O.K., We have had some fun with this one for a few years now. Making jokes about predictions on Raceland vs. "Open".

I was going to try another spin on it this season with asking opinions from Ram fans (along with others) that in your opinion, how have the Rams performed so far this season and what do they need to do, improve on and/or change heading into district play next week.

I am putting a poll on if you believe if Raceland has played above, below your expectations this season or has the season gone about like you thought it would ?

I will post my opinions later on.

 

Remember ... it's no problem with criticizing anything, that makes for some good ideas and discussion BUT please don't throw any individual kid under the bus, try to remember they're kids and don't get personal.

Well, at times I feel the Rams have under performed and really played poorly against West Carter (though they are better than everyone thought), in the first quarter against Ashland we couldnt handle getting popped in the mouth but responded well through the rest of the game and though were never in it, it took 4 quarters for the Cats to put us away. We were hungover against East Carter in the first half but woke up in the second half and took care of business. We looked great all across the board against Lucasville and the defense was on point against Greenup. We were sluggish against Portsmouth West in the first but from the second quarter on we looked good. Couple of bad turnovers against a pretty good Lawrence Co team, but our defense was there to help us out when we needed it in crunch time and really settled in and adjusted to the speed of the game in the second half. That game showed me that our secondary has improved quite a bit. I didnt however see the same Kyle Jamison on the field that we had seen the last few weeks but credit LC for that, their LBs covered him well on short routes and their OTs and TEs sealed the edge well on him from his DE spot. It wasnt a lack of effort, they schemed him well.

 

Over all, here is what I think our biggest problem has been. Not playing our football against inferior teams or in hames where we should have been able to take care of business early on in the ball games. But, we have been a little more explosive offensively and Kane Snyder has become the back that I thought he would be. If he averages 120 or more yards/game from here on out, we will be fine. His yards after contact is incredible and he has the ability to wear teams down. Davidson is looking better in the run game but really needs to take better care of the ball.

 

This team has looked better against better competition, than they have against teams that they were a heavy favorite against. Still a bit inconsistent offensively, but we have found our identity there. Ground and pound, throw when we have to. I think our best football is ahead of us, which is a good thing.

 

Our schedule has been pretty tough, only having one "gimme" with East Carter. I think 3 weeks ago we would have lost to Lawrence Co. But we never once looked defeated, almost like we always knew we could/would win. I think the cold months will play into our strengths as a run first, defensive team. That my two cents any way.

This contest is always a close one, and should be a good challenge for the Rams.

If the Rams start sluggish in this one, it could be a long night!

After Open's sanctions with the KHSAA, heard the superintendent resigned and then some how got his job back? Anyone have a any information on that?

Always the most ballyhooed matchup in the state and equally disappointing outcome every year. I heard they are playing Open's JV this year. What a joke on the part of the Open staff. Rams just don't have enough firepower to beat Open's JV, so I guess I respect the decision. Hard to root for Open!! Go Rams!

In all seriousness, I think Raceland needs to go back and watch films from every ball game. Take a look at the Lucasville Valley game (imo the best we played all year) and compare it to the rest of the ball games. Valley was the only 4 quarters of football we have played. On a dry field I think we beat LC about like Portsmouth West or West Carter.

I'm not sure why the Rams schedule this game. It's a no-win contest. And, I might as well vent. Play someone your own class, Rams. Open is Class 0 (kinda ironic since their staff has zero class).

Everybody knows that Open Date recruits! Half their roster's not even from Kentucky. Why on earth the KHSAA continues to turn a blind eye to what's going on over there is beyond me. :no:

The fact that open is undefeated and hasn't won a game at the same time really scares me.

After Open's sanctions with the KHSAA, heard the superintendent resigned and then some how got his job back? Anyone have a any information on that?

OH NO :scared:.... Not another one, I ain't going there but this is funny, I don't care who you are. :popcorn: :sssh:

The fact that open is undefeated and hasn't won a game at the same time really scares me.

That's not the half of it. Impossible to get tape on them. They have this one kid they call "Ghost" bc he's so fast its like a person never knew he went by them.

Getting back to what I was trying to accomplish this with this thread ... Raceland's season has actually went about as I expected so far.

Make no mistake that with the exception of one game, this season's schedule has been one of the toughest the Rams have ever played and with the way the Rams schedule thru the years that is a statement.

Raceland started out "shaky", I think that was due to although several key starters had varsity experience, that playing time wasn't as a starter and wasn't on the field during "crunch time". Our few returning starters carried the load early.

Week by Week, this team imo has improved and that's exactly what you want. Raceland is a far better football team now than at the beginning of the season. Two Losses were to 4A #3 ranked Ashland at Ashland and one of the better small schools in the state of Ohio, Lucasville Valley - also on the road/at Lucasvlle, OH..

I honestly believe that we haven't seen just how good this Rams team will be in the coming weeks. At least I hope that I am correct. Raceland's district imo is the toughest one in the Eastern part of the State and imo rivals any state wide. Fairview, Paintsville (at Paintsville) remain and finish the season with a very good 3A Russell team, again on the road and a huge rivalry ... "Rail Cities Bowl".

IMO Raceland could improve the passing game as well as some special teams, kick coverage- return game.

All in All I believe the RAMS Could be better but are really developing into a pretty good football team. Raceland players just need to stay focused, play hard on every play, every time out and cut back on some of the stupid penalties. Actually I think they have improved on the penalty end of it along with have shown improvement in every facet of the game. That progress is attributed to our fine head coach along with the entire Rams Coaching Staff ... I wouldn't trade any of our coaches for any coach on anyone else's staff.....Period.

GO RAMS ... Lets get a "3 Peat" on the District as well as Region Championships, move to a 3rd consecutive "final four / 1A State Semi" and Beyond !

I guess I am guilty of expectations. I expect to see District and Regional championship football every week and that killer attitude every week. The realization is that they are 15,16,17,18 year old kids that are playing football. I need to just sit back and enjoy the ride.......

I expected the Rams to have this record right now. I expect the Rams to win out, with the toughest challenge being Paintsville.. A game I have a feeling the Raceland kids want to win and win big.

 

 

 

As far as this week, I know I said earlier in the year I wouldn't pick against a Raceland for the rest of the season BUT this week I remain undecided.

 

I assume that many of the players and coaches make it to the Fairview-Paintsville game Friday.