Ashland comes into this game with a big 51-12 win on a row against a Greenup County team that started the season at 5-0. Ashland ran for over 400 yards on the ground and the offensive line had, by far, the best performance of the year although Greenup County has had some injuries which have slowed them down. Cam Davis had a career night rushing with 170 yards on 11 carries and 2 touchdowns while Braxton Jennings ran for 155 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. Just to show how deep this Ashland program is with the running positions - last season they were ranked #6 in 4A in rushing yet they did not have a single player rush for over 1,000 yards. Most of the players from that group are back.

Rowan County sits at 2-3 doubling their win total from a 1-9 season in 2023 where they were young and had some key injuries. Against Ashland last year they played as many as four freshmen on the field at a time due to the youth and injury situation. This year they have improved, and one thing I have learned is that under Coach Kelly Ford they are never to be counted out. Last year they lost 48-0 to Ashland, but started out the game taking 6:00 off the clock in the first down and causing Ashland frustration for much of the first half. Trick plays were thrown out, everything and the kitchen sink to try to win that ball game and I expect that same grit from Rowan this year. In 2020 Kelly Ford would lead Rowan County to the regional finals for the first time since the 1980's and in 2022 they were an overtime away from causing serious disruption in 4A District 6, taking Boyd County, the eventual district champion, to overtime. I have always been impressed with how he coaches. From the game last year where they tried to unload everything at Ashland to how he motivates. He's the type of person that has you feeling like you can run through a brick wall after having a conversation with him and a great guy as well.

With that being said, Ashland has plenty of speed on the outside and their blocking up front has improved tremendously over the course of the last few games. Ashland has only been held below 28 points twice in their last 23 games and I expect them to come out again looking to utilize their speed and athleticism while also looking for Rowan County to try to control the clock and keep Ashland's defense on the field. Should be a fun game! What are your thoughts on it?

NFHS Video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/rowan-county-senior-high-school-morehead-ky/gam56a1dc38b6

Rowan County will put up a fight but they're punching above their weight class in this one. Ashland wins comfortably. 

This one will be broadcast on My Town TV. You can watch on the Facebook page My Town TV HD, on YouTube, Roku, Apple TV, or the website. There is no charge to watch.

https://www.mytowntv.com

Ashland names the score. 

And I will also name the score. Tomcats 44 Vikings 9. 

YouTube link: