FINAL Week 16 (Dec. 3)
1. Raceland+ (11-4)
2. Ashland (10-2)
3. Paris (10-2)
4. East Carter+ (10-3)
5. Boyd County (6-6)
6. Russell (7-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 15 (Nov. 26)
1. Raceland+ (11-3)
2. Ashland (10-2)
3. Paris (10-2)
4. East Carter+ (10-3)
5. Boyd County (6-6)
6. Russell (7-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 14 (Nov. 19)
1. Raceland+ (10-3)
2. Ashland (10-2)
3. Paris (10-2)
4. East Carter+ (10-3)
5. Boyd County (6-6)
6. Russell (7-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 13 (Nov. 12)
1. Ashland (10-2)
2. Raceland+ (9-3)
3. Paris (10-2)
4. East Carter+ (10-2)
5. Boyd County (6-6)
6. Russell (7-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 12 (Nov. 5)
1. Ashland (10-1)
2. Raceland+ (8-3)
3. Paris (10-1)
4. East Carter+ (9-2)
5. Russell (7-4)
6. Boyd County (6-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 11 (Oct. 29)
1. Ashland (9-1)
2. Raceland (7-3)
3. Paris (9-1)
4. East Carter (8-2)
5. Russell (6-4)
6. Boyd County (5-5)
7. Mason County (6-4)
8. Greenup County (6-4)
9. Fleming County (6-4)
10. Campbell County (3-7)
Also considered (in order): George Rogers Clark (4-6), Bracken County (6-4), West Carter (4-6), Bishop Brossart (5-5), Harrison County (6-4), Nicholas County (4-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
Week 10 (Oct. 22)
1. Raceland (7-2)
2. Ashland (8-1)
3. Paris (8-1)
4. East Carter (7-2)
5. Russell (6-4)
6. Boyd County (5-4)
7. Mason County (6-3)
8. Fleming County (6-3)
9. Greenup County (5-4)
10. Campbell County (3-6)
Also considered (in order): George Rogers Clark (4-5), Bracken County (5-4), Bishop Brossart (4-5), Harrison County (5-4), Morgan County (6-3), West Carter (3-6), Nicholas County (3-6), Montgomery County (3-6).
Week 9 (Oct. 15)
1. Ashland (8-0)
2. Raceland (6-2)
3. Paris (7-1)
4. Russell (6-3)
5. East Carter (6-2)
6. Mason County (6-2)
7. George Rogers Clark (4-4)
8. Boyd County (4-4)
9. Fleming County (5-3)
10. Greenup County (4-4)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (5-3), Campbell County (2-6), Bishop Brossart (3-5), Harrison County (4-4), Morgan County (5-3), Nicholas County (3-5).
Week 8 (Oct. 8)
1. Paris (7-0)
2. Ashland (8-0)
3. Raceland (5-2)
4. Russell (5-3)
5. George Rogers Clark (4-3)
6. East Carter (5-2)
7. Mason County (5-2)
8. Bracken County (5-2)
9. Boyd County (3-4)
10. Greenup County (4-3)
Also considered (in order): Fleming County (4-3), Campbell County (2-5), Bishop Brossart (3-4), Harrison County (4-3), Morgan County (5-3), Nicholas County (3-5).
Week 7 (Oct. 1)
1. Paris (6-0)
2. Ashland (7-0)
3. Raceland (4-2)
4. George Rogers Clark (4-2)
5. East Carter (4-2)
6. Russell (4-3)
7. Boyd County (3-3)
8. Bracken County (4-2)
9. Mason County (4-2)
10. Fleming County (4-2)
Also considered (in order): Greenup County (4-3), Campbell County (2-4), Harrison County (4-2), Morgan County (4-3), Bishop Brossart (2-4), Nicholas County (3-4), Lewis County (2-4).
Week 6 (Sep. 24)
1. Paris (5-0)
2. Ashland (6-0)
3. Raceland (3-2)
4. George Rogers Clark (4-2)
5. Russell (3-3)
6. Greenup County (4-2)
7. Bracken County (4-1)
8. East Carter (3-2)
9. Mason County (3-2)
10. Fleming County (3-2)
Also considered (in order): Boyd County (2-3), Campbell County (2-4), Harrison County (4-2), Bishop Brossart (2-3), Nicholas County (2-4), Lewis County (2-3), Morgan County (4-2).
