Published: August 26, 2008 11:34 pm            

ADAM VANKIRK: Can you feel it? I sure can 082708

I noticed something strange on my way into work the other day. Brownish-orange leaves were scattered across the ground at Central Park.

Fall! Already?

As if I didn’t already know, I took a minute to examine my calendar when I made it into the downtown office.

Yep, there was no better indicator to confirm the fall season. Marked in big, all-cap letters was “FOOTBALL OPENING DAY.”

This Friday’s date has been marked on my calendar for a while now and, with the summer gone in what seems like a blink of the eye, the high school season is just about under way.

Can you feel it in the air?

I sure can.

The hits in preseason practice are getting harder; the coaches are getting more grouchy. Call me crazy but I think, in a way, it’s just something you can sense in the air.

So the tension will continue to build over the next couple of days until that first 7:30 kickoff. Once that football leaves the tee, however, the season will have been sliced open for all to see.

There will be no more speculating or preseason controversies. No hot two-a-days either. Just football — the game itself.

I’m sure everyone’s ready too, from the players to the coaches and everyone between.

So parents and fans, you’ve been warned. On Friday night, you’ll know where to be.

Tradition rich

For the 36th straight year, The Independent has produced a northeastern Kentucky season preview edition. You’ll be getting it in Thursday’s paper.

It’s pack with information to help everyone — from the most casual of fans to the most hard-core ones. Schedules, rosters, historic information, general season information, you name it and it’s probably in it.

Enjoy!

Week 1 highlights

As I’m completing my preseason work, I’m sure you are also. Circle this game as the feature for Friday night: Raceland at Ashland.

For the second straight season, the Tomcats will host the Rams in the opener.

Last year’s game went down to the wire, literally, with Jacob Sparks being the difference. The senior kicked three field goals — all in the fourth quarter — including the game-winner from 38 yard out as time expired to give the Rams the 23-20 victory.

Sparks is gone but plenty is back from a seven-win team at Raceland.

Ashland is reloading after a tough 2007 campaign and a victory over Raceland would go a long way as the Tomcats look to get back to their winning ways.

The Rams will also be looking for their third straight over Ashland, which would tie a school best. Raceland won three straight in 1994 (22-14), 1995 (8-0) and 1999 (16-12), all winning seasons for the Rams.

Ashland leads the all-time series 12-6, taking 10 of the first 11 dating back to 1948.

A close second: Russell at Greenup County.

Here’s two teams that certainly have high hopes for the season.

The Devils return a lot of good skilled players from another 10-win season and have taken seven straight against Greenup County.

The Musketeers have some vital pieces back as well, though, after going as deep in the playoffs as any team in the area in 2007.

Their matchup takes the silver (for some Olympic flavor) in a good opening week of games.

ADAM VANKIRK can be reached at avankirk@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.

        

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