ASHLAND —
For those of you disappointed about the Russell-Raceland series ending, there is good news.
One of those schools has found a team to fill the void on the schedule.
Raceland, meet Ironton.
Ironton, meet Raceland.
The contract had not been signed as of Wednesday, but the details were finalized.
The Rams will host the Fighting Tigers in 2013 and vice-versa in 2014.
“I don’t know how smart I am in doing this,” joked Rams coach T.J. Maynard. “It’s just so hard to find anybody to play (without traveling too far).
“It’s definitely a quality opponent,” he added. “Right across the river.”
Ironton and Raceland have met just twice — Ironton won both meetings in 1950 and 1966.
Now, for this week’s predictions ...
Ashland 41, Boyd County 14: The Lions want badly to re-establish a true rivalry here, and while the possibility may be on the horizon, it’s still distant ... Tomcats keep rolling inside the district.
Russell 33, Fleming County 27: The Panthers’ passing attack could give Russell fits, so don’t be surprised if the Red Devils divert from the ground game and open up the offense a little more. They find a way to win on the road in what is likely a battle of the top two seeds in that district.
Rowan County 51, Greenup County 22: Greenup County gets back on the board after being shut out twice in consecutive weeks. However, the Vikings’ offense gets back on track too.
Fairview 36, Grove City Christian 14: After winning its first two games, including a defeat of South Point, Grove City Christian has dropped three straight. Make it four come Friday as the Eagles remain the last undefeated team in Class A.
Johnson Central 22, Ironton 21: It’s a perfect matchup for the area, isn’t it? Every time I close my eyes and try to picture the outcome of this game, I just see those JC stands rocking and coach Jim Matney smiling. Ironton is saddled with its first loss heading into a tough stretch.
Mason County 26, Lewis County 17: Royals get revenge after rare loss to Lions last year.
Betsy Layne 30, Paintsville 12: Betsy Layne has scored 30-plus points in three of its five games.
Sheldon Clark 42, Lawrence County 28: The home team has won in each of the past three seasons. Make that four.
East Carter 24, West Carter 7: I’m probably one of the few who thinks this game won’t go down to the wire as it did last season.
AARON SNYDER can be reached at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.
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