What does Raceland need to do to improve in 2007? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

Raceland Football 2007

 

1. Play a strong schedule.

One of the keys for Raceland to continue the winning tradition is to continue to play bigger, and quality, non-district games. Last years non-district games consisted of three 3A teams and one 2A team. Ashland (one of the 3A teams) had a very successful season. This year the non-district schedule consist of one 1A team (Paintsville with a winning tradition), three 3A teams (East Carter, West Carter, and Russell – who in two years has a State Championship and a State Runner-up), one 4A team (Greenup Co.), and one 5A team (Ashland – who has a strong winning tradition). By playing a strong schedule the Rams will be more prepared for district/play-off games.

 

2. Stingy defense.

In 2006, the big key to Raceland’s success was a defense that controlled the game. That stingy defense will have to be a major factor again in 2007 for the Rams to go deep in the play-offs. Several key players from the 2006 defense were seniors, however, there are several players from 2006’s sophomore class who saw quality playing time. Raceland’s Head Coach Randy Vanderhoof stated that this sophomore class is the most talented class he has ever seen.

 

3. Poised offense.

With the loss of a three-year starter at quarterback, and almost the entire offensive line, Raceland will have some early work to do. Tyler Boyles will most likely make the move from receiver to quarterback, and will bring some needed experience to the position. Several players will compete for the starting line positions, and will have to mature quickly. Senior Jarrod Smith and junior Robby Logan will bring size and maturity to the Offensive line. The two running backs will be returning from the sophomore class, and will now be two-year starters.

 

4. Special teams.

Special teams made many big plays in 2006, and will be needed again in 2007. Raceland’s place kicker Jacob Sparks will be returning for his senior year, and has become a potent weapon. There will be new people at the punter position and return positions.

 

5. Players to watch.

Tyler Boyles QB – played receiver last year, and saw a few snaps as back-up

QB.

Brett Denton RB/LB – last years leading rusher. Saw quality playing time at

LB.

John Scott Carver RB/LB – Second in rushing last year. Saw some time at

LB.

Steve Piercy RB/LB – Senior competing for the starting position at RB/LB.

Shannon Large WR/DB – will be taking one of the WR positions, big play

Potential. Started last year at the DB position with 2 INT’s.

Jarrod Smith OL/DL – Senior that who will bring maturity to O/D line.

Robby Logan OL/DL – Junior with good size and could be a force to be reckoned with

On the Line.

Raceland-Worthington Football Schedule 2007

 

Aug 3 Meet the Rams 6:00pm

Aug 11 Scrimmage at Lawrence Co.

Raceland vs. Lawrence Co./Fleming Co. 10:00am

Aug. 18 EKC Grid at West Carter.

Raceland vs. Lewis Co. 7:00pm

 

Aug 24 @ Ashland

Aug 31 Open

Sept 7 East Carter (EKC)

Sept 14 Fairview (D) (EKC)

Sept 21 @LCA (D)

Sept 28 Greenup Co.

Oct. 5 @ Paris (D)

Oct. 12 @ Paintsville

Oct. 19 Nicholas Co. (D) (EKC)

Oct 26 Russell

Nov. 2 @ West Carter (EKC)

 

Nov. 9 District Semi-Finals

Nov. 16 District Championship

Nov. 23 Regional Championship

Nov. 30 State Championship Semi-Finals

Dec. 7 State Championship

Defense will be the key to there success this year and for years to come, in 2006 the "D" controlled the game and was described in word... nasty!! they were all over the ball carriers everyplay. I beleive they will build on the success of the "D" in 2006 and continue that physical play. Although on the offense there are some holes to fill an some players will have to mature quickly, the rams will definetly be ready by game time .... Everyones very excited in Ram Land for years to some .

The rams will have their work cut out for them this coming year. They lost alot of very good seniors this past year. I will agree that defense and special teams were big parts of this years success, but the offense had some good players.

I will agree that the "D" is the key for next year. It may take the offense some time after losing the QB, a couple of starters on the OL, and all of their WR's. One area of strength is the RB's, especially if the Denton kid can recover from knee surgery. I agree that Boyles will probably be the QB and he will do a good job. In time the offense will come together.

On the defensive side of the ball it is going to be hard to replace JT Forest. I just hope that the D next year will play with the same heart and desire that this past years' D did.

The rams will have their work cut out for them this coming year. They lost alot of very good seniors this past year. I will agree that defense and special teams were big parts of this years success, but the offense had some good players.

