Raceland Football 2008

 

1. Play a strong schedule.

One of the keys for Raceland to continue to improve and to become a perennial 1A threat is to continue to play larger schools, and quality non-district games to better prepare them for the quality 1A teams they will have to face in the playoffs. Last year, in non-district games, Raceland played one 1A team (Paintsville), three 3A teams (Russell, East Carter, and West Carter), one 4A team (Greenup Co.), and one 5A team (Ashland). Raceland will be playing these teams again this season, and many of them have improved and will give Raceland some regular season tests and help in preparing them for the playoffs. Ashland will be in good shape this season with quite a bit of experience returning, Greenup Co showed great improvement at the end of last season and provides a playoff type atmosphere, East and West Carter both had some great performances last year, Paintsville is a question mark for this season with a new coach they should have some new energy, Russell is good year in and year out and provides a playoff atmosphere. By playing a strong schedule Raceland will be more prepared for district and playoff games.

 

2. Stingy defense.

In 2007, Raceland’s defense was good, but not as strong as the 2006 season. For Raceland to win the big games, they are going to have to get back to the stingy defense of 2006. In 2007 Raceland allowed an average of 21 points per game, they are going to have to get that down to 14 or below to control big games. Raceland returns 8 defensive starters, including last years leading tackler Brett Denton, who averaged around 10 tackles per game. Lost are one linebacker position, one defensive line position, and one defensive back position. John Scott Carver will be back at one of the linebacker positions. Carver is very athletic and quick to the ball. Robbie Logan will be back at his defensive line position, he matured and was a strong defensive player by the playoffs last season.

 

3. Poised offense.

The offense is one area that should be of little concern. In 2007 Raceland had an explosive offense that could score quickly, and was very balanced. Raceland returns 9 starters on offense, including both running backs – Denton who rushed for over one thousand yards and Carver who rushed for six hundred yards, starting quarterback Tyler Boyles will be back as well – who passed for one thousand yards. Lost from last year is one offensive lineman and one receiver. Brian Tolliver and Todd Selvage both gained experience last season and both will be strong at the receiver positions. The offensive line, minus one, is back and did a great job last year and will only get better. Raceland’s offense should be a bright spot from start to finish.

 

4. Special teams.

Special teams is the place that Raceland will have to rebuild the most. Gone from the last three seasons is place kicker and punter, Jacob Sparks. Sparks will be difficult to replace and had become a potent weapon for Raceland. Tate Preston will likely handle the kicking duties, and a search for a punter will have to begin.

 

5. Staying healthy

In 2006, Raceland experience a large number of injuries and at one point had 6, two way, starters out at the same time. Raceland will have to stay healthy to maintain momentum to compete in the playoffs.

 

6. Players to watch.

Tyler Boyles (Sr) QB – Will be a senior, three year starter, one at receiver and now two at

QB. Boyles passed for 1,000 yards last season, distributing the ball to four

Different receivers.

 

Brett Denton (Sr) RB/LB –Honorable Mention All-State, Army Iron man of the Week,

And Co-District MVP. Rushed for 1100 yards last season, and was the teams

Leading tackler.

 

John Scott Carver (Sr) RB/LB – Second leading rusher from last season, with over 600

Yards. also, a strong defensive player who can get to the ball.

 

Todd Selvage (Sr) WR/DB – Became a good receiver last season and a good defensive

Player after becoming much more athletic in the 2007 off –season.

 

Brian Tolliver (Sr) WR/KR/DB – Very athletic, plays some at running back, but will

Probably start at receiver. Sure handed receiver. Tolliver will more then likely

Also start at the open defensive back position.

 

Robbie Logan (Sr) OL/DL – Good size at 6’4”, 250. Good offensive lineman, but has

Become a very good defensive lineman. Big, strong, and fast from his line

Position.

 

Cody Chinn (Sr) OL/DL – A 6’, 250 lineman who will be a returning starter. Strong on

The offensive line and the defensive line.

 

Bobby McKee (Jr) WR/DB/KR – Handled the return duties last season and became very

Proficient at it. Could, more then likely, take the third receiver spot and give

Three quality targets for Boyles.

I think you covered it well Ram. :thumb:

I think you covered it well Ram. :thumb:

 

I got a little excited, I can't help it.

I got a little excited, I can't help it.

