Cubster

Has West Carter gotten suddenly worse since the Raceland? I thought that game was pretty competitive.

Lynda Carter portrayed Wonder Woman back in the day. She could perform superhero feats with her special powers. I have witnessed countless Wonder Women in my high school coaching career the past twenty plus years. I am referring to a special breed of women: COACHES’ WIVES. I grew up in a sports crazy family. My father coached basketball and baseball and broadcast football games on the radio as well. He was also in charge of the Little League baseball program in Lewis County. He has achieved many great things in athletics. The power behind him is my mother. She kept our house running efficiently from meals to homework to getting all of us where we needed to be. She was our Wonder Woman. A coach’s wife sacrifices so much for their coaching husband. They allow their spouse to pursue their passion many times at the expense of their own wants. A dedicated coach is gone so much from September to March and, in today’s game, the month of June as well. HUDL may have been invented by coaches’ wives:). It has cut down on coaches having to scout games as much in person. The wife/mother is dutiful to get the children fed, homework done, and attend as many games as they can. This can put a strain on a marriages at times. I remember a state champion coach at a clinic saying, “I won the state title, the pinnacle of my profession, but after the celebration I slept in my office due to my divorce.” Those words have stuck with me for a long time. Though I fail miserably at times, I try to make time for my wife and family. As a close coaching friend often tells me, “Coaching is like a drug to many coaches.” It just cannot become your life. Have you ever noticed a few coaches’ wives are their husband’s scorebook keeper? Do you ever wonder why? It keeps them out of the stands and away from the negative comments about their mate. It has become very common for parents and fans to yell at coaches from the stands. It is part of the job but wives are not happy when it happens. The scorers’ table is a safe haven for our Wonder Women. A coach’s wife, at times, becomes a mother to the team. They may pick a favorite player to mentor and nurture through a season. They may bake cookies for the team or clean up a smelly locker room. They may lift up a struggling player who may be in their husband’s doghouse. Our Wonder Women definitely wear many hats in their role. Last, but not least, our Wonder Women experience all of the peaks and valleys that a coach goes through. It is easy to say leave your wins and losses at the gym, but it is much harder to do. These women are there, win or lose, to provide the support their coaching husband needs. They are truly a special breed. So the next time you see a coach’s wife give her a pat on the back or maybe even a hug. She may not fly through the air in a cute little outfit, but she definitely is a true WONDER WOMAN. #PEARLVISION Read my blog at Site Title

The weekend provided some great sports moments in the area and the nation. I will touch on a few of the highlights of the sports weekend. -Nathaniel Davidson is drawing to comparisons to the last great Ram quarterback Tyler Boyles. Davidson threw for 435 yards and seven touchdowns in Raceland’s big win over Lucasville Valley. Word from Ram Land is longtime coach Randy Vanderhoof has been instrumental in Davidson’s huge improvement this season. -The Russell defense continues to shine. They have allowed only 20 points in four games. This should bode well for the Devils as they enter district play this week. -Greenuo County’s Jake Wright had a breakout game in the Musketeers win over Lawrence County. The speedy senior averaged 27 yards a carry and had TD runs of 80 and 75 yards. The Musketeers are poised for their first winning season in years. -Ashland added to the woes of the Ironton Tigers with a dominating 27-3 win. The Tomcats are improving each week with a strong defense and a big play offense led by Braxton Ratliff and wideout Tate Dowdy. -The Russell boys and girls cross country continue to collect victories. The latest was won at their own course on Sarurday. Boyd County’s Elijah Miller turned in another dominant performance to win the boys’ race while Ashland freshman Rebekah Howard won the girls’ race. -The Kentucky Wildcats won their first game with a 62-42 decision over New Mexico. UK fans still are complaining about the 122nd ranked defense the Cats are fielding weekly. A win over South Carolina and Cat fans will be chirping about a bowl game. I was just happy with the first win. -The Ohio State Buckeyes had an impressive road win over Oklahoma. Urban Meyer just reloads in Columbus. The youngest team in Division I football now sits #2 in the nation. Another national championship would could be on the horizon. -The most impressive performance of the weekend was the beatdown Louiville put on Florida State. Area fans can see the #4 Cardinals in person by venturing to Huntington Saturday as they take on The Thundering Herd of Marshall. Will the Cards be looking ahead to their showdown in Death Valley on October 1? I think they are just too good for The Herd. -The Bengals offense was too little too late in a 24-16 loss to the Steelers. The game was really lacking emotion as both teams seemed afraid to do anything remotely over the top. Big Ben was the difference once again as he made all the big plays Pittsburgh needed. A couple questionable calls hurt the Bengals but the better team won Sunday. The Bengals must get their running game going to be a factor in the post season. High school basketball practice officially begins in 25 days. I know that is music to a lot of fans’ ears. 16th region teams will all be trying to get that regional trophy out of Sandy Hook. #PearlVision Check out my blog at pearlvisionblog.wordpress.com

It was 35-21 in the third quarter of Lewis Boyd game. I think that was before subs were inserted.

Boyd allowing 21 to Lewis County is not a good sign but we shall see.

Played at East Carter.

