[Scotty_Bronson]

I said fairview has better backs. Raceland had a better Qb who can run an throw and I feel a better offensive and defensive line. The numbers back that up.

Here's the stat comparison...Fairview's stats are through week 7 provided by KHSAA and Racelands are through week 6 as they have not yet been posted for week 7.


Fairview Raceland
record 7-0 6-1
ppg 51 49
opp/ppg 15 16
RYDS/G 408 251
PYDS/G 62 176
TOTAL 470 435
OPP/RYPG 83 146
OPP/PYPG 114 89
TOTAL 197 235
OPP REC 18-41 28-31
Take Aways 12/2tds


Fairview's stats did not list take aways so I could not compare the two teams in that category. I also know that in the last 4 or 5 games, Raceland's special teams play has been outstanding. Do not have the exact numbers, but I can safely say that there have been atleast 2 punt/kick off returns for touchdowns in each game through the last few weeks. Their kickoff team has improved vastly as well. With big Cole Thomas having a couple touchbacks and keeping opponents from starting outside of their own 30 yard line since he took over the job. Strength of schedule, take it or leave it, is the only "dominating" place I see, and I guess the ry/pg is a bit lopsided.

As for "total dominance"...I fail to see it either way. Fairview's avg rushing is a little over 150 yds more than Raceland's/pg, and have scored 13 more rushing tds than has raceland, but the Rams double Fairviews passing yds have 10 more passing TDs.

From reading the paper and listening to Fairview games on the radio it sounds like they have some trouble defending the kick off return, which Raceland has done very well the last few weeks. In the past, Raceland's big problem has kicking off and allowing teams to start around the 35 or 40 yard line, which if done against a team like Fairview has it can kill you. If either of these two things begin to be a problem, it could turn into a long night for either team.

Both are oustanding area football teams and realistically, both should be in the top 5 in Class 1A and both deserve all of the talk that has been made about them. It should be a great ball game. But it is all going to boil down to special teams and the line of scrimmage. I think Fairview may have more skilled RBs, but across the bored Raceland is more diverse offensively and their defense has kept two very good running backs, Baker from Ashland and Crager from Portsmouth East, in check. Holding them both well under their average. With all of these things factored in...it really doesn't matter lol.

This is a HUGE rivalry game, that is heated enough by itself. Though both teams still have a district game left yet to play, when you add in the fact that this SHOULD and PROBABLY will be for a District Championship and home field advantage through the Semi-finals of the playoffs, you better hold on! The crowd should be bigger, louder, more intense than either team has seen this year and if we can learn anything about the future/present from the past, it's that more times than not, in this rivalry, the fans can aid greatly when it comes to momentum. Good luck to both teams and coaches, regaurdless of all the talk, who has who on their team and from where, or what is on paper, this is going to be a hell of a ball game.

Because of how well Raceland did against Ashland's line, coupled with their versatility on offense, with the way their special teams has been hot as of late, I'm going with...

Raceland 38
Fairview 32

Raceland 38-33