Week 5 (Sep. 17)
1. Paris (5-0)
2. Ashland (5-0)
3. Raceland (2-2)
4. Fleming County (3-1)
5. Greenup County (4-1)
6. George Rogers Clark (3-2)
7. Bracken County (3-1)
8. East Carter (2-2)
9. Boyd County (2-2)
10. Mason County (3-2)
Also considered (in order): Campbell County (2-3), Harrison County (3-2), Russell (2-3), Bishop Brossart (2-3), Nicholas County (2-3), Morgan County (3-2), Lewis County (1-3).
Week 4 (Sep. 10)
1. Raceland (2-1)
2. Paris (4-0)
3. Ashland (4-0)
4. George Rogers Clark (3-1)
5. Fleming County (3-1)
6. Greenup County (3-1)
7. Bracken County (3-1)
8. East Carter (2-2)
9. Boyd County (2-2)
10. Russell (2-2)
Also considered (in order): Mason County (2-2), Harrison County (2-2), Bishop Brossart (2-2), Nicholas County (1-3), Campbell County (1-3), Morgan County (3-1), Lewis County (1-3).
Week 3 (Sep. 3)
1. Ashland (3-0)
2. Raceland (1-1)
3. Paris (3-0)
4. George Rogers Clark (2-1)
5. Fleming County (2-1)
6. Mason County (2-1)
7. East Carter (2-1)
8. Bracken County (2-1)
9. Greenup County (2-1)
10. Harrison County (2-1)
Also considered (in order): Boyd County (1-2), Montgomery County (2-1), Nicholas County (1-2), Russell (1-2), Campbell County (1-2), Lewis County (1-2), Bishop Brossart (1-2), Morgan County (2-1).
Week 2 (Aug. 27)
1. Ashland (2-0)
2. Raceland (1-1)
3. Fleming County (2-0)
4. Paris (2-0)
5. Harrison County (2-0)
6. George Rogers Clark (1-1)
7. Russell (1-1)
8. Greenup County (1-1)
9. Nicholas County (1-1)
10. Boyd County (1-1)
Also considered (in order): Lewis County (1-1), Bracken County (1-1), Mason County (1-1), East Carter (1-1), Campbell County (1-1), Montgomery County (1-1), Bishop Brossart (0-2).
Week 1 (Aug. 20)
1. Ashland (1-0)
2. Raceland (0-1)
3. Fleming County (1-0)
4. Boyd County (1-0)
5. Paris (1-0)
6. Nicholas County (1-0)
7. Harrison County (1-0)
8. Russell (1-0)
9. Campbell County (1-0)
10. Lewis County (0-1)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (1-0), George Rogers Clark (0-1), Bishop Brossart (0-1), Greenup County (0-1), East Carter (0-1), Montgomery County (1-0), Mason County (0-1), Bath County (1-0).
