[jetpilot]

^^^Raceland had 1 or 2 dudes that might start for Pikeville
You are the guy who said OL and DL were equal and both got blown to bits again
So blame the coach
Men vs boys

The difference in players I saw was the Pikeville players seemed smoother and more refined their movements.  Pikeville was also stronger than us and were able to push us around late in the game when we got tired.  Bottom line is Pikeville was just better and there is no shame in getting beat by a team that has destroyed most of their competition all year.

Raceland should hold their heads high. They have a great school and great athletics across the board. Total respect not only from Pikeville fans but the whole state.

[2000PHS]

As a Paintsville fan who watched us play both (Pikeville twice) this game went about like I thought it would. I didn’t think Raceland could score enough to make it competitive.

Also the experience factor played a role as evidenced by the early score by Pikeville and the massive mistake of the scoop and score.

[pjdoug]

Way to go Panthers!

[pjdoug]

Jet pilot and Patriot, stick around for the Hounds game

[2000PHS]

With that being said, Raceland was the 2nd best team in 1A this year.

[Kentuckysfinest]

RAMDAD50 can we get your opinion? You seem to have the answers for anything.

[16thregioner]

^^^Raceland had 1 or 2 dudes that might start for Pikeville
You are the guy who said OL and DL were equal and both got blown to bits again
So blame the coach
Men vs boys

The difference in players I saw was the Pikeville players seemed smoother and more refined their movements.  Pikeville was also stronger than us and were able to push us around late in the game when we got tired.  Bottom line is Pikeville was just better and there is no shame in getting beat by a team that has destroyed most of their competition all year.

I found this year to be an interesting experiment.  Raceland did have perhaps the oldest team to ever step foot onto a field in the 16th region.  That goes a long way as we saw from their success this year.  Other areas of the state, whether due to population or genetics, seem to have better athletes, though.  When faced with a team of likely equal age, Pikeville ultimately prevailed in a big way, largely due to the fact they had a guy who could break an 85 yarder on the first play.  Raceland just simply didn’t have anyone who could do that.

Whenever modern era teams from our area have won state championships, Ashland in 2020 and Russell in 2005, it seems they have had 1 or 2 elite athletes like Keontae Pittman or Kasey Clark AS WELL AS an extremely fortunately easy path to the title.  For example, those weren’t Belfry’s best years and the western side of the state didn’t have a powerhouse team.  

Raceland has the easy path down as 1A and their district is as easy as it gets.  I suggest they search Ohio and West Virginia in the off-season looking for a few of those elite athletes who can change their fortunes.  It’s the piece of the puzzle they are
missing.  I don’t see any game changing athletes at the other local schools right now.  It’s really hard for a team from our area to pull off the feat as you can see by how often it actually happens.

[Orange Blaze]

Birchfield earned his accolades but I think Wade Hensley has to be acknowledged as well. His presence at receiver helped soften up the Raceland defense to allow Birchfield to breakout in the 2nd half.

[tomkittens]

Time to go back across the river and start recruiting. 41-9 makes for a busy offseason

[Kentuckysfinest]

^^^Raceland had 1 or 2 dudes that might start for Pikeville
You are the guy who said OL and DL were equal and both got blown to bits again
So blame the coach
Men vs boys

The difference in players I saw was the Pikeville players seemed smoother and more refined their movements.  Pikeville was also stronger than us and were able to push us around late in the game when we got tired.  Bottom line is Pikeville was just better and there is no shame in getting beat by a team that has destroyed most of their competition all year.

I found this year to be an interesting experiment.  Raceland did have perhaps the oldest team to ever step foot onto a field in the 16th region.  That goes a long way as we saw from their success this year.  Other areas of the state, whether due to population or genetics, seem to have better athletes, though.  When faced with a team of likely equal age, Pikeville ultimately prevailed in a big way, largely due to the fact they had a guy who could break an 85 yarder on the first play.  Raceland just simply didn’t have anyone who could do that.

Whenever modern era teams from our area have won state championships, Ashland in 2020 and Russell in 2005, it seems they have had 1 or 2 elite athletes like Keontae Pittman or Kasey Clark AS WELL AS an extremely fortunately easy path to the title.  For example, those weren’t Belfry’s best years and the western side of the state didn’t have a powerhouse team.  

