Ashland does want to always play Raceland at Putnum. Raceland gets a portion of the gate money. It has been a mutual agreement for both schools. Would the Raceland fan base like to play Ashland at Raceland? Of course. But, honestly, I have heard only a hand full of complaints from Raceland fans about playing at Ashland every year. Most of the complaints that I hear are from people at other schools. They don't understand why we play at Putnum every year.

 

Like I said, most Raceland fans would love to play Ashland at Raceland, but there in no real complaint from Raceland fans/coaches/parents about playing at Putnum.

Yet when other schools have approached Raceland in a similar manner the answer was absolutely not. The complaint is not that Raceland always plays Ashland at Putnam Stadium. Rather why should other schools have to play home and home instead of accomodating the larger crowd.

Thanks again Painter for your comments. You are right, the JFL complex is indicative of the pride and support that the Raceland/Worthington community has for Raceland Football. The JFL, as well as the entire football program, has huge support from the school system, school administration, the community, and the parents and fans of Raceland Football.

 

 

Would the Raceland fan base like to play Ashland at Raceland? Of course. But, honestly, I have heard only a hand full of complaints from Raceland fans about playing at Ashland every year. Most of the complaints that I hear are from people at other schools. They don't understand why we play at Putnum every year.

 

Like I said, most Raceland fans would love to play Ashland at Raceland, but there in no real complaint from Raceland fans/coaches/parents about playing at Putnum.

:thumb: I certainly agree on Raceland's community / school admin, teachers / parents / fans suport of Raceland Football.

 

As for playing at Putnam every year, I agree that I would love to see a game with the Tomcats at our house every other year but I do not mind going in Putnam every year. Has already been said that it is a very good $$$ game. Both schools fans and team had respect for one another, there are a lot of ties between Ashland and Raceland school systems other than sports that most do not know about. I will say that Ashland is the ONLY school that I would even consider opening up / playing at their place each year. There is not another one that would even enter a discussion with on it me but I obviously am not the one that makes those decisions. I also quite frankly do not worry about it if others seem to have problem with it. Imo it really doesn't concern anyone but Raceland and Ashland.

 

JMO

So am I correct in understanding this is the last year of the Ram-Cat match-up?

I have heard that it could be but one would have to ask the people in charge of the scheduling / contracts and such on that one to be sure. If it is then I could then hope that the Tomcats go unbeaten and not just lose their season opener.

I don't think that political correctness is either or our strong points. And, yes I like it that way.

I have never been accused of it (political correctness) anyway and am proud of that fact as well.

Its not large enough. IMO Russell should not have agreed to play at Raceland either.

First you say that Raceland's Facilities are not large enough for a game with Ashland.

Sarcasm aside facts are facts. An Ashland or Russell game at Raceland will produce a crowd that is too large for Raceland facilities to accomodate. I don't blame Ashland for not wanting to play there and I wish Russell would not have agreed to it either. Circumstances however dictated differently.

Then you say that you don't blame Ashland for not playing at Raceland.

What does the JFL field have to do with any of the comments about Raceland High School's facilities? It is admirable but it of no consequence to the lack of space for large crowds at varsity games. Why has Ashland always insisted on playing Raceland at Putnam Stadium?

Then, you ask why Ashland has always insisted on playing Raceland at Ashland.

Yet when other schools have approached Raceland in a similar manner the answer was absolutely not. The complaint is not that Raceland always plays Ashland at Putnam Stadium. Rather why should other schools have to play home and home instead of accomodating the larger crowd.

Finally, you question why other schools (ie:Russell) have to play at Raceland, and state that you have no complaint about Raceland playing at Ashland all the time.

 

Dude, you have issues. The AD's negotiate the contracts. I assume either Raceland or Russell could have said, "no, we are not doing that". But, both must have agreed to do the home/home deal. You make it sound as if someone from Raceland held a gun to the head of someone at Russell and made them sign the contract. I was not there, but I doubt that happened. They both agreed to the contract and signed it. Done deal. If you don't want to come to Raceland then stay home. I am sure there will be room for you if you wish to come.

Yet when other schools have approached Raceland in a similar manner the answer was absolutely not. The complaint is not that Raceland always plays Ashland at Putnam Stadium. Rather why should other schools have to play home and home instead of accomodating the larger crowd.

The only complaint I hear is from a few folks at Red Devil lane. Raceland turning the other school down (and I believe you know who it was;) should give you your answer to the last part of your question. All the "other school" has to do is not sign the paper if they are not happy about the agreement as to where the game will be played. It takes both parties to agree and in the case of the Tomcats and the Rams it seems very clear that both are satisfied with the arrangement.

