Painter

Well said, RamCat. Until Fairview beats someone noteworthy, their undefeated record of 3-0 is a bit suspect. The cumulative won/loss record for Fairview’s opponents this year is a whopping 1 – 7. On that same note, Ashland’s opponents are at 5 – 3. I think we can at least all agree that the Super 7 poll will look a bit different next week.

My comparison was simply based on total points allowed by both teams. It’s a generally accepted common denominator when looking at a team’s statistics, and one which typically has relevance. Russell has the advantage of playing in a district which allows them the luxury of getting underclassmen valuable playing experience. Games are usually neatly tucked away by the 3rd quarter. As for whether or not I have “looked into most of those points allowed by Russell”, well, no…you have me there. I haven’t taken the time to analyze film of either the Red Devil or Ashland JV and freshman squads. Anyway…that’s my observation and I’m sticking with it. The difference between points allowed by both teams is one point less than a touchdown, or…five points. I hope the Tomcats can keep your 1st string players on the field a little longer this Friday. In the meantime Devilmom…thanks for providing me with the opportunity to clarify…and, could you rustle up some brownies for the ballgame?

Touché...and, BINGO!

I, too, believe Defense will be THE big factor in this game. Defensively, Russell has allowed 42 points scored so far this year. Ashland has allowed 37. The margin between those two is one point shy of a touchdown. I cant say what the final score will be, but I would bet the margin of victory will be very similar to the above stat.

Thanks jr. for leaving the “door of possibility” cracked open just a tad. Im sure the Tomcats will have a spirited week of preparation for the upcoming game.

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Are you saying Ironton has a poor receiving corps or does Ashland have a strong secondary? I guess since your comment about not having “that problem” is an opinion about a superior Russell group. Ashland’s D is ahead of its O at this stage of the season…good, bad or indifferent, that’s the truth of the matter. Unless I’m mistaken, the Tomcats passed (pun intended) on all pre-season 7on7’s…its hard for me to know exactly where the Tomcat secondary fits in overall with the Defense…let’s hope the line makes it a moot point. As for the 30+ points it will take to get a W, how did you come up with that?

Agreed, oldrambler. Anything can happen in rivalry games. Raceland is becoming a game which many teams circle on their calendar. Congrats to Fairview on the shut out.

All kidding aside, I look for this game to be a battle. If (there’s that word again) the Rams keep working hard and play like they are capable of, Fairview will have their hands full. I’m always reluctant to automatically call for a W when playing away from home, but Raceland has gained very valuable experience thus far in 2008. The Rams have twice now gone into enemy territory and came out victorious. This is another one of those games which makes me wish I could be in two places at one time.

In case you haven’t noticed, Ram…Raceland isn’t going to be able to sneak up on teams this year...not now anyway. You are going to have to dig deep into that fruitful imagination of yours to sandbag. Ok…how about this one…from 2002 to 2004, Fairview outscored the Rams 133 to 30?

WOW! Im looking forward to seeing a line score on this game. It sounds like it was a real battle of heavy weights. Im very sorry to hear about the injury to Dillon...I sincerely hope it may not be as bad as is being reported this morning. Congrats to JC! Im delighted to see the "local" boys win this one.

The most promising aspect I hear about this game is that GC never gave up. If you can keep your team focused on every single play and work hard, improvement will follow. Greenup has a bye week then back to battle on the 26th. Good luck against Rowan Co.

Big rivalry game coming up at Putnam Stadium next Friday. The Tomcats are coming off a tough loss on the road to Ironton. Ashland has responded well the following week after a loss. What are the important keys for this matchup?

Raceland has always given respect to other teams in terms of "running up a score". Anyone who knows Randy Vanderhoof knows this characteristic just doesn’t happen by chance. The Rams are a class act from top to bottom. Raceland has shut out other opponents though….circa 2006: Raceland 40 – Fairview 0; 2001 Raceland 28 – Fairview 0, and 1998, Raceland 37 – Fairview 0. Who do you guys play next Friday? :sssh:

Ashland has faced two formidable opponents in this early season. Even though they have come up short on the scoreboard, they have played everyone tight and have been in the ballgame through every quarter. Tomcats - Keep getting stronger and learn from your experiences. Come back hard in practice this week and get ready for another tune-up game before district play.

Another good win on the road for Raceland. Congratulations on surviving and working through the penalties...good teams can do that. Three opening away games is a tough one...two down, one to go before getting back to the friendly confines of Ram Stadium.

I have heard nothing but positive words describing the Lions this year. With a tweak of the passing game, this team could be very entertaining to watch.

Ouch....but true. Im pulling for ALL the local Kentucky teams this weekend though!:walk:

Couldn’t agree more JFLDAD...There are previous moments lived within that stadium which will stay with me until the day that I die…miraculous game winning drives, break away runs from a perfectly executed play, the pass that didn’t have a prayer which found its way to the outstretched hands of a both defender and receiver alike…and to see that pass hit its mark in an impossible catch…hear that roar of the crowd. You know...times like that JFLDAD. I’m sure there have been plenty, if not more, from HRE Stadium. Were there penalties called during those close encounters which were, how shall I say, “Debatable”? I would have to say certainly so…Ashland has had their fair share of favorable calls but I also am just as certain that in the overall duration of games/seasons…it tends to even out in the end. I’ve experienced both the tears of great happiness down to sorrow. Bad calls for one team are miracles for others.

So...what do you believe will be the key matchup between the two BC's?

Let me know how that conversation plays out....will ya?:lol:

After looking at last weeks stats...it sure appears they are. "A one man show" ripped last week's opponent to the bone...too bad the Lions came up short on the one stat that counts the most. Its hard for me to think a team as strong and tradition rich as Breathitt Co could go 0 -3 following a 13 - 1 season. I admire Boyd for scheduling stronger teams early in the season...that's a change from years past and one which should pay dividends as the season progresses.

GC is the perpetual mystery team IMO. In spite of having some good athletes, the only thing which appears consistent with that program is inconsistency. I’m not close enough to the situation to have a legitimate reason for this opinion…its simply one of someone from the outside looking in. Good luck to the Musketeers…I would really like to see more than just one Kentucky team pull off a victory over our buckeye counterparts this Friday night.

Thank you...thank you....and thank you again! Some fans are well.....nm. As for the game and the long history between Ashland and Ironton, I was thinking about how unlikely it would have been for East Carolina to think they would upset Va Tech and WVU at the beginning of their season. My point is, we all know upsets do happen. As Greybeard pointed out, the Cats need to play hard nosed football and let the chips fall where they will. Ashland simply needs to play their very best on each snap, and above all, never, never ever give up. Win, lose or draw…I would want Ironton to know they had been in a battle when the final horn sounds.

This is a game I would like to witness. The winner should be squarely in the lead for the district race. I have to give the edge to JC since they are playing at home…and also, BS remains somewhat of an enigma to me. They typically are big, numerous and athletic, but have a tendency to fall short. I’m not close enough to the program to understand why this is, but the Defenders need to play up to expectations if they want to get a W in Paintsville.