Inside North-Eastern Kentucky Pre-Season

 

Inside North-Eastern Kentucky will look at teams for the North-Eastern Kentucky area, which includes the following teams: Ashland, Boyd County, East Carter, Fairview, Greenup County, Lawrence County, Lewis County, Raceland, Russell, and West Carter.

With the exception of two or three teams, football in North-Eastern Kentucky is going be down in 2013. Ashland, Raceland and Fairview will, more then likely, put a quality product on the field, but many of the other area teams are truly going to struggle to compete with teams from outside the area and in the playoffs.

 

Raceland is the only team in the area that has a great deal of returning players. Raceland returns nine offensive starters and seven defensive starters with several non-starters who often played as much, or more, then the starters. When it comes to experience, Raceland will lead area teams.

 

Ashland may not have as many returning starters as Raceland, but they do have several returning starters who made big impacts last season. Ashland will, more then likely, be starting a new quarterback and will be looking for almost a completely new offensive and defensive line. The Tomcats are reportedly changing offenses and spent most of the off season installing it. Ashland may be in the hunt for a playoff win by season’s end, but they will have some growing pains in the early season for first year Head Coach Tony Love.

 

Fairview, like Ashland, was hit hard by graduation after their first trip to the 1A State Championship Game. The Eagle do return several linemen and their starting quarterback with some young talent that appears ready to step into starting roles. Fairview will put a quality product on the field and will get better as the season goes on. By the time Raceland and Fairview play, the Eagles should be matured and ready. The winner will be the District Champion.

 

After the top three teams, the water gets a little muddy. Lawrence County fielded a young team in 2012 which caused them some problems, but those problems will become benefits in 2013. The Bulldogs are going to be a year older and have a full year of experience. Lawrence county may be the surprise team in the area, something they have done before after going 0-11 in 2008 just to rattle off 12 wins in a row in 2009 before falling in the Regional Championship Game.

Russell may be the big surprise for those around the state. The Red Devils are in full rebuilding mode this year with no clear playmaker in the pre-season and a very young team as a whole. Playing in the district in which they play, Russell has a chance for a first round home playoff game, but 2013 will be rough on the Red Devil Faithful. 2014 will be better.

 

Greenup County’s last win was October 22, 2010. After two winless seasons, the Musketeers are looking for any glimmer of hope. Greenup has a few games on the schedule that could break the losing streak of 22 games, but none of them are sure things.

 

Boyd County after a .500 season in 2012 has a great new addition, Head Coach John Gilliam. Coach Gilliam comes to Boyd County after a lengthy stent as Defensive Coordinator at Morehead State University. Coach Gilliam will provide stability to a program that has seen three head coaches in three years.

 

The battle for Carter County will likely be won by East Carter again after West Carter failed to win a game in 2012 and is in danger of doing the same in 2013. West Carter, plagued by low numbers, will struggle, while East Carter being a year older will be battling for a playoff game.

 

Lewis County should be happy by season’s end. They are all but assured third place in the district, and have a real shot of beating Russell for the second time in school history to secure a home play off game. Couple that with several other winnable non-district games, it will be a good year to be a Lions fan.

North-Eastern Kentucky Rankings:

1. Raceland

2. Ashland

3. Fairview

4. Lawrence County

5. Boyd County

6. Russell

7. Lewis County

8. East Carter

9. West Carter

10. Greenup County

Good report.

 

Why is W-Carter having problems with numbers?

Why is W-Carter having problems with numbers?

Just a small rural school that has had winning problems. Numbers are going to be a problem.

Good information but preseason rankings are normally based on last years performance so gotta put Fairview # 1 then Raceland Ashland.

Good information but preseason rankings are normally based on last years performance so gotta put Fairview # 1 then Raceland Ashland.

I agree with most of that, but only took returning starters into account. But, I will concede that those three are in the top three and a good argument could be made for them to be in any order.

You think Lewis County is a lock for 3rd in their district? I think Fleming County will be better than some expect and will definitely have a shot at 3rd! I think they have bigger aspirations but, I think they will challenge Russell for 2nd with the loser of that game getting 3rd place in the district.

You think Lewis County is a lock for 3rd in their district? I think Fleming County will be better than some expect and will definitely have a shot at 3rd! I think they have bigger aspirations but, I think they will challenge Russell for 2nd with the loser of that game getting 3rd place in the district.

I think there are a lot of excited people in Lewis County. For Fleming or Lewis County to beat Russell they will have to play well, but after Mason County at number one, I could see any combination of events happing in the district.

I agree, there is alot of excitement in Lewis County right now, just not sure it will translate into wins. I also agree that Mason County has to be the clear cut favorite right now.

Sort of odd to see Russell behind Boyd County.