There are rivalries.

And then there are rivalries.

Ashland-Boyd County takes a back seat to none.

Set for round No. 46 tonight, the Tomcats and Lions will resume one of those old-fashioned duels that goes beyond the usual. It really does have that brother-on-brother, smack-you-up kind of feel. And, refreshingly, it’s more about simple bragging rights than anything else.

Bordering school districts inside the same county, there’s just some obsessive need for competition when you mention Ashland and Boyd County in the same sentence. The football field is just a natural venue for that year-long settlement — and has been for years. It’s a winner- take-all mentality.

I hear a lot of tough talk from both sides, too, never too much good one about the other. Not from the participating parties necessarily, but more from the fans and their communities. I suspect, though, that talk is truly all it really is.

Further in, I suspect that deep down inside there’s actually a respect there for supporters of Ashland and Boyd County. Now all you out there don’t have to run out and admit it to me — and it’s not like I’ll be holding my breath waiting to hear it — but I’m just going to keep on thinking you don’t really hate each other all that much.

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I’m out of bounds. I’m not sure.

But there is at least one thing I am sure about. And that’s the respect for the rivalry itself.

No one knows better what I’m talking about than Lee Evans, Boyd County’s head coach.

Evans played at Ashland and spent several years as an assistant with the Tomcats. He is now in his third season leading the Lions’ program.

“To tell you the truth, I love it,” Evans says. “It’s important to us and important to them. The intensity ... I can’t describe it.”

It’s a lot said in not so many words, isn’t it?

Before practice on Wednesday, Ashland coach Leon Hart said Boyd County is “the biggest game” of the season for Tomcat fans.

What else do you really need to know?

Ashland 34, Boyd County 21

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: Ashland 40-33 (OT)

Series: Ashland 29-16

Radio: WBVB 97.1 FM

Raceland (4-0) at Greenup County (1-3)

Here’s another one of those next-door type brawls.

Each side is coming off a big district a week ago, so I’m expecting a relaxed — but hard-hitting — night of just good old clean football.

The Rams are unbeaten and have been steady all season. The Musketeers could be starting to turn the corner for the stretch run after their 19-18 win over Rowan County last week.

It’s homecoming for Greenup County also, so add a few points there for a fired-up crowd.

Still, the Rams are going to be tough for anyone from here on out.

Raceland 28, Greenup County 20

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: Raceland 34-10

Series: Greenup County 13-9

Radio: WZZZ 107.5 FM

Lawrence County

(0-5) at Russell (4-1)

Records can be deceiving, but I’m sure the Bulldogs are tired of hearing that by now. All they want is a win.

Unfortunately it’s another tall order this week, going up against Russell. I don’t say that because I think the Devils are that much better than Lawrence County, but because Ivan McGlone’s troops know they will have to be on top of their game to come out with a win. And that’s when Russell always seems to step up.

You may very well see Russell and Lawrence County play their best games of the season tonight. Still, it’s no gimmie.

A stalemate along the lines means the passing game and kicking games become big factors.

Russell 28, Lawrence County 26

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: Russell 35-24

Series: Lawrence County 4-3

Other games:

Morgan County (0-4) at Fairview (4-1)

New Fairview coach Nathan McPeek has the Eagles winning all the games they’re supposed to. Here’s another one.

T.J. Shelton had over 100 yards rushing and a scored and quarterback Matt Jones completed 5-of-8 with two touchdowns in last week’s 35-13 win over Paris.

The Eagles also held Paris to under 100 rushing yards.

Kickoff: Tonight, 7:30

Last year: Fairview 47-6

Series: Fairview 1-0

Rowan County (2-2) at Sheldon Clark (5-0)

A strong second-half performance wasn’t enough to boost a win for Rowan County last week against Greenup County. Now comes unbeaten Sheldon Clark for a Saturday afternoon game.

Ryan Kelly rushed for 163 yards to lead Sheldon Clark’s shutout of Magoffin County last week while the defense held the Hornets to just 66 yards on the ground.

Rowan County’s Darrell Cross rushed for 170 yards and returned an interception for a touchdown against Greenup County.

Kickoff: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Last year: Sheldon Clark 18-7

Series: Sheldon Clark 4-1

ADAM VANKIRK can be reached at avankirk@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.