Raceland (10-1) will host Paris (8-3).  Raceland is on a seven game winning streak after suffering their only loss of the season, to Highlands.  Paris had a four game streak interrupted and currently is on a two game streak.  Raceland has an RPI of .72943 and Paris has a .59412.

Raceland is averaging 45 points per game, with there only game below 30 points coming in a 24-14 loss to Highlands.  They have topped 40 seven times during the season.  On defense, Raceland has allowed 11 points per game, with only four teams scoring more than once. 

Paris is averaging 36 points per game, with four games below 30 points, three of which came in losses.  They have topped 40 six times.  On defense, Paris has allowed 23 points per game, allowing 30 points four times this season. 

Common Opponents 

• Raceland 57 Betsy Layne 6
• Paris 33 Betsy Layne 21

 

• Raceland 48 Nicholas County 6
• Paris 47 Nicholas County 40

What to expect:

• Both teams have QBs approaching 2000 yards passing.  
• Both teams spread the ball around to receivers pretty well.  Raceland will utilize four receivers and it looks like Paris will target three. 
• Running back by committee.  Raceland will utilized four or five ball carriers.  Paris will use three probably. 
• Both teams seem to benefit from interceptions.  Raceland has 18 on the season.  Paris has 17. 
• Forced fumbles could go in Paris' favor.  Raceland only has four forced fumbles on the season.  Paris has 13.  
• Special teams seem to go in Raceland's favor.  Raceland has a very capable kicker that doesn't miss many PATs and has hit several FGs on the season, I think his long is 38.  Looks like Paris is about 50/50 on PATs.  Kickoffs and punts could be a factor. 

Does any Paris fans, or occasional followers, have any insight on what they think may happen in this matchup? 

Insight: Paris played their best game this year against Nicholas County winning 47-40. They played their worst against Brossart and lost soundly a week later. Paris plays hard but they are young. They have a good young coach who coaches them up.
 

None of that matters this week. Raceland is playing on a different level. This game will not be close. And it should not be close if Raceland hopes to compete with Pikeville in the finals. 

13 hours ago, great_falls said:

None of that matters this week. Raceland is playing on a different level. This game will not be close. And it should not be close if Raceland hopes to compete with Pikeville in the finals. 

I agree, but these type games are always a little unnerving:  playing a team that you should beat easily, but is capable of being explosive, while waiting for the big showdown against the team that everyone wants to see you play.

There is always a lot of bad things that can happen in this scenario.

 I always told players:  "you are the only people that can give another team 'hope'".

Paid video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/khsaa/gam929ca736b7

In The 3 losses, the hounds turned the ball over 3+ times and didn’t play disciplined- offside, false starts, etc. When Paris plays good football, they can be explosive. Paris has played Raceland a couple times in the past years 2018 and 2019. Paris 1s and Raceland 1s were pretty even. When Raceland uses their depth on the ol/dl paris could not stay with the fresh bodies. I think it will be close until halfway through 3 quarter.  42-28  Rams. 

7 minutes ago, Banymac said:

In The 3 losses, the hounds turned the ball over 3+ times and didn’t play disciplined- offside, false starts, etc. When Paris plays good football, they can be explosive. Paris has played Raceland a couple times in the past years 2018 and 2019. Paris 1s and Raceland 1s were pretty even. When Raceland uses their depth on the ol/dl paris could not stay with the fresh bodies. I think it will be close until halfway through 3 quarter.  42-28  Rams. 

The ability to substitute, especially on the OL/DL can be a big game changer.  Something the Rams have depth to do this year too, is use four running backs.  I have seen that change the game as well.  It's tough, in the second half, for a defense to stop a good running back that has only played half the number of plays they have played.  

 

The clock is running in Raceland.

43-0 Rams

4:45 in the 2Q 

Wow. That was faster then I expected.