The parallels between these two teams are pretty interesting. Both have 1sr year starting QBs. Both have a huge amount of tallent at WR. Both have a solid stable of RBs that share the work load. Both were in "rebuilding years". Both were soundly beaten in district play. Both were under dogs on the road in the regional championship games. Both played and lost to some tough games to really tough teams through out the season, which imo, made them the teams that they have become. This is goina be a really great ball game.

Both of these teams have a tremendous opportunity this coming Friday. Neither squad was expected to be here... yet, here they are. I don't know enough about this Pikeville team to provide any type of detailed analysis, but I could see this game playing out any number of ways.

 

Sooner or later, Raceland's going to break through and get to a championship game. It might as well be now. They've got to be brimming with confidence after taking down Paintsville. Just keep it rolling.

The parallels between these two teams are pretty interesting. Both have 1sr year starting QBs. Both have a huge amount of tallent at WR. Both have a solid stable of RBs that share the work load. Both were in "rebuilding years". Both were soundly beaten in district play. Both were under dogs on the road in the regional championship games. Both played and lost to some tough games to really tough teams through out the season, which imo, made them the teams that they have become. This is goina be a really great ball game.

 

To be honest, the Raceland team that we've seen for the past five quarters is who I thought they were capable of being all year. It's just taken some time. At first glance, it did appear that the Rams would take a big step back from last season. Davidson, Walker, Cherry, Wallace, Hall... all gone. But Damon (while not anywhere near the QB that Davidson was) has been solid enough. Judd and Lacks (his decision to play this year has been a huge boost for the Rams) compliment each other nicely and have been a strong 1-2 punch out of the backfield this year. The addition of Dalton Adkins doesn't quite make up for the loss of Cherry, but he does provide a similar presence on both sides of the ball. Lastly, the Rams have an abundance of big, quality bodies in the trenches, especially for a 1A school. Ferguson and Fairchild have helped offset the losses of Wallace and Hall a bit. The potential was there all along. Something just needed to click.

 

I'm a little more surprised to see Pikeville in the position they're in. They've gone all season without Battaile and Rhodes, leaving them very young and inexperienced. But, their talented younger kids have matured and developed a little ahead of schedule as the season progressed. And, on top of that, due to some devastating injuries, Hazard never materialized into the dominant team we all thought they would be this year.

 

Almost everyone had Hazard vs. Paintsville penciled in for this semifinal, but Raceland and Pikeville were having none of that. Let's hope for an under the radar classic in Raceland on Friday night.

I agree. I said preseason, we were realistically a 7-3/6-4 team with the schedule we played. But wouldnt be totally shocked if we ended up 8-2 or maybe even 9-1. Only game i was certain we would lose was Ashland and that one went better defensively than I anticipated. I think the Rams squad we are seeing now, would not be where they are had it not been for the Somerset and Port West games. Had we won those games, I think we would have wkn the district due to momentum. But in a y event they did what they were supposed to. Prepare these boys for the playoffs. I did not however, ar seasons start, expect us to be hosting a state semi final game, the day after thanksgiving. Throughout the season, i think we have been, from top to bottom out of synch. When execution is there, the coaching went in a way that baffled me. When the coaching was where I expected or thought it should be, the execution was off. But the last 6 quarters, everything has been as different as it could be. Now, i dont think we can set back and nurse a lead any more, gotta keep that pedal hammered down, but things are coming together at the right time. Very proud of the system. My prediction is Rams get over the hump...

 

RAMS 27

Panthers 14

Hazard posted there stats from the game.

 

Hazard rushed for 212 yards and 148 yards by the pass. Quarterback threw 4 picks. Hazard also 1-2 fumbles. 360 total yards from that.

 

Pikeville has 127 on the ground and 161 in the air. Total of 288 yards.

Interesting stat no turnovers except for stopped on downs a couple times.

Will Battaile play Friday?

Will Battaile play Friday?

 

No. Don't think he will at this point. I seriously doubt if he'll take another snap this season. May be wrong, but from what I see and know, don't think he will. Hate it for him, as he was a stud and more than proved himself. The good thing is, QB Conner Roberts has developed into a stud himself this season. VERY accurate passer, and plenty of speed on the run. As well as he's been playing, it's hard to realize this season is his first varsity start.

I honestly thought that Raceland would be 6-4 this season w / losing in the 2nd or 3rd rnd of the playoffs, ending up 7-5 or 8-5.

This Raceland team is not a young team, 16 seniors on a 1A team is a lot, imo. This team was inexperienced due to the previous two teams also had a lot of Sr's, that played before these kids as soph., jr's.. Now they are experienced and playing very confident.

I am picking these Rams to advance to Commonwealth /now Kroger stadium, it will always be Commonwealth Stadium to me . I'll pick the score later in the week.

Don't know much about Raceland, except the fact that they have to be a real good football team to knock off a high powered Paintsville team tonight. I do know their depth chart looks pretty good, and they have the numbers to confirm that. Not bad for a class 1-A team. I think Pikeville has around 40 - 43 something like that. The thing with Pikeville is, they may be small in numbers, but everyone is so young, and they have built depth all season long. Playing a tough out of district schedule has been a plus for them too. Gotta go with my Panthers on the road in this one, but like I posted twice this week, anything can happen on any given football night.

As for the bolded, Raceland / Paintsville have been going at it since the late 60's thru now. This rivalry is the type that the old saying ...throw records / stats out the window fits. This season was a perfect example ....Paintsville started strong and put a beating on the Rams in the regular season, winning the district. Friday, Raceland came out punching the Tigers in the mouth and went on to win

Making my first trip to Raceland on Friday (I've actually never seen Raceland or Pikeville play a game) and need some info. I've looked on Google Maps - any parking suggestions? Also, I plan to arrive no later than 6:30. Will I get a seat? Any help is appreciated!

Making my first trip to Raceland on Friday (I've actually never seen Raceland or Pikeville play a game) and need some info. I've looked on Google Maps - any parking suggestions? Also, I plan to arrive no later than 6:30. Will I get a seat? Any help is appreciated!

 

Wear armor!

Wear armor!

 

I have to hear an explanation for this! :lol2:

I have to hear an explanation for this! :lol2:

 

You're going into rowdy country :lol2:

 

Haha I'm just kidding but I think the stadium will be turned up for this game. Should be a great atmosphere.

Pikeville is growing up in a hurry

 

Think this is a toss-up... but got to ride with the boys from Pike County.

 

Go Panthers!

Making my first trip to Raceland on Friday (I've actually never seen Raceland or Pikeville play a game) and need some info. I've looked on Google Maps - any parking suggestions? Also, I plan to arrive no later than 6:30. Will I get a seat? Any help is appreciated!

You may have to get here around 6pm to get a decent parking space. Parking here isn't the best, there is excellent parking but one has to arrive early. Ram Stadium is a great atmosphere for high school football and adding a state semi final between two teams w /passionate fan bases will only add to it. I don't now if they will be bringing bleachers from the baseball complex or not. So, imo, in short order it will be standing room around the track only. Concessions / food are as good as it gets. Arriving early may prevent a longer walk than you want.

Overall, I think that you will enjoy the atmosphere. Being disabled, I probably can't get over there. Should I be able to go then I will let you, other BGP members know bc I would love to meet many of you.