2023 Preseason
1. Ashland (9-5) – After starting the 2022 season with a 2-4 record, the Tomcats made a surprising late-season surge (winning seven straight) which carried them all the way to the state semifinals. The vast majority of the squad returns and with a young core, second-year ahead coach Chad Tackett looks poised to march right back through the playoffs again this fall. The 2022 club averaged 27.1 points per game, while allowing 24.9 ppg. With a balanced offensive attack, they ran the ball for 2,551 yards and passed for 2,153 yards. Defensively, they allowed 2,206 yards on the ground and 1,994 yards through the air. The road will get tougher for the Maroon and White as it moves up to rejoin arch-nemesis Johnson Central in Class 4A and District 6. Eighteen of last year’s 30 key letter winners return. Four of those are among the 1016sports’ “Terrific 26 to Watch”: senior running back/linebacker Sawyer Edens (111 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries), senior wide receiver/defensive back Brandon Houston (39 receptions for 929 yards, nine touchdowns, 11 tackles), junior running back/defensive back Braxton Jennings (206 rushes for 1,202 yards, 19 TDs, eight catches for 118 yards, one TD, four 2-point conversions, 27 tackles, one interception) and junior quarterback/linebacker LaBryant Strader (137-for-230 for 2,153 yards, 18 TDs, five INTs, 124 rushes for 670 yards, six touchdowns). However, the team is more than those statistical standouts. All three top rushers are back, including the all-junior backfield of Stradler, Jennings and running back/linebacker Atayveon Thomas [64 rushes for 444 yards, seven TDs, three total fumbles (forced and recovered), 57 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, three INTs]. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Asher Adkins will help bolster a potent receiving corps (38 receptions for 459 yards, five TDs). A pair of sophomores will again be counted upon heavily. Running back/defensive back Cameron Davis (four carries for 33 yards, one TD, 75 tackles, five tackles for loss, two INTs) and offensive/defensive lineman Brady Marushi (13 games) had impressive freshman years. Ashland’s front line on both sides of the ball are formidable and experienced. They will be led by seniors Cole Christian (16 tackles), Nate Mills (13 tackles), Tucker Rodgers (14 games) and Joseph Hicks (12 games); and juniors Jackson Billups (30 tackles), Adam Frame (14 games) and Eli Alley (14 games). Three seniors, tight end and defensive lineman Nate Freize (14 games), running back/linebacker Austin Nichols (16 tackles) and running back/linebacker Logan Deboard (10 games) also are back. Key departures include: Terrell Jordan (39 catches for 513 yards, three touchdowns), Isiaiah Ingram (98 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks), Landon Himes (64 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, three defensive fumbles), Jared Brown (52 tackles, six TFLs), Landon Eden (47 tackles, four TFLs, one fumble recovery), Kahil Vaughn (32 tackles, one interception) and Colin Howard (28 tackles, two fumble recoveries). Arguably Ashland’s biggest question mark will be with its special teams. Two players shared the duties on extra points and both of them return [senior Jake Sexton (20-for-23 point-after attempts) and junior Brian Church (18-of-22 PATs)], but the club did not attempt a field goal last fall. There also will be a new player kicking off and punting. Coach Tackett also will be relying upon a young core. There are 15 seniors on the roster, but only nine played significant roles last season. Surprisingly, the Tomcats ranked rather lowly in most 3A state team statistics, but did stand out in passing (ninth at 154 yards per game), defensive fumble totals (tied for ninth with 18) and interceptions (tied for 12th with nine). Individually, among the returnees, Strader was eighth in passing (154 ypg), Houston was eighth in receiving (66 ypg), Davis was tied for 14th in forced fumbles (two) and tied for 27th in interceptions (two); Thomas was tied for 16th in interceptions (three); Jennings was 20th in points per game (9.2); Edens was 22nd in tackles per game (7.9) and Adkins was 34th in receiving (33 ypg). Other teams will threaten Ashland’s reign. Perennial-power Raceland is a half-step behind the Tomcats. Fleming County and Boyd County also will challenge for the top spot.
2. Raceland (13-2)
3. Fleming County (7-5)
4. Boyd County (8-4)
5. Mason County (13-1)
6. Paris (8-4)
7. Nicholas County (7-4)
8. Greenup County (8-5)
9. George Rogers Clark (7-4)
10. Lewis County (6-5)
Also considered (in order): East Carter (6-5), Bracken County (7-3), Campbell County (4-7), Montgomery County (3-8), Bishop Brossart (9-3), Harrison County (2-8).
Just missed (in order): Russell (2-9), Rowan County (4-7), Scott (4-7).
FINAL (Dec. 4)
1. Raceland (13-2)
2. Ashland Blazer (9-5)
3. Mason County (13-1)
4. Greenup County (8-5)
5. Boyd County (8-4)
6. George Rogers Clark (7-4)
7. Bishop Brossart (9-3)
8. Paris (8-4)
9. East Carter (6-5)
10. Campbell County (4-7)
Also considered (in order): Nicholas County (7-4), Bracken County (7-3), Fleming County (7-5), Rowan County (4-7), Bourbon County (3-9).
