Published: October 01, 2008 02:00 pm            

East Carter fails at Russell, 42-7

The East Carter Raiders faced the now 4-1 Russell Red Devils on Friday night, losing 42-7. The match-up happened during Russell’s annual Breast Cancer awareness event, which filled the stands with pink, and hundreds of screaming Russell fans. Coming off a loss against Ashland the week before, the Red Devils were hot for the win.

“We have played one of the toughest schedules in the state,” East Carter head football coach Aaron Baldwin told the Journal-Times. “Our kids have seen the best of the best so far this season, playing four ranked schools. We’ve seen most of the best that Eastern Kentucky has to offer.”

East’s Kyle Smith took the reins at quarterback this week, completing one of seven attempts for 24 yards. Trei Tackett led the Raiders in rushing yards with 59 in 11 carries. Tyler Back went 30 in 12 carries and Tony Riley went 20 in seven carries.

Riley and Darren Brammell pulled down one interception each, returning 47 yards together. Doug Claxton led the team with five tackles and three assists. Jonnie Stafford had four solos and one assist. Dylan Stephens, Cody Bush, Riley, Back, Kyle Huffine, Tanner Ashworth and Ryan Kitchen each pulled down three solo tackles.

“I think we are very close to being a decent football team, we just need to cut out the mistakes,” Baldwin said. “Fumbles and penalties are things we can control and we have to cut those out.”

Since the Fairview game, the Raiders have dug down and fought hard through each game.

“Sometimes it is hard not to lose hope when you lose the game,” Baldwin said. “But I am really proud of the team for sticking to it.”

This is the Raiders’ by week and the team is working on recovery. Baldwin said the team needs to focus on try to get better before they move on to preparing for next week’s game.

The Raiders host long time rival West Carter October 10. The Comets are 1-4 for the season, and will also be coming off their by-week for the Carter County match-up.

        

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