This season gets off with a bang as two area powerhouses clash to start the season off well and pick up bragging rights as the Raceland Rams invade Ashland to take on the Tomcats on Friday night.
Raceland comes into the season after a remarkable 13-2 campaign in 2022 that saw the Rams reach the 1A title game and nothing would get their 2023 season rolling like a win over a strong Tomcat squad.
Logan Lundy returns at quarterback for the Rams. Last season, Lundy passed for 2,372 yards and 35 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 445 yards and 7 touchdowns.
He’ll be joined by last year’s leading rusher Noah Wallace. Wallace had 883 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. Isaac Browning also returns to the backfield after picking up 666 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground in 2022.
One of Lundy’s primary targets also returns in Parker Fannin. Last year, Fannin caught 28 passes for 569 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Ashland comes into the game with a star quarterback of its own. LaBryant Strader led the Tomcats to a 9-5 record and a deep playoff run.
Strader passed for 2,153 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 670 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Braxton Jennings also returns for Ashland after leading the Tomcats in rushing with 1,202 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Brandon Houston is back for the Tomcats after leading the team with 920 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.
Both teams return a lot of talent and could have a huge season, but this game could set the tone for the season ahead. You don’t want to miss this one.
The opening kick is set for 7:30 pm in Ashland.