1. Raceland+ (11-4)
2. Ashland (10-2)
3. Paris (10-2)
4. East Carter+ (10-3)
5. Boyd County (6-6)
6. Russell (7-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 15 (Nov. 26)
1. Raceland+ (11-3)
2. Ashland (10-2)
3. Paris (10-2)
4. East Carter+ (10-3)
5. Boyd County (6-6)
6. Russell (7-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 14 (Nov. 19)
1. Raceland+ (10-3)
2. Ashland (10-2)
3. Paris (10-2)
4. East Carter+ (10-3)
5. Boyd County (6-6)
6. Russell (7-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 13 (Nov. 12)
1. Ashland (10-2)
2. Raceland+ (9-3)
3. Paris (10-2)
4. East Carter+ (10-2)
5. Boyd County (6-6)
6. Russell (7-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 12 (Nov. 5)
1. Ashland (10-1)
2. Raceland+ (8-3)
3. Paris (10-1)
4. East Carter+ (9-2)
5. Russell (7-4)
6. Boyd County (6-5)
7. Mason County (6-5)
8. Greenup County (6-5)
9. Fleming County (6-5)
10. Campbell County (3-8)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (6-5), George Rogers Clark (4-7), West Carter (4-7), Harrison County (6-5), Bishop Brossart (5-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
+ Forfeit Win (opponent withdrew from playoffs)
- Forfeit loss (withdrew from playoffs)
Week 11 (Oct. 29)
1. Ashland (9-1)
2. Raceland (7-3)
3. Paris (9-1)
4. East Carter (8-2)
5. Russell (6-4)
6. Boyd County (5-5)
7. Mason County (6-4)
8. Greenup County (6-4)
9. Fleming County (6-4)
10. Campbell County (3-7)
Also considered (in order): George Rogers Clark (4-6), Bracken County (6-4), West Carter (4-6), Bishop Brossart (5-5), Harrison County (6-4), Nicholas County (4-6).
* Forfeit win (Western Hills ineligible player)
Week 10 (Oct. 22)
1. Raceland (7-2)
2. Ashland (8-1)
3. Paris (8-1)
4. East Carter (7-2)
5. Russell (6-4)
6. Boyd County (5-4)
7. Mason County (6-3)
8. Fleming County (6-3)
9. Greenup County (5-4)
10. Campbell County (3-6)
Also considered (in order): George Rogers Clark (4-5), Bracken County (5-4), Bishop Brossart (4-5), Harrison County (5-4), Morgan County (6-3), West Carter (3-6), Nicholas County (3-6), Montgomery County (3-6).
Week 9 (Oct. 15)
1. Ashland (8-0)
2. Raceland (6-2)
3. Paris (7-1)
4. Russell (6-3)
5. East Carter (6-2)
6. Mason County (6-2)
7. George Rogers Clark (4-4)
8. Boyd County (4-4)
9. Fleming County (5-3)
10. Greenup County (4-4)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (5-3), Campbell County (2-6), Bishop Brossart (3-5), Harrison County (4-4), Morgan County (5-3), Nicholas County (3-5).
Week 8 (Oct. 8)
1. Paris (7-0)
2. Ashland (8-0)
3. Raceland (5-2)
4. Russell (5-3)
5. George Rogers Clark (4-3)
6. East Carter (5-2)
7. Mason County (5-2)
8. Bracken County (5-2)
9. Boyd County (3-4)
10. Greenup County (4-3)
Also considered (in order): Fleming County (4-3), Campbell County (2-5), Bishop Brossart (3-4), Harrison County (4-3), Morgan County (5-3), Nicholas County (3-5).
Week 7 (Oct. 1)
1. Paris (6-0)
2. Ashland (7-0)
3. Raceland (4-2)
4. George Rogers Clark (4-2)
5. East Carter (4-2)
6. Russell (4-3)
7. Boyd County (3-3)
8. Bracken County (4-2)
9. Mason County (4-2)
10. Fleming County (4-2)
Also considered (in order): Greenup County (4-3), Campbell County (2-4), Harrison County (4-2), Morgan County (4-3), Bishop Brossart (2-4), Nicholas County (3-4), Lewis County (2-4).
