Painter

Easy fellas....I hate this decision as much as anyone. Postponing the game 24 hours gives us very little time to dry out. If its going to be moved to a different day, Sunday would make more sense than Saturday (given the forecast). I still vote for Friday night, but....the powers that be didnt ask for my input.

We're on the same page 78...if what we read on this post is any indication, it seems nearly everyone wants this game to kick off as originally planned.

Unless....its a playoff game and the "Hank" is in really bad shape AND Putnam Stadium is available to you good folks.....right 78?

I thought this was double top-secret information, GIAT...now, we're gonna have to shoot you....jk Personally, I hope we do not reschedule this game. This is football and unless there are lightning bolts zapping Putnam Stadium, we should play the game as scheduled. I stopped by the field late last night and it was draining very well but make no mistake, its going to be sloppy out there.

For reasons that are steeped in nothing but selfishness and a desire to see good football games, I hope Ashland vs Prestonsburg stays on the table. With the geographic proximity of the P'burg and JC schools, I can see where the matchup would be way too attractive to pass up. Given the choices and dropping the selfish rationale, I would drop the first season bowl game. How could you give up Paintsville (same reasons JC is attractive) and Prestonsburg vs Pikeville has got to be a big draw for you guys in Floyd Co. Sorry this is off topic.... JC - a whole bunch Logan - not nearly enough

Do these games allow JC to improve or is it just a scheduling coincidence that the first few games are real cupcakes? I understand the 1st game "tuneups" but wonder if too many bunny games & easy wins early in the season helps a team in the longrun. Good luck with Logan.

Are you serious? Do you really think there are those who “doubt” he is the premiere back in this region and arguably the whole state? Everything I read pertinent to Kentucky high school football has nothing but lavish accolades for Clark. Perhaps last year as the heir apparent to Josh Gross people were skeptical….but now?? C’mon.

Kasey is an awesome back, no doubt...but since you are concerned about my subconscious patterns of sleep...my "nightmares" look more like this:

My post game posts are typically days late and dollars short, but had to take the belated opportunity to say THANK YOU to both the Tomcats and Pirates for providing some heart-stopping entertainment last Friday. From a fans perspective, you simply cannot ask for any more drama than this contest provided. Great job Tomcats for rebounding from a disappointing loss and getting back on track…kudos to the coaching staff as well for making adjustments which obviously paid dividends. And, I would be totally remiss if I didn’t wish the Belfry team lots of success the remainder of the season. There were times last Friday which Ashland didn’t seem to have an answer for their very powerful running attack. Belfry backs run like a downhill locomotive and I was very impressed with the way in which downfield blockers stayed active. Any team which wins a game this close should consider themselves lucky…GREAT WIN Ashland!

As with any true rivalry, especially one appearing this early on the schedule, one should be cautious about making predictions on what "should" happen…particularly if you are using stats from the few games these two teams have played this season. Those of us who have followed this rivalry between the Tomcats and devils know that oft times the teams that should have won (on paper), didn’t. Anyone in their right football mind has to give the nod to russell…but…I love the role of underdog and I think most prognosticators will put Ashland in that position. Ashland earned a heck of a boost in confidence during last Friday’s contest with Belfry and playing this game at our beloved Putnam Stadium doesn’t hurt our chances either. Russell “should” win this game…they will be a clear favorite on paper. Defending State Champions, returning starters, Mr. Football candidate, Hall of Fame coach…yada, yada, yada…this game is theirs to lose. However…I like the Tomcat’s chances with this one and am not ready to pencil in an “L” just yet. After all…that’s why we play the game, right?

All I can think about right now is Belfry. I trust the Ashland coaching staff will make the necessary adjustments and provide ample motivation to put forth a much better showing this Friday night.

Sorry for such a late post regarding the outcome of this game, but I had to come into the thread to congratulate Raceland on executing a solid game plan and simply taking it to the Tomcats last Friday night. I know this win is huge for the Raceland program and I wish them the best of luck throughout the coming season. As for Ashland, its too early to speculate as to what type of season they will have but suffice to say, there is much to work on.

And that "never say die" mentality is something inherent with every Raceland team I have had the pleasure of watching. Last year, the Rams never stopped playing hard, even when the game was getting out of reach, Raceland kept it interesting. This game will not be a cakewalk for whoever comes out on top...Raceland knows what it's like to come into Putnam and win.

Looks like a good time to bring out the "mud cleats" again.

Is this really a serious question? Comparing HR Evans stadium to Putnam seems nonsensical at best...but I along with several others took the bait and voted. Putnam Stadium is not a perfect venue. It's old and in need of repair in many areas...believe me, with the hours that several of us put in WE KNOW where those areas of improvement are. HOWEVER, I have heard a vast number of compliments from opposing PLAYERS as to how special Putnam truly is. From a fans perspective, I would challenge anyone to name a better facility for high school football than Putnam Stadium. Certainly, there are others out there, but not anywhere close to our region.

Congrats to Austin and Chris! We now have a handful of area players at CU.

Word on this street is the package will be delivered to Huntington, WV. Is is my imagination or does the BGP cover shot show Huggins and Tubby watching this game from the sidelines?

From what I witnessed from their underclassmen this year, the eagles will be a solid team in 2006. Just because you graduate a high profile player (ala blume) doesnt mean the cupboard will be bare...look at what russell did this year after their first year without Josh Gross. Making predictions now, however, about posting single loss or an undefeated season would be.......whats the word?.....premature.

Thanks for posting the link Goliath...sounds like it was a great night for our 2005 Tomcats.

Ashland was primarily a team which was solid in the passing game from the start but continued all year trying to develop a comparable running attack. Led by qb Ian Holbrook, the Tomcats had an ability to short pass/long yac or either light a secondary up quick with deep passing routes...they were very good at it. Prior to the Ashland/RC game, I believe Ashland considered Rocks secondary to be vulnerable and perhaps they underestimated the strength and speed of the RC pass rush. It seemed like they were playing with 12 men at times...you could probably count on one hand how many times Ashland was able to set up and throw the football. What made that pass rush even more significant was that the RC's secondary was very athletic....whats that old saying "agile, mobile and hostile"? No prediction here although I am hoping Rockcastle brings it all home this year.

I believe that has already been made a reality Pirate Pal.

This is my first opportunity to post following last Friday's game. First of all, congrats to Rockcastle, you played an awesome game and clearly were the better team that night. My closing thoughts are primarily those of gratitude and pride. Thank you Tomcat seniors and their supporting underclassmen for a memorable year...it was one for the record books in several areas...this 05 team will be regarded as one of the "special" squads. Thanks to the coaches too. So many times this season, it was very evident our kids were ready to play and well prepared to face the challenges of that weeks opponent. A special thanks to Coach Leon Hart for being such a large part of this community...we are so very luck to have him. Lastly, thanks to all the guys who helped get Putham Stadium ready for the Tomcat version of "Friday Night Lights"...you guys have been great to work with! It may now be basketball season at Ashland, but dang!!...I cant wait for next August!!

Thats really not a rare occurrence. We have had fans come over the night before a game while we are getting the field prepped and have "reserved" thier seats.

Lynn Camp(ers)?

The field is battle worn right now, but given the fact that there have been 50+ games played on it this year, the playing surface is really in remarkable shape. We finished up the field prep last night and the surface was dry and fast. Thanks for the well wishes JC...we will do our very best to keep our district alive.