Take the AA, but when you get to US 23 at Lloyd (Greenup Co.) cross the river to Ohio (via the bridge on top of the dam) and come up Rt 52 to the Ashland bridge. Traveling the OH side from Lloyd saves about 15-20 minutes. You will have a non-stop drive avoiding all the trafic lights on the KY side through Greenup, Raceland and Russell.

 

Thanks. I know the exact route you're suggesting.

Take the AA, but when you get to US 23 at Lloyd (Greenup Co.) cross the river to Ohio (via the bridge on top of the dam) and come up Rt 52 to the Ashland bridge. Traveling the OH side from Lloyd saves about 15-20 minutes. You will have a non-stop drive avoiding all the trafic lights on the KY side through Greenup, Raceland and Russell.

 

When you cross over into Ohio make sure to drive the speed limit on the drive south on Rt. 52 toward Ironton. Rt 52 is a renown speed trap. Be especially cautious approaching Hanging Rock, Ohio.

Rowan County may have done the Colonels a favor by their inspired first half play. 7-7 at the half was a wake up call.

I think and hope you are right.

Sounds like the Ashland Tomcats have earned some respect and should not be taken lightly. I'd love to see this one at the old stadium. Last time I was there was '68. Initially, I'd say the the Colonels wouldn't have much trouble, but now I'm believing its gonna be a real good one. Good luck to both.

For those that make the drive between Ashland and NKY which way do you usually go? I've gone the Ohio side from Cincy and then crossed over. I've gone the AA and then south on 23. Unless there is a much shorter way I lean towards the AA simply because of not hitting the small towns and all of the stop signs and 45 MPH.

 

Anyone?

 

I'd honestly hit interstate because I hate both routes you described. Interstate to Lexington (75 maybe?) Interstate 64 to Ashalnd. Seems faster to me. That said not many would do it that way. Double A would probably be the most common response I'd imagine

 

Which Ashland/NEKY BGPers will be there?

I'd say I will be.

Ashland Tomcats

Last Week: defeated Harrison County 59-6

All-Time Second Round Record: 3-7

 

Covington Catholic Colonels

Last Week: defeated Rowan County 38-7

All-Time Second Round Record: 9-9

 

**Second round began in 1991**

 

Past Playoff Meetings

1988 - Covington Catholic 6 Ashland 0

1991 - Covington Catholic 41 Ashland 24

1994 - Covington Catholic 34 Ashland 14

1996 - Covington Catholic 21 Ashland 6

1997 - Covington Catholic 35 Ashland 7

2010 - Covington Catholic 43 Ashland 19

Ashland's team speed is their best attribute, IMO. They fly to the ball on defense. Against Belfry, they took away the outside and Belfry's fullback had an above average night. On offense they try to stretch you out and spread the ball around. The QB is a nice one and he can run and throw well. They have 3 backs that collectively are a nice group. #8 is a speedster, but #6 and #35 are both very good. The difference in our game was Belfry's d-line got a lot of pressure on the QB in the 2nd half and the Tomcats adjusted to a more run oriented offense. Belfry's d-line is not noted for getting a lot of pressure, and they were rushing 3 and dropping 8 in coverage most all that time.

As far as travel, I wouldn't even consider going any other way than the AA. I've never crossed over at Greenup, but if it saves 15 min, that sounds like good move.

I love you do this gchs, but Ashland won the State Championship in '91 so I don't think CovCath beat them in '91.

 

Incorrect. Ashland defeated Lincoln County in the 1990 state championship (my cousin was a starting linebacker on that Patriot squad). Covington Catholic won in 1991.

That was 1990, ram and it was one heck of a football team.

That was 1990, ram and it was one heck of a football team.

 

You're right, that was my mistake.

No respect at all for Ashland? They've been pretty good this year, I'd be shocked if they don't give CCH a game if not more. I couldn't see it getting that bad.

 

Agreed Cats. I saw a distrubing stat from last weeks game with RC. When CCH Safety has to make 11 tackles then there has to be some concerns with the run stop Defense.

Unless that Safety is blitzing or spying then CovCath is a missed tackle or two from not playing in this game.

Heres to the Blueboys taking care of business in Ashland and the Birds taking care of business at DCM.

Oh, and if the rematch happens, I hope your Safety has 11 tackles against the Birds.

Can they cover four receivers?

Can CovCath give their QB time to read the coverage?

Can CovCath give their QB time to read the coverage?

 

History says "yes." If we use the Highlands game as a measure Bir was 22/32 for about 200 yards. Gray ran for over 200.

 

It's a tough offense. I'm looking forward to see how they do against Ashand's tough defense.

How has Ashland played against a more balanced offense that can throw the ball around?

 

Obviously they loaded the box against Belfry and used their speed to contain the outside. I assume they used this same approach against Johnson Central, who doesn't throw much. They can't do that this week.