[Catfan98]

Hart will not let the 3-3-5 beat him again like that. Ironton will not get pressure with rushing just 3 and if they blitz Hunter will pick them apart. Ironton can't match up will ashlands skill position players in open space. To much speed. Without a doubt this the best tomcat team since '90 and the players are not going to let the fans down this year. With all the hype this game is getting it should be a near record crowd I would imagine. Anyone know the biggest crowds in putnam history? Go cats!

[IHSTigers]

Oh......you silly tomcat fans. Ironton is better this year than they were last year. Not to mention their best back will be back to play against the cats. You are right they struggled with russell just like they did last year but, they won't struggle with Ashland. I've seen both play and Ironton is much more impressive than ashland. One thing going against Ironton is the fact that thier starters have only played 1 4quarter game the entire season so far. The only thing that will keep Ashland in this game will be thier referees.

Who is this back you speak of?

[Patriot93]

I want toGo with the tomcats on this one but I don't know.anyway here goes Ashland 24 ironton 21

[Truth]

Ashland has 11 state championships, over 600 wins and a coach who was an offensive coordinator under legend Roy Kidd at eku so our coaching and winning tradition is just fine. If ironton wins. It will be because of talent and talent alone.

I am surprised to learn that Roy Kidd is a "legend". On the other hand, Coach Lutz, in his own right, is a legend. Hart isn't Lutz. But I do appreciate you for reminding us of your 1934 team.

But, when we talk about real tradition, we need to discuss Louisville Trinity and Fort Thomas Highlands rather than Ashland and Ironton , don't you think?

[BADCAT74]

I am surprised to learn that Roy Kidd is a "legend". On the other hand, Coach Lutz, in his own right, is a legend. Hart isn't Lutz. But I do appreciate you for reminding us of your 1934 team.

But, when we talk about real tradition, we need to discuss Louisville Trinity and Fort Thomas Highlands rather than Ashland and Ironton , don't you think?

No I don't.

[BADCAT74]

I am surprised to learn that Roy Kidd is a "legend". On the other hand, Coach Lutz, in his own right, is a legend. Hart isn't Lutz. But I do appreciate you for reminding us of your 1934 team.

But, when we talk about real tradition, we need to discuss Louisville Trinity and Fort Thomas Highlands rather than Ashland and Ironton , don't you think?

No. I don't.

[FBALL]

Ironton has more speed and skill than some of you kittens think. "Without a doubt the best team since 90"? "Ironton can't matchup"?

Yeah, go in with that attitude and get humiliated again.

[Yoter00]

Ashland is not that big along the line of scrimmage. If it's a power game ironton wins going away. Ironton will move the ball all night against the Kittens. For Ashlnd to win Hunter and Withrow will have to have big games on offense.

Ashlands line is smaller than Russell's and Russells line looked like a JFL team compared to the Tiggers.

And Russell's line played like they were in JFL as wel...

The Tomcat's front have been physical and fast from the first play of the game, to the last. I haven't seen linemen get to the second level in some time. They have, and will continue to carry this team. If it's a power game that has to be played then the Tomcats can play with anyone. And, with a passing attack just waiting, it only makes them that much more dangerous.

[tomcatfan722000]

I am surprised to learn that Roy Kidd is a "legend". On the other hand, Coach Lutz, in his own right, is a legend. Hart isn't Lutz. But I do appreciate you for reminding us of your 1934 team.

But, when we talk about real tradition, we need to discuss Louisville Trinity and Fort Thomas Highlands rather than Ashland and Ironton , don't you think?

Please show me where I said coach lutz wasn't a legend.

Also you brought up irontons winning tradition compared to Ashland so why are we talking about trinity or highlands I never mentioned them or said Ashland had better tradition.

so your points are so off base and i feel your incoherent ramblings arent worth responding too anymore

[BADCAT74]

Ironton has more speed and skill than some of you kittens think. "Without a doubt the best team since 90"? "Ironton can't matchup"?

Yeah, go in with that attitude and get humiliated again.

I know for sure the Ashland players don't think this way that "ironton can't match up"?? They know everytime they strap on the helmet against Ironton Its going to be a battle. There are no mismatches ironton will have size an speed like Ashland. I do think We get the win.
As far as best team since 90 I think we are right there with them with an advantage of a great passing game along with some real quality backs.
We'll see Friday...
We will be missing Shannon Justice #60 MLB gonna really miss that big brute on both sides of the ball! On bright side we got Cody watts an slater swift back in the mix that can fill in nicely for #60. Shouldn't be a problem.

