Matthew Sparks: Third time will be the charm for Rams
Dec. 1—There's always a first time for everything.
Raceland hopes the third time will be the charm.
The noon game today at Kroger Field means everything to the Rams and their inevitable opponent, Pikeville.
The Panthers already have their rings and championship trophies. They have won seven state titles and will be looking for their third straight crown when the two teams meet again in Lexington.
Before the realignment in 2019, Class A had to contend with teams like Beechwood, Mayfield, Newport Central Catholic and Danville as they chased their championship dreams.
Beechwood won 13 small-school titles between 1991-2018. Pikeville, along with the four aforementioned schools, conquered and dominated Class A for a span of 32 seasons.
Raceland had to contend with Beechwood many times during past postseasons. The Tigers were in the Rams' sister district and the private school was like a roadblock that the orange and black could not get past.
In 2008, Lexington Christian made a November stop at undefeated and top-ranked Raceland and needed a late comeback to thwart the Rams' title hopes and become region champions.
Most of these teams moved on to Class 2A, but one giant remained. But we won't witness a David vs. Goliath matchup today. It's Goliath vs Goliath. Raceland seems determined to knock the Panthers from their spot on top of the mountain.
Pikeville has had the final word the last two years, but the Rams won a defensive battle on the Panthers' home turf on Sept. 8.
Raceland has waited patiently for its shining moment.
The wait will pay off today at Kroger Field. Rams coach Michael Salmons said his team has been all business this week.
"Looking back to 2017, we advanced to Kroger Field for the first time," Salmons said. "It was jubilation. Everybody was ecstatic. We even cut the goalposts down here at Ram Stadium. After the win against Kentucky Country Day, we were excited. We took pictures with the trophy. But we left there still very hungry."
"It's a credit to our kids and where they've come from," he added, "and it's a credit to our staff. Programs go through stages. You just don't go to the top. You have to have some failures along the way. Those things have propelled our program. We still have some unfinished business and we are excited for (today)."
Roundball Roundup—We have stellar coaches in our area but none are more well-liked or well-respected than Boyd County coach Randy Anderson. The Lions leader picked his 500th career victory after his team won its opener at Lewis County on Tuesday night. The Boyd County players celebrated with their coach after the game with a water bottle shower in the locker room. Congratulations coach.
—Menifee County began its season with a double-overtime win over Elliott County on Tuesday night. Junior Brevon Ricker picked up where he left off last season. The guard recorded a double-double with 36 points and 12 rebounds. The point total moved Ricker into fourth place on the school's scoring list. Aiden Manley added 23 points against the Lions.
—The Eastern Kentucky Conference Tournament gets underway on Saturday with four first-round games at various sites. All four games with be girl-boy doubleheaders.
East Carter will travel to Bath County. Fairview will host Lewis County, Rowan County entertains Greenup County and West Carter will compete against Russell in Olive Hill. Each girls game on Saturday starts at 6, and the boys game will follow 20 minutes after its conclusion.
The winners move to the semifinals at Bath County on Monday and Tuesday. The girls will play their semifinal contests on Monday, starting at 6. The boys will compete in Tuesday's semifinals, starting at 6. Both championship games will be on Thursday in Owingsville. The girls will play at 6 and the boys final will take place 20 minutes after the first game is completed.
The consolation round will commence at a school's home floor. The venues will be determined by Saturday's outcomes.
—Fairview has named former star quarterback Alex Roy as its next football coach, per a press release from the school on Thursday. Roy is a 2006 Fairview graduate and played college football at Marshall and at The University of Virginia's College at Wise. He has coached many sports at his alma mater. He's spent the last four seasons on the football staff as a wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back coach. Full story next week in The Daily Independent.
State Finals PickRaceland picked up a few things from their 7-6 win at Pikeville earlier this season, but that was September. The Rams and the Panthers play for a much bigger prize than an early-season win this time. Raceland will keep relying on its defense. It has carried them the last two weeks but it feels like seven points won't get it done at high noon today. The Rams' running game can keep the Pikeville offense off the field and limit their chances of making the explosive play. Both teams are playing in consecutive state finals so it should help the Rams ease into their surroundings with the big-stage experience. To the Raceland fire stations, it's time to tune up your sirens. It's the Rams' turn to sing "We Are The Champions (Queen)."
Raceland 24, Pikeville 20.
Listen Up!Today's radio coverage:
Class A state championship
Raceland vs. Pikeville: koolhits1057.com
