Not to argue, you may be right, but how are you comparing them?

 

I saw both teams in person last year. Raceland's defense last year was NOT as good as Belfry's (though Raceland's offense was better). With the Ram's personnel losses, I assume they've not improved. Belfry's graduation losses hurt them more on the offensive side (though some defense affect, grant you).

 

Ashland may win the game, certainly, but it won't be because the Pirate defense "will not be a factor".

 

:bunny:

Heath91, you've seen both teams and have watched your Lions play Raceland (which was a common opponent to Ashalnd and Boyd Co.). So, I know you have a unique perspective. I don't doubt you, but I'll remain uneasy because the Tomcats have not left the friendly confines of Putnam Stadium yet this year.

 

I hope they stay focused all week and show up ready to play.

 

Graybeard, I am giving Ashland my "kiss of death" prediction. :-) As you recognized on another thread, I'm on a real roll this year! I picked Boyd over Raceland, Raceland over Ashland, and Russell over their first 2 opponents in what I predicted would be nailbiters.

 

I really think Ashland is better than Belfry this year, though. However, as you mentioned, Belfry isn't going to be a pleasant place to visit for your first away game of the year. It's a very tough place to play. The Belfry fans support their team in large numbers and with loud voices. The Belfry team plays with pride and passion. Plus, they have a tremendous coach who knows what he's doing.

 

This game is a great challenge for Ashland at this point in the year. You've got to love the Tomcats schedule. Two local rivals at home to start the year. Then go on the road to face Phillip Haywood and Ivan McGlone in successive weeks. Then try your luck against Ironton and Waverly, Ohio. And then the tough district schedule starts followed by the closing game against longtime rival Boyd. The only way it could be worse is to be playing Johnson Central's schedule!

I think that Ashland will beat Belfry this year and win their district. I watched Belfry on T.V. Friday. I was impresseed with Varney kid but I don't think that him alone will be able to beat Ashland.

 

Ashland 35

Belfry 14

I saw both teams in person last year. Raceland's defense last year was NOT as good as Belfry's (though Raceland's offense was better). With the Ram's personnel losses, I assume they've not improved. Belfry's graduation losses hurt them more on the offensive side (though some defense affect, grant you).

 

Ashland may win the game, certainly, but it won't be because the Pirate defense "will not be a factor".

 

:bunny:

 

I was just wondering, without them playing, I don't know how to rank them. But, I was going on the word of someone who has seen both teams this year.

 

Personally, I think the big difference in this game will be Ashland's defense. They are fast to the ball, and there are not to many players on that defense wearing 50's, 60's nor 70's. Ashland's speed on defense will win them quite a few games this year.

This should be a great game. I will take the Tomcats 21-14

This should be a great game.

 

I certainly agree, two proud traditions that are not matched by many with two good (as usual) football teams. Games/matchups like this are what high school football is all about. :thumb:

 

Good luck to both teams and may both teams stay injury free.

Ashland 22 Belfry 13

Will the turf at Belfry be an even bigger advantage to the Tomcats since their biggest asset is their speed? Belfry has one of the nicest high school football facilities I've ever been to.

How is Belfrys line size wise? I think if they have beat Ashland, then their line will have to dominate Ashlands line.

...

 

Personally, I think the big difference in this game will be Ashland's defense. They are fast to the ball, and there are not to many players on that defense wearing 50's, 60's nor 70's. Ashland's speed on defense will win them quite a few games this year.

 

Yes...I think you're right. The big key will be Ashland's effectiveness on defense in getting its offense enough possessions.

 

Coach Haywood's offense can take a LOT of time off the clock in looong drives.

This is the smallest Belfry team I believe I've seen, and they don't have ovewhelming speed. There were 2 things that kept Belfry ahead of Boyd County Coach Haywood flat out-coached us and we let Varney do whatevere he wanted, Coah Hart is in my own personal opinion the best coach in this area, and Ashland will make the adjustments to take Varney more or less out of the equasion, you can't really stop him all together, he's too good for that.

Wow. I can't believe the lack of interest in this game. Let's hear from some of our Belfry posters. Where you at Watusi?

I mean no disrespect to Belfry but if you only beat Boyd County by 2 scores and we should have but had several starters out and we couldn't score against Ashland.......I think that spells doom for the Pirates. We held Ashland's offense to around 200 yards and they still put up 31 points. Ashland is the real deal. Don't think beating up on Boyd County is a measuring stick for the Tomcats. True, it is hard to win at the CAM but I think Ashland just has too much this year.

 

I just checked the Chinese calender..........I think it is the year of the Cat.

I mean no disrespect to Belfry but if you only beat Boyd County by 2 scores and we should have but had several starters out and we couldn't score against Ashland.......I think that spells doom for the Pirates. We held Ashland's offense to around 200 yards and they still put up 31 points. Ashland is the real deal. Don't think beating up on Boyd County is a measuring stick for the Tomcats. True, it is hard to win at the CAM but I think Ashland just has too much this year.

 

I just checked the Chinese calender..........I think it is the year of the Cat.

:ohbrother:

This is high school football, where anything can, and often does happen. I'm still not even looking for my recipe for crow soup yet. I still believe that Ashland goes unimpeaded till that face Ironton. Just my opinion. Nobody needs to agree it, or even like it. Until Ashland proves me wrong, I'll keep giving them what I believe to be earned respect.