I have been thinking about the part of your post that I have bolded and it has been mulled over and it has rolled around in my head to the point where I want to say this and maybe this is just the proud fan and being associated with the program coming out in me but......Raceland has 30-8 record the past 3 years and was the #1 ranked 1A school going into week 13. We have beaten Ashland 3 consecutive years and only lost 3 games in three years to local teams. Raceland has traditionally been a good 1A team but in recent years, they have been able to turn it up a notch and compete with higher level teams and consistently stay in the State's 1A top 10. Look at Raceland's non-district schedule, not one team below 3A. The only 1A teams that we will play is in our district and in the playoffs. I think that it speaks volumes that Raceland can schedule larger schools and go in as the favorite in a lot of cases and produce. I will say this proudly with regards to the mentality of the team and it's coaches; they expect to win every game they play. There are still a lot of stunned and saddened Raceland Rams from the Regional championship game last November. Now, will we be 12-1 or better this year? Can't tell you, but I know that the players and coaches will play like they are the best in the state and expect to win them all.

 

I didn't intend to sound like I was putting down the accomplishments of the Raceland teams of the past or the potential accomplishments of this year's Raceland team. I was only trying to point out how impressive it would be to win at Ashland this year because of the players Raceland lost and the team Ashland has coming back. Although none quite as impressive as last year, Raceland has had good years in the past, only to return to average years. For example, the 2002 team went 9-3, only to be followed by .500 seasons for the next 2 years. I was curious so I looked up Raceland's record over the past 10 years along with how they fared in the playoffs and how they fared against other area teams:

 

1998 - 7-4; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup County

1999 - 7-4; 1st Round Playoff Loss; W over Ashland; L to Greenup County

2000 - 1-9; No Playoffs; L to Ashland; L to Greenup

2001 - 5-6; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup

2002 - 9-3; 2nd Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup

2003 - 6-5; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup

2004 - 5-6; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup

2005 - 7-4; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Ashland; W over Greenup

2006 - 11-2; 3rd Round Playoff Loss; W over Ashland; W over Greenup

2007 - 7-5; 2nd Round Playoff Loss; W over Ashland; W over Greenup; L to Russell

2008 - 12-1; 3rd Round Playoff Loss; W over Ashland; W over Greenup; W over Russell

 

Granted, the 1st round playoff losses from 1998 to 2005 were to the Beechwood's, Newport Central Catholic's, and Bellevue's of the world, but it doesn't look like the program was at the level where it is now. It is only since 2005 that Raceland began what is now a 4 game winning streak over Greenup, started a 3 game winning streak over Ashland, and made it to round 3 of the playoffs twice.

 

It's obvious that Raceland's program is on the upswing and I really hope Raceland builds upon the success of the past 3 years. It gives us area football fans more interesting games to watch in November. I just think with the graduations of last year and the toughness of the schedule this year, this could be considered a "big" season to keep the program rolling along in the right direction.

 

From the statistics, though, it's clear that whatever happened in 2005 was a good thing. Is that the year that you came on board with the program, SidelineDoc? :-)

I think that Raceland has the best coaching staff in the area, region and maybe the state. Now, there are great coaches out there and bigger programs but look at what these 10-12 men do to prepare our little school to go out there and compete each week. I think our coaches deserve much more credit than they receive.

 

Great job, Coaches!!!!!! Thank you for all you do. Keep up the good work.

I am starting a thread in general discussion regarding Shannon Large, a 2008 graduate and former player on the football team. He is hospitalized and more details will be on the other thread. Please pray for him and his family.

Now we are getting down to some serious football discussion.

 

I agree with both sidelinedoc and Ryan.

 

Ryan, Raceland has had a quality program for quite some time. Have they stepped it up a notch since around 2005? Yes, I would say they have. And that can fall square on the shoulders of the coaches, they have began a new weight lifting and conditioning program, they have changed the off season work outs. They have changed the mentality of the players.

 

And Ryan, I don't know how close you have followed Raceland over the years, but I have spoken to many Russell fans that I know that just never put much thought into Raceland, mainly because Russell hadn't played Racleland in quite some time.

 

Doc, Raceland has had a good program for years, they have done some things that many area schools, and schools around the state, could not do. They have competed and beaten many larger schools.

 

Simple fact is, if you are playing Raceland, you can not expect to just show up and win, you will have a game. Raceland may win, Raceland may loose, but you will know that you were in a battle. That is something that fans can appreciate.