Week 6 (Sep. 24)
1. Paris (5-0)
2. Ashland (6-0)
3. Raceland (3-2)
4. George Rogers Clark (4-2)
5. Russell (3-3)
6. Greenup County (4-2)
7. Bracken County (4-1)
8. East Carter (3-2)
9. Mason County (3-2)
10. Fleming County (3-2)
Also considered (in order): Boyd County (2-3), Campbell County (2-4), Harrison County (4-2), Bishop Brossart (2-3), Nicholas County (2-4), Lewis County (2-3), Morgan County (4-2).
Week 5 (Sep. 17)
1. Paris (5-0)
2. Ashland (5-0)
3. Raceland (2-2)
4. Fleming County (3-1)
5. Greenup County (4-1)
6. George Rogers Clark (3-2)
7. Bracken County (3-1)
8. East Carter (2-2)
9. Boyd County (2-2)
10. Mason County (3-2)
Also considered (in order): Campbell County (2-3), Harrison County (3-2), Russell (2-3), Bishop Brossart (2-3), Nicholas County (2-3), Morgan County (3-2), Lewis County (1-3).
Week 4 (Sep. 10)
1. Raceland (2-1)
2. Paris (4-0)
3. Ashland (4-0)
4. George Rogers Clark (3-1)
5. Fleming County (3-1)
6. Greenup County (3-1)
7. Bracken County (3-1)
8. East Carter (2-2)
9. Boyd County (2-2)
10. Russell (2-2)
Also considered (in order): Mason County (2-2), Harrison County (2-2), Bishop Brossart (2-2), Nicholas County (1-3), Campbell County (1-3), Morgan County (3-1), Lewis County (1-3).
Week 3 (Sep. 3)
1. Ashland (3-0)
2. Raceland (1-1)
3. Paris (3-0)
4. George Rogers Clark (2-1)
5. Fleming County (2-1)
6. Mason County (2-1)
7. East Carter (2-1)
8. Bracken County (2-1)
9. Greenup County (2-1)
10. Harrison County (2-1)
Also considered (in order): Boyd County (1-2), Montgomery County (2-1), Nicholas County (1-2), Russell (1-2), Campbell County (1-2), Lewis County (1-2), Bishop Brossart (1-2), Morgan County (2-1).
Week 2 (Aug. 27)
1. Ashland (2-0)
2. Raceland (1-1)
3. Fleming County (2-0)
4. Paris (2-0)
5. Harrison County (2-0)
6. George Rogers Clark (1-1)
7. Russell (1-1)
8. Greenup County (1-1)
9. Nicholas County (1-1)
10. Boyd County (1-1)
Also considered (in order): Lewis County (1-1), Bracken County (1-1), Mason County (1-1), East Carter (1-1), Campbell County (1-1), Montgomery County (1-1), Bishop Brossart (0-2).
Week 1 (Aug. 20)
1. Ashland (1-0)
2. Raceland (0-1)
3. Fleming County (1-0)
4. Boyd County (1-0)
5. Paris (1-0)
6. Nicholas County (1-0)
7. Harrison County (1-0)
8. Russell (1-0)
9. Campbell County (1-0)
10. Lewis County (0-1)
Also considered (in order): Bracken County (1-0), George Rogers Clark (0-1), Bishop Brossart (0-1), Greenup County (0-1), East Carter (0-1), Montgomery County (1-0), Mason County (0-1), Bath County (1-0).
