[16BBall Fan]

This should be a great game to kick off the 6 State Championship games at Kroger Field next weekend. Many people expected Raceland to be here but I don't think many expected Sayre to be here. Coach Pennington in a short time as built this program from the ground up the right way and in just their 7 season (6 full seasons) are playing 1A power Rams of Raceland. In 2019 the Spartans won only one game, but since then in the past 5 years they are 48-12. They are 14-0 this season going into the title game.

 The Rams are having another excellent season as usual for the Rams. They come into the title game at 10-4 with 3 of their 4 losses coming to larger schools (Ashland, Highlands, and LCA). Their only 1A loss was a 16-13 home loss to Pikeville back in mid-September. The question is will the 3rd time be the charm for Coach Salmons and the Rams this is their 3rd straight title game and their 4th under Salmons in his 11 years at the helm.

[Orange Blaze]

I think this one could go either way. In the past 2 weeks Sayre has proven that they are a legit contender and deserve respect. My heart is cheering for Raceland but objectively I look for this to a very good game that doesn’t have a definite favorite.

[Diogenes]

Go Rams. But as someone who grew up a Marshal fan...

[Redneck]

Pulling for Raceland to finally get over that hump and bring home a title.

[foxbody87]

Give me the spartans love to see Pennington win the big one! Can’t count out the rams but not sure they can stop sayres dominate passing game.

[ArmChairHC]

Sayre will have to score atleast 3x to win this game. It’s going to be an interesting match up for sure.

[WestCoast]

Brock Coffman will without a doubt be the best offensive player Raceland has seen this season. Any time a kid is D1, they can ball. Watched a game earlier this year when Sayre played Paris. I don't think they ran the same play twice for their first 25 plays or so. Rollouts, tosses, screens, deep shots, curls, crossing routes.....this is a NFL caliber offense and looks nothing like the high school ground and pound offenses Raceland has seen this year.
Raceland does a lot of 1v1 coverages and their DBs better be ready to go Friday.
Offensively Raceland will not be able to line up and run it 50 times this game. Pikeville tried that, it's not happening. If you are Raceland you better get inventive and throw everything you have out there.

[Westside]

What I find interesting is that a lot of people on this site are constantly saying a team has to play a tough regular season schedule to be playoff ready.  I am not sure Sayre has ever done that.  They could very well be exception, but look at them now.

[RAMDAD50]

What I find interesting is that a lot of people on this site are constantly saying a team has to play a tough regular season schedule to be playoff ready.  I am not sure Sayre has ever done that.  They could very well be exception, but look at them now.

I believe the Philosophy behind the tougher schedule is playing someone that will put points on you and you will be behind in the game so that you know how to dig down and keep trying to find a way to win rather staying in that shock and awe that you might lose the game. You don’t want to experience this as a team when it’s an elimination game. I’d say Sayer looks at travel cost when putting together a schedule and being a small school in Lexington under the RPI era I’d say it’s tough to get the bigger schools on the schedule. Playing a tougher schedule definitely makes you a better team but you can play to tough of a schedule.

[rookie57]

What I find interesting is that a lot of people on this site are constantly saying a team has to play a tough regular season schedule to be playoff ready.  I am not sure Sayre has ever done that.  They could very well be exception, but look at them now.

That’s what many on here said about Paducah TILGHMAN, now they’re crying it’s the refs fault

[ArmChairHC]

There are a lot of ifs and buts that come into this match up. There are a lot of factors that could determine the outcome of this game. So here we go….

Last night a tough schedule won the game for Raceland. Raceland face adversity off and on all evening. But the grind of tight ball games or playing from behind, kept Raceland from being intimidated by the moment. When things got tough, Raceland seemed to have the answer, especially defensively. That was from having to get comfortable being uncomfortable through out the nondistrict part of the schedule. But, as RAD said, you can play too tough of a schedule and bite off more than you can chew, especially as a small school. See Pikeville ‘24 edition for that example.