I have been thinking about the part of your post that I have bolded and it has been mulled over and it has rolled around in my head to the point where I want to say this and maybe this is just the proud fan and being associated with the program coming out in me but......Raceland has 30-8 record the past 3 years and was the #1 ranked 1A school going into week 13. We have beaten Ashland 3 consecutive years and only lost 3 games in three years to local teams. Raceland has traditionally been a good 1A team but in recent years, they have been able to turn it up a notch and compete with higher level teams and consistently stay in the State's 1A top 10. Look at Raceland's non-district schedule, not one team below 3A. The only 1A teams that we will play is in our district and in the playoffs. I think that it speaks volumes that Raceland can schedule larger schools and go in as the favorite in a lot of cases and produce. I will say this proudly with regards to the mentality of the team and it's coaches; they expect to win every game they play. There are still a lot of stunned and saddened Raceland Rams from the Regional championship game last November. Now, will we be 12-1 or better this year? Can't tell you, but I know that the players and coaches will play like they are the best in the state and expect to win them all.

 

TCB!!!!

 

Great post doc! :thumb:

Now we are getting down to some serious football discussion.

 

I agree with both sidelinedoc and Ryan.

 

Ryan, Raceland has had a quality program for quite some time. Have they stepped it up a notch since around 2005? Yes, I would say they have. And that can fall square on the shoulders of the coaches, they have began a new weight lifting and conditioning program, they have changed the off season work outs. They have changed the mentality of the players.

 

 

Doc, Raceland has had a good program for years, they have done some things that many area schools, and schools around the state, could not do. They have competed and beaten many larger schools.

 

Simple fact is, if you are playing Raceland, you can not expect to just show up and win, you will have a game. Raceland may win, Raceland may loose, but you will know that you were in a battle. That is something that fans can appreciate.

Another great post here. One thing that I am most proud of as a long time Raceland Rambler/Ram fan is the comunity support of the program. Raceland fans are loyal will be there no matter what or how good of season the Rams are having. I am also very proud of the fact that although one will see some negativity/whining at any school there is really not much of it at Raceland. A positive outlook and high expectatons go beyond the football field with the coaches and players and into the classroom, school, sudents, teachers, admin, and community. Being positive and expecting good things spread and can do nothing but good. On the other side, negativity breeds negativity and that will spread like wldfire if allowed to continue. My personal opinion is that should someone have a question/problem or complaint with the way something is being done then go to the source (coaches, teacher or whoever) and discuss it with them. Most if not all coaches and teachers I have found will discuss any concerns or answer any question someone has if they are approached in the correct manner. A person may not like the answer but you will get an explanation.

Someone going out and making accusations, complaining about this or that to any and everyone they come in contact with is definately imo not the way to go about something. Going with a public setting to voice a personal complaint not only breeds negativity, it will get nothing done but cause dissention within the community, fan base and eventually will get to the players. Yes, believe it or not people talk and word, especially of it is complaints or gossip gets repeated as well as who said it.....who knew???:scared::lol:

As for the players and the post on message boards.....yes, the players do read these things whether some want them to or not. What does it look like to a kid to see negative talk about their team or their coaches and the coaches decisions posted on a public forum? That kid of stuff not only looks bad on the fan base but could cause problems amoung the players themselves. Should someone have a problem with how something is being done, that is one thing. I would just ask to please have class enough to take it to where it should be taken....to the source itself be it a teacher, coach, administrator when it is involving a kid or group of kids. I believe it is one thing to question something but completely another to slam a coach, program or a high school kid to do it :irked:.

I didn't mean to get on my soap box a all, I just feel strongly about that type of thing.

Has anyone spoken to the players or coaches that went to the Reds game last night? I think it is cool that they kick off practice with a "bonding" trip. They are going to be together for several months and will see each other more than they see their families until December. Can't wait to go on the practice field Monday night.

^ With the way the Reds ave been going a few of our guys may be signed to play for the Reds the rest of the season :eek:, I know that Barr is one heck of a catcher...Coach "Hoof "had better hang on to our guys. :lol:

 

I personally think that it is great that the "team" went to a game like that....."a band of brothers" having some R & R before the real work starts. :thumb:

That's one thing about bieng a ram. The school is small and most of the players are not only teammates but best friends as well!

