Mr.Wildcat

Congrats to the Red Devils on the win. Boyd County looked a lot better than I thought they would. Coach McGlone tried a little trickery near the end of the 1st half, and it nearly back fired, and would have had the Boyd Co. receiver not dropped a wide open pass in the end zone as time expired at the end of the half. That could have made a big difference in the game.

Who coaches the Ashland freshman team these days?

This is one of those Tomcat teams of the past that I have been talking about. I remember watching this Tomcat team play, when I was in 2nd grade. A very tough, hard hitting team that would flat out put a hurting on you. This is the type of team that the Tomcats of today need to get back to being.

I also understand your thought process Mr. Ram. I have said that Raceland is a very, very good program. I guess you would have had to been around the block as long as I have to remember just how dominate the Tomcats of yester year used to be. The Tomcats of today no longer put that fear into their opponents that they did when I played. Ashland in the past wouldn't even think of scheduling such a small school, much less losing to them. Again, not a knock on Raceland, or the other small schools. I realize that Ashland Oil moving out, and other jobs leaving this area has had a big impact on the enrollment at Ashland, but I still don't understand such a dramatic fall in the competitiveness of the Ashland programs. I am friends of many Tomcat greats of the past. Believe me, it pains them very much to witness what they have seen the past several years in the decline of the Tomcat football program. Why don't the boys go out anymore? Raceland had as many boys dressed Friday night as Ashland did. That shouldn't be happening. I know I'll catch even more grief with this statement, but I think soccer has also played a huge part in the decline of the Ashland program, as has the one middle school instead of the two jr. high's that Ashland used to have. You simply don't have as many boys playing anymore. It truly is sad to have witnessed such a fall.

Remain positive Ashland fans. No need for concern here.

That's your opinion, and I respect it, but maybe Ashland should prove they can beat a single A team before they are ranked above a Boyd Co. team that is 1-0, and beat a AAA team.

You haven't had much to be negative about, but I'm sure if Raceland started losing to teams they shouldn't be losing to on a consistent basis you guys would find plenty to be negative about. You won't find me being negative about the Russell Red Devils. Coach McGlone has done an awesome job of keeping me, and the rest of the alumni very happy.

Yep, that's probably the reason their sports programs have fallen so much. There's still a Raceland fan posting, how come Raceland's football program hasn't been affected?

You better watch it. The positive police will be here any minute telling you that you are wrong. :lol: Perhaps we are blaming the wrong person. How long has their AD been there now? Maybe we should blame him. Afterall, it seems that football isn't the only sport that has dropped off significantly as far as being competitive thru out the state. The name Ashland Tomcats used to bring fear to opponents when they appeared on your schedule. I don't see that happening anymore. Heck, it seems as if all of the small schools are lining up to play them, and their AD even boycotts some of those small schools.

I'm sure you guys will do just fine. Putnam Stadium has always been my favorite place to watch a ballgame. The administration at Ashland has done a good job of keeping it up over the years. The new entrance, concession stands, and restrooms they added a few years ago is a very nice addition, and from what I have read, the restoration job they have in the works will be very nice. I plan on donating a small amount of my little nest egg toward the cause. I have witnessed several great games, and great teams over the years at Putnam Stadium, and I look forward to more in the future. The Ashland fans are always very hospitable. You guys have a lot to be proud of.

I always enjoy watching this game between the two rivals. As some have mentioned it's usually played close to the best, and I look for this year to be the same. I have to go with Russell in this one. Russell 27 Boyd Co. 14

I'll be going to the Russell-Boyd County game this weekend, so I won't be able to watch the coaching genius of one Leon Hart. I do think Ashland will win despite Hart, but won't be surprised if Pikeville wins. Ashland 21 Pikeville 20

How can you go against razor? He's pretty sharp.

No, it's bad coaching, and continuing to support bad coaching that kills teams. Heck, why didn't Ashland fans try and remain positive when Mike Holtzaphel and David Arthur were coaching? Like I said I'm not an Ashland fan. I'm just calling it like I see it. If I were an Ashland fan, and an Ashland grad I would be very concerned about the state of the Ashland Tomcat program. I can understand why a Raceland fan, or any other local school would want to see Hart remain as coach though. Ashland has too much tradition, and pride to continue to see their football program play below mediocrity.

First let me say that I'm not an Ashland fan. I graduated from another local school back in 1969. I do however know how good the Ashland Tomcat program used to be. My post was not meant to be negative about any of those young men that play for Ashland. They played hard, and never quit, but I believe that their coach does not put them in the best position to win. I don't believe he is the right man to be leading the Tomcat program. Ashland has a very proud history, and I know many men that I played against feel the very same way. They are very embarrased about the current state of their alma mater. This surely isn't a one game judgement, but is based on the years that Hart has been in charge of the Tomcat program. It has done nothing but gone down hill since he's been there.

Yes. Ashland will have another long season. The Ashland program has fallen about as low as it can get. What I'm about to say is in now way negative about Raceland. They have a very, very good program, but Ashland, should never lose to a school the size of Raceland. I never thought I would see the day that the mighty Ashland Tomcat football program would fall to this level. Leon Hart might have been a fine college football coach, but IMO he is not a very good high school football coach. He coaches as if he is coaching college football. Twice tonight, he decided to forgo going for it on 4th and short, and punt from Raceland's 35 yard line. That is just idiotic. I know that the Bonner boy is a very good athlete, but Hart simply refuses to utilize him like he should. That young man should be getting the ball in his hands a lot more. Ashland used to be known for using it's tight end, and throwing that quick little pop pass. Vic Marsh had great success with it. I don't think Coach Hart knows what it is. Maybe he should go back, and look at some of the films from when Coach Marsh coached. I also don't think I've seen such a small Ashland team. Did they quit feeding the boys in Ashland? Ashland always used to have some big boys up front. I thought I was watching a freshman team out there tonight. Ashland just isn't very big up front. I can't see Ashland winning too many games this year. I predict another 2-8 season at best, and another year not making the playoffs. That might end up being the best thing for the Ashland program though, because I think Coach Hart has pretty much done about as much damage as should be allowed.

Don graduated in 1969

I was 2-12 against him with 7 K's. I had a double, and an infield hit against him. We actually faced off against each other on the mound on 2 occasions, with him winning both games. He hit at least .750 against me with a couple of homers. It was really something to play against him my senior year, and then seeing him pitch for the Big Red Machine a summer later.

I faced Don Gullet in high school. He was the best I ever faced, with Bobby Lynch coming at #2.

I've always got to pull for the Cats.

Thank you. As I have said twice already, Coach Ross' health had absolutely nothing to do with his decision.

Nope, from what I was told it was because only a few people showed up for practice.

I've heard from a great source that Bill Tom Ross has resigned as the football coach at Rose Hill due to lack of interest from the student body. What does this mean for the football program at Rose Hill? It sure seems to me that this could pretty much kill any plans Rose Hill has for fielding a varsity football team. Why the lack of interest all of a sudden?

Those girls better tighten up their sneakers, and get ready to do a lot of running. :lol:

He was an assistant for those great Ashland Tomcat teams under Coach Herb Conley in the mid 70's, he then went to Boyd Co. as a head coach, from there to Raceland, back to Boyd County, and a couple of years at Johnson Central. He is pretty much credited for helping build the great tradation at Raceland.