We Raceland Fans have no problem with going to Putnam Stadium each season, I know that I look forward to it and all the Ram players that I have talked with feel honored to play in the Tradition rich stadium.

First you say that Raceland's Facilities are not large enough for a game with Ashland.

 

Then you say that you don't blame Ashland for not playing at Raceland.

 

Then, you ask why Ashland has always insisted on playing Raceland at Ashland.

 

Finally, you question why other schools (ie:Russell) have to play at Raceland, and state that you have no complaint about Raceland playing at Ashland all the time.

 

Dude, you have issues. The AD's negotiate the contracts. I assume either Raceland or Russell could have said, "no, we are not doing that". But, both must have agreed to do the home/home deal. You make it sound as if someone from Raceland held a gun to the head of someone at Russell and made them sign the contract. I was not there, but I doubt that happened. They both agreed to the contract and signed it. Done deal. If you don't want to come to Raceland then stay home. I am sure there will be room for you if you wish to come.

 

I really don't think it is just this one thing that upsets people in our community. Raceland had to agree to it. No doubt about it. But what are you going to do if you are Raceland? Not play. It's the other things that Ashland pulls every year to get that advantage that upsets others to include Ashland fans. Like last year having the Russell game moved to Saturday because of weather. Everyone else played except Russell and Ashland. Yes Russell agreed to it. I love Ashland but it upsets me that the A.D. pulls these stunts every year and not just in football. Why don't we see this kind of stuff out of other schools in the area? Because it's wrong. I would bet my jeep (but I would get kicked out again so I can't) that before the season is over Ashland will embarass the faithful with another controversial decision. I'm sure its not done intentionally for an advantage. But it sure appears that way at times. Thats what people are sore about.

I really don't think it is just this one thing that upsets people in our community. Raceland had to agree to it. No doubt about it. But what are you going to do if you are Raceland? Not play. It's the other things that Ashland pulls every year to get that advantage that upsets others to include Ashland fans. Like last year having the Russell game moved to Saturday because of weather. Everyone else played except Russell and Ashland. Yes Russell agreed to it. I love Ashland but it upsets me that the A.D. pulls these stunts every year and not just in football. Why don't we see this kind of stuff out of other schools in the area? Because it's wrong. I would bet my jeep (but I would get kicked out again so I can't) that before the season is over Ashland will embarass the faithful with another controversial decision. I'm sure its not done intentionally for an advantage. But it sure appears that way at times. Thats what people are sore about.

 

I can see your point. I think the Raceland administration knows Raceland's facilities are not big enough for the Ashland game, heck Putnum is not big enough. Last year Putnum was full, Ashland people were blocking the concession stand because there were not enough seats. Raceland people were standing four deep behind the visitor bleachers.

 

As for the "Saturday Game". I thought that was wrong. I personally thought it was for money, because that was the only game in town on Saturday, and many people came to that game that would have missed it if it was played on Friday because of their team game. Was it to gain an advantage? I don't know, maybe.

 

Your logical argument I understand, and agree with to some point. But, some people just belittling Raceland's facilities are inappropriate. I know, as well as everyone else, that Raceland's stadium is going to be full for the Russell game. Russell's field would be full as well. Raceland has hosted many games with a large crowd and all have enjoyed the game.

I can see your point. I think the Raceland administration knows Raceland's facilities are not big enough for the Ashland game, heck Putnum is not big enough. Last year Putnum was full, Ashland people were blocking the concession stand because there were not enough seats. Raceland people were standing four deep behind the visitor bleachers.

 

As for the "Saturday Game". I thought that was wrong. I personally thought it was for money, because that was the only game in town on Saturday, and many people came to that game that would have missed it if it was played on Friday because of their team game. Was it to gain an advantage? I don't know, maybe.

 

Your logical argument I understand, and agree with to some point. But, some people just belittling Raceland's facilities are inappropriate. I know, as well as everyone else, that Raceland's stadium is going to be full for the Russell game. Russell's field would be full as well. Raceland has hosted many games with a large crowd and all have enjoyed the game.

 

I was at the game on the Raceland sideline and you are right it was full. It's that way everytime I have been at Putnam. But I like it like that. As far as Racelands facilities. It is what it is. That's why they invented lawn chairs. Personally I think Raceland has a very nice facility. No its not Putnam stadium. Russell will play there and I doubt you will hear many complain. I'm sure that the Raceland Administration will make the appropriate arraingements to accomodate the crowd.