I didn't intend to sound like I was putting down the accomplishments of the Raceland teams of the past or the potential accomplishments of this year's Raceland team. I was only trying to point out how impressive it would be to win at Ashland this year because of the players Raceland lost and the team Ashland has coming back. Although none quite as impressive as last year, Raceland has had good years in the past, only to return to average years. For example, the 2002 team went 9-3, only to be followed by .500 seasons for the next 2 years. I was curious so I looked up Raceland's record over the past 10 years along with how they fared in the playoffs and how they fared against other area teams:

 

1998 - 7-4; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup County

1999 - 7-4; 1st Round Playoff Loss; W over Ashland; L to Greenup County

2000 - 1-9; No Playoffs; L to Ashland; L to Greenup

2001 - 5-6; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup

2002 - 9-3; 2nd Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup2003 - 6-5; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup2004 - 5-6; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Greenup

2005 - 7-4; 1st Round Playoff Loss; L to Ashland; W over Greenup

2006 - 11-2; 3rd Round Playoff Loss; W over Ashland; W over Greenup

2007 - 7-5; 2nd Round Playoff Loss; W over Ashland; W over Greenup; L to Russell

2008 - 12-1; 3rd Round Playoff Loss; W over Ashland; W over Greenup; W over Russell

 

Granted, the 1st round playoff losses from 1998 to 2005 were to the Beechwood's, Newport Central Catholic's, and Bellevue's of the world, but it doesn't look like the program was at the level where it is now. It is only since 2005 that Raceland began what is now a 4 game winning streak over Greenup, started a 3 game winning streak over Ashland, and made it to round 3 of the playoffs twice.

 

It's obvious that Raceland's program is on the upswing and I really hope Raceland builds upon the success of the past 3 years. It gives us area football fans more interesting games to watch in November. I just think with the graduations of last year and the toughness of the schedule this year, this could be considered a "big" season to keep the program rolling along in the right direction.

 

From the statistics, though, it's clear that whatever happened in 2005 was a good thing. Is that the year that you came on board with the program, SidelineDoc? :-)

 

Well, thanks for the boastful comment, but I didn't come on board until the 2006 season. But if you check out the bolded part of the 10 years of Raceland football you'll find something very interesting. Coach Maynard was at the helm in Greenup and didn't lose to Raceland. Now, Coach Maynard has been with Raceland for 4 seasons and has not lost to Greenup. :sssh:

I was waiting for someone to make that point doc. I knew someone would.

I was talking to a parent from Raceland and they think that they have the best coaching staff also. T.J. Maynard along with coach Mike Lewis has made this team alot better and the person I was talking to said if coach Parker would the stayed this could have beeen a special group of coaches for many years.

I never got to play under TJ but I did play against him. And he just flat outcoached us in 2002. And watching him coach for Raceland over the past few years, has really made me realize how truly great he really is.

All that he has to offer. Backed by the disciplined, perfect gameplay Vanderhoof demands. Along with the great position coaches, makes for one of the best coaching staffs in the state!!:thumb:

I was talking to a parent from Raceland and they think that they have the best coaching staff also. T.J. Maynard along with coach Mike Lewis has made this team alot better and the person I was talking to said if coach Parker would the stayed this could have beeen a special group of coaches for many years.

 

I certainly agree and as for Coach Gerad Parker, he was an incredible coach when he was here. I wish that we could have kept him but certainly understand when and why he left. Coach Parker went to U.K to work with the coaching staff and is now at UT-Martin as the wide recievers coach. Actually, I do not know or haven't heard anything but is jmo when Joker Phillips takes over as the head coach at U.K. it would not suprise me to see coach Parker back at U.K. on the coaching staff...............................................

 

Parker, a former wide receiver, spent this past season as an offensive graduate assistant at Kentucky. He also worked with the offensive scout team. Before returning to his alma mater, Parker was an assistant coach at Raceland (Ky.) High School, guiding receivers and defensive backs. In 2006, Raceland was 11-2 and advanced to the third round of the Class A playoffs.

 

http://www.utmsports.com/coach.cfm?id=147&sport=Football

I was waiting for someone to make that point doc. I knew someone would.

 

Let's face it, Coaches Hoof, Maynard, Lewis, Fannin, Salmons, Francis, Preston, Pack, Burroughs, Woods, and Helton all bring something to the table. The amount of time and effort put into film and game planning is awesome. I am good friends with all three Lucas men and have been around them with preparation for games and their staffs do not hold a candle to these men. Raceland may not win all the time but they will have been given every opportunity to win.

 

How many schools have 11 coaches with this pedigree? 4 or 5 on this staff could be or have been head coaches in the past. We are blessed at Raceland.