Fleming still has West and Russell to play. Their schedule is pretty weak this season.

Didn't Fleming beat Nicholas 35-7 in the EKC grid?

Raceland is probably the best team in the Greenup/Boyd area this year.

My previous blog gained a lot of interest from Kentucky high school hoop fans across the Commonwealth. The list has grown since I penned my last blog. Bobby Watson and Bob Mulcahy highlight the additions to the list of people who have both played and coached in the Sweet 16. Each won state titles as a player and as a coach. Greg McQueary, Dave Faust, Gene Rhodes, Marty Cline, Greg Baughn, Randy Embry, Greg Longacre, and Bo Davenport also joined the elite group. Ron Dawn joins Rodney Rowe as coaches who took both boys' and girls' teams to the state tourneys and also played in the Sweet 16. Now it is time to preview a couple of rivalry games in the area Friday night. Who will suit up for the Ashland Tomcats Friday night? That seems to be the common question surrounding the annual matchup between rivals Ashland and Russell Friday night. Noah Roberts will definitely be back but Kurtlen Brown's status seem to be in question. Whoever is on the Tomcat offense they will face the area's best defense through the early part of the 2016 season. The Red Devil defense is a complete group that plays with great effort and determination. It is obvious they have bought in to Coach TJ Maynard and assistant coach Garry Morris's schemes and have caused havoc on their first two opponents. Ashland has struggled offensively in their two losses and some changes may happen on that side of the ball. Quarterback Braxton Ratliff kept the Tomcats in the game against Raceland but was pulled from the game at George Washington in favor of fellow sophomore Will Adkins. The addition of Roberts and possibly Brown will definitely help the Tomcat signal callers.. The addition of senior Evan Ison gave the Devils a boost last week in their win over Ironton. The Russell offense continues to be a work in progress. Nick Conley did earn a tough 100 yards last week and quarterback Austin Smith made some nifty runs out of the pocket. Raceland did have success through the air against the Tomcats. I look for the Devils to have a balanced attack by utilizing Landon Brewer and Drey Boehm in the passing game to open up some running lanes for Conley. The offensive line must control the line of scrimmage this week. I expect another close game at Putnam Stadium Friday night. Field position could once again be huge in a low scoring affair. Punters Tate Dowdy and Grant Wilburn have both been very good in dictating field position for their respective teams. I am getting the feeling this Devil team has great chemistry and can find ways to win. Another late Russell touchdown and a stellar defensive effort will give the Red Devi Nation bragging rights for the year along with their first two game win streak at Putnam Stadium since 2000. PV's Pick: RUSSELL The inaugural Iron Bowl will take place in Lloyd on Friday night. The Musketeers, fresh off an exciting win over Fleming County 31-30, will try to put a dent in the recent domination of the county by the Raceland Rams. Their last win over their county rival was 2010. Former Ram assistant Scott Grizzle takes on his alma mater for the first time as a head coach. Emotions will be high on both sidelines Friday night. The Rams demolished East Carter 52-6 last Saturday and come in at an impressive 3-0 under Coach Mike Salmons. They will face a strong Musketeer defense that has been stubborn against the run in its three games this season. Pass happy Fleming County put up 30 points a week ago on the strength of its passing game. Quarterback Nathan Davidson has been very impressive in the passing game to complement the area's leading rusher Bailey Walker. I see the Rams passing game being critical on Friday night. The Greenup County offense showed some signs of life in their win last week. Cade Warnock has made the most of his opportunities by averaging eight yards a carry. Jharrell Jackson, operating the Wildcat formation, has been effective at times as well. The Rams defense, anchored by Isaac Wallace and Jerome Hall, has been stout in their three victories. I look for the Rams to stack the box and make Chase Hunt make some plays in the passing game. The Musketeers will need some explosive plays on offense to win this game. Jake Wright has that type of playmaking ability for Greenup County. There probably won't be many secrets in this encounter. The Musketeers will be emotionally charged from the opening kickoff. I think this game will be close for three quarters thanks to the GC defense. The Rams depth and strength will take over in the fourth quarter and the Rams will win the coveted Iron Bowl Trophy. Ram Nation will have Bowling Green on their mind as the Rams improve to 4-0. PV's Pick: RACELAND #PearlVision Check out my blog at pearlvision.wordpress.com

Henley was on the list

The teams prior to 2008 were really really good. The 2002 team was the best in the past 15 years at Russell.

Thanks a lot guys. Appreciate the help.

Could be they haven't played two in-state teams?

Wonder why Russell is not listed?

I have been told Greg McQueary and Faust have accomplished it as well.

Mediocrity is a strong word to use for Russell from 2008-13. 2010 was a region finalist squad.

