Graybeard

Congratulations to Mason Co.!

Congratulations to the Bulldogs.

Congratulations to Russell!

... Were there any injuries for the Tomcats last night?

Just our pride (as far as I know).

Congratulations to Sheldon Clark.

Congratulations to the Rams! The outcome is about what I expected (the only one i got right this week).

Sorry to hear about Risner, I hope he makes a speedy and complete recovery.

Congratulations to Mason. I was interested to see how Rowan would do in this match-up.

Congratulations to Bell Co.

The best team won! Congratulations to Ironton.

Ashland was dominated at the LOS and never even made a game of it. Sam Hunter was sacked 5 times and thrown down on the 2-point conversion attempt. He was intercepted twice (one of which was returned for at TD). He was nearly intercepted several other times and was under pressure all night – credit Ironton’s defense.

The Tomcats were simply dominated by a better team. Unfortunately, there are several other good teams to face this year before the season is over. Like Painter, I will be interested to see how this team responds.

It's all Ironton. They lead Ashland 23-0 at the half.

I sure called this one wrong!

This should be a great game. I wish it was closer to home so I could go.

I'm hoping for a JC upset of Bell.

Really too close to call - but I'm picking LC in a hard fought close game.

... So I'm thinking about buying, but probably holding right now.

Buying in the district. Unconvinced otherwise.

Not surprising - and fair enough. I hope the Tomcats get a chance to show you what they can do on the field.

This is the last score that will ever be posted on Ashland's old scoreboard in Putnam Stadium. The new scoreboard will be installed before the next home game (Johnson Central). The score was the result of last week's game with rival and close neighbor Russell.

Buy all you can get. The price is going up, on the strength of their balanced offense.

Can Ashland beat Highlands? Not many could (regardless of class size). But they will be competitive with the rest of their Region.

I expect this one to be a good game - close early, with Mason pulling away late.

^^^^ Oldrambler :notworthy::notworthy:

I believe that Sam Hunter and all the rest of the Tomcats will play their best game of the season to date and will take the victory at Ironton.

This will be something that hasn't happened since the 1990 State Championship team did it. It will be one for the record books and a defining game for this team. It doesn't matter to me if it is a 1-point victory.

Raceland has too much offense for East Carter to handle. Raceland will get the win.

Speaking of Ashland's players and coaches seeing this coming...that made me wonder...do you think Ashland's players and coaches are thinking they can win games against the Northern Kentucky teams in the playoffs this year? Ashland looks pretty good to me, but I honestly can't tell if they've made strides on that front or not.

Coach Hart has been saying if the offense just fixed a few small things they could be very good and live up to his expectations for them. I think they took it up a level this week. It was the best game they've played so far. I think the team may be starting to believe.

Game Stats from the Independent (Russell/Ashland)

First Downs 8, 22

Rushes/yards 32-119, 34-318

Passes 3-5-1, 11-14-0

Passing yards 22, 202

Fulmbles-lost 4-0, 3-0

Punts-avg 2-34.0, 0-0

Penalties 1-15, 7-60

Return yards 0, 10

... Ashland is faster and stronger across the board. Did they just happen to luck into having a bunch of good athletes or do they work harder than the Russell players in the offseason? Perhaps a little of both? ...

Ryan, I feel your frustration. Just a few years ago Ashland fans were asking the same kinds of questions. I think hard work is vital. An average player can make himself competent through hard work. However, there has to be some God-given talent to make great players. As they say, you can't teach speed. It seems to me that talent levels come in waves. You have good coaches and there will be better days ahead.

... Running clock most of the second half, with JV players.

Ashland did not bring out the JV for the entire 2nd half. In fact, the starting offense played the 1st series of the 2nd half with what was already a 40 point lead. ...

Ashland's first series of the second half took 2:40. The score started the running clock and Coach Hart substituted every starter at that point. This was early in the 3rd quarter and most of the half is accurate.

I should probably have let this pass, but accurate reporting is something I take seriously.

Wow, I hate to hear the reports of low-class behavior. I believe winners should act like they've been there before and know how to handle success.

Congratulations to Highlands!