ASHLAND — Ashland coach Leon Hart praised his team for its never-say-die attitude in last week’s fourth-quarter rally before an eventual overtime loss to Raceland.

That same mentality may very well be needed again as the Tomcats host their Week 2 opponent, traditional power Pikeville, tonight in Putnam Stadium.

Last season, Class 1A Pikeville came to Ashland and left with a convincing 34-21 victory. Back for this year’s game is running back Daniel Harmon, who rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown against the ’Cats in 2007.

Adding to the task at hand for the Tomcats, Harmon has 3,500 yards on the ground and more than 40 touchdowns over the past two seasons, providing some serious punch in the Panthers’ running game.

It certainly won’t be easy — and Hart knows it.

“With their tradition and mentality they’re going to have a good football team year in and year out,” he said.

Hart got the unusual and added benefit of watching Pikeville play on Saturday. The Panthers opened with a 23-15 home loss to Corbin, though that score can be deceiving, according to Hart.

“They lost to a good Corbin team and they made a lot of mistakes that cost them,” he said. “Pikeville moved (Corbin) up and down the field and were really only stopped by turnovers and mistakes. Inside the 20s, (Pikeville) controlled the football.”

Ashland will be looking to even its mark after its 19-16 loss to Raceland. As tough as the opening night battle was, the Tomcats came out of it with only a few minor bumps and bruises. That’s a far cry from last year’s game against the Rams when the Tomcats suffered some keys injuries that triggered a season-long struggle to keep players on the field.

“We came out pretty clean as far as health, considering how physical the game was,” Hart said. “The kids have been resilient.”

Hart hopes also that resiliency can carry over to tonight, when it will surely be needed.

Pikeville finished 9-4 in 2007, reaching the regional round before losing to Lexington Christian. Many players, particularly in the skilled positions, are back to join the team’s strength in Harmon.

“They never gave up (against Raceland),” Hart said of his team. “Down 13-0, you never saw panic in their eyes. There was enough positives to build on, no question.”

One of those positives was in the running game, tallying close to 200 yards. Rashard Carter had 87 yards on the ground to lead the Tomcats. Josh Alber was also effective on the ground before leaving the game with an injury.

Ashland’s defense also played well against Raceland. Aside from the overtime score, the Tomcats allowed scoring drives on only the Rams’ first possession of each half.

Ashland’s passing game struggled however, that being one of the major keys for improvement coming into the season. Junior quarterback Drew Royalty was just 4-of-10 for 62 yards and couldn’t connect on a couple deep throws when he had receivers open.

Consistent improvement is the name of the game, however, for Hart and the Tomcats early in the season.

“It was a little hectic (this week) because of Labor Day,” Hart said “But I felt good about the focus and intensity — and the ability to move on (from the loss).”

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