[gapman]

People in this area are quick to forget how different the talent level from different regions of the state.... Our best team in this area didnt come close to Highlands or Cov Cath.... Nothing to be ashamed in that, but you could tell in the local papers, that many believed Ashland had a chance. Not saying they didn't, but reality sets in, and if the game would have been at Cov Cath, the score might have been 60-8... Cov Cath, a great physical team

No, can't go there with ya. If Ashland had put up 7 on their first drive, and I will always say the Cov Cath coaches thought it was going to happen, it would have been a different ball game. Not saying Ashland should have won the game but it would have likely been much more competitive worst case.

Ashland's defense played pretty well in the first half and went in down two TDs. It's no stretch of the imagination to say Ashland should have had at least one TD in the first half or even two. Total offense for Cov Cath was 338, total offense for Ashland was 313. That's only a 25 yard advantage for CC, which could be had in one play. Big plays did hurt the Cats but, I don't agree about not coming close. By the way, home advantage no doubt helped but the crew was out of Lexington.

Having players that go only one way is for sure a big factor but don't forget last year, in the JC and Highlands game how whisker close that affair was and JC had a LOT of two way players. I give Cov Cath the edge because of their line play. We got handled on a number of plays up front, that was the difference in the game, and created those long plays for Gray. On the other side of the ball not being able to put up a meaningful rushing threat was a total game changer for Ashland too. We did have 159 yards on the ground but 117 of that was the QB, leaving only 42 yards to spread among 3 backs. I thought Cov Cath was very well prepared for Ashland and took away some of the things we have been able to do all year.