enough to help defend in the passing lanes underneath.