[T-CATS]

I hope that when when play FTH (1) they have to drive 3 hours to Putnam and play but most importantly we are full strength,all players are healthy and playing their best. I want to see Baker and company go up against the best and hopefully beat the birds!

[Club17]

I think the difference the elite teams have are the types of kids that play the line positions and the quality of each positions backups. It's different having 100 players and 100 kids on a team. Plus, most "mountain" linemen are just big country boys and in Ashlands case they have the more unathletic kids playing linemen. The best time have athletic big kids on the line.

[Harry Rex Vonner]

I hope that when when play FTH (1) they have to drive 3 hours to Putnam and play but most importantly we are full strength,all players are healthy and playing their best. I want to see Baker and company go up against the best and hopefully beat the birds!

Good wish list. However, you left out one important ingredient- Bobby Kouns officiating the game. And, of course, you could well be playing CovCath instead of FTH.

[Do-double-gg]

Too many to list, maybe patchy can help us out. He's a tomcat kind of boy.

I would love to know where Patch is. Last season he was on every thread talking about Fairview like he was possessed talking about transfers, but now he is MIA. Probably afraid that some of us will drive him crazy about transfers like he did all of BGR last year.

[MrBWesley]

Let me put this out there. If Ashland cant beat NCC by more than 17, then they will have no chance of going deep in the playoffs. Both teams will be at full strength come week 1. I realize it does take some time for teams to gel. That being said, it will take NCC longer to find out because of the limited numbers. As i mentioned before, with what NCC is trying to do right now with the roster and certain players in their current positions, thats why im predicting NCC getting beat. Baker had a monster game last season and the defense at that time had NCC's best possible lineup. Baker is liable to have 500 yards rushing this year the way the defense stands now.

[sstack]

Harry we all know FTH is the King of 4A but losing last season to Collins and Your head coach quits and hearing your best player transfers, their could be a few chinks in the armor of the mighty Blue Birds!

I feel like a lot around the state are feeling this way, but think they will be surprised to see things are not going to change much around Highlands. Lose to Collins was a big upset and in my opinion one of Muellers worst games coached. New head coach has been co-head coach for past 2-3 years and has had major say in the way the team was run. I do not think coaching change is going to make a big difference; there will be some differences in the way things are run, but I do not expect any huge changes. As far as best player leaving, I believe HHS best player did not leave! Hodge is going to prove what a lot of fans have been saying since last year. Have heard great things from other teams fans who have seen him already this year. He is big, good runner, and throws a rope. Should have been the starter last year, but Dale likes to give the seniors the start and last year Drew really could not play any other position and Hodge could. QB, WR, and RB will be really good, my concern is how the lines shape up and DB's. Just think a lot of people want to see Highlands fall and are hoping that a few changes will cause it to happen. They are returning a lot this year, if a fall is going to happen, I do not think it will be this year but in 2-3 years when a few weaker classes will be counted on.

[Harry Rex Vonner]

I feel like a lot around the state are feeling this way, but think they will be surprised to see things are not going to change much around Highlands. Lose to Collins was a big upset and in my opinion one of Muellers worst games coached. New head coach has been co-head coach for past 2-3 years and has had major say in the way the team was run. I do not think coaching change is going to make a big difference; there will be some differences in the way things are run, but I do not expect any huge changes. As far as best player leaving, I believe HHS best player did not leave! Hodge is going to prove what a lot of fans have been saying since last year. Have heard great things from other teams fans who have seen him already this year. He is big, good runner, and throws a rope. Should have been the starter last year, but Dale likes to give the seniors the start and last year Drew really could not play any other position and Hodge could. QB, WR, and RB will be really good, my concern is how the lines shape up and DB's. Just think a lot of people want to see Highlands fall and are hoping that a few changes will cause it to happen. They are returning a lot this year, if a fall is going to happen, I do not think it will be this year but in 2-3 years when a few weaker classes will be counted on.

I believe that sstack has posted a lot of facts that may burst some bubbles.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Does anyone know any info on Kurtlen Brown?

