The Boys of Fall - Raceland, Russell Advance in Playoffs

Raceland, Russell Advance in Playoffs

James Collier

For the Ashland Beacon

RACELAND 10-1

Nicholas County drew first blood Friday night when the Blue Jackets visited Raceland, but the Rams never flinched as they rolled off 49 unanswered for a 49-22, running clock win in the Class A Playoffs.

Jake Waller threw for 151 yards and four touchdowns in the win. Jonah Arnett accounted for 61 total yards of offense with three scores—two receiving and a rushing touchdown. Landen Stiltner rushed for 92 yards on eight carries with a pair of scores including a 46-yard scamper to the house. Bryson Rowsey and Eli Evans added receiving scores.

Raceland welcomes Paris Friday night for the regional championship round and a chance to secure a home state semifinal game on Black Friday with a win.

RUSSELL 10-2

Russell’s defense made a fourth quarter stand to hold off Bourbon County Friday night in a 14-7 win in the Class 3A playoffs to advance to the regional championship round next week. The Devils defense forced a turnover or a turnover on downs in six of the Colonels eight possessions on the night while holding the visitors to a season-low seven points.

Kaiden Benge rushed for 114 yards on 22 carries with a touchdown. Lane Osborne added a rushing score as well.

Russell heads to undefeated Lloyd Memorial Friday night with a berth in the state semifinals on the line. It will be a rematch of last year’s 21-20 Russell win over Lloyd Memorial in the district championship.

ASHLAND 7-5

Ashland saw its postseason run come to a screeching halt Friday night at Highlands in a 45-7 shortcoming to the Bluebirds.

Freshman quarterback Tanner Stutler threw for 124 yards with a touchdown and interception in the loss. Justin Hughes hauled in the lone Tomcats score with an 80-yard touchdown grab. Cam Davis led the Tomcats rushing attack with 22 yards on seven carries.

Ashland closes the season at 7-5.