I was at the game on the Raceland sideline and you are right it was full. It's that way everytime I have been at Putnam. But I like it like that. As far as Racelands facilities. It is what it is. That's why they invented lawn chairs. Personally I think Raceland has a very nice facility. No its not Putnam stadium. Russell will play there and I doubt you will hear many complain. I'm sure that the Raceland Administration will make the appropriate arraingements to accomodate the crowd.

 

:thumb: You might have been standing beside me. I was with a lot of Russell people. And you are right Putnum is normally full, at least everytime I have been there for a Raceland or Russell game.

 

I hope the proper arrangements are made. I know that several sets of bleachers are going to be moved to accommodate the crowd, that should have been done for the NCC game last year. If not you can stand in the end zone with me.

 

Disclaimer: I am not ant-Russell. My two brothers and my sister graduated from Russell. My wife and her entire family graduated from Russell. And I probably know as many people from Russell as I do from Raceland.

First you say that Raceland's Facilities are not large enough for a game with Ashland.

 

Then you say that you don't blame Ashland for not playing at Raceland.

 

Then, you ask why Ashland has always insisted on playing Raceland at Ashland.

 

Finally, you question why other schools (ie:Russell) have to play at Raceland, and state that you have no complaint about Raceland playing at Ashland all the time.

 

Dude, you have issues. The AD's negotiate the contracts. I assume either Raceland or Russell could have said, "no, we are not doing that". But, both must have agreed to do the home/home deal. You make it sound as if someone from Raceland held a gun to the head of someone at Russell and made them sign the contract. I was not there, but I doubt that happened. They both agreed to the contract and signed it. Done deal. If you don't want to come to Raceland then stay home. I am sure there will be room for you if you wish to come.

:thumb: :thumb: Sounds like a simple solution to me.

:thumb: You might have been standing beside me. I was with a lot of Russell people. And you are right Putnum is normally full, at least everytime I have been there for a Raceland or Russell game.

 

I hope the proper arrangements are made. I know that several sets of bleachers are going to be moved to accommodate the crowd, that should have been done for the NCC game last year. If not you can stand in the end zone with me.

 

Disclaimer: I am not ant-Russell. My two brothers and my sister graduated from Russell. My wife and her entire family graduated from Russell. And I probably know as many people from Russell as I do from Raceland.

 

I'm not against any team in our community. I want them all to do well.

I have been guilty of this as well but this thread was started as Raceland/Ashland discussion thread and not why Russell questions why Raceland plays at Ashland. I will start and try to get this back on topic.

 

Has anyone heard anything on how practices are going this week (either team, Raceland or Ashland)? Any injuries that may hurt either team? I know that Raceland has lost S. Large with a broken leg. I am sure that the Raceland coaches are getting the kids focused on the task at hand and the game plan as well as the Ashland coaches getting their kids ready.

I haven't heard about practice this week, but I have to say that Raceland looked in good form at the scrimmages, I know a scrimmage is a scrimmage, but they were doing little things right. They looked focused. A credit to the coaching staff.

 

I look for this game to be a matter of little things. Since so many people are in new positions, or a new starter.

First you say that Raceland's Facilities are not large enough for a game with Ashland.

 

Then you say that you don't blame Ashland for not playing at Raceland.

 

Then, you ask why Ashland has always insisted on playing Raceland at Ashland.

 

Finally, you question why other schools (ie:Russell) have to play at Raceland, and state that you have no complaint about Raceland playing at Ashland all the time.

 

Dude, you have issues. The AD's negotiate the contracts. I assume either Raceland or Russell could have said, "no, we are not doing that". But, both must have agreed to do the home/home deal. You make it sound as if someone from Raceland held a gun to the head of someone at Russell and made them sign the contract. I was not there, but I doubt that happened. They both agreed to the contract and signed it. Done deal. If you don't want to come to Raceland then stay home. I am sure there will be room for you if you wish to come.

 

I still say Raceland's facilities are too small.

 

I don't blame Ashland for not playing at Raceland.

 

I asked Painter why Ashland always insisted on playing Raceland at Putnam. It would be kind of pointless to ask a Raceland fan that question now wouldn't it?

 

I don't have a problem with where Raceland plays anyone else. Frankly I don't care. I am against playing the Russell/Raceland game at Raceland.

 

I have stated since talks began about the two playing that I was against playing the game at Raceland. That hasn't changed. If Russell could have gotten a contract done with a couple of other schools then the game between the two would never happen.

 

I probably will stay home. I'll go the following year when there is room to accomodate everyone.