ASHLAND — In the aftermath of one of the most exciting weekends of the season, some coaches are scratching their heads, some rubbing their chins and others are perfectly satisfied standing back with their arms crossed.

Russell coach Ivan McGlone and Boyd County’s Ray Brooks fall into the first category.

The Red Devils are no longer in the driver’s seat in their district after a possibly debilitating loss to Mason County. Watching a 28-10 lead disappear in a matter of six fourth-quarter minutes had McGlone revisiting some sour memories.

He recalled similar tough losses within the past decade. In 2002, Russell let a big lead slip away in a 28-27 state semifinal loss to Breathitt County. In 2006, the Devils looked to have Ashland put away before the Tomcats clawed back to win.

Those types of losses, while extremely tough to swallow at first, aren’t always ominous. Russell ended up state runner-up in 2006.

In Brooks’ case, his Lions narrowly lost a must-win game against Rowan County. It was a must-win because now an unenviable postseason matchup at Highlands is likely looming. It’ll come down to Boyd County-Greenup County for the fourth seed in that district.

As for those rubbing their chins, Raceland coach T.J. Maynard and Fairview’s Nathan McPeek have a lot on their plates this week, and the QB’s not just talking food here for the former offensive linemen.

There’s kind of a big game in Westwood on Friday. Fairview hosts Raceland in a much-anticipated Class A clash that will have people parking across the street at Marshall’s Barber Shop by 6 o’clock.

Respect and dislike are both at higher levels than ever in this rivalry.

With a win, Raceland puts itself in position to avoid a possible repeat matchup at Fairview.

Fairview, on the other hand, would love to settle into a spot in which it would host the Rams twice this season if the two happen to meet in the regional final in November.

Meanwhile, Ashland’s Leon Hart and Johnson Central’s Jim Matney have the luxury of seeing their teams peaking at the right time.

They can stay relatively relaxed ... at least for another week.

Got any since?

‰Russell and Mason County played to a single-digit margin for the first time since ... 2007. From 2002 to ‘07, Russell won four straight over the Royals by five points or fewer.

‰Greenup County hasn’t beaten Ashland since ... 1999. Since 2000, when Ashland won 43-42, the Musketeers haven’t even played the Tomcats to within 16 points.

‰Lewis County has its first two-game winning streak over East Carter since ... 1999 and 2000. The Lions snapped an eight-game losing skid to the Raiders last season.



Helmet stickers

‰Four stickers: Googie Hayes (Russell), Cade O’Bryan (Ashland), Shannon Justice (Ashland), Chris Baker (Rowan County).

Hayes motored by Mason County tacklers for 191 yards on the ground and 91 receiving. He also had four TDs.

O'Bryan and Justice had unbelievable defensive performances on Senior Night for the Tomcats. Justice even had a scoop-and-score.

Baker found the end zone three times on a 160-yard night for the running back.

‰Three: Dylan Harris (Boyd County), Adam Elkins (Raceland), Malik Massey (Ashland), Devon Turner (Fairview).

‰Two: Connor Messer (Raceland), Reid Dearfield (Boyd County), Chris Brewer (Fairview), Aaron Elam (Ashland), Billy McCoy (Boyd County).

‰One: Lance Evans (Russell), John Valencourt (Raceland), Zach Litteral (Raceland), Gaje Ayres (Boyd County).

NOTE: The QB didn’t receive game information from East Carter, Lewis County, Johnson Central, Greenup County, Lawrence County or West Carter.

Additional stickers: QB was off his game last weekend — I know, it’s not the first time. It won’t be the last either. East Carter’s Cade Stidham and Donovan Roe, as well as West Carter’s Tristen Mitchell, all deserve two stickers for their efforts in last Saturday’s Carter County clash. Also, Boyd County kicker Zac Bruner gets two of ’em for his 41-yard field goal against Ashland last week.

Snyder’s Super Seven

1. Johnson Central (6-1)

2. Ashland (7-1)

3. Raceland (6-1)

4. Fairview (7-0)

5. Rowan County (4-4)

6. Russell (4-3)

7. Lawrence County (3-5)

QB’s quiz

Class back in session.

The week off has put me in a better mood, so put on those thinking caps.

As always, the first to answer this question (by phone, email, Twitter or at The Independent Facebook page) will be our Lucky Fan of the Week, and will pick high school, college and professional games along with The Independent staff.

The question: Dating back to their first meeting in 1970, how many times have Fairview and Raceland met in the postseason? 



Wide right

Did you miss it?

Here are this past weekend’s local scores of interest: Fairview 68, Paintsville 20; Fleming County 18, West Carter 7; Johnson Central 59, Greenup County 12; Ashland 35, Belfry 20; Lewis County 25, East Carter 7; Bishop Watterson 42, Ironton 8; Pike County Central 29, Lawrence County 14; Raceland 60, Nicholas County 12; Rowan County 28, Boyd County 25; Mason County 32, Russell 28.

Tweet the QB

Follow the Quarterback on Twitter, @DindependentQB, for scores on Friday nights and news throughout the week.

His next follower will be No. 500! An order for a larger helmet has already been made.

Noteworthy

There’s something magical happening in Morgan County. After all the community went through last spring with destructive tornadoes, the Cougars’ football team (led by coach Brian Turner) just keeps winning for West Liberty.

The Cougars are 7-0 behind three shutouts, including two in a row.

Breathitt County, ranked No. 2 in last week’s Class 3A AP Poll, comes to town on Friday.

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