Published: August 28, 2008 11:22 pm            

ADAM VANKIRK: And away we go ...

What better place to start off the season than in Putnam Stadium for a rematch of one of the best — and hottest — games of 2007?

The Tomcats are set to defend their turf as the 2008 campaign gets under way tonight against Raceland, a team that is looking to tie a school record with a third straight victory over Ashland.

Warm temperatures, but nothing like a year ago, are expected.

If you can stand the heat and if this year’s game comes close to holding the same kind drama last year’s did, you’ll be in for a treat. Jacob Sparks booted a 38-yard field goal just over the crossbar to give the Rams a 23-20 win as time expired in ’07

It wasn’t the cleanest game ever, but it was certainly competitive and probably the hottest one I’ve ever covered. It felt more like a summer vacation in Florida than what a fall football game in northeastern Kentucky should feel like.

Fast-forward a year and this version of the Tomcats looks like a more physical, up-the-middle team than they were in 2007.

Raceland, on the other hand, has a lot of weapons back, including running backs Bret Denton and John Scott Carver. The pair combined for 166 yards rushing against the Tomcats last year.

Another Ram returner is quarterback Tyler Boyles. He was 13-of-20 for 254 yards against the ’Cats in ’07.

Another note of interest: Returning Ashland running back Rashard Carter had easily his best game of 2007 against Raceland. He ran for 228 yards on 21 carries, including scoring runs of nine and 70 yards.

Ashland gets just enough push up front and sneaks in an improved passing to get a piece of revenge.

Ashland 28, Raceland 21

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Raceland 23-20

Series: Ashland leads 12-6

Radio: WBVB 97.1 FM

Russell (0-0) at Greenup County (0-0)

Whoever comes out on top in this one is right away going to be talked about as one of the teams to beat in the area — and perhaps rightly so.

The Musketeers have some vital pieces of a district championship team back and seemed to hone in on their new Tony Franklin offense in the second half of 2007.

It’s no easy task at hand, though, for the Musketeers in Week 1. They open with Russell, also a district winner in 2007 and a state championship game team in 2005 and 2006.

It’ll be a battle of some extremely talented skilled players from the quarterbacks to running back and receivers on both sides. It’s hard to see an edge in that realm.

Here’s where I’m at: The Devils have won six straight over Greenup County and 18 of the last 20, including a 45-18 victory last year.

Russell 34, Greenup County 28

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Russell 45-18

Series: Russell leads 28-6

Radio: WLGC 105.7 FM, WZZZ 107.5 FM

East Carter (0-0) at Boyd County (0-0)

East Carter knocked off visiting Boyd County 7-0 in the opening game of the 2007 season, providing a shocking upset.

Will it happen again this year?

I don’t see it.

Both sides are trying reload after a fair share of losses to graduation, though Boyd County has enough pieces coming back to work through the kinks, including quarterback Zac Wilson.

It’s not that East Carter doesn’t, but it definitely has more to prove when examining from the outside.

The Lions should also be in better shape on the lines than they were at this point a season ago.

With last season’s upset surely on their minds, don’t expect a another letdown for the Lions, who are looking for their first-ever win over the Raiders.

Boyd County 28, East Carter 7

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: East Carter 7-0

Series: East Carter leads 3-0

Radio: WUGO 102.3 FM

Fairview (0-0) at Lewis County (0-0)

The Eagles have lost plenty from last year’s 6-5 team and first-year coach Nathan McPeek will make his debut tonight in Vanceburg.

The opposition will be a completely reworked Lewis County program, also under the direction of a new coach, Josh Hughes. I’m sure they’re heading the right way but the Lions gave up a mind-boggling 45 points per game last year. Ouch!

The Eagles should have enough to start 1-0.

Fairview 34, Lewis County 6

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Fairview 62-15

Series: Fairview leads 20-8

Radio: WKKS 104.9 FM

Other games:

Johnson Central (0-0) at Breathitt County (0-0)

A big test for Johnson Central early in ’08. And the Golden Eagles will have to go at it without head coach Jim Matney, who is suspended for the first two games of the season.

Both program are coming off very successful seasons also.

One of the better first week matchups for sure.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Did not play

Series: N/A

Rowan County (0-0) at Morgan County (0-0)

Two more teams with new coaches in the middle of big changes.

The Vikings won last year’s contest in shutout fashion, 53-0.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Rowan County 53-0

Series: Rowan County leads 23-12

Lawrence County (0-0) at North Laurel (0-0)

New coach Luke Salmons is bringing back the old Dawg attitude — a mean and physical approach.

Will the wins follow?

Lawrence County finished with just one win in 2007. North Laurel wasn’t much better.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Did not play

Series: N/A

Bath County (0-0) at West Carter (0-0)

The Comets are reloading after paying a heavy toll to graduation.

Quarterback Ace Puckett, a three-year starter under center, highlights West’s offense.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Bath County 24-19

Series: Bath County leads

17-10

Paintsville (0-0) at Prestonsburg (0-0)

The Tigers won their first four games in 2007 before dropping six of their final eight.

First-year coach Jason Kinner isn’t ready to take a back seat to anybody, however.

Kickoff: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Prestonsburg 28-0

Series: Prestonsburg leads 32-28-4

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

        

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