Ashland will make the 10 mile trip to Ram Stadium to start the season. Many times the first and second week of the season is seen as warm-up games. This game brings a playoff type atmosphere to week 1 and will be an early look at what both these teams are capable of this season. If you want a seat, or piece of turf, to watch get there early.

Raceland started the season last year with a 17-14 win over the Tomcats with a game ending FG by Raceland QB/P/K Jacob Waller. Waller would go on to pass for 1,800 yards and 27 touchdowns and kick 3 more FGs. Waller's foot may play a big part of the this year's contest as well. His arm will definitely be a factor.

Landon Stiltner is coming off a 1,500 yard rushing season where he scored 144 points. We will see Stiltner quick, fast, and in hurry in this contest. Ashland will have to have a solid plan to slow him down, which is not an easy task.

Gone is Ashland's leading rusher from 2025, Cam Davis. The Tomcats will have to look to Brody Simpkins to fill that gap. Maybe "run by committee" is in Ashland's future with several younger returning running backs.

The Tomcat passing game will be "under development" in the early season and will probably be less of a factor in this contest.

Week 1 will be an early playoff type game that start another long season for the Rams. Will the Tomcats be poised for the same? Or, will Raceland make it another win streak over the Tomcats?

The field is painted and ready.

Edited August 15Aug 15 by Ram

8.6K views · 99 reactions | RAMS SPORTS NETWORK EXCLUSIVE...

RAMS SPORTS NETWORK EXCLUSIVE James Collier speaks with Raceland Rams Varsity Football HC Mike Salmons as his Rams embark on the 2026 season. Raceland-Worthington High School Raceland Worthington...

Edited August 15Aug 15 by Ram

4.1K views · 44 reactions | RAMS SPORTS NETWORK EXCLUSIVE...

RAMS SPORTS NETWORK EXCLUSIVE James Collier speaks with Raceland Rams Varsity Football Senior Landen Stiltner as he prepares for the 2026 season. Raceland-Worthington High School Raceland...

Edited August 15Aug 15 by Ram

I watched some Stiltner highlights somebody had put in a 1A player of the year post and he ran all over the Tomcats. I’ll take the Rams in a tight one, 21-14.

Is this the year?

I'll place the outcome on Ashland's offensive line more than any other unit on the field. If they can handle Raceland in the box, the Tomcats have a stable of guys that can hurt you running the ball and the athletes to torch the Rams' inexperienced secondary if the quarterback has time to throw.

I'll take Ashland by a score.

I just don't believe this game will have more than four touchdowns total in it. Cam Davis might be gone, but Ashland will still look to control this one and make it a very grueling slog of an evening for the Rams. Because it is at home though, I will say Raceland 17-14.

I'll put this down as a tight game with Raceland pulling it out by one score since it is at home. My familiarity with the Rams goes way back further than I would like to admit, and I think Salmons will have his boys primed for this one but will keep his playbook from spilling open too much and key on their base O and D for comfort. This one is more for regional pride among these two programs, like Pikeville and Belfry.

Ashland may be in the unfamiliar role of sneaking up on some teams early in the season. The Rams are in the unfamiliar role of being the favorite this time around. Although the starting teams are close in talent and athletic ability the Tomcats are deeper with athletes on the bench which allows them to pull away down the stretch. These two teams are definitely close enough that a turnover or a special teams play could allow either team to win and maybe convincingly.

Great game to start the season! I really don't know much about either team. But I'm pulling for Raceland to get their first Championship in 2026.

Good luck to both teams and no injuries!!!

@Ram What’s your prediction on this game?

2 minutes ago, Bac2369 said:

@Ram What’s your prediction on this game?

Raceland to win of course.

And from talking to Ram recently I am not sure he will be able to update this Prediction/Update thread tonight due to work.

Ashland returns the opening kick-off to the Raceland 31.

1st and 10 Tomcats