Can Ashland Ring The Bell, Or Does the Bell Toll For the Tomcats?

Records: Ashland (8-4) | Bell County (10-2)

BGP Ranking: Ashland (#8 in 3A) | Bell County (#4 in 3A)

Series History: Ashland leads 4-3 all-time

Table Setter: This week, we'll take another step toward finding closure on a subject that's plagued mankind for generations… who's the superior cat, Tom or Bob? 

At the halfway mark of the season, Bob was clearly the right answer as Tom had not yet come of age. Maturity has since taken hold, with Ashland riding a six game win streak, including a curb stomping of Belfry at Putnam Stadium last week. The Tomcats must say goodbye to the cozy confines of home and journey to the cold, unforgiving heart of the mountains, a region that has gotten the better of Ashland more often than not over the last decade or so. One of the few wins they've enjoyed when traveling south did occur on Log Mountain two years ago, allowing Ashland's upperclassmen to impart a little wisdom on the near four hour trek. 

When they depart the bus, they'll find the state's second winningest coach waiting for them. Among the talent at Dudley Hilton's disposal this year is the state's leading rusher, Daniel Thomas, who's having a monster season with 2,500+ yards from scrimmage. He's also a defensive force at linebacker along with lineman Hayden Damron (79 tackles/14 TFL/7 sacks). 

Ashland's growth this season has made this an intriguing game, despite the long bus ride and quality opponent. Hilton and his Bobcats will do everything in their power to make the trip back feel like an eternity. 

I'm afraid the bell will toll for Tom.  Bob is just more experienced, more physical and and better prepared.  But, don't worry, Tom will have a season under his belt next season and will be playing with a lot of experience. 

Could be a long night for Ashland if they can’t stop the running game of Bell Co. If it’s close in the 4th quarter I’d be surprised Bell by 2-3 scores.  

@tomcat1984... Do you have any recollection of the 1990 semi-final game between these two at Ashland? When the topic of greatest games ever played at Putnam Stadium comes up, that one always gets mentioned. 

Ashland just seems hot to me right now.  I'm going to stick with my statement last week that they are the dark horse with the hot hand, and pick them in the upset.

@DevilMayCare yes my brother was starting DE and left tackle. We darted out to 19-0 lead missed 2 extra points that almost came back to haunt them. We were up 19-14 when Bell Co had  4 and 1 from the Ashland 20 yd line or so with under 5 minutes to go, Charlie Johnson was DT next to my brother but was out this play because of cramps. Coach called a DE stunt and my brother met their big fullback 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage and Juan Thomas the other DE came in to help finish the tackle for a loss. They would force us to punt but they roughed Juan and they stopped us again but again they roughed Juan and we was able to run out the clock. I filmed every game but the championship game our mom said I could watch for a change. The core group of kids with my brother would watch my film on Saturday and Sunday and knew on Mondays what coach Marsh was going to get on them about. 

Paid video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/boyd-county-high-school-ashland-ky/gamf465fa21bb

4 hours ago, tomcat1984 said:

Coach called a DE stunt and my brother met their big fullback 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage and Juan Thomas the other DE came in to help finish the tackle for a loss. 

Three decades on, and Dudley Hilton still utilizes a fullback some. Power football still has a place in today's game. I love a good defensive battle in the playoffs, but I have a feeling this one will be higher scoring than the '90 semifinal.

5 hours ago, tomcat1984 said:

@DevilMayCare yes my brother was starting DE and left tackle. We darted out to 19-0 lead missed 2 extra points that almost came back to haunt them. We were up 19-14 when Bell Co had  4 and 1 from the Ashland 20 yd line or so with under 5 minutes to go, Charlie Johnson was DT next to my brother but was out this play because of cramps. Coach called a DE stunt and my brother met their big fullback 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage and Juan Thomas the other DE came in to help finish the tackle for a loss. They would force us to punt but they roughed Juan and they stopped us again but again they roughed Juan and we was able to run out the clock. I filmed every game but the championship game our mom said I could watch for a change. The core group of kids with my brother would watch my film on Saturday and Sunday and knew on Mondays what coach Marsh was going to get on them about. 

I remember that season, like it was yesterday.  Unlike, many people, I can't tell you everything that happened in the games I played in, but that season seems to stick with me.  

I also remember the 1991 Raceland/Ashland game like it was yesterday 14-13 with Chris Hutt as a holdover from the 1990 season.  The first ever Raceland win over Ashland.  It was a turning point.  

Charlie Johnson, Juan Thomas and Chris Hutt was probably the best backfield I recall seeing.  

All 3 of them rushed for at least 1000 yards along with David Brown going over 1k rushing and passing in the playoffs and for the season they had over 7500 yards rushing. Now this game will probably be in the high 20’s or 30’s and could be he who has the ball last wins. If the turnover bug hits either team it could be deciding factor. 

Great playoff rivalry here.  I am reminded of these games mentioned above the last 30-35 years as well.  Great talks and conversations from both ends.  

Don’t know much about 2022 Blazer squad but I am sure the Tomcats are going to be ready as I speak from experience that Coach Tackett is a fine coach and he definitely has a solid plan in place for Hilton’s Hefties!

Never picking against the Bobcats in a Regional Championship on cold Log Mountain though.  No score or spread prediction, just going with a pick to win for the Bobcats.  I will be watching from afar! Good luck to Coach Hilton and all his staff and players.  #2 & #4 in the backfield with #9 leading the way with a solid O-Line in front coming off the ball, playing the game like it’s meant to be played on defense, in November…Looking forward to this one!  
 

 

end of first quarter Ashland 7-0. Ashland recovered a fumble by Thomas and Ashland driving at Bell Co 18 yard line

14-0 Ashland

Ashland scores 14-0 with 10:23 left in first half. Lost Dickie for a few minutes Ashland has 7 first downs already.

Bell Co scores and goes for 2 Ashland 14-8