 

If you think you are excited now, just wait a couple of years.!!!!!!! :thumb:

If you think you are excited now, just wait a couple of years.!!!!!!! :thumb:

 

I know, I am feeling now with weight lifting and conditioning starting for my son's junior high team. I'm having trouble containing myself. Don't stand to close.:ylsuper:

I know, I am feeling now with weight lifting and conditioning starting for my son's junior high team. I'm having trouble containing myself. Don't stand to close.:ylsuper:

 

:thumb: I think you will be just fine. Enjoy the moment, it goes by way to fast!!!

Also, state championship contenders dont lose games to teams that they have no business losing to. Example, the loses last year against East and West carter, should have never happened. No offense to East or West but IMO Raceland had no business losing to either of those teams last year. I felt like the Rams last year just showed up and played when they felt like it, they didnt bring it every friday night. If they want to have a shot at going to Louisville or even have a shot at beating the 87' & 06' team records, then they cant take games off. Also, they need to show some emotion out there. I felt like there were times last year when they were lifeless out there on the field. But once again, this all goes back to leadership. They must develope some leaders in the senior class. You can say what you want but nothing get a team ready to go then a senior leader, who has the respect of his peers, steps up and gets the other guys in gear for the games. What Im saying is, they need to bring their A game every friday night because every school in this area is going to bring their A game when they play the Rams. We have had alot of good teams in our schools history but now its time to get over the hump and this years team has that capability. The playoff system is more favorable now than it has ever been for us and we have ALOT of talent coming back. Its not going to be easy but if they get their heads on straight and learn that football isnt about making friends, its about punishing the other team and winning at all costs, then they will have a shot to be great. But until someone lights a fire under this team, they will be average, just like in 07'.

 

I have to agree with you RamCat, This team will have to develop some leadership if they want to reach there ultimate goal of making it to the carpet.

Raceland Football 2008

 

1. Play a strong schedule.

One of the keys for Raceland to continue to improve and to become a perennial 1A threat is to continue to play larger schools, and quality non-district games to better prepare them for the quality 1A teams they will have to face in the playoffs. Last year, in non-district games, Raceland played one 1A team (Paintsville), three 3A teams (Russell, East Carter, and West Carter), one 4A team (Greenup Co.), and one 5A team (Ashland). Raceland will be playing these teams again this season, and many of them have improved and will give Raceland some regular season tests and help in preparing them for the playoffs. Ashland will be in good shape this season with quite a bit of experience returning, Greenup Co showed great improvement at the end of last season and provides a playoff type atmosphere, East and West Carter both had some great performances last year, Paintsville is a question mark for this season with a new coach they should have some new energy, Russell is good year in and year out and provides a playoff atmosphere. By playing a strong schedule Raceland will be more prepared for district and playoff games.

 

2. Stingy defense.

In 2007, Raceland’s defense was good, but not as strong as the 2006 season. For Raceland to win the big games, they are going to have to get back to the stingy defense of 2006. In 2007 Raceland allowed an average of 21 points per game, they are going to have to get that down to 14 or below to control big games. Raceland returns 8 defensive starters, including last years leading tackler Brett Denton, who averaged around 10 tackles per game. Lost are one linebacker position, one defensive line position, and one defensive back position. John Scott Carver will be back at one of the linebacker positions. Carver is very athletic and quick to the ball. Robbie Logan will be back at his defensive line position, he matured and was a strong defensive player by the playoffs last season.

 

3. Poised offense.

The offense is one area that should be of little concern. In 2007 Raceland had an explosive offense that could score quickly, and was very balanced. Raceland returns 9 starters on offense, including both running backs – Denton who rushed for over one thousand yards and Carver who rushed for six hundred yards, starting quarterback Tyler Boyles will be back as well – who passed for one thousand yards. Lost from last year is one offensive lineman and one receiver. Brian Tolliver and Todd Selvage both gained experience last season and both will be strong at the receiver positions. The offensive line, minus one, is back and did a great job last year and will only get better. Raceland’s offense should be a bright spot from start to finish.

 

4. Special teams.

Special teams is the place that Raceland will have to rebuild the most. Gone from the last three seasons is place kicker and punter, Jacob Sparks. Sparks will be difficult to replace and had become a potent weapon for Raceland. Tate Preston will likely handle the kicking duties, and a search for a punter will have to begin.

 

5. Staying healthy

In 2006, Raceland experience a large number of injuries and at one point had 6, two way, starters out at the same time. Raceland will have to stay healthy to maintain momentum to compete in the playoffs.

