2026 Football Preview: Raceland Rams

RACELAND, Ky. — The Raceland Rams want to keep one streak going, but they want to end another that’s tied to the other streak.

Raceland has made four straight championship game appearances and are loaded with enough talent to make another run. But this time, they want to end a four-game losing streak in the finals.

The Lexington Herald-Leader thinks the Rams could very well end that title game losing streak because the newspaper has the Rams ranked No.1 in its Class A preseason poll despite losing 12 seniors to graduation.

Mike Salmons begins his 12th season as the head coach and he said the program’s continuing success can be traced to its developing system.

“We’ve had a lot of consistency. That’s why we’ve been able to grow. We’re really excited to get 26 (2026 season) off the ground. Obviously, we have a challenge in front of us but we’re really excited to see how this team develops,” said Salmons.

The Rams were 12-2 last season and lost to Kentucky Country Day in the finals 20-16. The three top players on offense return for the senior-laden Rams’ offense.

Senior quarterback Jake Waller (6-0,175), senior running back Landen Stiltner (6-1,205) and elusive senior playmaker Jonah Arnett (6-1, 170) lead the offense.

Waller threw for 1,775 yards and 27 touchdowns against just four interceptions. He also ran for 322 yards and a pair of scores.

Stiltner rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season while Arnett scored nine touchdowns.

Senior wide receiver Eli Evans (6-0, 165) tops a strong receiving corps that includes Arnett.

“We return a quarterback, a three-year starter and a dynamic running back coming off a 1,500-yard year,” said Salmons. “That makes you feel pretty good about at least where you can start on day one.”

While the Rams have their share of standout players, Salmons said it’s the role players who make a big difference in the program’s success.

“Guys that make the program are the program guys. They go through the jayvee days, they go through the dog days. They make themselves into a role,” said Salmons.

“Those are the guys who make the team. It takes all of us in the right direction. You get those guys who are really hungry. They haven’t had the feast at the table.”

Regardless of the skill talent, Salmons said the key for the Rams will be the players up front on the offensive and defensive lines.

Leading the offensive line will be seniors David Headlee (6-3, 250) and Brycen Tuell (5-11, 205) and massive junior Grant Sanders (6-7, 285).

“There’s no question that our games or our season will be determined on the line of scrimmage. That’s kind of where our work or our opportunities, if you will, are like ahead of us on the offensive and defensive line and particularly on the offensive line,” said Salmons.

On the defensive side, the top offensive linemen like Headlee and Tuell will flip over to play. The linebacker tandem of seniors Landon Bloss (5-11,200) and Brody Brumfield (5-11, 175) will be the anchor of the defense.

However, the secondary is an area of concern with Arnett the only returning starter.