Rowan not at loss for talent

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September 20, 2012

Rowan not at loss for talent

Tomcats, Vikings prepare for district opener

Aaron Snyder The Independent The Daily Independent Thu Sep 20, 2012, 12:27 AM EDT

ASHLAND — Rowan County’s not quite the offensive juggernaut it was a season ago.

But when the Vikings played Ashland, it didn’t matter anyway. The team that had averaged 46 points a game heading into the district opener managed a measly 10 as the Tomcats put up a wall.

Vikings coach Kyle Singleton takes his bunch to Putnam Stadium on Friday night as both teams open district play.

And it’s not the same story, by any means, with Adam Wing, Stephen Williamson, Phillip Hodge and other heavy contributors/leaders no longer in tow.

However, Rowan County is still putting up 30 points a game behind some talented players.

It starts with Justin Graham, a sophomore under center.

“Their quarterback has done a great job with running their offense,” said Ashland coach Leon Hart.

Graham’s 677 total yards of offense and 11 touchdowns (seven rushing, four passing) have helped put Singleton at ease.

Graham, though, is day-to-day with an ankle injury suffered in last week’s 21-20 loss at West Jessamine.

According to Singleton, freshman Devin Helvey will start at QB if Graham can’t go — backup Stephen Jones (concussion) is still sidelined.

In the backfield, Rowan County possesses power (5-foot-10, 190-pound Keontae Moore) and speed (5-9, 160 Chris Baker).

“They’ve got two completely different running styles,” Singleton said.

Moore plowed his way to 109 yards and a TD, while Baker had 74 yards and a fourth-quarter TD last week.

Hart is more concerned about the speed aspect of the Tomcats’ opponent’s game. Ironton’s roadrunner, Patrick Lewis, ripped off three 50-plus-yard TD runs in Ashland’s 27-17 loss last Friday.

“Speed burned us a week ago,” Hart said. “We can’t let people get loose on us. If everybody stays on their assignments, we’re OK. If we freelance, we’re going to give up big plays.

“(Rowan County) has the capability to put up points,” continued Ashland’s coach. “Their scheme is a very good scheme.”

The Tomcats will run and throw. Aaron Elam tossed 21 times last week, but only nine attempts were successful.

“We’ve got to throw the ball effectively. We want to complete 65 or better percent of our passes,” Hart said. “We’re going to be a little more selective in what we call.”

While both Rowan County (2-3) and Ashland desire more consistency on offense, one constant has been Tomcat freshman Quinton Baker.

Coming off a 22-rush, 134-yard effort, Baker has upped his season tally to 600 yards and nine scores.

“I’ve said all along that it’s a shame that we’re having to ride him,” Hart said. “He’s very talented and I think he’s got a chance to be special, but he’s a 14-year-old kid.”

Ashland (4-1) has also relied on a physical front seven. The fierce group has routinely bottled up backs up the middle, with very few exceptions.

“They have as tough a defense as I’ve seen all year,” Singleton said of Ashland. “We have to be up to the challenge up front.”

There enlied the difference last season. Ashland manhandled the Vikings in the trenches.

Rowan County lost a good deal of size from a year ago on the front lines. Led by three returning starters, in addition to Austin Gilliam and Tre Estill, who just assumed an offensive lineman role this season, the Vikings are more athletic in that area, according to Singleton and Hart.

“Last year they were just huge. They’re much quicker this year,” Hart said.

Ashland’s over its loss to Ironton.

“Last week’s game was a pride game,” Hart said. “This week is a district game. Regardless of what you’ve done to this point, everybody is 0-0 in district play.”

For Rowan County, it’s the same regarding West Jessamine.

No matter the outcome of Friday’s contest, Singleton hopes his team doesn’t lose any of its fight.

“One thing I like about my team is they don’t give up,” Singleton said. “They’ve been down quite a bit but not necessarily out of it. We’ve lost a couple close games but the kids fight to the finish.”

AARON SNYDER can be reached at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.

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