I am a Russel fan here and even though it's hard to swallow at times, I would rather Russell lose to Raceland and Fairview and get better than to blow out a 4A or 5A school. Yea it's rough at the water cooler the next morning at work but I believe Raceland or Fairview can help Russell or teams similar in their quest for a trip to the pizza box. The only time I think it may not help is if one team runs a totally different offense than one you might see down the road. I think we shouldn't underestimate all the talent in the area and we should all benefit from it. Most all of us are in different classes so wouldnt it be awesome if we all were driving down to Louisville at the end of the year.

Exactly. The Russell/Raceland game is great for both teams, and doesn't hurt the bank account either.

By the way, have you seen Pulaski's new stadium? Not only could it host a 4 team bowl game, it will host a 4 team bowl next year, so space is not a problem.

I have seen the field and am very impressed, but if Pulaski plans on having a 4team bowl they better make vast improvements to the visitor section.

There are numerous teams in Western Ky that will not play Hopkinsville, for a variety of reasons...

There are numerous teams in Western Ky that will not play Hopkinsville, for a variety of reasons...

And what would those reasons be?

I'm one of the rare Raceland fans who thinks its time for them to come to Ram Stadium. But a lot of Raceland fans don't mind going to Putnam every year and look forward to it. I can understand that but at some point I think it becomes disrespectful to at least not offer to come to Raceland once.

 

Given the size difference in the two stadiums I can see giving Ashland 2 straight home games, but get them to come down to Raceland at least once every third season. They've been playing each other now almost yearly since Bill Tom was at Raceland and you would think Ashland would WANT to come down US 23 just out of the mutual respect that seems exist between the two schools. But if Raceland doesn't press the issue they will continue to just let the Rams come to Ashland until someone says something.

 

All that said I suppose if they want the Rams to keep coming to their field and beating them then I shouldn't complain. :lol:

 

I think the bold part is a key word in your post. Also the reason Ashland is unlikely to ever play at Raceland.

As far as playing bigger schools & getting beat up, doesn't Somerset play Harlan Central this year, on the road, no doubt? They don't get much bigger than that as far as school size goes.

 

It is Harlan County.

 

Somerset didn't schedule the game, it was thrown upon them in a district realignment.

 

It is a home game for the Jumpers. The last week of the year.

Somerset didn't schedule the game, it was thrown upon them in a district realignment.

Could you explain? Harlan County is not in the Somerset district.

By the way, have you seen Pulaski's new stadium? Not only could it host a 4 team bowl game, it will host a 4 team bowl next year, so space is not a problem.

Great, I wish you much success with your Bowl. My thought is that while you may put on a Bowl with PC and 3 teams from out of town, the crowds will be much smaller than having SW, SHS and PC all playing in Somerset on the same night at the same location. Their is no way without an up grade to the visitor seating capacity that PC could handle the crowds of the CB.

 

Both county schools would just like to have the opportunity to get Somerset on their respective home fields for a change.

That is the issue really isn't it. No matter how much success there is at PC, some feel it isn't validated unless they play Somerset.

 

As far as playing bigger schools & getting beat up, doesn't Somerset play Harlan Central this year, on the road, no doubt? They don't get much bigger than that as far as school size goes.

 

This HOME game came about has a return game for playing at Cawood last year. Cawood consolidated into Harlan County, so that's who our return game is with.

 

.....the best reason is it would keep 2 great rivalries going in this community. I, for one, would love to see it every year. Somerset's 100 years+ of tradition against the county schools.

 

Are you saying this is not a rivalry now? I know you saw the intensity in the game last year between PC and SHS. Playing every other year I think actually makes these games bigger for the kids. It's not just another game on the schedule but an event. If they win they have two years of bragging rights.

1. The travel cost would be near nothing.

2. It would be a great rivalry.

3. The game would be fun for fans.

4. The game would most likely get a lot of publicity in NKY.

 

Those are just a few that I have. It seems like there could be a few more, but I'd need to think about it a little longer.

 

Right, but you mentioned things that are extra curricular. What is the benefit to the actual players? Does Highlands benefit more from playing NewCath or Colerain? The same could be said for NewCath, is it better to play Highlands or Ryle a week or two before playing CovCath? By the way, I would love to see this game. Playing against the cake eaters at their place is one of the coolest experiences that a kid can have during the regular season. Plus, NewCath has a lot to gain with a win and very little to lose.

I am a Russel fan here and even though it's hard to swallow at times, I would rather Russell lose to Raceland and Fairview and get better than to blow out a 4A or 5A school. Yea it's rough at the water cooler the next morning at work but I believe Raceland or Fairview can help Russell or teams similar in their quest for a trip to the pizza box. The only time I think it may not help is if one team runs a totally different offense than one you might see down the road. I think we shouldn't underestimate all the talent in the area and we should all benefit from it. Most all of us are in different classes so wouldnt it be awesome if we all were driving down to Louisville at the end of the year.