 

6. Players to watch.

Tyler Boyles (Sr) QB – Will be a senior, three year starter, one at receiver and now two at

QB. Boyles passed for 1,000 yards last season, distributing the ball to four

Different receivers.

 

Brett Denton (Sr) RB/LB –Honorable Mention All-State, Army Iron man of the Week,

And Co-District MVP. Rushed for 1100 yards last season, and was the teams

Leading tackler.

 

John Scott Carver (Sr) RB/LB – Second leading rusher from last season, with over 600

Yards. also, a strong defensive player who can get to the ball.

 

Todd Selvage (Sr) WR/DB – Became a good receiver last season and a good defensive

Player after becoming much more athletic in the 2007 off –season.

 

Brian Tolliver (Sr) WR/KR/DB – Very athletic, plays some at running back, but will

Probably start at receiver. Sure handed receiver. Tolliver will more then likely

Also start at the open defensive back position.

 

Robbie Logan (Sr) OL/DL – Good size at 6’4”, 250. Good offensive lineman, but has

Become a very good defensive lineman. Big, strong, and fast from his line

Position.

 

Cody Chinn (Sr) OL/DL – A 6’, 250 lineman who will be a returning starter. Strong on

The offensive line and the defensive line.

 

Bobby McKee (Jr) WR/DB/KR – Handled the return duties last season and became very

Proficient at it. Could, more then likely, take the third receiver spot and give

Three quality targets for Boyles.

 

Once again a very good analogy and post Ram:ylsuper:.

 

By the way, Congrats on the new title of Mod. :thumb:

Once again a very good analogy and post Ram:ylsuper:.

 

By the way, Congrats on the new title of Mod. :thumb:

Thanks, I think. If we know one thing, it is Raceland Football.:ylsuper:

Thanks, I think. If we know one thing, it is Raceland Football.:ylsuper:

 

:thumb: I think that we may know a couple more things but I am not sure........:lol:

i have to agree with you RamCat, This team will have to develop some leadership if they want to reach there ultimate goal of making it to the carpet.

 

Yes you are right. I know this bunch of fine young men and they all have leadership in them. It will be a very good year for them. They are working hard. They will step up and take what belongs to them.:thumb:

I think raceland will be better this year then last year if not better then the 2006 team. I think Raceland will have one the most dangerous offenses in the state. They have two outstanding running backs with Denton and Carver! The special teams and defense will be really good as well. Everything seems to be falling in place as well. From what I have heard so far they have had a great winter and making great gains in the weight room.

 

The potential is there, but I think the key will be depth. The 2006 team had depth at most (if not all) positions, & it was quality depth. Also, the 2006 team had good leadership (Thompson, Forrest, Stephens, etc...that kept all potential bad chemistry & egos in check. The 2008 team is talented, but still needs to have strong leadership.

 

And as with any team, you have to have a little luck & avoid major injuries at crucial times. The Rams also need someone to step up & consistently make plays. I think the defense will be fine as long as they finish plays (meaning: 1. HIT & SWARM 2. WRAP UP 3. TAKE the player to the ground.).

 

It will be an exciting year...:thumb:

Raceland has had a very productive weight season. Raceland came in fourth at a weight meet in Coal Grove (OH) going against 14 teams, only one other from Kentucky.

 

At Raceland's "Show Of Strength Meet" Raceland finished first, going against Russell, Greenup Co, East Carter, and Green (OH).

Robby Logan (JR) OL/DL - has a great opportunity to be a D1 player. Robby is 6'4" around 265lbs and made great strides in the weight room in the off season. At Raceland's last weight meet Robby had the following lifts: Clean 300lbs, deadlift 525lbs, and bench 325lbs.

Spring practice began yesterday. Raceland has somewhere in the thirties out for spring practice, excluding incoming freshmen and baseball players. There are a lot of younger players getting needed reps. From what I saw they are doing well.

So at what point in that game did it look like they "shouldn't have lost" to East Carter? They were out played in almost all aspects of the game, in the second half... I wasn't at the West Carter game so I can't comment, however I did see West play some good football last year... I do know that East Carter had problems of their own last year however, I think recent Raceland v. East Carter record would indicate they certainly can't look at a game vs East Carter as a game they should win... no more so than East Carter should look at Raceland as a should win game... Seems to me this series has turned into a very competitive one...