Published: August 27, 2008 11:01 pm      

ADAM VANKIRK: What to look for in 2008 082808

High school football kicks off on Friday night and here’s a few things I’m looking for in the 2008 season.

Back to good

Ashland struggled through one of its most difficult seasons in a long time in 2007, finishing with a 2-8 record. Officially, it was the Tomcats’ worst record dating back to 1986’s 1-9 season.

While an eight-win season may be a stretch for 2008, a winning season certainly isn’t.

Back and better is quarterback Drew Royalty. Running backs Josh Alber and Rashard Carter also return to the offense, which is powered by an experienced line up front.

On defense, the Tomcats are moving well to the ball and have to be improved on their 34-points-per-game average in 2007.

I’m not calling for a state championship, but more wins in Tomcat land for sure.

Ram tough

If all the pieces come together and Raceland stays healthy, it is a team I can see making a deep run in the playoffs.

The Rams have a nice chunk of returning starters on both sides of the ball and weren’t too far from a state championship game appearance last year.

Raceland lost to Lexington Christian by just a point in the district title round. LCA went on to fall 38-35 to Beechwood in the state championship.

The Class A road isn’t easy, but it sets up for a potential Ram run in ’08.

Boyd-bound

With some renewed interest in the program and a nice core of players coming back, Boyd County will have its first winning season since 2002.

It may also be the first year since 1973 that the Lions win more than one playoff game.

Devilish

Russell wins 10 more games and two more playoff games, making it seven years in a row accomplishing that feat.

New waves

New coaches are all around. In all, six northeastern Kentucky teams are under new guidance.

Fairview, Lawrence County, Lewis County, Rowan County, Paintsville and Morgan County have all made changes at the top.

And I predict at least one of them will have a .500 season or better.

Rush job

Area yardage leaders on the ground:

1. Drew Abrams, Russell

2. Bret Denton, Raceland

3. Josh Alber, Ashland

Central success

With All-Area Player of the Year Shawn Grim out of the way, Chase Richardson and Nathan Dillon will combine for 2,000 yards out of Johnson Central’s backfield.

Cat claws

Alber and Carter will also combine for more than 2,000 yards rushing out of Ashland’s backfield. They eclipsed 1,000 yards playing mostly behind Matt Thomas in 2007.

On target

Area passing leaders:

1. Eric Craft, Greenup County

2. Tyler Boyles, Raceland

3. Zac Wilson, Boyd County

Crafty

Craft will throw for better than 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns as the Musketeers try to repeat as Class 4A, District 8 champs.

Prognosticate

Winner of the annual in-house predictions: Me.

Just a little something to think about as the season gets under way.

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