[Scotty_Bronson]

Defense sounds like the strong point for the Rams in 2015. I think you should have an excellent running game returning and it wouldn't surprise me to see you more run oreinted than pass or even balanced.

Rt now we look like we may be a "mini belfry" lol

[Scotty_Bronson]

We also have a few playmakers like Nick Caldwell and Austin Howard that werent used too much last season. Both are very quick and ellusive.

[bac2369]

Well it's best to play to your strength.

[Scotty_Bronson]

We have enough upfront and in the backfield to be competitive, if even playing one demensional football. Our defense will be hard to run against. If we develop the rest of the secondary, Caldwell and Howard are probably starters at CB and FS. That leaves the other CB and SS up for grabs, we rarely play nickel because our LBs cover so well. We return our entire defensive front 7.

Offensively, how our passing game developes against quality teams, will be the deciding factor on just how far we can go.

[mightydog]

Already looking forward to the Rail City Bowl. Cant wait. Should be a hard fought good ol slugfest.:devilflam

[Scotty_Bronson]

Already looking forward to the Rail City Bowl. Cant wait. Should be a hard fought good ol slugfest.:devilflam

It should be a really good ball game. Both lost key players, but return more than enough to be relevant and have realistic expectations to make a run to Bowling Green. Two head coaches in their first years, win a District and Regional championship, in what many considered to be probable "rebuilding years" for both squads, last season. Nothing could be cooler than both of us playing for a state title next season. What a party that would be thrown!!! Our areas football is on the rise across the board and imo, Raceland and Russell are the primary reasons why.

[anotherfootballnut]

its geat for kids wanting to come out and play , but I can't see a kid not playing football since middle school and deciding to play his senior year being able to do it especially at qb ,

[Scotty_Bronson]

^^^that is my biggest concern. Rest assured though, the best player will play. Imo, Id like to see someone come in that can give some stability for the next 2 or 3 years. But if Tyler can come in and do it, by all means go with him, Damon is probably a year away from being a true on the field leader anyway. I have faith in the staff making the best choice for the team though. Us arm chair QBs need somethin to talk about till the season starts lol

[anotherfootballnut]

I agree , it's hard to keep replacing qb's every year but if that senior is better he should be the guy , it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out , but I'm gonna say it won't be tyler

[Scotty_Bronson]

I kind of look for one of the other "messer-esk" kids back there. Remember the name Nick Caldwell. You could also see Carson Christian or Nathaniel Davidson. Both saw Frosh/JV snaps in previous years.

[anotherfootballnut]

You mention Nuck a lot on here , he's a good athlete but no varsity experience , seems to be hurt a lot along with off the field issues , I don't see them turning the keys over to him because of those facts . I think he will play a reviewer but to call any of the three Measer-esk is far fetched other than they can all play multiple postions theres really no comparison

[Slic Ric]

You mention Nuck a lot on here , he's a good athlete but no varsity experience , seems to be hurt a lot along with off the field issues , I don't see them turning the keys over to him because of those facts . I think he will play a reviewer but to call any of the three Measer-esk is far fetched other than they can all play multiple postions theres really no comparison

Agreed...Those players can certainly step up and help the RAMS, but none of those kids mentioned have the multiple skill set of Messer. To suggest otherwise is an injustice to those kids. All however, have good skills who will help bring in victories next year.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Agreed...Those players can certainly step up and help the RAMS, but none of those kids mentioned have the multiple skill set of Messer. To suggest otherwise is an injustice to those kids. All however, have good skills who will help bring in victories next year.

Not refering to skill set on comparing those kids to Messer. I was refering to the multiple positions that they kids can play. Conner is a special player, he could have probably set shool records at every position, had he played just one. Him simply being on the field changed games, even if he didnt get the ball. Yes, Nick has had issues off the field, but has seemed to, and from what I gather is dealing with them well and growing from his mistakes. Nick has the abilities to be one of those All-Time guys at Raceland, but he has to remain on the field to do that. There was a young man by the name of Conner Messer that had injury issues as well. Alot of times that comes with how some of these kids play the game. Nick, Nathaniel, and Carson, are just 3 of a few names that will desperately have to step up to fill the void left at the skill positions. Has anyone heard anything else on any Basketball kids coming out for football this year?

[anotherfootballnut]

I haven't heard anything about the basketball kids coming out , numbers wise it would be great and if one or two could play some would be even better but imo I don't think they will , there's a reason why they havent played their entire high school careers and it's most likely they don't like it , I know one patent particular was pissed at the basketball coach and that's when he was telling eveyone his son was gonna play , football is one of the things that your all in or nothing and I just don't think they are all in

[Scotty_Bronson]

Thats what I have said all along. That I wil have to see them come out to believe it. Hope they do, but hae to see it happen to believe it.