Raceland has the easy path down as 1A and their district is as easy as it gets.  I suggest they search Ohio and West Virginia in the off-season looking for a few of those elite athletes who can change their fortunes.  It’s the piece of the puzzle they are
missing.  I don’t see any game changing athletes at the other local schools right now.  It’s really hard for a team from our area to pull off the feat as you can see by how often it actually happens.

Good idea. Tell your returning players hey you’re not good enough, so we went out and got somebody better. You are a disgrace to 16th region sports.

[Old School Hound]

I thought Raceland looked pretty good but big plays carried the day in this one. Congrats to both of these teams on fine seasons!!!

[RTruth]

Hail Pikeville!!!!

[Patriot1]

Jet pilot and Patriot, stick around for the Hounds game

I wish I could but my wife couldn’t take it but I would have love to be there but GO Gounds

[16thregioner]

Good idea. Tell your returning players hey you’re not good enough, so we went out and got somebody better. You are a disgrace to 16th region sports.

That’s reality.  They aren’t good enough.  Not even close.  Depends how bad they want that banner.  Or just wait around for a once in a generation lucky season.

[Kentuckysfinest]

Good idea. Tell your returning players hey you’re not good enough, so we went out and got somebody better. You are a disgrace to 16th region sports.

That’s reality.  They aren’t good enough.  Not even close.  Depends how bad they want that banner.  Or just wait around for a once in a generation lucky season.

clearly, you’ve never been apart of competitive sports and if you are, you shouldn’t. Obviously you live by the philosophy of take the easy route.

[pirateforlife]

Not surprising. I said all year 1A was Pikeville- big gap- Raceland- big gap- Paintsville/Hazard- everyone else.

---

Pikeville needs to move up to 2A. There is no competition for them in 1A. They are just to good for that division. I know Pikeville is losing a bunch of all time great seniors so maybe someone else will have a chance next year.

Or put Mayfield and Beechwood back in 1A. I’d love to see some Pikeville vs Beechwood/Mayfield matchups.

[Panther Thunder]

Blake Birchfield is Mr. Football. Thanks for listening.

[Spud6]

Blake Birchfield is Mr. Football. Thanks for listening.

No question about it.

[jetpilot]

As a Paintsville fan who watched us play both (Pikeville twice) this game went about like I thought it would. I didn’t think Raceland could score enough to make it competitive.

Also the experience factor played a role  as evidenced by the early score by Pikeville and the massive mistake of the scoop and score.

I usually agree with everything you say but those 2 plays weren’t mistakes by Raceland but rather great plays by Pikeville

[16thregioner]

Good idea. Tell your returning players hey you’re not good enough, so we went out and got somebody better. You are a disgrace to 16th region sports.

That’s reality.  They aren’t good enough.  Not even close.  Depends how bad they want that banner.  Or just wait around for a once in a generation lucky season.

clearly, you’ve never been apart of competitive sports and if you are, you shouldn’t. Obviously you live by the philosophy of take the easy route.

It’s not the “easy route” to attract athletic talent to a small eastern Kentucky school.  A Raceland fan on here said themselves that this is an “arms race” to build the best team possible.  Look at the money that has been spent at Raceland to build an unbelievably attractive facility.  You think that’s just been done for fun or for the few kids from Old Farm and Poplar Highlands to enjoy?  Come on, Kentucky’s Finest.  Let’s be realistic.  Competitive sports are one thing.  Winning is an altogether different thing.  You have to have the Jimmy’s, Jenny’s, and Joe’s.  You think Pikeville’s team was all Pikeville kids?  There is a reason why their facilities look like those of an NFL team.  This attracts the best talent.  If you haven’t noticed, teams from our region that win have lots of Jimmy’s, Jenny’s, and Joe’s from all over the place.  I don’t mean to offend or come off like I’m downing Raceland’s players.  They had a good team this season and I was really hoping they could beat Pikeville.  When I finally saw Pikeville, though, I saw there is still a significant gap there.  Raceland is obviously committed to the cause of trying to get that banner.  I was just suggesting an idea that might help make that come to fruition. Have you not studied the rosters of all teams who win in our region across all sports? You should try it and see what you find.