2023 Preseason
1. Ashland (9-5) – After starting the 2022 season with a 2-4 record, the Tomcats made a surprising late-season surge (winning seven straight) which carried them all the way to the state semifinals. The vast majority of the squad returns and with a young core, second-year ahead coach Chad Tackett looks poised to march right back through the playoffs again this fall. The 2022 club averaged 27.1 points per game, while allowing 24.9 ppg. With a balanced offensive attack, they ran the ball for 2,551 yards and passed for 2,153 yards. Defensively, they allowed 2,206 yards on the ground and 1,994 yards through the air. The road will get tougher for the Maroon and White as it moves up to rejoin arch-nemesis Johnson Central in Class 4A and District 6. Eighteen of last year’s 30 key letter winners return. Four of those are among the 1016sports’ “Terrific 26 to Watch”: senior running back/linebacker Sawyer Edens (111 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries), senior wide receiver/defensive back Brandon Houston (39 receptions for 929 yards, nine touchdowns, 11 tackles), junior running back/defensive back Braxton Jennings (206 rushes for 1,202 yards, 19 TDs, eight catches for 118 yards, one TD, four 2-point conversions, 27 tackles, one interception) and junior quarterback/linebacker LaBryant Strader (137-for-230 for 2,153 yards, 18 TDs, five INTs, 124 rushes for 670 yards, six touchdowns). However, the team is more than those statistical standouts. All three top rushers are back, including the all-junior backfield of Stradler, Jennings and running back/linebacker Atayveon Thomas [64 rushes for 444 yards, seven TDs, three total fumbles (forced and recovered), 57 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, three INTs]. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Asher Adkins will help bolster a potent receiving corps (38 receptions for 459 yards, five TDs). A pair of sophomores will again be counted upon heavily. Running back/defensive back Cameron Davis (four carries for 33 yards, one TD, 75 tackles, five tackles for loss, two INTs) and offensive/defensive lineman Brady Marushi (13 games) had impressive freshman years. Ashland’s front line on both sides of the ball are formidable and experienced. They will be led by seniors Cole Christian (16 tackles), Nate Mills (13 tackles), Tucker Rodgers (14 games) and Joseph Hicks (12 games); and juniors Jackson Billups (30 tackles), Adam Frame (14 games) and Eli Alley (14 games). Three seniors, tight end and defensive lineman Nate Freize (14 games), running back/linebacker Austin Nichols (16 tackles) and running back/linebacker Logan Deboard (10 games) also are back. Key departures include: Terrell Jordan (39 catches for 513 yards, three touchdowns), Isiaiah Ingram (98 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks), Landon Himes (64 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, three defensive fumbles), Jared Brown (52 tackles, six TFLs), Landon Eden (47 tackles, four TFLs, one fumble recovery), Kahil Vaughn (32 tackles, one interception) and Colin Howard (28 tackles, two fumble recoveries). Arguably Ashland’s biggest question mark will be with its special teams. Two players shared the duties on extra points and both of them return [senior Jake Sexton (20-for-23 point-after attempts) and junior Brian Church (18-of-22 PATs)], but the club did not attempt a field goal last fall. There also will be a new player kicking off and punting. Coach Tackett also will be relying upon a young core. There are 15 seniors on the roster, but only nine played significant roles last season. Surprisingly, the Tomcats ranked rather lowly in most 3A state team statistics, but did stand out in passing (ninth at 154 yards per game), defensive fumble totals (tied for ninth with 18) and interceptions (tied for 12th with nine). Individually, among the returnees, Strader was eighth in passing (154 ypg), Houston was eighth in receiving (66 ypg), Davis was tied for 14th in forced fumbles (two) and tied for 27th in interceptions (two); Thomas was tied for 16th in interceptions (three); Jennings was 20th in points per game (9.2); Edens was 22nd in tackles per game (7.9) and Adkins was 34th in receiving (33 ypg). Other teams will threaten Ashland’s reign. Perennial-power Raceland is a half-step behind the Tomcats. Fleming County and Boyd County also will challenge for the top spot.
2. Raceland (13-2)
3. Fleming County (7-5)
4. Boyd County (8-4)
5. Mason County (13-1)
6. Paris (8-4)
7. Nicholas County (7-4)
8. Greenup County (8-5)
9. George Rogers Clark (7-4)
10. Lewis County (6-5)
Also considered (in order): East Carter (6-5), Bracken County (7-3), Campbell County (4-7), Montgomery County (3-8), Bishop Brossart (9-3), Harrison County (2-8).
Just missed (in order): Russell (2-9), Rowan County (4-7), Scott (4-7).
FINAL (Dec. 4)
1. Raceland (13-2)
2. Ashland Blazer (9-5)
3. Mason County (13-1)
4. Greenup County (8-5)
5. Boyd County (8-4)
6. George Rogers Clark (7-4)
7. Bishop Brossart (9-3)
8. Paris (8-4)
9. East Carter (6-5)
10. Campbell County (4-7)
Also considered (in order): Nicholas County (7-4), Bracken County (7-3), Fleming County (7-5), Rowan County (4-7), Bourbon County (3-9).