Sayre hasn’t played much of a schedule. Pikeville was the best team they played and it wasn’t really close. And Pikeville was pretty banged up and borderline depleted. Sayre only scored two offensive touchdowns to beat the Panthers. That being said, the schedule isn’t the end all be all. Sayre’s ability to line up and play physical football against their last two opponents, has shown their kids have grown up a little since last year and they seem to have a little more toughness than they did a year ago. Their offense is also very diverse and well coached.

This game is a clash of styles. Sayre will want to push the tempo and run and gun. While Raceland will look to slow the game down and control TOP and the LOS. Sayre hasn’t seen a front 7 with the speed that Raceland has this year. I don’t think they have played a secondary that’s as good as Racelands either. The question is, how does Raceland approach the game. First and foremost their philosophy is always been STOP THE RUN. Well…Sayre doesn’t really do that. They can run the ball, but their approach is spread it out and nickel and dime you with quick concepts. So does Raceland adjust to that? Last year they did in the second half and it changed the game completely.

Coffman is a phenomenal athlete. But idk if he is something Raceland hasn’t seen before. He is going to get plenty of touches though and is probably good for two scores.

The magic number, imo is 21. Sayers defense is also better than what I thought. They force a lot of turnovers. But Racelands defense has time and time again, proved to be a very hard thing to deal with. They have given up a few big plays, but in order to beat Raceland, you will have to sustain drives and be extremely efficient.

Lot of things go into this one. But I think the experience of being at Kroger, and the process of the day, coupled with a strength of schedule, and speed of the Raceland defense and line play will decide the game. This is not going to be a walk in the park, but I think the Rams finally get it done.

Rams 22
Spartans 14

[Advicegiver74]

Raceland by 14

[ArmChairHC]

Last week I mentioned a killer instinct that this team seemed to have. It’s been said time and time again “this team is different” year after year “this is the year” was shouted from the rooftops down Ram BLVD. this year “this team is different” had a different meaning. Young, inexperienced, new faces everywhere. But we saw in the first few games, that this team was full of a bunch of hungry kids. The difference this year isn’t size. Though we are faster almost everywhere, it isn’t speed. It’s depth and more importantly, heart and killer instinct.

In the regional championship game, the Raceland defense were facing a 1st and goal from the 3 yard line. The game was already in hand and it looked like the shutout wouldn’t happen. Fast forward 3 or 4 plays and it’s 4th and goal from the 7. Then a turnover on downs. Killer instinct from that side of the ball.

Last night. In the shadow of our own goal post, from our own 2 yard line, game is on the line. KCD gets a stop, they got a short field, 3 minutes, and a timeout to have a shot to win the game. Instead our ground and pound looked stronger than it had all night on a 98 yard drive to put the nail in the coffin. Again, killer instinct.

There’s a grit and brotherhood with this bunch that I haven’t seen in a very long time in a bunch of Rams. I think Mike calls it “forged in adversity”…they have shocked the hell out of me since week 4.

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Last week I mentioned a killer instinct that this team seemed to have. It’s been said time and time again “this team is different” year after year “this is the year” was shouted from the rooftops down Ram BLVD. this year “this team is different” had a different meaning. Young, inexperienced, new faces everywhere. But we saw in the first few games, that this team was full of a bunch of hungry kids. The difference this year isn’t size. Though we are faster almost everywhere, it isn’t speed. It’s depth and more importantly, heart and killer instinct.

In the regional championship game, the Raceland defense were facing a 1st and goal from the 3 yard line. The game was already in hand and it looked like the shutout wouldn’t happen. Fast forward 3 or 4 plays and it’s 4th and goal from the 7. Then a turnover on downs. Killer instinct from that side of the ball.

Last night. In the shadow of our own goal post, from our own 2 yard line, game is on the line. KCD gets a stop, they got a short field, 8 minutes, and 3 timeouts to have a shot to win the game. Instead our ground and pound looked stronger than it had all night on a 98 yard drive to put the nail in the coffin. Again, killer instinct.

There’s a grit and brotherhood with this bunch that I haven’t seen in a very long time in a bunch of Rams. I think Mike calls it “forged in adversity”…they have shocked the hell out of me since week 4.