[pirateforlife]

I said for Raceland to have a chance to win they’d have to catch a couple breaks and unfortunately for them Pikeville caught those. The scoop and score and Hail Mary play before half killed them. If Raceland could hav head one of those plays go their way they’d had a shot

---

Blake Birchfield is Mr. Football. Thanks for listening.

The UK commit from Douglass will probably end up with it.

[Orange Blaze]

I said for Raceland to have a chance to win they’d have to catch a couple breaks and unfortunately for them Pikeville caught those. The scoop and score and Hail Mary play before half killed them. If Raceland could hav head one of those plays go their way they’d had a shot

---

Blake Birchfield is Mr. Football. Thanks for listening.

The UK commit from Douglass will probably end up with it.

Losing Parker Fannin hurt too.  He was one of our best players on both sides of the ball and his loss hurt strategically and from a morale standpoint.  Pikeville also executed better and took advantage of opportunities that they had to put the game away.

[Kentuckysfinest]

Good idea. Tell your returning players hey you’re not good enough, so we went out and got somebody better. You are a disgrace to 16th region sports.

That’s reality.  They aren’t good enough.  Not even close.  Depends how bad they want that banner.  Or just wait around for a once in a generation lucky season.

clearly, you’ve never been apart of competitive sports and if you are, you shouldn’t. Obviously you live by the philosophy of take the easy route.

It’s not the “easy route” to attract athletic talent to a small eastern Kentucky school.  A Raceland fan on here said themselves that this is an “arms race” to build the best team possible.  Look at the money that has been spent at Raceland to build an unbelievably attractive facility.  You think that’s just been done for fun or for the few kids from Old Farm and Poplar Highlands to enjoy?  Come on, Kentucky’s Finest.  Let’s be realistic.  Competitive sports are one thing.  Winning is an altogether different thing.  You have to have the Jimmy’s, Jenny’s, and Joe’s.  You think Pikeville’s team was all Pikeville kids?  There is a reason why their facilities look like those of an NFL team.  This attracts the best talent.  If you haven’t noticed, teams from our region that win have lots of Jimmy’s, Jenny’s, and Joe’s from all over the place.  I don’t mean to offend or come off like I’m downing Raceland’s players.  They had a good team this season and I was really hoping they could beat Pikeville.  When I finally saw Pikeville, though, I saw there is still a significant gap there.  Raceland is obviously committed to the cause of trying to get that banner.  I was just suggesting an idea that might help make that come to fruition.  Have you not studied the rosters of all teams who win in our region across all sports?  You should try it and see what you find.

Again, thankfully you have nothing to do with sports. I couldn’t imagine any parents allowing you to coach youth sports. enjoy the easy path, it always pays off.

[RAMDAD50]

This was another great year of football for the Raceland players, community, coaches and former players. Lots of great memories. I appreciate all the hard work the the Raceland seniors have put in over the last four years. There is nothing like playing at home the day after thanksgiving. As long as Raceland ends their season in week 14 or the week after win or loss nobody can complain about anything.As for the game….I think I was on record saying you can’t overcome a 35 point running clock in one season. I believe the Rams had their opportunities to make some plays that would’ve made this game more interesting but wouldn’t have changed the outcome. I don’t believe this will be the end of the Pikeville Raceland rivalry. When Pikeville moves up I believe there will be lots of room on each others schedules for a long running series. It’s always a good day to be a Ram

[jetpilot]

Pikeville ain’t moving up but agree RD Pikeville Raceland rivalry will be great for years to come

[Fanman]

Good idea. Tell your returning players hey you’re not good enough, so we went out and got somebody better. You are a disgrace to 16th region sports.

That’s reality.  They aren’t good enough.  Not even close.  Depends how bad they want that banner.  Or just wait around for a once in a generation lucky season.

clearly, you’ve never been apart of competitive sports and if you are, you shouldn’t. Obviously you live by the philosophy of take the easy route.