 

:thumb: Great post! I agree 100%. Last year though it seemed like a lot of guys on both sides thought it wasn't beneficial in this regard- but I think it is. Raceland is very balanced and a lot of the teams Russell faces the further along they go int he playoffs are more balanced. Likewise, Raceland will see a lot of run heavy teams as they go on and more physical teams. Russell is VERY physical. Win or lose I think helps both teams. And it certainly helped the community. That was the best atmosphere for a high school game I've ever experienced. I am sure it will be just as good this year in the Hank.

Great, I wish you much success with your Bowl. My thought is that while you may put on a Bowl with PC and 3 teams from out of town, the crowds will be much smaller than having SW, SHS and PC all playing in Somerset on the same night at the same location. Their is no way without an up grade to the visitor seating capacity that PC could handle the crowds of the CB.

That is being addressed as we speak. The visitors side is being upgraded to hold double the capacity it does now. Plus you have the entire upper area surfaced in concrete for people w/ lawn chairs. Pleny of space.

 

 

That is the issue really isn't it. No matter how much success there is at PC, some feel it isn't validated unless they play Somerset.

Not to feel validated. It's a GREAT rivalry game! City vs. County. It happens all over the state. Danville-Boyle, Midllesboro-Bell, etc... Not much complaining about school size from those teams.

 

 

 

This HOME game came about has a return game for playing at Cawood last year. Cawood consolidated into Harlan County, so that's who our return game is with.

Didn't SHS have a chance to opt out of that game? That would be a perfect place to pick up an in-town rivalry game w/ BIG $$$. I seriously doubt Harlan will bring as many fans as the county teams would.

 

 

 

Are you saying this is not a rivalry now? I know you saw the intensity in the game last year between PC and SHS. Playing every other year I think actually makes these games bigger for the kids. It's not just another game on the schedule but an event. If they win they have two years of bragging rights.

I am saying this is a fantastic rivalry! That is why these games should be played every year. Everyone wins. The schools get a huge payday, & the fans get to see some great football from our local schools. We are very fortunate to have 3 very good football schools in our community. It's a shame we can't get past all the egos & excuses from all sides & play some football.

And what would those reasons be?

 

1. Hoptown has an unfair reputation as being a thug school. They've had their share, but they've worked hard to clean up the program.

 

2. The previous staff (whom I will not name) routinely ran up the score on weaker teams, and those teams still refuse to play.

 

3. The whole Penner incident, which embarrassed the program and its history.

 

4. Accusations of recruiting players from other counties.

 

The 'previous staff' was directly responsible for 3 of the 4 of these, but the program still carries that stigma with many local schools. That's why they had to schedule Highlands, Lincoln, and Mercer. Not even longtime rival Clarksville High School will play them.

The good news is that some of this has passed and in 09 Hoptown will play Russellville and Ft Campbell. Either time heals, or a 4-7 season in 2007 has brought them around.

There are numerous teams in Western Ky that will not play Hopkinsville, for a variety of reasons...

 

I have never heard this or gotten that impression. However, Mayfield used to play them every year and they are no longer on our schedule. I am quite certain Mayfield isn't avoiding Hoptown, but I am clueless as to why they don't play anymore.....too bad, there have been some freakin great games between these two....most notably 1995.....this game truely fueled my fire and passion for football.

 

Mayfield used to have trouble scheduling regional teams....we played Belleville Althoff, Ill, Milan, TN, and Trousdale Co, TN in my day.....but things have changed as of late....it seems as if regional teams are licking their chops now-a-days to get a crack at Mayfield....Calloway NEVER used to play Mayfield when Stonechipher(sp?) was there....Im sure they are glad thier new coach did, they would have missed out on that sweet win last year

Edited July 23, 200818 yr by Ram
Rule 13

1. Hoptown has an unfair reputation as being a thug school. They've had their share, but they've worked hard to clean up the program.

No argument there, but I've never heard it used as a reason for someone not to play Hopkinsville.

2. The previous staff (whom I will not name) routinely ran up the score on weaker teams, and those teams still refuse to play.

Which teams?

3. The whole Penner incident, which embarrassed the program and its history.

No argument there.

4. Accusations of recruiting players from other counties.

Most of Hopkinsville's notable transfers in recent years have come from a lot farther away than the surrounding counties.

The 'previous staff' was directly responsible for 3 of the 4 of these, but the program still carries that stigma with many local schools. That's why they had to schedule Highlands, Lincoln, and Mercer. Not even longtime rival Clarksville High School will play them.

The good news is that some of this has passed and in 09 Hoptown will play Russellville and Ft Campbell. Either time heals, or a 4-7 season in 2007 has brought them around.

So, you have a grudge against the "previous staff" ...

 

Hopkinsville and Clarksville may have been rivals back in the day, but they haven't played in years, as far as I know. Tennessee has much bigger districts, so those schools don't have as much flexibility in scheduling non-district games.

 

Fort Campbell and Russellville, huh? Good for them. Russellville needs to upgrade its schedule a bit, and Hopkinsville and Fort Campbell should be regular rivals.

Could you explain? Harlan County is not in the Somerset district.

 

It is a non-district game, but Somerset was on Cawoods schedule last year and Harlan County is playing Cawoods schedule.