[FBALL]

And Russell's line played like they were in JFL as wel...

The Tomcat's front have been physical and fast from the first play of the game, to the last. I haven't seen linemen get to the second level in some time. They have, and will continue to carry this team. If it's a power game that has to be played then the Tomcats can play with anyone. And, with a passing attack just waiting, it only makes them that much more dangerous.

Russell was bigger up front then Ashland. Ashland gave them problems by bringing more people than they could block and diving at the gaurds legs. Nothing wrong with that and it was effective. But they did nor over power them.

Same thing offensively. Ashland spread Russell out. Did a good job of moving people around and protecting hunter by rolling him out. They did not simply overpower Russell at the line of scrimmage.

If it's a power game Ironton takes it easy. It won't be though. Ashland has a slight advantage in team speed but if they attack Ironton at the line of scrimmage like they did Russell it's going to be a long night for the Kittens defense. Irontons second back through is a completely different animal than Russell's traps.

[FBALL]

I know for sure the Ashland players don't think this way that "ironton can't match up"?? They know everytime they strap on the helmet against Ironton Its going to be a battle. There are no mismatches ironton will have size an speed like Ashland. I do think We get the win.
As far as best team since 90 I think we are right there with them with an advantage of a great passing game along with some real quality backs.
We'll see Friday...
We will be missing Shannon Justice #60 MLB gonna really miss that big brute on both sides of the ball! On bright side we got Cody watts an slater swift back in the mix that can fill in nicely for #60. Shouldn't be a problem.

Didn't Swift and Watts both play a limited amount last week?

[oneijoe]

Looking at this one from every angle on the field, Ashland should win by 2-3 scores.

But Ashland has a nasty history of going vacant between the ears when they see those single white-striped helmets of the Tigers'.


It should be 21-7 Ashland on paper...however, it's likely to be the same score with Ironton winning considering the x-factor.


:why:

[BADCAT74]

Didn't Swift and Watts both play a limited amount last week?

Yes, very limited, an #15 salow all three have been injured this year with sallow an watts first playing time coming last Friday nite. Watts is a beast at the MLB so is swift with justice out they'll slide right in there an fill the middle.

[washed up]

Against Russell I don't think Slater dressed and Watts and Salow saw limited action. As for smash mouth football, Ironton does that better, however it will be important for Ashland to establish the run. I think that they abandoned the run to early last year. If I were to predict a score, Ashland can't have an odd number. They will never have 21 or 27 unless they decide to kick something. Salow? Who knows? Ironton should be very good, their junior class is strong. Should be a dandy.

[Catfan98]

Ashlands depth is their key. They won't wear down. Heard ironton wore down against Russell. Also Tomcats ability to run the ball this year will keep the tigers defense guessing and start playing into harts hands. He's been game planning for this since summer. Trust me he's ready.
Fwiw local guy has the line set at ironton -3. Said money pouring in for the tigers though at about a 70/30 clip. Says the sharps are pounding this game. Says this high school game is always the most wagered of the year and this year is unlike any other. Said They'll probably drop the line too and try to get some tomcat action. Last year line was tomcats -4 and even with all the hype of a tomcat blowout money was about 50/50. Interesting conversation.

[Truth]

Please show me where I said coach lutz wasn't a legend.

Also you brought up irontons winning tradition compared to Ashland so why are we talking about trinity or highlands I never mentioned them or said Ashland had better tradition.

so your points are so off base and i feel your incoherent ramblings arent worth responding too anymore

Relax, tomcatfan722000, I was obviously pulling your chain. Like most Ashland followers, you take alleged affronts to your favorites far too seriously. It is too easy to get you boys riled up.

Ashland has a fine history of success although the great majority of it is somewhat dated. Ironton has a fine tradition going all the way back to the Ironton Tanks Era. Area fans, even those who don't root for either of these schools, are fortunate to have both programs.

I will give Ashland the edge in one area. I can think of no other program that has such loyal, unbending, and sometimes unrealistic fans.

The Ironton-Ashland game should be a good one because of all the emotion involved. I will hate to miss it. However, I have a chance to go to Cincinnati and watch Louisville Trinity (#4 nationally) play Cincinnati St. Xavier (#19 nationally) and that is far too much to pass up for a local game.

