article Ashland Tomcats

Ashland

Some questions have been answered for Ashland heading into the 2013 season. Who will take over for long time Head Coach Leon Hart? Tony Love will. Will anyone make fun of the fact that one coach is named “Hart”, and the other is named “Love”? Yes, they will. Will Coach Love stick with the Spread Offense? No, he will not. Will the Putnam Stadium renovations be completed prior to the start of the 2013 season? No, not even close, not even started.

However, some question remain for the Tomcats. What offense will Ashland run? It looks like it is going to be a hybrid of the wishbone from the pistol formation. In reality, the type of offense is going to be, “Hand the ball to Quintin Baker”. In 2012 the gifted freshman became the power behind the Ashland offense, and that is only going to get better in 2013. Baker, the son of former Trigg County and University of Kentucky running back Al Baker, is starting to look a great deal like his father. Look for what ever offense the Tomcats run to have a heavy dose of Sophomore Quintin Baker in it.

The next question: is Aaron Elam going to play? Elam, who was the Tomcat quarterback last season, has been rumored to have quit football after being asked to move to full back. If the rumor turns out to be true, it will be a shame. Elam is probably more of a full back then a quarterback. He has great arm strength, but his real talent is his strength and gritty personality that allows him to be a fierce runner. Being at full back would have worked to his strength and hide his weakness - not an accurate passer. Here’s to hoping Elam decides to stay with the team, because he can be a real asset.

Next: who is going to be the quarterback? Hunter Prince. Elam will be a senior and Prince will be a junior and the writing is on the wall that Coach Love wants to get Prince in the game this year, not next. Prince has a great up side and is more of a quarterback that Ashland wants for the next two years. Look for Prince to hit the ground running in the Tomcat offense. A good choice to put Prince in at quarterback.

That brings us to: Where’s the beef? Ashland’s Offensive Line was decimated by graduation. They are going to a new offense that will only be better with a quality offensive line, and they are going to have to develop that line quickly. Luke Johnson is back and the new line will be built around him. Linemen, Ashland needs them quick, fast and in a hurry.

The big question: Can Ashland get a big win over Northern Kentucky this year in the playoffs? Nope. Not this year. Ashland has some quality players returning, but has a lot to develop before they will compete with Highlands and Covington Catholic. And, this will not be the year that happens.

Questions left to answer: Will Ashland win a playoff game this year? Will they beat Johnson Central? Will the Tomcat fans be sending “hart” shaped valentines to Coach Love? Or, will they reminisce, thinking back of Coach Hart with “love”?

Players to Watch:

1. Quintin Baker (So. RB/DL 5’11” 160) - Baker is the engine that fuels Ashland this year. If Baker has a great season, Ashland will do well. If he has injury problems, it will be a long year for the Tomcats.
   
2. Hunter Prince (Jr. QB 6’0” 155) - Prince may have some early growing pains but look for him to take over the offense and fit the quarterback position well.
   
3. Luke Johnson (Sr. OL/DL 6’0” 245) - Johnson will be the leader on the OL/DL for the Tomcats this season. Look for him to have a great season after putting in a lot of work in the offseason. Johnson is a solid player to build your OL/DL around.
   
4. Aaron Elam (Sr. QB/FB 5’11” 210) - If he plays, Elam can be a great asset to the Tomcats, and even a star. Sometimes players have to put their ego aside and do what is needed for the team. Hope this is one of those times for Elam.
   

Nice preview Ram.

So in your opinion the Tomcats will not be able to step on the field with CovCath and Highlands this year?

Nice preview Ram.

 

So in your opinion the Tomcats will not be able to step on the field with CovCath and Highlands this year?

Afraid not. Ashland will have some playmakers in Baker and Prince, but it will take a team to beat the big teams in NKY. Ashland will have an uphill battle in 2013. New Coach, new offense, new QB, new OL, it will take some time.

Ashland will be at Newport Central Catholic in Week 1, I think we will see what they have then.

Ashland will be at Newport Central Catholic in Week 1, I think we will see what they have then.

We have to figure out what NCC has first.

We have to figure out what NCC has first.

That may be the date to find out a lot about both teams.

That may be the date to find out a lot about both teams.

If Ashland is going to be a contender in 4A they will need to handle NCC by three or four touchdowns.

Dont think that a team with a new coach and new offense and several young players can judge a season by the first game on the road. I believe if this team makes a run at the district or more it will depend on the maturing of the young players over the course of the season. I expect them to take a few lumps early but play a lot better by the end of the season.

Dont think that a team with a new coach and new offense and several young players can judge a season by the first game on the road. I believe if this team makes a run at the district or more it will depend on the maturing of the young players over the course of the season. I expect them to take a few lumps early but play a lot better by the end of the season.

Can you post Ashland's schedule, I would like to think it through with you.

Can you post Ashland's schedule, I would like to think it through with you.

2013 Ashland Tomcat Varsity Football Schedule and Results

Friday August 16 Mason County (Scrimmage) Home 7:30 PM

Friday August 23 Newport Catholic Away 7:30 PM

Friday August 30 Raceland Home 7:30 PM

Friday September 6 George Washington Home 7:30 PM

Friday September 13 Russell Away 7:30 PM

Friday September 20 Ironton Home 7:30 PM (Tomcats for a Cure Game)

Friday September 27 Rowan County Away 7:30 PM

Friday October 4 Boyd County Away 7:30 PM

Friday October 11 Sheldon Clark Away 7:30 PM

Friday October 18 Greenup County Home 7:30 PM (Homecoming)

Friday October 25 Johnson Central Home 7:30 PM (Senior Night)

Friday November 1 Open Date

Will some games be more of a test sure they will. I think the more reps with the new coach, new offense, and new players the better off they will be. Does this make them a contender? Who knows.

I think that the Tomcats will be fine. All that I have heard from Ashland fans is that they do like Coach Love and are pleased with the hire. Ashland does have some playmakers and speed and imo coach Love will do exactly what a coach is supposed to do, put his players in the best possible position so the team can be successful. One thing that I think the Tomcat fans will see is a more disciplined team. Ashland imo will be a far better team by seasons end as the new systems are in place and players get more and more dialed in with every game. Ashland is never a bad football team or without good talent. The Tomcats have a strong tradition and their players go in expecting to win.

I like the Tomcats and their tradition, have a lot of friends that are Ashland fans and I hope that their Tomcats finish the season 14-1, losing only their home opener on Aug. 30 :thumb: