[ArmChairHC]

I don’t think inconsistent is the right word. I do however, see a common thread if you look at our toughest games this season. And that is where do the points come from if we aren’t able to ground and pound. Grinding it out works when you play against teams that are more atheletic, but weaker. Which is what we were able to do against KCD and Sayre, eventually those body blows start taking its toll. And you start seeing the 25+ yard rushes. Problem is, against Ashland, Pikeville, Highlands, and LCA, it takes longer for the ground and pound to be affective, due to depth, strength, and speed of these type of teams.

We are in a spread system, but we are still going to run the ball first and foremost. It’ was Mikes identity as a player and it’s his mentality and philosophy as a play caller. And one thing we have all said is Raceland has always lacked that “one guy” who could be a house call at any time. Which imo, is likely why we have had the approach we have had the last 20 years.

That being said, we have shown wrinkles, signs of growth, with the play calling here and there. I just think we have waited too long in the big games to take chances. Not chances with trick plays, but simply attacking the hashes and the soft parts of zone coverage. Get the ball out quick to the WRs, and get what you can. Those plays were there in the middle of the field in the championship game with Pikeville. We just didn’t take advantage of them and stuck to our guns too soon, Pikeville was able to capitalize on 3 drives because of it. But this isn’t about just one game.

Looking ahead, with the personnel coming up, imo we need to take a hard look at some RPO sets and develop the hell out of the intermediate passing game. Defensively, we gotta start getting more pressure off the edge and force QBs into some bad decisions.

We will have to beat a really solid Letcher County team next year to have a shot at being over .500 in the regular season. But truth be told, I just don’t see the outcome of the post season being much different. KCD wasn’t very good, Cville will likely have to get through Pikeville again, I don’t see them being as strong next year. Mboro has the same problem. I think Raceland is very capable of being knocked out early, but I just don’t see much other than parody for the next few years in 1A.