Let's all get back to discussing Ashland.

 

OK.

 

After the losing season the Tomcats had last year – no one respects them. Everyone on their schedule expects to beat them. They have to claw their way out of the cellar. That is OK, respect is always earned on the field – but especially after a dismal year.

 

Our players have worked hard over the winter, they've gotten bigger and stonger. They need to keep it up and stay focused on improvement and winning. I have faith in them and the coaching staff. I believe that we will see a wiser, harder working more physical team this year - with no big stars and more of a team approach.

All of the Raceland fans have respect for the Ashland program and there are a lot of connections between the two school. Sometimes a player or two gets a little to confident in their up coming season and has to be re-focused. I assure you that none of us expect a domination by either team, but I do expect a great season opener for both schools. And, I too am happy that this series will continue, it's always a great evening of high school football.

 

That "comment" was taken with a grain of salt here Ram...Players should be hyped about the prospects of the upcoming season and with this years Raceland squad, I’m sure the excitement is well founded. Raceland has turned this game into a legitimate rivalry with their consistent success at Putnam Stadium. This is a perfect opening game for both schools in my opinion. As for the venue, is there really that strong of an objection in the Raceland community about keeping this game at Putnam? The atmosphere with this particular contest is something special and I can’t help but believe the facility itself lends itself to the overall ambiance.

...I think Ashland will do well in 2008. They will be looking for a stand out kid to replace Matt Thomas- but Ashland always seems to find that guy...

 

I’m not sure if this Tomcat team will have that marquee type player ala Matt Thomas. However, there could be a positive aspect if that notion has any truth to it. Often times, when there is the "star" label placed on an individual, other teammates may tend to look to that individual a bit too much to carry the load. Although on a much larger stage, do you remember what Tennessee's football team accomplished the year after Peyton Manning graduated? Maybe a silly comparison to our Tomcats, but it illustrates my point. I believe this Ashland team has the opportunity to bond together as an equal and cohesive unit...each role has equal responsibilities...and, isn’t that what a "team" should be about?

Painter, I agree players should be excited, and the game has become a big game for both schools. As for the venue, it seems that it is a bigger deal for the Russell fans that Raceland plays at Putum every year, then it is for the Raceland fans. The last several seasons, the Russell fans seem to get very upset at the fact that Raceland is playing at Putnum again. I, honestly, have not heard many Raceland fans, and I have not heard any Raceland coaches, complain about the venue.

 

As for me, it does not bother me, as long as Raceland continues to make money on the deal. It doesn't bother me for Raceland to play at Ashland. Sure, I would like to have more home games, but playing this game as Ashland every year is really not a big deal to me.

I'm sure it's been said somewhere, but how many games remain in that contract between Raceland and Ashland?

I'm sure it's been said somewhere, but how many games remain in that contract between Raceland and Ashland?

This is the last year of the current contract, but I understand that a new contract has been signed for a duration of two years, both games to be played at Ashland.

OK.

 

After the losing season the Tomcats had last year – no one respects them. Everyone on their schedule expects to beat them. They have to claw their way out of the cellar. That is OK, respect is always earned on the field – but especially after a dismal year.

 

Our players have worked hard over the winter, they've gotten bigger and stonger. They need to keep it up and stay focused on improvement and winning. I have faith in them and the coaching staff. I believe that we will see a wiser, harder working more physical team this year - with no big stars and more of a team approach.

:thumb:

I can assure you that this Ram Fan has nothing but the utmost respect for the Tomcats. How can one not respect a program with the tradition that Ashland brings to high school football?

When the whistle blows and the ball is kicked to open the 08 season,you can throw out last years records.

As for the "no big stars and team approach" you mentioned, that is what I refer to as a "Football Family". When you get a group of kids working together to achieve one goal then something special can happen.

It's my fault as much as anyone else's, but we do need to get back to talking about the 2008 Ashland Tomcats. If anyone wants to start a new thread about the Raceland/Ashland contract, please feel free to do so.

 

Is Carter practicing with the team?

^ Ram: Yes, Carter is practicing with the team.

 

The Tomcats are in pads today for the first time. They check into Camp-Tomcat Sunday evening for a week of intense practice. They will eat together, sleep together (in the gym) and work together. Hopefully they will gel as a team.

Then, looks like he and Royalty will be the replacements for Thomas. If the OL plays well, and give Royalty time to hit Bonner, Ashland could be very good.

^ I think this year’s team has a chance to be good.

 

Ashland has a long climb out of the cellar in front of them. They will arrive at the first step/test soon – I can’t wait.

^ I think this year’s team has a chance to be good.

 

Ashland has a long climb out of the cellar in front of them. They will arrive at the first step/test soon – I can’t wait.

 

GB your comment and highlight of "team" is the key word. When a group of kids come together all for the "team" and leave the individual ego's out of it....... that is when there is sucsess. That goes for the Rams as well as anyone. As others have said, with the proud tradition of Ashland Tomcat football (and all athletics) I am sure that they will not br down for long. I know as a Raceland fan I am very worried about our opener .

Then, looks like he and Royalty will be the replacements for Thomas. If the OL plays well, and give Royalty time to hit Bonner, [b]Ashland could be very good[/b].

 

:thumb: and imo they will be very good, if anyone is looking past Ashland this season then they are going home with a big "L". One can count on that.

Then, looks like he and Royalty will be the replacements for Thomas. If the OL plays well, and give Royalty time to hit Bonner, Ashland could be very good.

 

Being that Ashland didnt participate in any of the passing camps I dont know how much we are going to be passing. I like the RB/FB combo as long as everyones head is on straight.....

I think that Ashland can be good this year because that the expectations arent as high as previous teams....