[Scotty_Bronson]

^^^agreed. The person i hate to loose as much as TJ would be Grizzle. He just recieved a job within the school district though. So, unless Russell can offer him a job as well, you may see Grizzle stick around even if TJ leaves.

[FBALL]

The Ams have taken over this thread.

[DevilWatcher]

This thread is going to be massive by the time a new coach is hired.

[Jarons]

The Ams have taken over this thread.

I didn't mean that to happen when I asked my question. I was hoping it would be answered in one or two posts. In my gut feeling, Maynard will be leaving Raceland.

[BIGRAMLOVER1979]

I agree with you Jarons, I think TJ leaves, gut feeling too. Then we get our own thread about who takes the Raceland job!!! I'm going to throw the biggest curve ball out there before anyone else does and this is just a slim possibility. If Maynard does leave Raceland, does coach Vanderhoof want the job back? If we all remember he did not fully rule out coaching again when he retired.

[Scotty_Bronson]

I would be suprised if Hoof came back. I know that to this day he STILL lives and breathes Raceland football. But I would be suprised if he came back to the sideline. He seems very happy coaching girls basketball. His wife is on the staff and he now has his youngest daughter on the team. Family time was the biggest factor in him stepping down as HC. On the other hand, I also know that the 2008 loss to LCA in the regional final still cuts him like a knife. So who knows. Stranger thingshave happened, but I think the chances are slim.

In the beginning I was extremely confident that TJ would stay at Raceland, but like many, the fact that everything has been so tight lippe along with the statement that he has made of "listening to what Russell has to say" or something to that extent, makes me less assured. I think Raceland will hire from within though. Be it Sammons(no 1 pick id say), Fannin, Lewis, or even Hoof. So i dont worry too much about moving foward. Russell on the other hand, is facing a ticking clock if they want to get rolling. Spring ball ist that far away and idk about the EVILS, but for the AMS, the HC is always heavily involved in the offseason program.

[mightydog]

Russells off-season has been a joke for years. If people knew how little work they actually do during off season and during the season.

[BIGRAMLOVER1979]

Agreed with you Scotty_Bronson. I think it would be nice to see coach Lewis as the HC for once in his great career, but I think that is something he does not want. Salmons and Fannin would be the top picks, both GREAT men.

[BIGRAMLOVER1979]

mightydog seems like Russell needs Maynard BAD. One thing the guy brings is intense winter weights. Smart man all around, from weights, conditioning, actual coaching and even what to properly eat before ball games. His methods will live on at Raceland if he decides to leave. It's hard to think that he has been a Ram for almost 10 years now, don't fact check me though.

[DevilWatcher]

I'm excited no matter who we get as coach. I think the senior and Junior groups next year as a whole will be better and stronger. I know I've seen more working out now than I have the past 2 years. Could be because many are close in skill level trying to win out a position or could be with the thought of a new coach many players have to bring something new to the table. I'm not saying all are but just as a whole. Even though weights after school have been iffy I know the gyms are being used.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Agreed with you Scotty_Bronson. I think it would be nice to see coach Lewis as the HC for once in his great career, but I think that is something he does not want. Salmons and Fannin would be the top picks, both GREAT men.

I am a big fan of both Lewis and Fannin. Gary taught me 90% of what I know about the wishbone system. He is a "fire starter" and always got me to play mean defensively. But I cant really see him at the helm. Same goes for Lewis. For his career's sake I'd like to see it, but cant really see him at the HC. Not a knock on their ability, just dont know if either one of them want it enough to deal with all that really come with leading a hs program.

[kyfootball2014]

I have seen some of Russell players in the gym also

[GoHerd_22]

What's the latest? Things have been quiet on my side of the river...

[FBALL]

The calm before the storm.

[Ramcat77]

I think this is TJ's job, if he wants it.

[Scotty_Bronson]

^^i'd say it is. I kinda feel like he's really considering it. Neither Russell nor Raceland has come out and said "We dont want him" or "He's not going anywhere". I think they are keeping it all hush hush for 1 of 3 reasons.

1. The collapse of the RCB caused a big bunch of ruckus among the fans from both schools and they figure this will be 10 times worse.
2. Russell already has their guy and it's not TJ and they are just waiting to find a position for him within the school system.
3. TJ and Russell have met silently and TJ turned it down.

I think it boils down to one of thise scenarios. Its just been too quiet. Some other things have come to light as well, that would play a major factor if TJ decides to leave. But that all remains tobe seen.

