Popplewell and Wills show out in overtime loss to Somerset
People get too invested in “out of the gate” sometimes. Belfry, in ’21, lost their first five, tagged on a sixth loss in the regular season finale (Johnson Central, 4A), then won five straight games and the 3A title in a 33-28 rushing clinic over Paducah Tilghman. Why the slow start? Well, the Pirates came out of the gate playing 5A powers Pulaski County and Covington Catholic, then played perennial 2A powerhouse, Lexington Christian Academy, before finishing the five game gauntlet with 3A heavyweight, Central High (Lou.), and the 1A football champion that same year, Pikeville. How many teams survive a stretch like that? Not too many. Point is, Russell County sits at 0-2 entering Friday’s contest with 5A, D8 South Laurel and its legendary head football coach, John Hines. Can they get the win at home in the friendly confines? We like ’em!
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Russell Springs, KY: Russell County scheduled ambitiously to start out the ’24 season. Adair was 7-4 a year ago and a team with which to reckon in the 3A classification. Somerset was a state semifinalist in 2A, finished 10-4, and beat the tar-stuffings out of a well coached Perry County Central (4A) in its opener, 48-7.
If you doubt the mettle of that Commodore squad from Perry, they went into the Riverbank, a traditionally tough place to play, and emerged a 52-35 victor the week after losing to Somerset in the opener. Point is, neither Adair nor Somerset were jokes.
The Lakers weren’t laughing. However, they did play pretty, dad-burn well.
We will be the first to tell you we thought Somerset was going to curb-stomp Russell County. Shows what we know.
Russell County took the baddest bunnies in the briar patch, Somerset, to overtime before succumbing, 13-7. The week before, Russell County lost to Adair 22-16.
In the Somerset game, the defense shone. Russell County limited Somerset to 223-total yards of offense in 4-quarters and an OT.
Russell County, on defense, limited Somerset to 223-total yards
KHSAA Statistical Website
Kinnett Willis (’26; 6’0, 170, WR/DB, 4.0 GPA), who we have before featured, was outstanding with 7-stops and an INT. Luke Popplewell (’25, MLB/OLB, 6’0, 200), a very good linebacker, sporting a 4.15 GPA, led the team with 13-tackles and a TFL.
Friday night, the Lakers brace to entertain legendary coach, John Hines, and his Cardinal team from London, Kentucky. The Cardinals enter the match with a 2-0 record having topped both McCreary Central and Knox County.
We like the Lakers, at home in this game. We have run the numbers, analyzed film, and consulted with our network “experts.”
Russell County 21 (65% of winning), South Laurel 14
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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