Painter

Without any hesitation.....Matt Thomas. Heck, I would take the entire Ashland backfield over Russell's.

Best of luck with a speedy and complete recovery.

It’s difficult to sit idly by while witnessing something like you described oldram. Unfortunately, you find these “fans” in every sport and even around junior league athletics. I’m always amazed when I observe it too but have learned that you can’t argue with ignorant people….they drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

It was a tough Raceland loss last Friday night against a phenomenal LC performance. The collective character of the Ram team and their coaching staff will get them back on their winning course for this week’s contest against Berea. Raceland, IMO, is still on track for an outstanding season and (barring injury) will run deep in the playoffs.

I don’t have a dog in this fight but have enjoyed reading the thread. The fact that there is no clear and decisive favorite within AA is what I truly love about high school football. How much fun would it be if there was an indisputable favorite to win it all? Simply due to my local newspaper, I tend to follow Russell more than Belfry or Mercer. One point which is evident is the lack of competition Russell faces throughout their district. Its of no fault of theirs, but they essentially have a cake walk until midway through the playoffs. When I look at the W-L records of the Belfry and Russell opponents in 2005, they are somewhat similar with the edge of stronger opponents going to Belfry. Does Mercer have such a situation within their district?

My impressions of the ballgame echo much of what has already been stated. One of the more significant points from my perspective was what appeared to be a lack of intensity at the beginning and through much of the ballgame. I realize there are ebbs and flows throughout a season and its probably not possible to systematically maintain peak emotional levels for every single game...but…as one poster already mentioned, we had an opportunity to put this team away early and didn’t. Our passing game seemed way out of synch all evening…for whatever reason(s) some nights just aren’t your night. The running game however kept on rolling. I particularly liked the power game displayed by Davis and Cordle, not to mention the amazing and continued improvement of Matt Thomas. Thomas is quickly pulling away from the pack as our regions premiere running back. Defensively we stood our ground much of the night but had a couple of noticeable lapses in our secondary coverage. McDavid’s pick and return for six was nothing short of sweet though. As for this being the final game with the Blackcats, it appears this series should be put on hold for awhile. There are other teams out there which may better prepare us for the AAA(A) playoffs. So…what game will we attend next Friday?,,,I really dislike these bye weeks.

Im sure this will have an impact in areas not obvious to me at this point, but I am delighted to hear the start date for football has been pushed back...now get rid of the bye week too!

Until now, I have resisted even biting on this thread, but since it seems to still be on life-support, I will put my two-cents worth in the hat. From your outside perspective, Tubby’s Best Friend, I will use your obvious endorsement of UK basketball to try and offer an explanation regarding your surveillance about the “demise” of the Tomcats. UK basketball fanatics are quick to believe the sky is falling whenever the Wildcats lose a ballgame…the Tomcat program, like UK, is much heralded within our community and loved just as deeply albeit on a much smaller scale. Ashland is very accustomed to winning and WE EXPECT IT. When that doesn’t happen, especially to a team we should have beaten (no disrespect to Raceland – they earned that win), it makes us quick to lament and wonder just what happed to our local football universe. Suffice to say, if you are not part of something like this, it may be difficult to understand. Win, lose or draw…I bleed maroon and there is probably nothing which could ever change that.

Bullseye, Snapper! :thumb:

This will be yet another test for our Tomcats. The Raceland game certainly opened their eyes; and winning through 5 overtimes during a 2 game stretch surly provided some battle hardening for their confidence. Now, we go on the road to what should be a hostile environment against a team which is becoming a heated rivalry in only its 4th year. The test, IMO, will be: Can these Tomcats CONTINUE TO IMPROVE on the road, against a very proud Prestonsburg program, which is in dire need of a solid win. Beating Ashland would provide P’burg with the fuel they need to regain the status they typically enjoy. I cannot see the Blackcats tucking tail in this contest. Ashland should expect to take their very best and hopefully be able to withstand that initial wave which often typifies a game of this caliber. Cant wait to make that trip down US 23!

If for some reason Coach Evans doesnt "figure that part out", Im sure there are a number of BC supporters to assist with that process. My "hope" is that the avid lion supporters give Lee Evans a reasonable chance to accomplish what he is capable of. Best of luck to the county...it just wont be as much fun October 27th if the lions are having another sub-par season.

LSU's field graphics are my all time favorite too, GCT... Check your PM's

No, I am convinced Ashland beat Russell because they are the better team. However, last Saturday night the Red Devils were in a position to be very, very confident of their prowess as a football team and did not miss that opportunity to be so. As we all know, success in the past does not guarantee automatic success in the future or even the present for that matter. Good luck to the devils with their attempt in “Going back for seconds”.

Does Ashland?

It would be fools gold to try and equate some correlation between any JV win and their projected varsity win. The value simply is experience for the underclassmen and regardless of what level of play, its always good to get the W. Congrats to the devils on their JV win.

Good post cville:thumb: I especially agree with your precautionary statement about enjoying the headlines too much. If Raceland listens to their coaches and focuses their efforts one game at a time, this will indeed be a very special season for the Rams.

Since I know nothing about this years PW team (other than they beat their cross-town rival), its hard to say who should win this contest. But...regardless of who the opponent is, Ashland cannot be as error prone as they were last week and expect to win this ballgame. It is always great to get a W but 7 turnovers is unacceptable. I trust that the Ashland staff will get the Cats refocused after the triple overtime win against Russell and keep improving as a team.

Yes they can, and certainly should beat boyd. To get my Friday night football fix, I attended the Boyd vs Pike Co Central game and came away realizing the lions are a young and somewhat inexperienced team. PCC had a very athletic QB but dropped off quickly after that position. As the game progressed, PCC seemed to be getting some momentum and were starting to move the ball well. With the revenge factor from last year's loss and getting back on track after last Saturday night, Russell should have their way with the lions.

Would you like to rent him to cover the BC game tonight?

Yes, the field has been painted. However, due to the weather, we were not able to prepare the field in our usual fashion...but all the regulation lines and markings are down and ready for football.

Finally, an intelligent post about this....thank you cvillecat:thumb: See you in cville!!

BR - Bottom line is none of us here really know the actual reason in that none of us were part of the decision....but, if you take the time to read the thread, there is much speculation ranging from financial to safety to turf condition to cowardice...depends on your mindset. You wont find any happy campers on this thread though.

Depends on what side of sanity you're on BR.

I second that!

Uh oh!.....Looks like Fball is on to our scheme....dang, you guys are sharp!