Monday Night Football wasn’t so great for the Cleveland Browns.

But for local football fans, it was a chance to watch former Fairview High School great Chris Jennings in action.

Jennings, who hooked on with the Browns about a month ago, rushed for 18 yards on seven carries against the Ravens in a 16-0 loss. He also had a catch for 10 yards.

Jennings looked as good as most of the Browns’ running backs, none of whom had much room to run against the tough Baltimore defense.

But watching Jennings go head-to-head with linebacker Ray Lewis was a surreal scene for anybody who remembers him during his playing days at Fairview.

Jennings, who played for Fairview in 2002 and 2003, at least gives us one reason to keep up with the sorry Browns, who have scored only five offensive touchdowns in the past 60 quarters.

AIT pairings

About a week ago, we listed the teams for the 55th annual Ashland Invitational Tournament and now the pairings have been announced for the Dec. 28-30 holiday event.

The first day matches Bishop Brossart and East Carter in the opening afternoon game at 2:30 p.m., followed by Mason County-Christian County at 4 p.m.

The night games have Ashland playing Johnson Central in the opener at 7 p.m. and Covington Catholic meet Glasgow in the nightcap at 8:30 p.m.

Four games will be played Dec. 29 and Dec. 30.

Tickets are available at the school.

Volleyball action

Top senior volleyball players from the 16th Region were showcased Sunday at Raceland-Worthington High School.

The inaugural match was sponsored by Premier Pro.

Fourteen players participated and the teams were coached by Russell’s Darrell Adkins and Ashland’s Jeff Huff.

Adkins and Huff, along with Raceland’s Jason Clark, put the event together.

Adkins’ team included: Boyd County’s Shatlia Caskey, Raceland’s Shelby Reffitt, Russell’s Michelle Punzel and Rachel Ison, East Carter’s Anna Stepp and Rose Hill Christian’s Rebecca Mayes and Maria Friley.

Huff’s team included: Morgan County’s Chelsea Steele, Greenup County’s Ashley Kielman, Fleming County’s Amber Roark, West Carter’s Chrissie Cooper, Fairview’s Lanae Vanover and Ashland’s Alex Carpenter and Sierra Crum.

Adkins’ squad won the event 25-20, 25-15, 20-25, 25-12.

Baker at state

Charlie Baker hasn’t let retirement slow him down.

The former East Carter boys’ basketball coach has become one of the state’s top volleyball officials.

Baker officiated four games in the state tournament at Northern Kentucky University, including the state championship between Mercy and Sacred Heart.

Baker is the first area volleyball referee to call the state final and only the second to call in the state tournament. Corky Haberek officiated the state tournament in 2005.

Fultz Classic

Pairings for the Jack Fultz Classic at West Carter High School on Saturday.

The games scheduled are:

‰Elliott County vs. Ironton (boys), 2 p.m.;

‰East Carter vs. Fairview (girls), 3:30 p.m.

‰East Carter vs. Lawrence County (boys), 5 p.m.

‰West Carter vs. South Point (girls), 6:30 p.m.

‰West Carter vs. South Point (boys), 8 p.m.

City National

Pairings for the Russell High School City National Preview on Nov. 24 are scheduled:

‰Russell vs. Morgan County (girls), 4 p.m.

‰Lewis County vs. Johnson Central (boys), 5:30 p.m.

‰Fairview vs. Mason County (boys), 7 p.m.

‰Russell vs. North Laurel (boys), 8:30 p.m.

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.