Class A semifinal preview: Reversed trip fine by Rams

 

 

Matthew Sparks / For The Independent

RACELAND Last season, Raceland’s aspirations of a state championship game were cut short on a cold November night near the Kentucky-Tennessee border.

 

This year, Raceland’s bus driver gets the weekend off.

 

The Rams won’t have to endure the long ride this year. They get to enjoy the friendly confines of Ram Stadium for Friday’s rematch in the Class A state semifinal game against Williamsburg.

 

Senior Connor Messer recalls that night very clearly.

 

“Playing them last year was tough,” Messer said. “It’s a three-hour bus ride. It was cold and the bus had no heat. Playing them at home this year will make a big difference for us. They have to take the long bus ride this time. We have played every playoff game at home and now hosting a state semifinal, first ever in Raceland. We are one of the only teams that gets to do it. This place will be packed and that will help us out a lot.”

 

When the Yellow Jackets do arrive, they bring with them an unblemished record at 13-0 and one of the top offenses in Class A. They’re averaging 50 points a game.

 

“There is no doubt our defense will be put in stressful situations Friday night with Williamsburg’s ability to run and pass, basically, at will,” said Raceland coach Michael Salmons. “Our defense in the last two months has really matured. I talk about how those sophomore outside linebackers — Bailey Walker and Nathaniel Davidson — have really helped that front seven. Isaac (Wallace) and Seth (Holbrook) have really led that front seven. The secondary has corrected so many mistakes that we make, it allows us to take a lot of risks. Friday night, those 11 guys will have to play really well for us to have a chance to win in the fourth quarter.”

 

Link

 

 

Class A semifinal preview: Reversed trip fine by Rams Matthew Sparks / For The Independent RACELAND Last season, Raceland’s aspirations of a state championship game were cut short on a cold November night near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. This year, Raceland’s bus driver gets the weekend off. The Rams won’t have to endure the long ride this year. They get to enjoy the friendly confines of Ram Stadium for Friday’s rematch in the Class A state semifinal game against Williamsburg. Senior Connor Messer recalls that night very clearly. “Playing them last year was tough,” Messer said. “It’s a three-hour bus ride. It was cold and the bus had no heat. Playing them at home this year will make a big difference for us. They have to take the long bus ride this time. We have played every playoff game at home and now hosting a state semifinal, first ever in Raceland. We are one of the only teams that gets to do it. This place will be packed and that will help us out a lot.” When the Yellow Jackets do arrive, they bring with them an unblemished record at 13-0 and one of the top offenses in Class A. They’re averaging 50 points a game. “There is no doubt our defense will be put in stressful situations Friday night with Williamsburg’s ability to run and pass, basically, at will,” said Raceland coach Michael Salmons. “Our defense in the last two months has really matured. I talk about how those sophomore outside linebackers — Bailey Walker and Nathaniel Davidson — have really helped that front seven. Isaac (Wallace) and Seth (Holbrook) have really led that front seven. The secondary has corrected so many mistakes that we make, it allows us to take a lot of risks. Friday night, those 11 guys will have to play really well for us to have a chance to win in the fourth quarter.” Link

So does Williamsburg usually run to set up the passing game or vise versa? Are they 50/50, 60/40 run to pass or what?

 

As for the bolded part, it makes the decision by Coach Maynard not to take a chartered bus even more confusing, especially given the reason you posted in another thread. Even though it's not nearly the trip as Williamsburg was last year, I'm wondering if Russell will be taking chartered buses to Belfry Friday night?

Edited November 26, 201411 yr by LRCW

Coach Maynard hates Charter Buses. He has said it many times. The Raceland boosters always offer to pay for Charter Buses on trips over an hour, he almost always declined. It was his choice and his decision.

 

I have no idea if he will take them this year at Russell, but I promise if it is completely up to him, he will not.

Maynard always said the larger players didn't like the Charter Buses either. Maybe Little Ram can shed some light.

Maynard always said the larger players didn't like the Charter Buses either. Maybe Little Ram can shed some light.

 

...

Not being argumentative, but why the heck are we discussing last year's bus decisions?! Water under the bridge. New head coach and new game. I know that we had 2 charters reserved for Pikeville game that was being paid for privately and anonymously. Thankfully, we didn't need them. If we are lucky enough to win Friday, we will have charters for BG. Guaranteed.

Not being argumentative, but why the heck are we discussing last year's bus decisions?! Water under the bridge. New head coach and new game. I know that we had 2 charters reserved for Pikeville game that was being paid for privately and anonymously. Thankfully, we didn't need them. If we are lucky enough to win Friday, we will have charters for BG. Guaranteed.

Blame Conner, he brought it up. lol

Blame Conner' date=' he brought it up. lol[/quote']

Hahahaha

Blame Conner, he brought it up. lol

 

He just said there was no heat; he didn't mention the type of travel.

Belfry always travels on the big yellow submarines, never on charter busses. It is a tradition that goes way back with this coaching staff. I think stems from the "bue collar" personna.

Back in 1975 Ashland actually flew the Tomcats to Paducah for a state semifinal game if my memory serves me correctly.