Coming off an impressive 13-2 season that saw the Rams make it to the Class 1A State Championship game for the second time in program history, expectations for 2023 are, high, to say the least.  

Raceland returns their QB, Logan Lundy, for his junior season.  As a sophomore, Lundy threw for almost 2,400 yards and 35 touchdowns.  He rushed for another 450 yards and 7 touchdowns.  

Also returning is junior Issac Browning, the second leading rusher from 2022.  Browning will likely take on more of the carries in 2023 and will not disappoint.   But, not to worry, the leading rusher from 2022 will be back for 2023, Noah Wallace who approached 1,000 yards last season.  Jaxon Heighton also returns for the rushing game and will be utilized even more in 2023.

Second leading receiver, Parker Fannin returns for his senior season and will likely be Lundy's primary target for 2023.  Braden Webb returns to the receiving corp as well and will see more touches this year.  

Wallace and Web were the top two leading tacklers for the Rams in 2022 and will be expected to stay in those positions for 2023.  The number three tackler from 2022, Jaxon Heighton, also returns.  The Ram defense will be in good hands. 

The OL and DL will require some rebuilding and may be a weak spot in the early season for Raceland.  But, the young guys look to be ready to move into the starting rolls and will mature as the season goes on. 

Class 1A
1- Ballard Memorial, Caverna, Fulton County, Russellville
2- Bethlehem, Campbellsville, Holy Cross (Louisville), Kentucky Country Day
3- Bellevue, Dayton, Newport, Newport Central Catholic
4- Bishop Brossart, Holy Cross (Covington), Ludlow, Trimble County
5- Berea, Eminence, Frankfort, Sayre
6- Fairview, Nicholas County, Paris, Raceland
7- Lynn Camp, Middlesboro, Pineville, Williamsburg
8- Harlan, Hazard, Paintsville, Pikeville

Raceland's Facility Project should come to a conclusion this year.  The Football Fieldhouse is the last part of the project.  The campus has underwent a complete upgrade and the Fieldhouse is going to be just as nice as all the other facility upgrades.

The High School was opened in 1993 and the final phase, the gymnasium and performing arts center was opened in the early 2000s.  Campbell Elementary underwent a complete renovation and addition in the mid 2000s.  The new School Board Office was opened five years ago.  The new Middle School was built two years ago.  The sports fields and surrounding area has been upgraded over the last year, including the new field turf.  The parking area has been completely revamped.  Now the Fieldhouse will be something special for the athletes at Raceland. 

This is supposed to be the year isn't it? This is the year that the senior class has been targeting since the 8th grade.

11 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

This is supposed to be the year isn't it? This is the year that the senior class has been targeting since the 8th grade.

If the Rams are better than last year look out. 

1 hour ago, Voice of Reason said:

This is supposed to be the year isn't it? This is the year that the senior class has been targeting since the 8th grade.

I suppose opinions may vary, but I think this year is probably the best opportunity the Rams have ever had.  Of course, their success will be measured on the curve of what the competition brings to the table. 

1 minute ago, Ram said:

I suppose opinions may vary, but I think this year is probably the best opportunity the Rams have ever had.  Of course, their success will be measured on the curve of what the competition brings to the table. 

So you believe the 2023 Rams will be superior to the 2022 Rams?

58 minutes ago, theguru said:

If the Rams are better than last year look out. 

I think Logan Lundy's ability was not seen by some and the thought was once stated by another school that he should be a TE.  I think after throwing for 2,400 yards and 35 TDs, he has proven he can maybe play QB.  And with last year's experience, he could have a record breaking season in 2023, with the caveat that he lost some great players around him.  But, the potential is there. 

2 minutes ago, Ram said:

I think Logan Lundy's ability was not seen by some and the thought was once stated by another school that he should be a TE.  I think after throwing for 2,400 yards and 35 TDs, he has proven he can maybe play QB.  And with last year's experience, he could have a record breaking season in 2023, with the caveat that he lost some great players around him.  But, the potential is there. 

I guess the only decision then is if the Rams start the season ranked #1 or #2.

2 minutes ago, theguru said:

So you believe the 2023 Rams will be superior to the 2022 Rams?

Listen, words putter in mouths, I said, "I think this is the probably the best opportunity the Rams have had".  Last season, the Rams were very good, but there so happened to be another team that happened to be better.  We all knew that team was better, all season.  The hope and opportunity was there, but it wasn't meant to be.  This year, given the competition, I think is their best chance.  

But, to answer your pointed question, actually no, not at this point.  I think last seasons team, was superior due to the fact, they were much better rounded.  Had a heck of a kicker, three very good receivers, three RBs that could switch out any time, an experienced OL/DL, a group of DB that could absolutely take any pass you threw out of the air and so on.  The 2023 team has not proven they have any of that to replace those lost to graduation.  They have the key components, but they do not have near the depth and interchangeable parts that 2022 had, at this point.  

5 minutes ago, theguru said:

I guess the only decision then is if the Rams start the season ranked #1 or #2.

To be the man, you have to beat the man.  Pikeville after their dominating performance and what they return is number one in my book until someone in class beats them.  I wouldn't argue against Raceland at number 2.  

4 minutes ago, Ram said:

To be the man, you have to beat the man.  Pikeville after their dominating performance and what they return is number one in my book until someone in class beats them.  I wouldn't argue against Raceland at number 2.  

Agree, Pikeville 1 and Raceland 2, then all the rest. 

One of the big questions for the Rams is, the out-of-district schedule.  The rumor mill is thinking that in-county schools 4A Greenup County and 3A Russell are going to drop the 1A Rams from the schedule.   Likely, one of the top two or three money making games for all three schools. 

Ashland being the other big money game for all three schools, if you were wondering. 

@THUNDERBIRDS, or any other Highlands fans, do you know if the Raceland/Highlands game was just a one year filler game from another one year contract?  Or, is that game something that may be renewed for the next two years?