[Hoot Gibson]

I wouldn't say that the rivalry between Ashland and Johnson Central was not competitive. Johnson Central dominated the series based on wins and district titles, but most of the games were competitive. Thanks to Coach Matney, Johnson Central won nearly every game that was close, including at least a couple in which Johnson Central came from behind to win in the last minute or last seconds of the game. There is nothing more satisfying to beat a rival on the last play of the game and spoil their playoff plans.

I am picking Belfry in a close game. It is hard to believe that Ashland has never lost to Belfry in Putnam Stadium, but I don't think that Belfry's best teams played them at Putnam. Hopefully, the Pirates will break that streak tonight.

Couple of fun facts for you...

Johnson Central won those 15 games against Ashland by an AVERAGE of 25 points and that's with the 3 1-point wins factored in.  There were those 3 games that were competitive when Ashland had Hunter at QB and Baker at RB, but otherwise the series was a complete domination.

Those who would criticize Ashland's scheduling would be quick to point out that out of all of Ashland's wins over Belfry, NONE have come against any of Belfry's state title squads.  It used to be said that the Tomcats cancelled the series after 2012, right before Belfry won 4 state titles in a row.  Ashland has been very fortunate to get Belfry in their "down" years.

Average score (1998-2018): Johnson Central 33  Ashland 20 (JC won 17 and lost 7)

Average score (2005-2018 - the Matney era): Johnson Central 37  Ashland 17  (JC won 17 and lost 3)

Johnson Central has dominated the series but not by by such a margin to keep Ashland from being considered a rival. Johnson Central's average margin over all district opponents during the Matney era is probably 36+. I could be mistaken, but I believe that Ashland is the only district opponent to ever defeat Johnson Central since they moved to 4A.