Ashland comes to NCC with a new head coach, new offense, new quarterback and almost a completely new offensive line. Luke Johnson is the only returning starter up front for the Tomcats. Sensational sophomore Quentin Baker will be the primary ball carrier for Ashland, and he is capable.

 

What does NCC return? Who wins this Week 0 contest? What will each team take from the first game of the season?

There are a ton of question makes for Ashland this season. It is hard to go through the changes they have and be successful the first half of the season. They lost a lot of kids to graduation, but that's not abnormal for them. I think they will be fine, but may struggle early. That said there are too many question marks for me to make any predictions until I see them play. I do expect it to be a close hard fought game though.

Nice matchup for the early season.. with that said I have no clue who wins. My gut says Ashland wins the battle in the trenches and Baker makes big plays.

 

Ashland- 30

NewCath- 22

I have no idea on this one, don't know about NCC other than they have a long standing tradition of winning and are always a good football team. Ashland, as Ram stated has a new coach, new system and from what I understand are going back to Ashland's old style running / option game only with some of the new option looks (spread option, pistol, etc.). However they line up it is basically the Wishbone or Veer in principal. The Baker kid is outstanding, is legit big time back. Should the Tomcats get him in the open field not many people are going to stop/catch him.

Not knowing enough on NCC to make a informed prediction I am going with my heart in this one and pick the Tomcats in a close game.

I think - especially being the first game of the season - this game is about as much of a toss-up as you'll see. I think the final score will be within a touchdown either way, and I'll say New Cath wins based simply on the fact that they're the home team. I'd still have to guess it's very winnable for Ashland though.

Not that you can or should "garner" much from a scrimmage.........I like the Breds chances even better after what I saw on friday night. Granted I know ZERO about Ashland, looking forward to some football finally.

I know NCC will be good as always but I know nothing about Ashland. Can't guess at this one.:idunno:

I'm pulling for the 'breds, hope they win 40-0.

Many probably know this, but Ashland's RB Baker is AL Baker's son. Al Baker played at Trigg County and I believe had the state 100 track record until a guy named Tyson Gay broke it. Al was an all SEC running back his senior year at UK.

Newport Catholic 27-22.

I, obviously, don't know much about Ashland other than they will traditionally punch you in the mouth and try to enforce their will. Do they have a passing game to come back if they get down by multiple scores? NewCath, traditionally, has done very well against the run, not so much when spread out and forced to cover. The Breds have the backbone in place to be very good by the end of this season. A home run hitter at both QB and RB, as Franzen is a tremendous athlete and Smith can fly. The question mark will be how quickly the O-Line gels and the WRs mature. Defensively up the middle they will be strong. Sutkamp is the real deal as a LB. Still too many question marks to accurately judge who NewCath will be, but the P word is there to have a great year.

Well, it's hard to say about the passing game for Ashland. They have been in a spread for the last 10 years or so and have been 60/40, but they have a new Head Coach this year, have replaced their QB and have installed a new offense. So, to be honest, no one really knows what kind of passing game they will have. A first year QB will probably be a little rough in the early season. The new offense is pistol formation with three backs, I believe, I would say they are probably going to be a run first team. Baker is going to carry the load for Ashland this year, he will break a few long ones, but to be honest, no one is really sure what other demotions they will have.

I don't know a lot about either team at this point, but I am cheering for Coach Love to win in his first game as head coach.

I like the Breds in this one. Know nothing about Ashland so call it a homer pick, but I think Newcath will be VERY GOOD this year. Unproven at some positions but very talented and skilled.

Two new head coaches look for their first win. If Ashland can't be effective throwing the ball, they will have a hard time beating the Breds. NCC plays the 6A schools on down so they are used to facing bigger schools with big lines.