[Belichick]

Here’s the problem for Raceland. They don’t have a scary offense. It isn’t diverse and I am not sold on them being able to throw it much. I think they have good skill guys but the production doesn’t match the talent on the edges. Sayre can man up on receivers and load the box against the run. Raceland doesn’t have a Brenden Anthony. Sayre shut him down. Pikeville didn’t really try to throw maybe because of weather but likely because of depleted receivers and just poor play calling but I see Raceland having trouble scoring enough to beat Sayre who will put points on the board despite a very good Raceland defense. Raceland must be able to score (only 14 on KCD and 13 on Pikeville at home despite winning turnovers 2-0) and they’ll have to be able to throw it some in order to do that. I said last week I would pick Raceland if this game happened but I changed my pick. Watching Sayre the last two weeks, they have it figured out. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Raceland win because it should be a close game but Sayre is harder to defend and I think they still have some wrinkles they can and probably will use. Raceland needs to get pressure on the QB but those quick throws make it harder. Coffman will be the best player on BOTH sides of the ball. Underrated on defense at safety. I’ll take Sayre 21-14 and give me Raceland as preseason #1 for 2025. I think everyone chases them next year.

[ArmChairHC]

Had to make a correction. On the last drive, there was around 11 minutes left in the game. Final drive was almost 7 minutes to go up 14-0

[WestCoast]

Here’s the problem for Raceland. They don’t have a scary offense. It isn’t diverse and I am not sold on them being able to throw it much. I think they have good skill guys but the production doesn’t match the talent on the edges. Sayre can man up on receivers and load the box against the run. Raceland doesn’t have a Brenden Anthony. Sayre shut him down. Pikeville didn’t really try to throw maybe because of weather but likely because of depleted receivers and just poor play calling but I see Raceland having trouble scoring enough to beat Sayre who will put points on the board despite a very good Raceland defense. Raceland must be able to score (only 14 on KCD and 13 on Pikeville at home despite winning turnovers 2-0) and they’ll have to be able to throw it some in order to do that. I said last week I would pick Raceland if this game happened but I changed my pick. Watching Sayre the last two weeks, they have it figured out. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Raceland win because it should be a close game but Sayre is harder to defend and I think they still have some wrinkles they can and probably will use. Raceland needs to get pressure on the QB but those quick throws make it harder. Coffman will be the best player on BOTH sides of the ball. Underrated on defense at safety. I’ll take Sayre 21-14 and give me Raceland as preseason #1 for 2025. I think everyone chases them next year.

I agree with this unfortunately. I have watched 3 Sayre games now, and what makes them so good on offense is unpredictability. Its nothing for Raceland to run maybe 12 plays all game and just rotate them. Good teams catch on to that by the 4th quarter. Thats why you are seeing that as your competition gets better deeper in the playoffs, the offense gets less successful. Raceland has a horrible history of being ultra conservative in big games with big stakes. The Rams have the better team and a great defense, but Sayre is going to get at least 14 in this game. Rams better get some crossing routes in this week, a few trick plays, reverses, and come prepared to let it all hang out.

[ArmChairHC]

The above statements are my only real concern in this game. The deciding factor will be if we open up the playbook or if we can keep Sayre under 14 points. It’s an interesting match up because I think Sayre wants to do the opposite that Raceland does. The Spartans wanna make it a shoot out and Raceland wants to slow the game down. Raceland does not have an Anthony, BUT, they have 4 RBs to rotate touches and a WR in Ison that also runs the ball out of the wildcat. I think Sayre has the more explosive offense, but watching their last two games, if you can get pressure on Pennington, while it’s no easy task, he will rush throws and can make some mistakes.

[zangazang]

Give me the spartans love to see Pennington win the big one! Can’t count out the rams but not sure they can stop sayres dominate passing game.