It’s not the “easy route” to attract athletic talent to a small eastern Kentucky school.  A Raceland fan on here said themselves that this is an “arms race” to build the best team possible.  Look at the money that has been spent at Raceland to build an unbelievably attractive facility.  You think that’s just been done for fun or for the few kids from Old Farm and Poplar Highlands to enjoy?  Come on, Kentucky’s Finest.  Let’s be realistic.  Competitive sports are one thing.  Winning is an altogether different thing.  You have to have the Jimmy’s, Jenny’s, and Joe’s.  You think Pikeville’s team was all Pikeville kids?  There is a reason why their facilities look like those of an NFL team.  This attracts the best talent.  If you haven’t noticed, teams from our region that win have lots of Jimmy’s, Jenny’s, and Joe’s from all over the place.  I don’t mean to offend or come off like I’m downing Raceland’s players.  They had a good team this season and I was really hoping they could beat Pikeville.  When I finally saw Pikeville, though, I saw there is still a significant gap there.  Raceland is obviously committed to the cause of trying to get that banner.  I was just suggesting an idea that might help make that come to fruition.  Have you not studied the rosters of all teams who win in our region across all sports?  You should try it and see what you find.

I HATE that is what HS sports have become, but you're not wrong.  Its a little easier to get kids to go to Pikeville, with the resources, coal money, facilities, city, etc.  Raceland did make a big stride with the turf field, but still located in a place where SuperQuik and a Ram-Mart are the only other attractions.

[Glory_Days]

Time to go back across the river and start recruiting. 41-9 makes for a busy offseason

As does 50-7?

[Orange Blaze]

Good idea. Tell your returning players hey you’re not good enough, so we went out and got somebody better. You are a disgrace to 16th region sports.

That’s reality.  They aren’t good enough.  Not even close.  Depends how bad they want that banner.  Or just wait around for a once in a generation lucky season.

clearly, you’ve never been apart of competitive sports and if you are, you shouldn’t. Obviously you live by the philosophy of take the easy route.

It’s not the “easy route” to attract athletic talent to a small eastern Kentucky school.  A Raceland fan on here said themselves that this is an “arms race” to build the best team possible.  Look at the money that has been spent at Raceland to build an unbelievably attractive facility.  You think that’s just been done for fun or for the few kids from Old Farm and Poplar Highlands to enjoy?  Come on, Kentucky’s Finest.  Let’s be realistic.  Competitive sports are one thing.  Winning is an altogether different thing.  You have to have the Jimmy’s, Jenny’s, and Joe’s.  You think Pikeville’s team was all Pikeville kids?  There is a reason why their facilities look like those of an NFL team.  This attracts the best talent.  If you haven’t noticed, teams from our region that win have lots of Jimmy’s, Jenny’s, and Joe’s from all over the place.  I don’t mean to offend or come off like I’m downing Raceland’s players.  They had a good team this season and I was really hoping they could beat Pikeville.  When I finally saw Pikeville, though, I saw there is still a significant gap there.  Raceland is obviously committed to the cause of trying to get that banner.  I was just suggesting an idea that might help make that come to fruition.  Have you not studied the rosters of all teams who win in our region across all sports?  You should try it and see what you find.

I HATE that is what HS sports have become, but you're not wrong.  Its a little easier to get kids to go to Pikeville, with the resources, coal money, facilities, city, etc.  Raceland did make a big stride with the turf field, but still located in a place where SuperQuik and a Ram-Mart are the only other attractions.

Our area as a whole needs a sports performance facility that benefits all athletes regardless of the school they attend.  NKY has the Nevels and ASAP facilities that kids from all of the local schools  in that area use.  I’m not sure if such a thing is in Pike County but the Pikeville and Belfry athletes look like they are getting outside sports training that has helped build their skills.

[16thregioner]

Time to go back across the river and start recruiting. 41-9 makes for a busy offseason

As does 50-7?

No doubt Raceland is still a long way behind Pikeville and Ashland is a long way behind CAL.

[Humpty Dumpty]

I expected a closer game but the outcome was never in doubt after the 1st play.

Congrats to the Rams on a great season!!

Congrats to the Panthers on title #7!!