LLOYD — The monkey’s off the back.

In a sense, that could be fitting for both Greenup County and Raceland heading into Friday night’s matchup.

The defending district champion Musketeers have had a tough start in 2008, but finally got that much-needed first victory of the season last Friday. The one-point win also put Greenup County in a share for first in its Class 4A district and could go a long way toward turning things around as the season switches to its second half.

Raceland, on the other hand, topped Lexington Christian last week in a game that gave the Rams serious command of their Class A district. That LCA matchup, which had been circled on the Rams’ calendar for some time now, would give Raceland a third- round home game in a likely playoff rematch with the Eagles.

In summary, last week was equally as good for the Musketeers and Rams.

It probably wouldn’t be wise, however, to expect any kind of a letdown on Friday, Homecoming night for the Musketeers.

“We know what we’re up against; they’re ranked No. 2 in the state (in Class A),” Greenup County coach Mike Sammons said. “They’re a state championship-caliber team. It’s a huge challenge but one we are looking forward to.”

Greenup County (1-3), playing in its district opener against Rowan County last Friday, shot out to a

19-0 halftime lead before hanging on for a 19-18 victory. Quarterback Eric Craft was in on all three first-half scores, throwing two short touchdowns passes and scoring on another 14-yard run.

Sammons said the victory has everyone breathing a little easier.

“It gets that monkey off the back. You don’t want to go too far into the season with that,” he said. “It helps everyone, including all the staff. The kids have a good frame of mind after that first win.”

It would be hard to say Raceland doesn’t have that same mindset right now. While the Rams have started the season off on a different foot than Greenup County — in terms of wins and losses — Friday’s win over LCA was just as big as the Musketeers’ win.

It’s also a game that coach Randy Vanderhoof knows needs to be forgotten. The focus, for now, has to be squarely on Greenup County.

“We didn’t vary anything (this week) from the normal routine,” Vanderhoof said. “That was the biggest thing we address this past weekend as a coaching staff. We went back to work.”

Vanderhoof and the Rams are preparing for what they expect to be a typical neighboring community battle on homecoming.

“They’re not a 1-3 football team, if anyone looks at their schedule and the type of teams they’ve played, including a scrimmage against Ironton,” Vanderhoof said. “Especially last week, you can see signs that they are starting to turn the corner. They played outstanding.

“Any time local teams can get together and play in the same county just a few minutes apart, it should be fun for the fans and players. It should be fun for everybody. It’s homecoming so it should be a huge crowd and a great atmosphere for high school football. Everyone will be cranked up.”

Vanderhoof said the Musketeers are fueled by Craft’s ability to work the ball through the air and on the ground. He likened the Musketeers’ senior to the Rams’ opponent from last week, LCA’s Lucas Witt.

“Craft is the leader of that team,” he said. “When Eric’s playing well, they’re going to play well.”

However, Vanderhoof said Greenup County is certainly not a one-man show and tagged the Musketeers’ defense as underrated.

“They showed that last week when they went up 19-0 in the first half,” Vanderhoof said. “It’s a good team and a good staff.”

For Sammons, he says he has his team a little more loose this week after the big district win, but is fully aware of the task at hand against an unbeaten football team.

The Rams (4-0), behind a power rushing combo of Bret Denton and John Scott Carver and an efficient passing attack led by quarterback Tyler Boyles, put more than 400 yards of offense and 37 points up against the state’s second-ranked Class A team last week.

“We’re the big underdog,” Sammons said. “Maybe the biggest thing is you’ve got to tackle those good running backs they have. I don’t know exactly what it is, but they’re yards after contact have to be high. The problem is, though, you can’t put ’em all up there because they throw the ball so well. It’s not only a two-headed monster. You’ve got to be balanced (on defense).”

“It’s usually a hard fought and anticipated game and we’re expecting the same.”

A Homecoming parade that begins in Lloyd at 6 tonight will highlight festivities that will continue at the high school throughout the evening.

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