[Clint Westwood]

I would love to know where Patch is. Last season he was on every thread talking about Fairview like he was possessed talking about transfers, but now he is MIA. Probably afraid that some of us will drive him crazy about transfers like he did all of BGR last year.

He's somewhere licking his wounds. He wont comment on Ashland's transfers and if he does he will justify it. He's a turd no doubt about it.

[T-CATS]

I feel like a lot around the state are feeling this way, but think they will be surprised to see things are not going to change much around Highlands. Lose to Collins was a big upset and in my opinion one of Muellers worst games coached. New head coach has been co-head coach for past 2-3 years and has had major say in the way the team was run. I do not think coaching change is going to make a big difference; there will be some differences in the way things are run, but I do not expect any huge changes. As far as best player leaving, I believe HHS best player did not leave! Hodge is going to prove what a lot of fans have been saying since last year. Have heard great things from other teams fans who have seen him already this year. He is big, good runner, and throws a rope. Should have been the starter last year, but Dale likes to give the seniors the start and last year Drew really could not play any other position and Hodge could. QB, WR, and RB will be really good, my concern is how the lines shape up and DB's. Just think a lot of people want to see Highlands fall and are hoping that a few changes will cause it to happen. They are returning a lot this year, if a fall is going to happen, I do not think it will be this year but in 2-3 years when a few weaker classes will be counted on.

As dominant as they are and have been, you have to look for anything to make yourself think they are vulnerable.You can't stay on top forever but they have had a hell of a run and won't go out without a fight.

[BKisler]

Bench press doesn't mean anything in football. It's all about squats and power clean.

[BKisler]

405

Great accomplishment for the young man; but bench press doesn't do much for you in football.

What is he squatting and power cleaning?

[Club17]

Back to Ashland talk, how did practice look today? Anyone seen the offense they're running, please tell me it's not that ridiculous flexbone pistol crap again.

[T-CATS]

Talked to Q. B. Dad today over at Putnam, practice is going good everyone is buying in, jelling together and their adding more plays to the playbook. They will be running the same offense but it will be more complex this being the 2nd year in it. Everyone I talk to is excited about the season ahead and can't wait for Aug.22. I personally have watched them twice and they look big and fast. Baker is thick been in the weight room he weighs 195 but gotten faster. I personally think NCC is in deep trouble along with the other 9 Teams on the schedule. This could be a very special season coming up.

[Club17]

195? I bet he looks like a tank, how about the rest of them? What about the line? I know there were some lean years as far as linemen go. How are they coming along?

[T-CATS]

195? I bet he looks like a tank, how about the rest of them? What about the line? I know there were some lean years as far as linemen go. How are they coming along?

Line is huge. If they can get in the way of someone for a split second, Ashland won't lose a game this regular season. They are just in shorts and helmets right now most of them even the lineman are shirtless and look like they have been in the weight room. Q is ripped!!!! He will have a HUGE season and be very hard to slow down.

[strawberryshakeman]

Let me put this out there. If Ashland cant beat NCC by more than 17, then they will have no chance of going deep in the playoffs. Both teams will be at full strength come week 1. I realize it does take some time for teams to gel. That being said, it will take NCC longer to find out because of the limited numbers. As i mentioned before, with what NCC is trying to do right now with the roster and certain players in their current positions, thats why im predicting NCC getting beat. Baker had a monster game last season and the defense at that time had NCC's best possible lineup. Baker is liable to have 500 yards rushing this year the way the defense stands now.

Now you've gone from 24 to 17....which is it?

[Club17]

If it's anything but a rout I think Ashland should be disappointed. Not taking anything away from NCC but with what Ashland returns, the game being in new Putnam and what NCC has lost, the Tomcats have to start this year on a high note. I still say if Ashland had any idea how to tackle last year they would've won. Hopefully some defense finds it's way into their off season drill work so they don't get embarrassed right off the bat. With Love being a defensive guy I would think the team would be fast and physical on that side of the ball.