I will agree that the "D" is the key for next year. It may take the offense some time after losing the QB, a couple of starters on the OL, and all of their WR's. One area of strength is the RB's, especially if the Denton kid can recover from knee surgery. I agree that Boyles will probably be the QB and he will do a good job. In time the offense will come together.

On the defensive side of the ball it is going to be hard to replace JT Forest. I just hope that the D next year will play with the same heart and desire that this past years' D did.

 

Denton is recovering very well and is ahead of schedule. He has been present at spring practice, but is a non-contact player, he looks to have put on some new muscle his winter as well.

 

Denton and Carver will make up a strong backfield, this year, with them now being two year starters.

 

As for Linebackers. Denton started most of the season at LB, and Carver got some good quality playing time at LB. I think these two together will have a great impact. Also, Pierce is going to be competing for playing time at LB, he has good speed and strength, he could legitimally start at LB.

 

WR is a little up in the air, however, Large will, I'm sure, be one of the starters. He is a little under sized, but quick with good hands, he played very well at DB last year. I see him starting at DB and WR this coming year.

Defense will be the key to there success this year and for years to come, in 2006 the "D" controlled the game and was described in word... nasty!! they were all over the ball carriers everyplay. I beleive they will build on the success of the "D" in 2006 and continue that physical play. Although on the offense there are some holes to fill an some players will have to mature quickly, the rams will definetly be ready by game time .... Everyones very excited in Ram Land for years to some .

 

The above statement was not posted by me. I guess someone figured out my password and posted. I will post my opinion later.

Raceland's Orange and White Game will be Saturday March 24th at 12:00pm.

Raceland's Orange and White Game will be Saturday March 24th at 12:00pm.

:thumb: Thanks Ram for the info.

:thumb: Thanks Ram for the info.

 

No problem. See ya there.:thumb:

No problem. See ya there.:thumb:

:thumb:

Our line of seniors will be missed. I believe that Forrest,Thompson, Rogers, Caldwell will be sadly missed this year not only for playing ability but for leadership. I also think Grizzle, Mullins, Beach, Mckenzie,and the rest of the fourteen seniors will also be a void that will take time to replace. We however have some exciting new ability coming up. This years junior and some of the sophmores have also played together since JFL and although you could not see the impact in freshman and JV games that they can do when you put them together they can get the job done. Its going to take some hard work and determination and it will start clicking again like riding a bike. I wish the orange crush all success in the world this year. Its a great day to be a Ram.

Just back from the Spring scrimmage. It went very well, looked like the players and coaches were excited about the upcoming season. 38 players participating.

 

I think Raceland may surprise a few people this coming season.

Hello fellow Rams and Ramblers, I am back from my scare and hospital stay this week. I guess that it took a Raceland Football thread to bring me back!

 

Ram your outlook imo was an excellent one, very knowledgeable.:thumb:

The Rams lost a lot from an 11-2 distict champion, regional runner up team but imo they will have some very good kids coming back that saw plenty of action last season and will give them experience. Raceland ALWAYS plays a tough non district schedule, we like it like that and this season is even tougher with the addition of the old long time rival in Russell. The Russell/Raceland rivalry some of these kids playing now probably don't know or realize to what intensity it really was but they will soon figure it out.

 

Good Luck to the Rams this season and you know that if the oldrambler is able that I will be with you all the way. I have been for 35+ years so I am not going anywhere! :ylsuper: Raceland Football Friday Nights! Nothing better anywhere!! :flame:

The 2007 Rams have some big shoes to fill. I really dont think the Ram fans will realize how special the 2006 senior class was until the 2007 season starts. The team captains; Forrest, Grizzle, Thompson, and McKenzie, were all excellent leaders who will be missed greatly. Also the other 11 seniors are going to be very tough to replace. Beach, Mullins, Caldwell, Rogers, Deskins, Chambers... all of these players were impact players for the Rams. Which in result to such a good senior class in 06', most of the key players for the 2007 rams were on the sidelines last year. However, I look for Boyles to step in at QB and have a nice season. He is a intelligent player and has proven to be a very reliable athlete on the offensive side of the ball. Denton, Carver, Logan, and Chinn all played significant minutes last year and did an excellent job. So I really look for a talented junior class to carry the Rams in 07'. The senior class is small but has several solid players. Sanders and Large will lead this years senior class. Also, lets no forget about the loss of coach Gerad Parker to UK. I think he is going to be missed more than most people realize.

 

I predict that the Rams will get off to a slow start. However, a very athletic and skilled junior class will lead them in a later part of the year and push them into the playoffs.

 

Record 6-5

 

Key Players- Boyles, Carver, Denton, Logan, Large, and Chinn.