[RAMBAIT]

Ashlands depth is their key. They won't wear down. Heard ironton wore down against Russell. Also Tomcats ability to run the ball this year will keep the tigers defense guessing and start playing into harts hands. He's been game planning for this since summer. Trust me he's ready.
Fwiw local guy has the line set at ironton -3. Said money pouring in for the tigers though at about a 70/30 clip. Says the sharps are pounding this game. Says this high school game is always the most wagered of the year and this year is unlike any other. Said They'll probably drop the line too and try to get some tomcat action. Last year line was tomcats -4 and even with all the hype of a tomcat blowout money was about 50/50. Interesting conversation.

Ironton did wear down against Russell because their starters haven't played 4 quarters all year except for the Russell game. Ironton uncharacteristically didn't put Russell away. They got up 20-0 and thought Russell was going to fold. They didn't fold and the Tigers found themselves in a fight. I don't look for that to happen against Ashland. I've seen both play and I think Ironton is better this year than they were last year. Ironton doesn't care if you can stop the run early on. The question is.....can Ashland stop it in the 4th quarter after being pounded on the entire game.

[washed up]

I haven't seen Ironton play this year, but I did see the talent that GW brought to Ashland with some big time college prospects. In that game, if Ashland doesn't turn the ball over they win. This game is no different, if Ashland values the football like they should, they will win. Same story in the Russell game, first possission fumble recovered for big loss, punt, Russell TD drive, next possession if the Russell DB catches the ball they are up 14 - 0, instead they find themselves down 8-7 a couple of plays later.

[Jeepman]

I have seen both teams play. Ashland is very good this year with a lot of speed. Ironton is Better with a lot of speed also. I know the Ashland fans think their team will punish Ironton and maybe they will. I would love to see Ashland win big.

Prediction:

Ashland 6

Ironton 38

[washed up]

Dont think any Ashland fans think punish, just they feel like they are even footing this year. One win in 20 some years does not lead to being overconfident. Maybe if we hadn't played them for a few years we wouldn't know what to expect.

[Jeepman]

Dont think any Ashland fans think punish, just they feel like they are even footing this year. One win in 20 some years does not lead to being overconfident. Maybe if we hadn't played them for a few years we wouldn't know what to expect.

I want a victory for Ashland. I was being sarcastic when I picked the score 38 to 6 . Honestly I feel Ashland will do well against Ironton and it will come down to the last drive of the game. I think Ashland gets the W.

[ole_blue_sack_15]

keep in KY, ashland wins this one!

[Catfan98]

Alot of people see it that way too. Ironton is down. Wilks is gone. The tomcats smell blood and will be goin in for the kill. Hart and and the legend Coach Kidd have been studying ironton game film since July. Hart is more prepared then you can imagine. Word is Kidd will be in the pressbox fri nite relaying info down to Hart. This is how much this game means to him. Hart knows this is the team that he's been waiting for and even though this is a weaker ironton team it doesn't matter as long as it's a win.
Again, the difference in this game will be Ashland spreading the big slow ironton defense out and letting Massie and company run wild. These 7-7 during the summer really have taken this offense to a new level. This is something ironton doesn't even participate in. I heard all they do is run sprints during the summer. Big advantage for the tomcats.

[FBALL]

Ironton is not down! That is just a stupid statement.

The tiggers did lose Wilks but just about everbody else is back.

[RAMBAIT]

Alot of people see it that way too. Ironton is down. Wilks is gone. The tomcats smell blood and will be goin in for the kill. Hart and and the legend Coach Kidd have been studying ironton game film since July. Hart is more prepared then you can imagine. Word is Kidd will be in the pressbox fri nite relaying info down to Hart. This is how much this game means to him. Hart knows this is the team that he's been waiting for and even though this is a weaker ironton team it doesn't matter as long as it's a win.
Again, the difference in this game will be Ashland spreading the big slow ironton defense out and letting Massie and company run wild. These 7-7 during the summer really have taken this offense to a new level. This is something ironton doesn't even participate in. I heard all they do is run sprints during the summer. Big advantage for the tomcats.

Wow!!......are you going to be suprised. Ironton is not down. they are probably better this year than last year.

[outsideobsvr]

Coach Kidd: Hey Leon I've got the Tigers figured out after weeks and weeks of research and going over film after film.
Coach Hart: What? tell me more, tell me more!!! What have you found out???
Coach Kidd: It appears they are going to line up and run it right at us.
Coach Hart: Coach Kidd, I think I'm gonna give you a bonus sir.
Seriously catfan98??? they do the same thing every year. There's no scouting the tigers. Duh