I’m counting the rams out in this one because they don’t have a single db that can guard one sayre receiver and the rams won’t be able to move the ball because they don’t have a real qb

[RAMDAD50]

The Rams can’t get behind on the score board by two scores. If they do it’s just another state championship loss. Raceland isn’t built to come from behind. I don’t think Raceland has completed a pass more than ten yards in three weeks. Keep the ball away from Sayer and pound the ground is the only hope at this point in season.

[4th Down]

I think we are in for a good game.  Sayre has not faced a defense like Raceland all year.  Same goes for Raceland has not seen a passing team like Sayre all year.  Both teams have weapons all over the field.  Last year that's all they talked about how good Sayre's passing game was and how Raceland was gonna struggle.  We see how that went.  Now, Sayre is a lot better and it is gonna be tough for the Rams, but Raceland's defense is better than last years in my opinion.  This should be a competitive game.  I do think Raceland will need to throw the ball 30 or 40% of the time.  I think if they do that, the run game will be hard to handle.  Raceland has receivers that can play and that can gain good yards after the catch.  We have to use them more.  I like Raceland in this one.  I think it will be close at first, but with Raceland's toughness and stamina, they pull away late by two scores.

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I meant to ask any of you if anyone knows the status of Stiltner?

[RAMDAD50]

I think we are in for a good game.  Sayre has not faced a defense like Raceland all year.  Same goes for Raceland has not seen a passing team like Sayre all year.  Both teams have weapons all over the field.  Last year that's all they talked about how good Sayre's passing game was and how Raceland was gonna struggle.  We see how that went.  Now, Sayre is a lot better and it is gonna be tough for the Rams, but Raceland's defense is better than last years in my opinion.  This should be a competitive game.  I do think Raceland will need to throw the ball 30 or 40% of the time.  I think if they do that, the run game will be hard to handle.  Raceland has receivers that can play and that can gain good yards after the catch.  We have to use them more.  I like Raceland in this one.  I think it will be close at first, but with Raceland's toughness and stamina, they pull away late by two scores.

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I meant to ask any of you if anyone knows the status of Stiltner?

Stiltner was dressed and on the sidelines last night but was limping pretty good. We miss him badly. He’s the one back that would’ve gashed KCD. We had runs last night where we didn’t get touched u til five or 7 yards downfield. If he’s running the ball on those plays they probably go to the house. In my opinion and it’s just strictly on what I seen last night….he won’t be able to go Friday

[ArmChairHC]

Stiltner is definitely a potential house call anytime he gets the ball. Problem is he hasn’t been 100% since week 3 or so. If he isn’t at 100%, imo it’s not worth the risk of a bigger injury coming into play. He is only a Soph. Him going down let us see exactly what we had bc he was the bell cow up to the point he got injured. If we can go, he is a difference maker that, imo, makes Raceland a heavy favorite next week.

That being said, I will be surprised if he can play. But, I still like Raceland in a close game. I think the defense and ground game becomes the deciding factor.

[Micro-Brew]

3 weeks ago had you told me that Raceland and Sayre would be in the state title game, I would’ve said Raceland by Eleventy Billion. But after Sayre’s performance against Pikeville and Campbellsville I could see this being a very competitive game. Only seeing Raceland score 14 verses KCD would be a little concerning if I were a Ram fan. Sayre can have some offensive success against the Rams but the question will be can they finish drives in the endzone? Also defensively Sayre is much more physical than I was expecting and everyone knows how good Coffman is offensively, but that kid is a helluva safety too. He fills running lanes quickly and with intent. This game is very interesting to me because I could be happy for Raceland winning. Those kids, staff and fan base deserve a title.
Also through the years I’ve been a big proponent of Chad Pennington and what he’s done at that program in such a short time frame has been amazing. That dude can flat coach. Also a question to any of you Sayre guys, did I see Ex EKU line coach Eric Losey helping coach Sayre as well? If so that’s a nice staff addition as well.

[Fanman]

Rooting for the Rams to get over that hump and win them a title. This year's team goes to show you that there are a LOT of factors that go into winning a state title (or being in position to), some in your control, some not. I think most Raceland fans would agree this is not their best team they've had in recent years, yet here they are. Good luck Rams!

