[gapman]

I didn't see any spin in gapman's post. He pretty much called it as it is. Ashland has a way to go before they can beat Highlands or CovCath. He said he knows how good those two schools are. Not sure how much more you can expect out of him?

To be fair to those Ashland fans predicting a win, CovCath has come a long way back in the last two years. A long way. It wasn't too long ago that CovCath was going to eastern Ky in the playoffs and getting their tails whipped. Sure, the Ashland fans read on here how much improved CovCath was this year, but 90% of the stuff posted on here by posters is based on emotion and what fans hope is the case, as opposed to analysis and what will be the case. So it was only reasonable for people to attribute CovCath's strong game against Highlands to the "rivalry" factor, as opposed to CovCath being as good as they are.

For Ashland to climb to the level of the mountain occupied by CovCath and Highlands, they are going to need to start scheduling both of them during the regular season; they are going to need to schedule strong teams out in the state. Keep one rivalry game; play the district schedule; and fill the rest of the schedule with power programs in Ky. You can only practice for what needs to be done when you know what you need to do. I can see Belfry on the schedule to help prepare for JC, but it does nothing to help prepare for CovCath or Highlands. I realize Raceland and Russell are natural rivalries, but I can't see them helping Ashland prepare for CovCath or Highlands. Lawrence County probably doesn't help prepare either. Don't know the style of play of George Washington or Ironton. I know they have decent programs, but again, unless they help prepare Ashland for the style of play of CovCath and Highlands, I'm not sure they'd be on my schedule if I could avoid them being on there. Based on what I know of Ashland's program and tradition, the Ashland the coach doesn't need to schedule easy wins to build up confidence and the winning attitude. They are way beyond that. Heck, if I wanted to prepare for Highlands and CovCath, the first guy I call is Bob Beatty at Trinity. Sure, I'd lose the game (badly this year) but I think it would pay dividends in the playoffs when I have to play the N. Ky schools.

Congrats to the senior Tomcats. Very nice season and obviously a lot of senior leadership was provided. Best of luck in the future with whatever you decide to make of your lives.

Much appreciated charlie22. Good luck this Friday. To your analysis, probabaly Ironton and George Washington are keepers and I agree about Belfry. Those 3 plus the 3 district games for the must have's on the schedule.
We'll have to see about the rest. Phasing in the better teams over the course of several years may be the Rx for the Cats. I believe the new stadium will breathe some excitement into the program too. Thanks for the comment about the seniors, a team has to have that leadship to compete.