I would like to read a breakdown on the line of scrimmage matchups. Too often we all get focused on those skill players. The fact is, most big games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Let's hear about the matchups in the trenches.

Raceland I think has the better defensive front 7. I would venture to say the OLine is equal. Raceland has to be able to contain Phelps and stay on assignment for the cutbacks. Paintsville has to contain Raceland's passing game. The team that does this the best will win.

Raceland stats;

450+ yards per game

198 rushing yards, 258 passing yards

38.5 points per game, allowing 11.5 ppg

Haven't allowed 100 yards rushing in any game so far this year.

I'll take Paintsville in a close one. As I've said before, everyone on the Rams schedule is down this year except Paintsville. The Rams are the best team in NEKY but their undefeated record is fools gold (as is the Nicholas Co record). Should be one the best games played all year in NEKY.

 

And this is a very good assessment. I would argue that Ashland is better than Pikeville but that would be a wash..... I stand by my earlier statement that this is just the first of 2 games between the 2 teams. All this game will do is decide where the rematch will be played. I also, agree with someone who said they wouldn't be shocked if whoever wins this one doesn't win the rematch.

Raceland I think has the better defensive front 7. I would venture to say the OLine is equal. Raceland has to be able to contain Phelps and stay on assignment for the cutbacks. Paintsville has to contain Raceland's passing game. The team that does this the best will win.

 

I agree. I think Raceland has the better "clock" offense. Bailey, Judd, and the intermediate passing game with Cherry should allow Raceland to take time off the clock. Which, imo, is the approach we should/will take. Almost of of Paintsville's passing game has been big plays off play action. The team who plays the most balanced defense will win. If we can keep Allen out of the backfield on passing plays and play good containment on defense, the Rams should win by 1 or 2 scores. If they give up big plays to Phelps, Morris and the younger Allen kid at WR, then it turns into a shootout. I think its a close game and Raceland pulls away at the end.

I don't hate Raceland, wish the comets had their tradition. What I don't like is when the orange goggles get in the way of being objective.......i get being a fan and supporting the program.......but paintsville should win this close, very good game between two quality programs. And i know, any given friday.....blah, blah, blah

 

I didn't say anything about who is gonna win or lose. I was simply saying that Paintsville schedule isn't the toughest in the state. This game is too close to call and if Raceland can't set the edge to contain Phelps, then it will be a long night for the Rams.

I'll give you a $10 concession stand credit......

 

....Ackhem! Sorry I had to cough.

....Ackhem! Sorry I had to cough.

 

Not enough?!

Not enough?!

 

Doubtful!

 

At least that's what my magic 8 ball says.

It's not Friday yet????!!!!

I think we need more posters from Paintsville.

I think we need more posters from Paintsville.

 

Yeah, this thread is lacking the "heat" that should come with a game of this magnitude.

What's Bailey's status? I'm assuming he'll play, but how close is he to 100%?

I would like to read a breakdown on the line of scrimmage matchups. Too often we all get focused on those skill players. The fact is, most big games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Let's hear about the matchups in the trenches.

Exactly ... LOS decides most if not all games and this one will be no different.

I understand where you are coming from and I also understand that you out and out hate Raceland. I also agree that everyone on Raceland's schedule is down, but let's not pretend like everyone on Paintsville's schedule is on the up and up. As I look at both schedules, I would give Paintsville the slight upper hand because of their win over Pikeville. I don't however think that Pikeville is leaps and bounds better than Raceland.

Paintsville's schedule this season does appear tougher, the last and maybe the most difficult out of district game for Raceland has yet to be played bc Russell is coming up next week.

 

I don't hate Raceland, wish the comets had their tradition. What I don't like is when the orange goggles get in the way of being objective.......i get being a fan and supporting the program.......but paintsville should win this close, very good game between two quality programs. And i know, any given friday.....blah, blah, blah

Agree on the close game comment. Although I try to stay away from doing it when giving an opinion on the outcome/prediction ....I do promote Raceland more than any other but I think that all fans of their particular school, alum's do that.

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IMO what this one comes down to is not who has the most tradition bc both are loaded in tradition, pride. Not who has played the tough schedule bc both play a tough out/dist. schedule. Not who's fans post more .............

What matter in this game is come Friday night @ 7:30pm and for the following 2 1/2- 3 hours or so are the Most Prepared, which team Executes what will be good game plans by both very good coaching staffs and ........when it's all said and done Wanted it More.

I fail to see how a win over Pikeville is considered more impressive than a win over a top 10 4A team like Ashland. Pikeville does not beat Ashland.