JC and Ironton were train wrecks and Ashland was out of it early. One could make an argument that he was being spared the contact in those games.

 

One could make that argument but some of it was probably due to splitting touches with Long to eliminate the opposition from keying in on one particular player during each of those games. I think the argument does lose a little bit of emphasis due to him playing both ways, at least in the JC game. Either way, I think he is poised for another great individual year. Ashland will be a tough out next season once their QB becomes more seasoned as the year progresses.

I was counting the receptions as touches. So what you are saying is in the 6 wins he doesnt get 25 touches and in 2 of the five losses he gets 25 touches. And this supports the statement that he needs 25 touches?

I was counting the receptions as touches. So what you are saying is in the 6 wins he doesnt get 25 touches and in 2 of the five losses he gets 25 touches. And this supports the statement that he needs 25 touches?

I was counting the receptions at touches too.

 

The bottom line for me is: he needs more touches. If he touches the ball 25-30 times a game and Ashland looses, so be it, but if Ashland loses and he touched the ball less then 20 times I think his touches can be partly attributed to the loss.

 

Do you think he got appropriate amount of touches last year?

I would have to say yes. In the wins, why would a coach subject him to unnecassary collisions, no need for 25 and as I said, in the losses the JC and Ironton game were runaway games. I would like to see the number of touches for him by quarter in those games. I believe it would indicate that as in the wins once the outcome of the game is decided why give him the football? That would leave Russell and if I read post 12 correctly, you have him for 26 rushes. Do I think if he had 30 that Ashland would have won? Not really Russell won on a fake extra point in OT. Honestly I think his production can go up without more carries if the offense becomes a little more diversifed.

There were times last season where I thought Baker should have gotten more carries, but in the grand scheme of things, I don't think it mattered much. Ashlands lack of a passing attack last season made more of a difference than Baker not getting more carries.

 

Between Baker, Long, and Prince, Ashland ran the ball plenty. The only instances I really thought Baker should have gotten more touches was in 3rd and long situations. Ashland rarely converted on 3rd and long by completing a pass. However Baker is always a threat to break loose, so with a lack of a passing game, it would have been worth giving him more opportunities in those situations.

 

Again, I don't think it mattered much though. Ashland was one dimensional last season and good teams will always key in on that and cause you problems. That was the main issue Ashland ran into last year, I'm not sure Baker getting more touches could have fixed that.

 

That said, I agree with Backspin, in that with an improved offense, Bakers numbers could rise with the same amount, or even less carries. With a new qb and capable recievers, hopefully there will be a passing threat this year, which would allow for more balanced play calling. I imagine in a balanced offense, Baker could run wild on a lot of teams, since the defence wouldn't be keying in on the run the whole game.

 

We won't know how any of this will pan out for a while now, as the qb position is still to be determined. The transition at that position will be the deciding factor on how good Ashland will be this season, imo.

 

Also, I mean no disrespect to Prince, he is a great athlete and was Ashlands best option at qb last season. Without him Ashlands season could have been a disaster. To his credit, a lot of potential game changing attempts he threw were good passes that were dropped by the receivers.

O'Byran is playing QB along with Roberts may or will split time. Long is gone but Brown should fill his void. OL hearing will be a huge strength for the CATS and can become one of their best. They are big and strong and should open up some holes for Baker and he is really worked hard in the weight room. Should have a great Senior season.

.......Baker and he is really worked hard in the weight room. Should have a great Senior season.

 

It's remarkable how much bigger Baker has gotten and he is now faster than last year. Proof from his results this past track season and his combine performances. Young man seems quite focused.

Don't know how to post pictures on here but yes Baker is put together and has worked very hard in the weight room and the Y. He told me he is 15 pounds heavier then last year. Speed kills and he has plenty of that too. Baker is 5'8 200 or 205.

The ashland faithful are really talking this group up. Today I talked to a very important leader of there boosters who said they think they will be playing thanksgiving weekend

I'm so looking forward to this season. The backfield will be the best in the tri-state. IMO

I remember seeing a picture of Baker in the paper during track season and you can tell he's added some serious mass. Didn't look like he had a neck.

Brackston Ratiff kid who transferred from Paintsville QB freshman good athlete. Dad is assistant baseball coach. His dad played on Paintsville team that beat Ashland in state championship game.

O'Byran won't play QB Roberts and Dowdy will battle it out.

O'Byran won't play QB Roberts and Dowdy will battle it out.

 

Glad to hear that. It's best to keep him where he belongs, IMO. No need to change his position and throw him to the wolves for his senior season.

Didn't get to go to scrimmage this morning. This is from a friend that went. D line looked stout LBs Goble and O'Byran big hits. DBs fast can cover and tackle. Offense Baker is a man among Boys had his 6 - pack showing. Both QBs looked good and OL was opening holes up.