[3yards+c.o.d.]

Raceland has a ton returning this season and it could be a very special year. Here is an overview on the Rams that I believe is pretty accurate......................


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Raceland Football 2008

1. Plays a strong schedule.
One of the keys for Raceland to continue to improve and to become a perennial 1A threat is to continue to play larger schools, and quality non-district games to better prepare them for the quality 1A teams they will have to face in the playoffs. Last year, in non-district games, Raceland played one 1A team (Paintsville), three 3A teams (Russell, East Carter, and West Carter), one 4A team (Greenup Co.), and one 5A team (Ashland). Raceland will be playing these teams again this season, and many of them have improved and will give Raceland some regular season tests and help in preparing them for the playoffs. Ashland will be in good shape this season with quite a bit of experience returning, Greenup Co showed great improvement at the end of last season and provides a playoff type atmosphere, East and West Carter both had some great performances last year, Paintsville is a question mark for this season with a new coach they should have some new energy, Russell is good year in and year out and provides a playoff atmosphere. By playing a strong schedule Raceland will be more prepared for district and playoff games.

2. Stingy defense.
In 2007, Raceland’s defense was good, but not as strong as the 2006 season. For Raceland to win the big games, they are going to have to get back to the stingy defense of 2006. In 2007 Raceland allowed an average of 21 points per game, they are going to have to get that down to 14 or below to control big games. Raceland returns 8 defensive starters, including last years leading tackler Brett Denton, who averaged around 10 tackles per game. Lost are one linebacker position, one defensive line position, and one defensive back position. John Scott Carver will be back at one of the linebacker positions. Carver is very athletic and quick to the ball. Robbie Logan will be back at his defensive line position, he matured and was a strong defensive player by the playoffs last season.

3. Poised offense.
The offense is one area that should be of little concern. In 2007 Raceland had an explosive offense that could score quickly, and was very balanced. Raceland returns 9 starters on offense, including both running backs – Denton who rushed for over one thousand yards and Carver who rushed for six hundred yards, starting quarterback Tyler Boyles will be back as well – who passed for one thousand yards. Lost from last year is one offensive lineman and one receiver. Brian Tolliver and Todd Selvage both gained experience last season and both will be strong at the receiver positions. The offensive line, minus one, is back and did a great job last year and will only get better. Raceland’s offense should be a bright spot from start to finish.

4. Special teams.
Special teams is the place that Raceland will have to rebuild the most. Gone from the last three seasons is place kicker and punter, Jacob Sparks. Sparks will be difficult to replace and had become a potent weapon for Raceland. Tate Preston will likely handle the kicking duties, and a search for a punter will have to begin.

5. Staying healthy
In 2006, Raceland experience a large number of injuries and at one point had 6, two way, starters out at the same time. Raceland will have to stay healthy to maintain momentum to compete in the playoffs.

6. Players to watch.
Tyler Boyles (Sr) QB – Will be a senior, three year starter, one at receiver and now two at
QB. Boyles passed for 1,000 yards last season, distributing the ball to four
Different receivers.

Brett Denton (Sr) RB/LB –Honorable Mention All-State, Army Iron man of the Week,
And Co-District MVP. Rushed for 1100 yards last season, and was the teams
Leading tackler.

John Scott Carver (Sr) RB/LB – Second leading rusher from last season, with over 600
Yards. also, a strong defensive player who can get to the ball.

Todd Selvage (Sr) WR/DB – Became a good receiver last season and a good defensive
Player after becoming much more athletic in the 2007 off –season.

Brian Tolliver (Sr) WR/KR/DB – Very athletic, plays some at running back, but will
Probably start at receiver. Sure handed receiver. Tolliver will more then likely
Also start at the open defensive back position.

Robbie Logan (Sr) OL/DL – Good size at 6’4”, 250. Good offensive lineman, but has
Become a very good defensive lineman. Big, strong, and fast from his line
Position.

Cody Chinn (Sr) OL/DL – A 6’, 250 lineman who will be a returning starter. Strong on
The offensive line and the defensive line.

Bobby McKee (Jr) WR/DB/KR – Handled the return duties last season and became very
Proficient at it. Could, more then likely, take the third receiver spot and give
Three