[AgentOrange]

Pulling for Coach Salmons and The Rams!

[Gunslinger33]

A really good offense goes against a really good defense. This one will show the old tale of “defense wins championships.” Racelands offense isn’t terrible but seems like they live through their defense. I think they’re the more physical team but I also feel like sayre is the more athletic and explosive team. Whoever makes the first mistake loses.

[Orange Blaze]

Raceland’s problem this season has been struggling to put points on the board against the better teams they’ve faced. The defense will continue doing what it’s done up to this point and the offense will play keep away ball. Raceland is very capable of winning this game but I think we need to be able to score at least 21 points which the offense is very capable of doing.

[ArmChairHC]

I think the match ups within the match up favors Raceland. Sayre holds the advantage at WR because of Coffman and Pennington is the better QB. That being said, Waller isn’t asked to do the same things that Pennington is. Waller simply has to manage the game and not throw INTs. Which he has done a good job of this year. Raceland holds the advantage upfront imo. And I think they have the speed to shake things up with pressure on Pennington. To me the game will be decided by Racelands ability to get pressure on Sayre and Sayre’s ability to run the ball. I feel like Raceland presents more issues to Sayre’s offense than any other team they have played.

[bac2369]

This should be one heck of a game. Brock Coffman is huge on both sides of the ball but it seems he gets more credit offensively. You want to know those offensive stats against Campbellsville? 2 catches for 4 yards… yes that’s right. Defensively is where he had a big game with 14 tackles. Hearing those offensive numbers would about Coffman you’d think they got beat. But no, they won by 3 scores. So credit Campbellsville for taking him away offensively.
Sayre offensively had 267 yards total for the game. Campbellsville had 286 for the game.

Raceland will need to throw the ball some more in this matchup. I think they need to mix it up some as welll to throw that Sayre defense off. I think they need to throw it around 12-18 times in this one to keep Sayre from just getting down hill to stop the run. Raceland will also need to get pressure on Pennington and disrupt him. As I read in here saying Raceland doesn’t have a DB to matchup with Coffman, you are wrong about that. Austin Mckee has did an exceptional job all season on big time recievers and I’m sure he will draw Coffman too. I’m not sure if the Rams are gonna line him up everywhere Coffman goes or not but most of the time I will expect McKee on him. A key for me for Raceland in this one, is if they win the toss I think they need to take the ball and take it down and score first in this one. The Rams usually defer but I think in this one they will need to take it first and put that pressure on Sayre with an opening score.

[4th Down]

I agree, McKee is is a good defender.  He will play good on anyone he goes against.  Also, Raceland will for sure need to throw more.  I think if Raceland runs 60 plays, (just a guess), then they need to throw 20 plus times.  Eveyone wants to talk about Sayre's receivers, and they do have some good ones,  but Raceland has some good receivers as well.  You don't here as much about them because Raceland is a run heavy offense.  The games I have seen, they have two or three solid receivers that can get open, catch, and gain yards after catch.  Ison and Rowsey are two starting receivers that played last year in the championship game.  I think Raceland should give those two at least 5 to 8 targets a game at a minimum.  Rowsey is finally healthy and making plays.  Ison is continues to make big plays and gain big yards after the catch. I feel lson is there go to receiver when they need a big conversion.  Don't forget about Arnett, another good receiver and a good running back.  Rister also has good hands and can give you big downs.  All of these guys have what it takes to take this team to there first state title.  Everyone knows the running game is good with Marushi leading the way.  As for the QB some think is a problem, Waller has done just fine.  He is not a flashy QB, but he is smart and makes good throws.  The problem is, they need to call plays to let him throw.  Give him a chance to get the ball to his receivers. 

I feel like this game is going to be a good one.  Both teams have good players.  I think the big difference is in this game, who is gonna leave it all on the field and who is gonna play it safe.  This is it, you play your best athletes and you throw everything you got at your opponent.  There is no tomorrow, no regrets.

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Does anyone know why Class A always plays the first game on Friday? Just curious!!!