District play started this past week for virtually every team in the area. Several area teams started District play with a win. This coming week will see some pivotal match ups that may decide District Championships. Raceland and Fairview will meet in what will be the District Championship. Mason County has already secured the Championship of their District, but Russell and Lewis County will meet to decide who will be the number two team in that District and who will have to travel in the first round of the playoffs. Let’s take a look how things are shaping up.

 

The Week in Review:

Raceland 51 Nicholas County 8

Raceland moves to 1-0 in District play after overwhelming a young Nicholas County team. This game was never in doubt for the Rams after jumping out to a big lead in the first quarter and having a running clock late in the second quarter. Raceland’s Conner Messer scored five touchdowns and running back Daylen Beach was the main running thread. The other senior running back Zack Litter was lost to injury for the remainder of the season.

Ashland 50 Sheldon Clark 8

After a few weeks of playing lesser opponents and working on the passing game, Ashland got back to their running game. Sophomore Quinton Baker Rushed for almost 250 yards averaging over 20 yards per carry. The Ashland defense has steadily improved over the last three weeks in preparation for a District Showdown versus Johnson Central.

Mason County 28 Russell 6

Mason County secured the District Championship with the win over Russell. The Red Devils have shown progress as the season goes on but the Royal’s strong line and powerful running game was just too much for Russell. The Red Devils at times this year have shown glimmers of Wing-T perfection but against Mason County they met their match.

Rowan County 40 Boyd County 12

The Lions continue to struggle to get their first win of the season. The last two weeks may be their best chance of a win, but it’s not guaranteed.

Johnson Central 54 Greenup County 0

The highlight of the game was apparently a new state record long Field Goal utilizing the little know, or understood, rule of acquiring a free kick following a fair catch. Congratulations to Tyler Pack for setting the record of a 60 yard Field Goal. And the good news for him and the Johnson Central staff is, Pack is only a sophomore.

Fairview 44 Paintsville 7

The Tigers had an early glimmer of hope when they went up 7-0 in the first quarter, but it was all Eagles after that will a strong defensive performance and a running game by committee with three 100 yard rushers. Paintsville was probably a little overrated and the Eagles showed they have gotten better on defense.

Lewis County 41 East Carter 23

The Lions are proving they are for real, with their biggest opportunity coming this week. Lewis County has quietly been preparing for District play and after their loss to Mason County, they are probably the most dangerous team in the District.

Fleming County 29 West Carter 22

The Comets loose a close one that they could have won. It’s possible they had a let down after losing last week to inter-county rival East Carter. Fleming County gets their first win of the season.

Pike County Central 26 Lawrence County 20

The Dawgs drop their second game of the season before facing their toughest opponent of the season in Belfry.

 

Coming Up This Week:

Raceland (5-2) vs. Fairview (7-0)

Unanimous choice by all media sources as the game of the week, and widely believed to be the game of the season in North-Eastern Kentucky. The Eagles will come into Ram Stadium undefeated. The Rams are well tested and well prepared for the playoffs. Who will be the number one seed and who will be number two? Those questions will be answered this week. Can Fairview’s defense stiffen and stop the powerful Raceland offense, after giving up quite a few points this season? Can the Raceland defense stop the powerful running attack of the Eagles? May be a high scoring affair.

Russell (4-3) at Lewis County (5-2)

If there was an argument for the game of the week, it would be this one. Both Russell and Lewis County have already lost to District Champion Mason County. The only thing left for these two teams to play for is a home playoff game and this week will decide who gets it and who travels in the first round of the playoffs. The Red Devils are much improved and capable of winning this game. The Lions are off to a great start and expect to win after beating Russell for the first time ever last season. Should be a great game.

Ashland (6-2) vs. Greenup County (2-5)

This game is a formality with Ashland pulling away early. The Tomcat’s potent rushing attack will be too much for the Musketeers. Greenup County took a beating last week and will have a similar experience this week.

East Carter (2-5) vs. Fleming County (1-6)

Weeks ago most would have thought East Carter would win this game. A week after Fleming County beat West Carter, a team that took East Carter down to the wire, things seem a little more interesting. Expect a hard fought game between two evenly matched teams.

West Carter (2-5) vs. Mason County (7-0)

Another formality. Mason County will put this game away early in the first half. The Comets have moments where they look good, but with several key injuries West Carter will be well out maned in this game.

Lawrence County (6-2) at Belfry (7-0)

Let another formality. Belfry is, arguably, one of the best teams in the state. Lawrence County is much improved and has a potent rushing attack, but not on the same level at Belfry.

Boyd County -- OPEN

North-Eastern Kentucky Rankings:

No changes this week, after a week that saw happen pretty much what was expected by everyone. Some big match ups this week could shake things up a bit.

 

1. Ashland
   
2. Fairview
   
3. Lawrence County
   
4. Raceland
   
5. Lewis County
   
6. Russell
   
7. Greenup County
   
8. East Carter
   
9. West Carter
   
10. Boyd County
    

Lewis beat Russell two seasons ago not last year.

Lewis beat Russell two seasons ago not last year.

You're absolutely correct, time flies.