Thoughts on this matchup?  Belfry worked Raceland pretty good last year. The Raceland Staff went to work after and turned it around quick and got a much better showing the next week against Wheelersburg. I believe the Rams will be more than ready for this scrimmage this year. 

Bump.

The Rams and Pirates are very familiar with each other, having scrimmaged for the past several years.  I think it is a match made in heaven, as the two teams typically match up well physically and both squads will benefit from it. 

Historically Belfry has a very utilitarian approach to scrimmages.  They are not a thing of beauty, and nobody is trying to "win" as if it is a game.  They have always treated it as a practice session, only difference is you get to hit somebody new instead of beating up on each other.  LOL  Usually the format is 10 plays each team for a few series, with no real down and distance rules followed.  

With the change in head coach at Belfry, will that change?  Going to be very strange seeing the Pirates on the field without Coach Haywood.  

I love this match-up for both teams. Both teams benefit and get to learn some things about themselves. Two quality programs. 

I look for Raceland to knock the rust off the running game early and then maybe work on the passing game. I’m sure Belfry will give the Rams ample opportunity to work on the run defense. 
 

2C, what are we expecting from the Pirates?

Nice block on the edge……

1.  Both teams had a solid backfield. Belfry was deceptively fast. 
2.  Raceland matched Belfry’s physicality, an improvement from last year. 
3.  Raceland scored mostly by the pass.  Belfry by run, shocker. 
4.  Belfry looked like Haywood’s Belfry, don’t expect a lot of change. 

Here's a link to a replay of the scrimmage on Hudl for anyone that wants a peek at the Rams and Pirates.

?: Raceland vs. Belfry Scrimmage

3 hours ago, Ram said:

1.  Both teams had a solid backfield. Belfry was deceptively fast. 
2.  Raceland matched Belfry’s physicality, an improvement from last year. 
3.  Raceland scored mostly by the pass.  Belfry by run, shocker. 
4.  Belfry looked like Haywood’s Belfry, don’t expect a lot of change. 

A healthy Stiltner and Marushi are going to be a problem for everyone on Raceland's schedule. They make a strong case for best backfield in 1A.

4 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

A healthy Stiltner and Marushi are going to be a problem for everyone on Raceland's schedule. They make a strong case for best backfield in 1A.

I agree. That tandem is going to be nice for the Rams.  Put those two with Waller, Arnett and Ison and the offense should be solid for Raceland. 

On 8/8/2025 at 6:09 PM, Ram said:

I look for Raceland to knock the rust off the running game early and then maybe work on the passing game. I’m sure Belfry will give the Rams ample opportunity to work on the run defense. 
 

2C, what are we expecting from the Pirates?

In short, they should be pretty good.  Maybe not top 5 good, but in the next group with certainly a shot.  They return almost everyone from last year, except Coach Haywood.  The coaching staff has 5-6 guys with 20+ years on staff, so x's and o's will not be changing.  The skill guys are talented, but a little undersized in the backfield.  Defense was a concern last year, and depth.  With almost all starters back that should improve.  

The big elephant in the room, how will the absence of PH affect them mentally, emotionally?  He was the best at building up the team over the course of a season to peak at the right time.  His "vision" of his teams, knowing how to develop them from August to November was a thing to watch.  I personally think losing him will serve as a motivator and propel them (players and coaches) to succeed in his honor, but shew that is a tough task.  I guess we have to expect some peaks and valleys.

The early season schedule is tough, as usual.  Their record heading into district play may not be great, but iron sharpens iron.  That scheduling philosophy has stood the test of time with the Pirates.

On 8/9/2025 at 11:11 AM, Ram said:

 

On 8/9/2025 at 11:32 AM, Ram said:

4.  Belfry looked like Haywood’s Belfry, don’t expect a lot of change. 

When I saw the picture above, @Ram's fourth point immediately popped in my head. No surprise he wrote the same thing a couple of posts later!

5 hours ago, gchs_uk9 said:

 

When I saw the picture above, @Ram's fourth point immediately popped in my head. No surprise he wrote the same thing a couple of posts later!

Yeah that’s a triple option / belly pic for sure.  These kids have run this offense for several years by the time they get on the high school field.