[DevilWatcher]

Tick..............tock...............tick............tock.....That's what a lot of this feels like. Time dragging so slow for any sign of news. I'm sure they have to wait their certain amount of days. I think if TJ would take the job if offered would solely be on nastalgia reasons. He loves both schools so in my opinion whatever his decision would be would be well respected by both fan bases.

[Scotty_Bronson]

TJ has changed the culture of football at Raceland. He completely turned the feeder system around. Our jr high team have been to the state finals 4 of the last 5 years and the next few it looks to be much of the same, just hope it results in a W. wit or without TJ, as long as they stay in staff, Raceland will be fine. What is a bit scary is if they bring someone in and they completely change the way things are done. Everyone from the top down are used to the way TJ has done things, which arent much different from how Hoof did them. Hardnosed football, good defense, spread the field and let the atheletes make plays, if ur line is a strong point, let the horses run behind them. Hoof threw the ball a bit more and gave the QBs a bit more freedom. Thats the big difference between the two of them. I think we will know something by the end of FEB.

[DevilWatcher]

Ivan had a different philosophy. He once said that he would line up all his players behind the visitors bleachers and have them sprint down the hill. The players that would run into the oncoming trees became his blockers. If you dodged the trees and made it safely down. Well...you were a running back. Lol

[NoPicks]

To the fans that may seem to be the only differences between the program ran by Hoof and the program that is now under Maynard's watch. But I assure you, things are done much differently now than say 10 years ago. From the weight program, practice, preparation, scouting, booster club, JFL, and other aspects of the program have all been taken to another level. Raceland has always been a hard nosed, blue collar team that was competitive every year..Raceland under TJ has went to another level, they are now an established 1A contender and no doubt a top 3 team in this area, top 2 if you don't count JC. The level of preparation, scouting, and player development is without a doubt better than it has ever been.

[Beetle01]

Always liked TJ, he was my 5th grade basketball coach, along with Scott Humphrey.

Needless to say, I had a hell of a 5th grade basketball coaching staff. Won the league championship. This was about 20 years ago.

[GoHerd_22]

Russell has miles and miles to go in terms of preparation. They rarely show the players film of the opponent. I also have heard from Russell fans that the players wouldn't even practice against the other teams offense until Thursday during walk throughs.

[DevilWatcher]

Russell has miles and miles to go in terms of preparation. They rarely show the players film of the opponent. I also have heard from Russell fans that the players wouldn't even practice against the other teams offense until Thursday during walk throughs.

You've been misinformed. Depedending on the day the offense runs plays against the scout defense and same on defensive days running against the scout offense. Thursdays are special teams day and walk-thrus. The booster club then feeds them. The break for an hour or so then return for film discussion. The first of the week each player gets a scouting report and can watch game film on Jhudl at their homes with certain plays highlighted.

[FBALL]

Badly misinformed.

[Gargamel]

To the fans that may seem to be the only differences between the program ran by Hoof and the program that is now under Maynard's watch. But I assure you, things are done much differently now than say 10 years ago. From the weight program, practice, preparation, scouting, booster club, JFL, and other aspects of the program have all been taken to another level. Raceland has always been a hard nosed, blue collar team that was competitive every year..Raceland under TJ has went to another level, they are now an established 1A contender and no doubt a top 3 team in this area, top 2 if you don't count JC. The level of preparation, scouting, and player development is without a doubt better than it has ever been.

You win one Region & your the 2nd best team in the area?
Wowzers

[FBALL]

Small frame of reference.

[NoPicks]

You win one Region & your the 2nd best team in the area?
Wowzers

Recently, yes Raceland has been one of the top 2 or 3 teams in the area, without a doubt. Look at the records, Raceland has beaten every area team they have faced with the exception of Ashland (who is probably #1 if JC is considered out of our immediate area). Raceland lost to Ashland by 1 point this past season, very early in the season. Raceland defeated Russell 5 of their 6 games in the recent Rail Cities Bowl matchup, and that was 5 in a row, fairly easily... sorry Russell may have the State Championships but if we are talking recent area football, Russell is an afterthought.. 1. Ashland 2. Raceland/Fairview ...... Everyone Else. Look at the scoreboards.

If we are talking HISTORICALLY than yes Russell is 1 or 2 right up there with Ashland. But the past few years, Raceland, Ashland, Fairiview... everyone else has been pretty bad.

[FBALL]

Like I said. A small sampling.

[mightydog]

Let's pull it in and not get off topic again. This is about Russells next head coach, not who the best area team is. Try and stay focused.

[FBALL]

I think we will be hearing much more in about 2 weeks as to who the next coach will be.