[Tylers Dad]

I personally hope Tyler doesn't play. there was a time when I wanted him to play but, that time has passed. As far as I know he hasnt told Coach Salmons he's going to play. I certainly wont stop him from playing if thats what he wants to do. Myself and Tyler will discuss playing football at length once Baseball season is over. Until then lets stop all of the speculation.

[Tylers Dad]

I haven't heard anything about the basketball kids coming out , numbers wise it would be great and if one or two could play some would be even better but imo I don't think they will , there's a reason why they havent played their entire high school careers and it's most likely they don't like it , I know one patent particular was pissed at the basketball coach and that's when he was telling eveyone his son was gonna play , football is one of the things that your all in or nothing and I just don't think they are all in

I would think that would be true of any sport. Not just football

[anotherfootballnut]

Your tighy it is in a way , football is different I. The sense in basketball and baseball you can half heartedly play and get your feelings hurt you play football that way and you will get a lot more than your feeling hurt , and as far as speculating from eveyone that has told me tyler was playing or thinking about playing was coming from you , I heard you talking to another parent about it around Christmas , if he plays great or if he don't geat that's all up to you guys

[Tylers Dad]

Thanks for letting me know its up to us.

[anotherfootballnut]

Your welcome

[anotherfootballnut]

I holpe he plays if that counts for anything

[Ram1998]

Rams will be strong upfront for sure with returning plenty of starters. There will be no freshman that will contribute at the varsity level. We have 1 maybe 2 sophomores that will get some time on line and then big hall kid is a senior that may get some time. Overall line looking in great shape to get plenty of kids getting playing time and rest. Excited for August to come.

[EsseQuamVideri]

I don't know if Raceland is the team to beat in the East or not but from what I aware of, no one outworks them in the off-season at the 1A level. It is early March and way too early to know things for sure but those who opine Raceland to be loaded for the next 2 years seem accurate. It will be interesting to see how the next 2 years play out.

[EsseQuamVideri]

I do know this to be fact, Raceland's middle school feeder program is light years ahead of the other 2 district teams. Fairview did not field a team due to low numbers and that will definitely show up in the near future. Paintsville has had middle school success but now that kids can't be held back like they have been over the past several years, that could effect them. Plus, Johnson Central will have more post-season success now that CovCath and Highlands have moved to 5A.....this may effect the talent flow in Johnson Co. So, kudos to Coach Mike Francis and his staff for what they do in Raceland. Coach Francis is in my opinion one of the primary reasons that Raceland is staying consistently competitive.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Ive never been a huge fan of Mike Francis from a personal standpoint. Ive never had any words w him or anything, but each time I have tried to talk any type of football with him, i feel like ive been blown off a bit. Now, I say that to say this, so read carefully.

I have HUGE respect for him and what he has done with the middle school program. It has grown leaps and bounds since I was in Jr High and I think he is the primary reason that it has. The guy knows X's and O's as well as anyone on the HS staff and the kids seem to love him for the most part.

So rather or not he and I are pals (im pretty close with the rest of the staff), is indifferent. But Coach Francis is one of the primary reasons that Raceland has been able to sustain the success that we have and Imo, he is imperative to continuing that same success. So my hat is tipped to him. Looking foward to 2015 football!!!

[anotherfootballnut]

Scotty, rumor has it the young man you like real well and we disagreed on his role this coming year has moved schools , any truth to this or just a rumor

[EsseQuamVideri]

Nick Caldwell has transferred to Russell.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Scotty, rumor has it the young man you like real well and we disagreed on his role this coming year has moved schools , any truth to this or just a rumor

Yea I spoke with one of Nick's close friends (who is also my cousin) and he confirmed. Good luck to Nick. Russell is getting a good ball player. I will assume he will still be playing football. If that is the case, people will see what I have been talking about soon enough. He is a great athelete and will be an big help where ever he finds himself suited up. I wish Nick the best of luck and hopefully, this is a good situation and new start for Nick. Ive seen the kid grow up on and off the football field, so I have a soft spot in my heart for him, really the entire Junior class to be.

[anotherfootballnut]

He wouldn't be able to play would he? According to the state rules he would have to sit out a full calendar year

[Scotty_Bronson]

I would believe that is the case unless he has a change in address to within the district limits. It will all have to be reviewed by the genius brain trust at KHSAA. If there is no address change, id say he sits for a year.