SPARKS AND RECREATION: Something Brewing again at Raceland

The touchdown had no meaning to the final outcome, but it meant the world to one Raceland junior.

Cam Brewer closed the scoring and the third quarter with a 3-yard TD run against Pleasure Ridge Park Friday night. It was the Rams’ final trip to the end zone after several players spent time there during their trip to Louisville in a 64-14 rout of the Class 6A Panthers.

On April 10, Brewer was involved in an accident after a car struck the truck he was riding in on US 23. He was traveling to school with his brother and uncle. It happened only a block away from campus. The football field, where Brewer had spent so much time in the offseason preparing for his increased varsity role, was visible from the highway.

After surgeries and slowly regaining the weight he lost over the summer, according to Raceland coach Michael Salmons, Brewer was cleared to return to the team in early August.

“He came back in at the end of our team camp in an abbreviated role where he could practice a little bit,” Salmons said, “and try to run. Over the next month, he ramped it up and put some weight back on. After the Ashland game, he had a great week of practice, where he felt the best. So, we dressed him last Friday night (at PRP) and he made his way into the game.”

Brewer was determined to continue his football dreams, and not playing again was never an option. Salmons said it’s just the way he is made and the way he shows his determination. It would take a while for his body to recover and handle the rigors of the contact sport. He first had to adjust to running again.

“It was his whole thing, trying to find his way back,” Salmons said. “We felt like he would fit in for us somewhere and provide us with some depth. He is a good running back. There is a role for him for sure, and I think there will be.

“There was no hesitation,” he added. “I think I still have the text on my phone. It said, “I got cleared today.’ I said I’ll see you at practice. He shows up and starts working. He missed some practice days here and there because he hadn’t done anything in four months.”

Raceland built a huge lead during the opening two quarters against PRP. Brewer entered the game after halftime, and it only took three carries to find paydirt.

“The game worked out for us,” Salmons said. “He’s won the respect of his teammates because of how hard he’s worked to get back where he’s at. They were very invested in him in the preseason. … Everybody has been rooting for him to get back on the field and show what he can do.”

Raceland continues its opening road trip against a Class A rival on Friday. Another clash with Pikeville awaits, and it will take another group effort.

“Pikeville is the standard in Class A football,” Salmons said. “They had a recent streak where they won three straight state championships, beating us all three years along the way. If you want a title, it goes through Pikeville. It gives us a great opportunity to see where we stand.”

The country music group, Little Big Town, seems like a good choice to assist with the picks this week. A couple of days early with a Thursday game.

Week 3 Picks

Ashland over Lawrence County— We’ve been waiting “All Summer” for this matchup in Louisa. Circumstances give us the game a day early. It’s the first meeting since 2012, and the Dawgs last defeated the Cats in 2001. Lawrence County scored 92 points in its first two games. Ashland’s defense is a different animal, and on a short week, I go with that side of the football.

Ironton over Archbishop McNicholas— Ironton will spend “Life in a Northern Town” Friday, but won’t be in Cincinnati long before it takes control and wins.

Rowan County over Bath County— The Vikings look for their first win of the season in Owingsville and expect the short, early-season losing streak to be “Good As Gone.”

Johnson Central over Belfry— You won’t have to “Go Tell It on the Mountain” because everybody already knows about this rivalry. The Golden Eagles’ defense will be challenged again with the Pirates’ skill players, but they are up to the task.

Boyd County over East Carter— There will be many “Happy People” in Cannonsburg tonight for the Lions’ home opener. After spending the first two weeks in the Buckeye state, the hosts pick up a win in their own backyard.

Fairview over Berea— The Eagles have done it before and do it again when they “Bring It On Home.”

Mason County over Fleming County— I’m “Next To You.” The counties are that close, and the two schools have had close games before. Are we in for another one?

Morgan County over Harlan— I’m not going to ”Sugar Coat” it. I’m still not sure about this one.

Nicholas County over Lewis County— Where the “Pavement Ends” in Carlisle, the Blue Jackets will take care of business.

Paintsville over Eminence— I can analyze this game several ways, but I’ll just take the “Shut Up Train” and say the Tigers win at home.

Raceland over Pikeville—The Rams “Can’t Go Back” and dwell on previous matchups against the Panthers. Raceland looks forward to a possible fourth straight finals appearance. “We’ve taken on the approach of going on the road and taking on these hostile environments,” Salmons said. “All we have is us, and that’s all we need. We feel like it’s moved our program forward.”

Greenup County over Portsmouth—When “Nightfall” hits at Trojan Stadium, the Musketeers try and defeat Portsmouth for the third straight year.

Russell over West Carter— It’s been “Forever and a Night” since the Comets had a victory in this series. The one night in question was in 2020. The Red Devils will increase their total to 32 Fridays.

Listen Up!Radio and streaming coverage:

Thursday

Raceland at Ashland at Lawrence County: Cats Radio 93.3 FM, 1340 AM, WKYH 99.3 FM, WKLW 94.7 FM

Friday

Ironton at Archbishop McNicholas: Kool TV Audio, 106.7 FM

Rowan County at Bath County: WIVY 96.3 FM

Johnson Central at Belfry: WSIP 98.9 FM

East Carter at Boyd County: Kool TV

Fleming County at Mason County: WFLE 95.1 FM

Lewis County at Nicholas County: WKKS 104.9 FM

Eminence at Paintsville: WKLW 94.7 FM

Raceland at Pikeville: Kool TV Audio

Greenup County at Portsmouth: My Town TV Audio

Russell at West Carter: WUGO TV 99.3 FM, My Town TV Audio