[T-CATS]

First game I just want the W!!!!

[Scotty_Bronson]

I dont think you can gauge Ashland until weeks 3 or 4. For example, if you compare them to one of their most common early season oponents, Raceland, In the last 10 years, Ashland holds a 7-3 advantage over Raceland. If I am not mistaken, and someone correct me if I am wrong, they have only won the district 1 of those years. Their season always ends the same way and its generally the same ending for Johnson Central, either CC or FTH thumps them. I hope this year is different. If things are as they seem, Ashland should be a 3-4 TD favorite over Raceland. Regaurdless of the outcome Raceland needs to play against the speed Ashland has to help prepare them for Nov. With that said, win or lose to Raceland, win or lose to NCC, its a good game for all involved, but it wont have mch outcome on what happens by seasons end, excluding injuries.

[Club17]

Ultimately Ashlands season will end where it always does, but I don't agree with the statement that the outcome of those first few games doesn't matter. I think the attitude of the team and the momentum gained from rolling in the first few weeks is very important to a team like Ashland. If they have a monster season, all the way to Highlands maybe they won't be as intimidated. It's amazing how much of the game is mental. I think a lot of these boys have a ton of confidence and that's part of what is needed to take down a team like Highlands.

[Harry Rex Vonner]

Line is huge. If they can get in the way of someone for a split second, Ashland won't lose a game this regular season. They are just in shorts and helmets right now most of them even the lineman are shirtless and look like they have been in the weight room. Q is ripped!!!! He will have a HUGE season and be very hard to slow down.

Gee. Is there any reason to play the regular season? On the other hand, we can all follow from week to week and see how much of this fan hype is truth and how much is horse manure.

[Scotty_Bronson]

Ultimately Ashlands season will end where it always does, but I don't agree with the statement that the outcome of those first few games doesn't matter. I think the attitude of the team and the momentum gained from rolling in the first few weeks is very important to a team like Ashland. If they have a monster season, all the way to Highlands maybe they won't be as intimidated. It's amazing how much of the game is mental. I think a lot of these boys have a ton of confidence and that's part of what is needed to take down a team like Highlands.

Should have quoted. Wins are inportant, no matter how big or how small. I was more so refering to the statement that was made if they didnt beat NCC by 17, then they stood no chance against FTH.

[T-CATS]

Gee. Is there any reason to play the regular season? On the other hand, we can all follow from week to week and see how much of this fan hype is truth and how much is horse manure.

Yes you play to win the games all of them!!

[Club17]

Harry, what constitutes it as horse manure? Many teams would love to have 9 win seasons consistently. Now, is ashland one of the top tier teams, probably not. But to say they don't have a solid program is selling them pretty short. I think it goes Highlands, Cov Cath, Collins and then Johnson Central, Ashland, Lex Cath, and so on in the second tier. Are the Highlands, of course not but they are year in and year out a well above average team.

[Harry Rex Vonner]

Harry, what constitutes it as horse manure? Many teams would love to have 9 win seasons consistently. Now, is ashland one of the top tier teams, probably not. But to say they don't have a solid program is selling them pretty short. I think it goes Highlands, Cov Cath, Collins and then Johnson Central, Ashland, Lex Cath, and so on in the second tier. Are the Highlands, of course not but they are year in and year out a well above average team.

T-CATS suggested that it was quite possible that they wouldn't lose a regular season game. That will, of course, turn out to be truth or it will turn out to be horse manure. I would lean toward the latter. But, everyone is undefeated in July so we will have to wait and see. Your district is weak other than Ashland and Johnson Central. It is unlikely that you can beat JC away from home. The winner eventually gets to play CovCath at home. The loser goes to FTH. But, next year your region becomes much weaker so you may do a little better.

[MrBWesley]

Now you've gone from 24 to 17....which is it?

24 is more than 17. At least in most books i think????

[Mr. E. Mann]

Ashland will win 8 games this year.

[Club17]

Heard today was the first padded practice...any pads popping?

[washed up]

shells