Ram

I heard that Greenup County is, once again, going to play Raceland in 2027. Good move by them, if for no other reason, for the gate money that game generates. I assume they will replace PRP or Mercer County. Haven't heard if the Russell/Raceland game will be rejuvenated in 2027 or not. Again, big gate money.

Senior-to-be Landon Stiltner (RB, 6'1" 205) and junior-to-be Grant Sanders (OL, 6'7" 277)) both attended the Best of the Midwest Combine, in Indianapolis, yesterday. Apparently Stiltner posted the fastest 40 time at the combine, 4.43. (I know, I hate 40 times too, but at least this was at an event and not done by hand). I haven't heard how Sanders' performance was yet, but I would say he turned some heads.

Sadly, I didn't read all the posts in this thread, I read the abstract. So, it could all be fixed by having the appropriate amount of classes for the number of football playing schools in the state. We are a four class state, do that and all of a sudden the issue of needing to move the good schools up goes away, for the most part. The simple fact is, you can't move all the winning teams out of your class so you look better. This very act, or discussion of, proves we do not have the proper number of classes for the Commonwealth. The KHSAA just told you so.

1. I will go ahead and be upset with the first round playoffs as well. The horse is dead, in the ground, dug up and killed again, but....... 2. I always like to see people complaining about playoff travel for football, but seeing them post about their holiday basketball tournament trips and about their baseball tournament trips. Kind of makes my day every time. 3. Seriously, we have to get the RPI for out-of-state opponents fixed somehow, maybe a fixed number, something. 4. Raceland......You know what they say, "the fifth time is the charm", someone says it I'm sure. But, getting there a lot is still pretty nice. But, to quote one of my favorite post-season coach interviews, "I'm not going to lie, I wish we had won one".

He is a load for sure. I think he will be used between the tackles a lot more this coming season due to the graduation of Shannon Marushi who has been the A-gap guy for the last few seasons.

Eli Evens returns for his senior season in 2026.

Sanders is a big man who can move. Probably the most likely D1 player on the team. Stiltner is deceptively fast and a big guy to bring down who runs with a purpose. Will quite possible rush for 2,000 yards in 2026.

Pikeville will be a tough out in 2026. That early matchup with Raceland will tell us a lot about Class 1A. And, of course, there will be a round 2 of that match-up about 9 weeks later. Should be fun to see what changes from the first match-up to the second.

Add punter to that list. But, Waller doesn't kick-off, Seth Morris is the kick-off specialist. Waller kicks FGs, punts and is the QB.

It's a catch 22, everyone in Raceland wants that State Championship, but it's hard to be upset about making it to the State Championship Game four years in a row. The Rams lost some great players, but also return a great deal for opponents to deal with. Jacob Waller returns after passing for 1,800 yards and ending the season with a 72% completion percentage. Waller is a pretty big kicking asset as well, 4 for 5 on FGs and 92% on XPs. Landon Stiltner returns after rushing for 1,500 yards and 23 TDs in 2025. He will be a force to be reckoned with. Jonah Arnette will be the change-up back after rushing for 500 yards and receiving another 200 yards in 2025. His numbers will swell in 2026 with Shannon Marushi graduating. The OL/DL will be in good hands with a lot of experience returning. Special teams with Waller and Seth Morris is in good hands. Like @DevilMayCare alluded to, the secondary is going to be a place where some rebuilding will happen, but Arnette will supply a great starting point. Four years in the finals is proven consistency, the Rams should be expected to be in the exact same place next year, still looking to win that final game.

The “Mark Lewis Effect” is real. The front seven really affect the game.

Raceland’s offense has looked the same for a long time, with different ways of executing it through different coaches: Vanderhoof, Maynard, and Salmons (although, Maynard’s offense was primarily ran by Salmons). The difference this year with the offensive production is, Jacob Waller. He is a smart passer and doesn’t make many mistakes. He was sacked for the first time this season in the playoff game with Paris, he’s a good runner who can take-off when necessary. Plus, he doesn’t throw that many INTs. He has a 72% completion percentage, so he throws catchable balls. I think you will see a healthy dose of Stiltner, Marushi, and Annette, to satisfy anyone’s run game desire, with some Waller passing game sprinkled in.

Unless the regulations have changed, a hosting school does not have to allow access to the press box for opposing coaches and/or film crews, but they do have to provide comparable accommodations if press box access is not granted.

Not saying I know what happened in this particular situation, but this is exactly how I remember playing at LCA. Raceland chose to stay in the field behind the bleachers instead of walking to and from the distant locker room. They were offered the locker room, but chose to not go there at halftime. And, to be clear, if we are going to institute evaluations of the ability of a school to have the right to host games, or playoff games, there will be many schools that I have been to personally, that need evaluation before LCA. With the above stated, administratively, I think schools should treat opposing teams the way they wish to be treated when the roles are reversed.

For the record, I have put my bridesmaid dress in storage. So, I expect this day to be all about the Rams this time.

"It's very difficulty to beat a great team twice". Both of these teams have proven that quote to be correct. The Rams' only loss came at the hands of Pikeville, they avenged that loss by beating the Panthers in the semi-finals. Country Day's only loss came at the hands of Campbellsville, and they avenged that loss in the semi-finals. Both of these teams have proven they deserve to be right where they are. Hopefully, a group of seniors that have ended their season at Kroger Field every year of their high school career will draw from that experience and secure their well deserved State Championship. GO RAMS.

I have said many times, it's very difficult for a high school football team to beat a good team twice in a season. I think both teams learned a lot about each other in the first matchup and this game was going to be more difficulty for both teams as a result. At this point in the season, it is: survive and advance. The Rams did that. On to next week.

Great game by both teams, and congratulations to Pikeville on a great season. Great game officiated by a quality officiating crew. I love seeing a crew officiate a great game. Thank you to this crew for a job well done.

Raceland is going to the State Championship for the fourth consecutive year.

Raceland 17 Pikeville 10 Final

Victory formation for the Rams. Waller takes a knee

Pikeville with no TOs remaining.

Marushi sealed the game with a run off the left tackle.