RacelandƵs Jonah Arnett holds on to the ball during a run as HazardƵs Rayce Lindon attempts to bring him down during a Class A region final on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.
RacelandƵs Jonah Arnett holds on to the ball during a run as HazardƵs Rayce Lindon attempts to bring him down during a Class A region final on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.
If Raceland wants to lift the state championship trophy, itƵll first have to hang on to the football.
The Rams (10-4) take on Lexington Sayre (14-0) at noon on Friday in the KHSAA Class A high school state championship game at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
The appearance is RacelandƵs fourth in the title game and itƵs seeking its first win.
The Spartans are in the championship contest for the first time.
Sayre, which resumed its football program after a long hiatus in 2017, is understandably wary. The Spartans were beaten 42-27 by Raceland in the 2023 state quarterfinals. The Rams went on to lose 21-0 to Pikeville in the championship game.
Pennington said Sayre will take its best shot.
ƵWeƵve worked hard to get here,Ƶ he said. ƵItƵs taken a lot of people a lot of time and a lot of work for us to get here. WeƵre a different team from when we started in July.Ƶ
Linebacker Charlie Slabaugh has a team-best 93 tackles for Sayre. HeƵs also the SpartansƵ leading rusher with 827 yards and 12 touchdowns. Slabaugh takes handoffs from Luke Pennington, ChadƵs son, who has thrown for 50 touchdowns with three interceptions.
Luke PenningtonƵs favorite target is Louisville signee Brock Coffman, who has caught 1,387 yards worth of passes Ƶ 24 for touchdowns.
Raceland has put up similar numbers against a stronger schedule. The Rams feature Class A District 6 player of the year Linden Sammons, who has 80 tackles, 14 for lost yardage, and nine sacks. Sammons hopes to spend considerable time getting to know Luke Pennington in the backfield.
Shannon Marushi leads the Rams in rushing with 574 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also has made 46 tackles. Quarterback Jacob Waller has thrown for 1,399 yards and 11 scores, with four TDs.
ƵWe need to take care of the ball and not make mistakes,Ƶ Raceland coach Michael Salmons said. ƵIf we go out and execute, weƵll give ourselves a chance. These guys have worked hard and deserve to play for a title.Ƶ
The Rams and Spartans share five opponents from the 2024 season. Sayre beat Pikeville 21-6. Raceland lost to the Panthers 16-13. Both beat Fairview Ƶ Raceland 58-6, Sayre 63-0. Each defeated Paris Ƶ the Rams 28-14, the Spartans 41-20. Raceland won 41-13 over Eminence, a team Sayre topped 49-6. Both pounded Berea Ƶ the Rams 70-7, the Spartans 56-7.
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