Published: October 22, 2009 10:28 pm      

MARK MAYNARD: Almost back to perfect

Now that’s more like it.

Only Bath County’s shocking upset over East Carter — and, honestly, who saw that coming? — kept me from another perfect week.

That means things are back to normal.

And that’s good news for Russell, which is the pick over Raceland in the Rail City Bowl tonight. Sorry about that Rams.

Overall, this next-to-the-last week of the regular season has a few twisters to consider. It’s always good to get a nice tuneup before the playoffs begin in two weeks.

Sharpen the skills, know what I mean?

One person who doesn’t need to sharpen his skills is Bob Lutz. Ironton’s longtime coach tries to become Ohio’s all-time winningest high school coach tonight when the Fighting Tigers play host to 7-1 Nelsonville York.

Lutz is going to get the victory — if not tonight, then next week. But I’m sure Ironton’s players would like Victory No. 361 to come in front of the home folks. More important than the record for Lutz would be a win that further secures Ironton’s place in the Ohio playoffs. I’m sure he’s looking at this Record Chase as nothing more than one gigantic distraction.

Lutz isn’t into counting his wins. Never was. He leaves that up to us. But no coach I’ve ever been around prepares a team any better. They are fundamentally some of the best football players you’ll ever watch.

Ironton should be rockin’ tonight in appreciation of what Lutz has accomplished over the last 40 seasons.

Anyway, without further ado, away we go …

Week 10 predictions

Russell 21, Raceland 20: There’s not a lot of difference in these teams. It’s all about keeping up with the Joneses. If the Rams can keep Travis Jones under 100 yards, then they may be the winner.

Lawrence County 28, Boyd County 20: The Lions are coming on, but not enough to tag the Bulldog Express with loss No. 1. Hail to the undefeated district champions.

Lexington Christian Academy 42, Fairview 18: In a battle of Eagles, Lexington’s version simply has too many weapons. LCA in a rout.

Greenup County 28, East Carter 17: Musketeers win the Bell County Bowl as the No. 4 seed in the district. A trip to Log Mountain: What kind of prize is that?

Morgan County 16, Bath County 14: A pair of 1-7 teams battle in West Liberty. Something’s gotta give and I’m going with the home team.

West Carter 32, Lewis County 20: This one has the makings of a decent game, especially after the Lions’ showing against Russell last week. But in the end the Comets win to earn playoff berth.

Pikeville 28, Paintsville 12: Panthers have been a longtime nemesis of the Tigers. They do it to them again.

Johnson Central 49, Montgomery County 13: Ol’ Mo is lining up with Golden Eagles just in time for next week’s battle with Belfry on Pond Run.

Ashland 42, Woodford County 12: Tomcats don’t match last year’s 54-point effort, but have plenty enough for road win that locks up home playoff game.

Ironton 21, Nelsonville York 7: Fighting Tigers celebrate with Lutz, who is mostly glad Record Chase has come to an end.

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@

dailyindependent.com.