Published: September 18, 2008 11:34 pm            

ADAM VANKIRK: What rivalries are about

It’s rivalry week. And does it get any better?

Ashland is set to host Russell in a game that says a lot without me writing a single word. I’m not sure there’s much more I can even expose on the Tomcats-Red Devils rivalry, but I’ll try.

If you’re not familiar with how intense this one is — which probably means you’re not paying attention — then here’s a few quick pointers as you head out to Putnam Stadium tonight.

Ashland-Russell is a football rivalry that runs more than 50 games deep and dates back to the original contest in 1928.

It has also been a very tight series over the years, too. While Ashland holds a 31-20 all-time lead, since 1970 the series is much closer, Russell holding a 21-18 advantage. Also, since 1970, there hasn’t been more than three straight wins for either side.

Ashland and Russell are also even at 3-3 since 2002.

Edge, you ask?

There is none. At least in terms of tradition.

It’s just one of those good old-fashioned rivalries that stays just that — good — no matter the records or season meaning.

It’s also a game that is usually very competitive for all four quarters. In the past 10 years, only three times has the winner

won by more than double digits.

Stepping outside the rivalry aspects for just a moment to look at tonight’s matchup, I’m not sure who the favorite should be.

I’m going with the Tomcats this time. Their game against Ironton a week ago had to build some confidence. And they’re definitely going to be the best team Russell has faced so far this season.

The Red Devils may be the better all-around team, but I believe Ashland could be better on the line. And that’s where most high school game are won.

Ashland 28, Russell 21

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: Russell 28-20

Series: Ashland leads 31-21

Radio: WBVB 97.1 FM

Raceland (2-0)

at Fairview (3-0)

Any other week and this matchup of unbeatens takes top billing.

The Rams visit the Eagles in a Class 1A, District 5 matchup that, while early in the season, could hold some serious weight as the season progresses.

While ultimately both sides are without a loss, it’s that way under different expectations. Many expected the Rams to be very solid — if not unbeaten — at this point. The Eagles, however, were a huge question mark after graduating several key components from the 2007 season.

The fact of the matter is both sides are playing great football right now and something has to give tonight.

Emerging senior Matt Jones will have his toughest test to date against Raceland. The first-year quarterback has 360 yards on the ground with seven touchdowns, adding another 135 through the air. The Rams, however, gave up just a handful of yards against East Carter last week and are giving up only 77 total yards per game.

For Raceland on offense, it’s been a steady diet of backs Bret Denton and John Scott Carver and an effective passing game with quarterback Tyler Boyles and receivers Brian Tolliver and Todd Selvage leading the way.

The Rams have the edge, but they still have to play the game.

Raceland 35, Fairview 21

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: Raceland 20-12, 13-0

Series: Raceland leads 27-8

Radio: WLGC 105.7 FM

Other games:

Pike County Central (2-1) at Boyd County (1-2)

Boyd County is a team in need of a win. It’s not just in terms of a win/loss record, but more for the confidence to take into the stretch run of the regular season and into the playoffs.

The Lions aren’t bad, and I don’t think anyone would say they are, but sometimes another notch in the win column can go a long, long way.

The Lions lost at Breathitt County 41-6 last week while Pike County Central is coming off a 40-18 victory over Magoffin County.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: PCC 33-14

Series: Boyd County leads 3-1

Prestonsburg at

Lawrence County (0-3)

Lawrence County is another team that could use a win.

While the Bulldogs’ defense isn’t giving up a ton of points (22.7 per game), the offense isn’t scoring much either (11).

Prestonsburg comes into Louisa unbeaten, coming off a 40-14 victory at Bath County.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: Prestonsburg 42-12

Series: Prestonsburg leads 13-5

West Carter (0-3) at

Lewis County (0-3)

One team will pick up its first win of the season.

West Carter and Lewis County combined to lose 113-9 to last week’s opponents. Lewis County was shut out 69-0 at Mason County while West Carter lost at home 44-9 to Russell.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: West Carter 46-12

Series: West Carter leads 18-16

Radio: WKKS 104.9 FM

East Carter (0-4)

at Mason County (2-1)

It’ll be tough in East Carter’s attempt to win its first game of the season. The Raiders are at Mason County, which is fresh off its shutout of Lewis County.

Last year’s game was a lopsided 40-0 Mason County win, though the all-time series is just one in favor of the Royals at 9-8.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: Mason County 40-0

Series: Mason County leads 9-8

Johnson Central (3-0)

at Shawnee (0-2)

Unbeaten Johnson Central travels out to winless Shawnee.

The Golden Eagles are coming off a big 35-31 district win over Bryan Station.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: Did not play

Series: First meeting

Radio: WSIP 98.9 FM

Allen Central (3-0)

at Paintsville (2-1)

Paintsville is averaging 47 points per game and will be looking for its third win of the season.

Allen Central comes into the game unbeaten and off a 62-14 win over Phelps.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: P’ville won 44-13

Series: P’ville leads 14-0

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

        

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