Raceland will start their season against a familiar opponent, Ashland.  Raceland coming off of a 15 game season that saw them lose in the State Championship game, ending the season with a 13-2 record.  The Rams return senior quarterback, Logan Lundy, who passed for 2,400 yards and 35 touchdown a year ago.  Lundy lost several of his favorite targets from 2022, however will have a few returning receivers that proved themselves last season - Parker Fannin and Brody Austin.  When not throwing the ball downfield, Lundy will be handing the ball to Jaxon Highton and Issac Browning. 

Ashland is expecting a good season as well after starting 2022 as a young team and seeing that team grow quickly and finishing the season in the state semi-finals.  LaBryant Stader returns, who threw for over 2,000 yards a year ago and rushed for almost 700 yards.  The 2022 leading rusher for the Tomcats, Braxton Jennings returns for his junior season after rushing for 1200 yards as a sophomore.  Leading receiver, Brandon Houston, also returns after coming close to the 1000 years receiving mark in 2022.  

Two teams that had a deep playoff run in 2022, and who returns a lot of talent will start the season with a bang.  Who wins?  What are your thoughts on this early season matchup?

I love my Rams and hope they get the win but I think it may be too early for them to be where they need to be.  Ashland will likely start the season a little ahead of most teams with what they return.  

9 hours ago, Ram said:

I love my Rams and hope they get the win but I think it may be too early for them to be where they need to be.  Ashland will likely start the season a little ahead of most teams with what they return.  

I'm with you on this. Raceland returns a strong nucleus of players from a team that handled Ashland by four scores last year, but the Tomcats got better and better every week and they return more than the Rams. Picking Ashland is the smart play. It always is when they're both good.

Strader and his receiving corps may make this a long night for Raceland's secondary. If the Rams don't get eaten alive on the back end, this could be a classic in the rivalry. 

17 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

I'm with you on this. Raceland returns a strong nucleus of players from a team that handled Ashland by four scores last year, but the Tomcats got better and better every week and they return more than the Rams. Picking Ashland is the smart play. It always is when they're both good.

Strader and his receiving corps may make this a long night for Raceland's secondary. If the Rams don't get eaten alive on the back end, this could be a classic in the rivalry. 

I’m hoping for a series classic. 

I’m going to go with Ashland because they’re on Bardstown’s schedule, but if I’m wrong I’ll buy the drinks again the next time you’re down here.

Two big questions for Ashland this year:

1.  Will this be Jennings’ break out season?  Or, will that be his senior season?

2.  Will Strader be more of a pocket passer?  Or, will he remain a duel threat guy?

Questions for Raceland: 

1.  Will Lundy run first more this season?  Or will he have enough receivers to allow him to stay in the pocket?

2.  Will Wallace be a defensive specialist primarily? Or will we see him more as an offensive weapon? 

I didn’t get out to watch either of Ashland scrimmages. But to me everything comes down to how quickly the o line come together. Jennings barring injury should have a great season for him especially if the other backs can take some of heat coming at Jennings. As for Stader I think he’ll still be dual threat taking heat of Jennings too and should have another 2000yd passing with ease. It comes down to if these kids continue the growing up they’ll be tough out Friday. I think this one may be a classic in a backyard brawl

Bump.

Go Rams!!!?

 

Strader connects with Cam Davis to put the Tomcats up 7-0.

4:00 in the 1Q

Raceland quickly on the move inside the Ashland 10.

Rams are turned away at the 2. Ashland ball after a turnover on downs.

Raceland scores to tie the game with 5 minutes to go in the first half.

Ashland 7

Raceland 7