Thanks

I am going to change gears in today's blog by looking into Kentucky high school basketball history. It is the dream of all Kentucky high school players and coaches to play or coach in the state tournament. I chased that dream for four years as a player and now after 24 years of coaching I am still chasing the same dream. An elite group of people have reached the Sweet 16 as a player and as a head coach. Let's talk a look at the select few from the 16th Region. Brandon Baker is the only boys' player and coach to do it with a 16th region boys' team. He played for East Carter's region championship team in 1986 and led the Raiders to a region championship as their coach in 2010. Mandy Layne starred for girls' state champion West Carter in 200o and this past season coached the Russell Lady Devils to a region championship in 2016. Boyd County's Pete Fraley achieved the "crossover" player and coach titles. He played for the Lions in their 1984 region title run and has coached the Lady Lions to a pair of regional crowns. A couple local legends won titles in two different regions. George Cooke led Marysville High School to a trip to the Sweet 16 as a player and then coached Fairview to its only region title in 1975. Current Pikeville College coach Kelly Wells played in three state tournaments for Rowan County and then led Mason County to a state title as their head coach. These fabulous five have definitely lived out their hoop dreams on the floor and stalking the sidelines. With the help of some coaching friends and Kentucky hoop fans, I have compiled a list of coaches who achieved the player/coach double around the Commonwealth. I am hoping if there are more coaches/players on the list my readers will contact me through Twitter, Facebook, or text. Below is the list I have compiled: Allen Feldhaus Jr Chris O'Hearn David Henley Terry Birdsong Warren Cooper Roscoe Shackleford Tommy McKenzie Rodney Rowe Brandon Salsman Jason Booher Roderick Drake Larry Wood Several on the list have won state championships as coaches. Rodney Rowe has taken both boys' and girls teams to the Sweet 16 as a coach and also played for Virgie in the Greatest Show in Hoops. There are lots of great coaches around the state that excelled as players as well. This group has pulled off the rare double as a player and a coach. I am sure they enjoyed taking fifteen boys or girls to the the state tournament just as much as they enjoyed playing in the event. Kudos to these coaches for their rare achievement. #PearlVision Check out my blog at pearlvisionblog.wordpress.com

Another great read.....

West should win this one comfortably.

One TD was a Pick Six and another TD was a 90 yard kickoff return.

Kent Phelps

Russell game will be a good barometer for him and the Lions on September 16th.

I attended two events I had never experienced before over the weekend. I attended a movie in a cave and a night cross country meet. Carter Caves, a hidden gem right in our backyard, showed “The Jungle Book” in Cascade Caves. I highly recommend it for a night of family fun. The night cross country meet was held at Cabell Midland High School. It attracted hundreds of runners and was a unique opportunity for the runners from various schools. Over the past four years I have gained a real appreciation for these well-conditioned athletes. In a sport that is often underappreciated, these kids are as dedicated as any I have encountered in my 24 years of being involved in high school athletics. My son is lucky to be a part of one of the best programs in the area led by Crystal and Chuck Cantrell. Off my soapbox and on to what happened this past week in the sports world. The Russell defense continues to make PV look like a prophet. Maxx Blackburn led a swarming Russell defense that held another opponent to just six points. The offense did just enough to secure the Devils win over struggling Ironton. It marked the first time the Devils have won two games in a row in the series since 1932. The Devils will now face another team coming off a lopsided defeat. Ashland was pasted 49-6 by George Washington last Friday and the return of Kurtlen Brown is definitely needed for this young squad. Greenup County probably got the biggest win in the area by pulling victory from the jaws of defeat in Lloyd Friday night. Fleming County stormed back from a 24-0 deficit with 30 unanswered points to take the lead late in the game. Insert Jake Wright. The dynamic senior raced 90 yards for a kickoff return TD and with the extra point the Musketeers improved to 2-1. I feel this win could be season changer as this program has lost so many gut-wrenching games in the past two years. Boyd County and Fairview have been pleasant surprises in the first three weeks of the season. Christian Braly has burst on the scene with his electrifying running in leading the Lions to a 3-0 start. Many thought the boys from Westwood would be reeling from the loss of Alex Roy and Antwan Washington. Seniors Mason McIntyre and Jonathan Ruggles obviously felt differently as these two playmakers have been instrumental in the Eagles’ 2-1 start. PV will preview Rivalry Week Thursday as Russell travels to Ashland and Raceland visits Greenup County in the inaugural Iron Bowl. A couple of college football assistant coaches are probably still beaming from beating their old employers Saturday. Former UK offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson put on a coaching clinic as Southern Miss erased a 35-10 deficit to defeat the Cats 44-35. It was a total collapse by the Kentucky team and has the even the most faithful UK football fan on the verge of throwing in the towel. I still think with their home schedule they can salvage the season, but if the defense can’t stop the run a losing season is inevitable. Former USC coach Lane Kiffin definitely enjoyed the Crimson Tide’s 52-6 smashing of his former employer. Alabama is definitely the best team in the country and will be until someone can knock them off. A few supposed title contenders (Oklahoma, LSU, Notre Dame) took losses over the weekend. I look for Ohio State and Michigan to make jumps in the polls this week along with the Houston Cougars who continue to get better and better under former Ohio State OC Tom Herman. A huge matchup between Florida State and Ole Miss will end a great opening weekend of college football tonight. The SEC definitely could use another marquee win to end Week 1. Enjoy your day off!!!! #PearlVision Posted on September 5, 2016 Leave a comment on The Week That Was 8/29-9/4 Check out the blog at pearlvisionblog.wordpress.com