A lot of high school football coaches break their season into three parts: the first being non-district play, the second district play and the third playoffs.
Well, the second season is finally here for most after five weeks of action. Some district battles look really intriguing upon onset, can Newport contend with NewCath in the Class A, 3rd District? Who is the top dog in the Class A, 4th District between Bishop Brossart, Holy Cross, Ludlow and Trimble County? Will anyone challenge Beechwood or Covington Catholic in their respective districts? Then there’s the Class 5A, 6th District. Do Cooper or Dixie Heights have what it takes to unseat Highlands? And what about the Class 6A, 6th District? Will it be Ryle or Simon Kenton?
Those answers and many more will come over the next five weeks.
Now the first five weeks gave us plenty with only two teams left in NKY remaining undefeated, Covington Catholic and Lloyd Memorial. The Colonels have run the NKY gauntlet while Lloyd Memorial has light work of their schedule.
Shout out this week goes to Beechwood and Covington Catholic. What a game on Friday night that came down to the wire and didn’t disappoint. With the play on the field, anyone in attendance or watching on stream won. It was a high quality game for two teams that are looking to finish their seasons at Kroger Field the first weekend of December. Looking back at a game like that can only be a good thing for both teams.
Here goes this week’s rankings:
- Covington Catholic (5-0, Previous Week: 1)
Another week, another defining moment for the Colonels. Last week it was Evan Pitzer hitting Willie Rodriguez on a fourth down for a game-winning touchdown over Dixie Heights in the closing seconds. This week it was Pitzer hitting Oliver Link for a 13-yard reception on fourth down to keep the game-winning drive alive and Andrew Bessler eventually scoring the game-winning touchdown with less than two minutes to play to defeat Beechwood. CovCath won on third and fourth down on Friday against Beechwood and that was the difference in the outcome. They’re somewhat nicked up and head into district play at the right time where they may win all four games by 35-plus.
2. Highlands (4-1, Previous Week: 2)
Yes, they played a 1A team. But to go on the road and leave no doubt early against a 1A power nearly two hours East was an impressive week for the Bluebirds. While the offense has stole the show the past few weeks, it was the defense standing out on Friday with five sacks and an interception while allowing just 104 yards. Showdown with Cooper on Friday in a big district battle.
3. Beechwood (4-1, Previous Week: 3)
The prior two weeks of shootouts eventually caught up to the Tigers on Friday night. Jay Volker admitted his team was gassed in the second half against the Colonels, 200-plus plays in each game the prior two weeks will do that to a team that has a lot of two-way guys. But from here on out, all they play is 2A competition. After playing 6A, 5A, 5A and 4A the last four weeks, that will be a warm welcome.
4. Lloyd Memorial (5-0, Previous Week: 4)
Another dominant defensive performance by the Juggernauts, who forced five turnovers and allowed 108 total yards. Again, circle Oct. 13 on the calendar when Lexington Catholic comes to Erlanger. Until then, I don’t expect the Juggernauts to be challenged.
5. Ryle (2-3, Previous Week: 6)
Despite the loss, the Raiders did lead the No. 1 team in the state in Class 3A, 22-20 going into the fourth quarter. CAL eventually scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to pull out the victory. Things don’t get any easier for Ryle, a bye week and then another No. 1 team in the state comes to Union. This time Class 6A St. Xavier.
6. Cooper (4-1, Previous Week: 7)
After two sub-par weeks, the Jaguars got back to being dominant on Friday in a 40-0 thumping of Great Crossing. They outgained the Warhawks 346-59, while Cam O’Hara tossed six touchdown passes, bringing his season total to 19 on the year, for nearly four per game. Isaiah Johnson is starting to leave no doubt who the best receiver in Northern Kentucky is with yet another 100-yard receiving game. Johnson now has 34 receptions for 567 yards and nine touchdowns on the year.
7. Simon Kenton (2-2, Previous Week: 8)
The Pioneers have rushed for 611 yards the last two weeks and look to be finding their groove offensively. Durrell Turner has rushed for 507 of those yards while Brady Lee has shown the ability at quarterback, throwing for 599 yards and three touchdowns the last two weeks. Oct. 20 at Ryle should determine the Class 6A, 6th District winner. Until then, the Pioneers have three games to keep improving.
8. Dixie Heights (1-3, Previous Week: 5)
Getting a top two seed in the Class 5A, 6th District is crucial, meaning you get to avoid a first round playoff road matchup at Scott County or Woodford County. The Colonels can take a step towards a top-two seed with Boone County on Friday. A home game with Highlands follows.
9. Conner (3-2, Previous Week: 9)
Finishing drives has been the issue for the Cougars in their two losses to Ryle and Simon Kenton. They can get off on the right foot in district play with Scott this week, followed by county rival Cooper next week.
10. Campbell County (2-3, Previous Week: NR)
The Camels put up 22 first quarter points and never looked back against Newport Central Catholic on Friday. It was a much needed victory for a team that had been outscored 155-56 the prior three weeks.
Big School Top 5 (4A-6A)
- Covington Catholic
2. Highlands
3. Ryle
4. Cooper
5. Simon Kenton
Small School Top 5 (1A-3A)
- Beechwood
2. Lloyd Memorial
3. Newport Central Catholic
4. Newport
5. Walton-Verona
200-yard Passing Club
Brady Lee, Simon Kenton vs Conner (19/24, 282 yards, TD)
Cam O’Hara, Cooper vs Great Crossing (29/41, 272 yards, 6 TD)
Clay Hayden, Beechwood vs Covington Catholic (16/25, 240 yards, TD)
100-Yard Rushing Club
Ulysses Porter, Holy Cross vs CCPA (Ohio) (23 rushes, 231 yards, 4 TD)
Durrell Turner, Simon Kenton vs Conner (31 rushes, 215 yards, 3 TD)
Dameyn Anness, Ludlow vs Newport (17 rushes, 153 yards)
Jackson Smith, Walton-Verona vs Holmes (9 rushes, 136 yards, 2 TD)
Yurii Collins Comer, Lloyd Memorial vs Bishop Brossart (14 rushes, 119 yards, 2 TD)
Nathan Smith, Campbell County vs Newport Central Catholic (12 rushes, 119 yards, 2 TD)
Wyatt Hatfield, Conner vs Simon Kenton (15 rushes, 115 yards, 2 TD)
100-Yard Receiving Club
Matteo Matteoli, Highlands vs Raceland (4 receptions, 134 yards, 2 TD)
Isaiah Johnson, Cooper vs Great Crossing (8 receptions, 130 yards, 3 TD)
Tysin Weaver, Simon Kenton vs Conner (5 receptions, 106 yards)
Defensive Standouts
Spencer Brandenburg, Ludlow vs Newport (15 tackles, 4 tackles for loss)
Cordell Abernathy, Conner vs Simon Kenton (15 tackles)
Donovan Ambrocio, Holy Cross vs CCPA (Ohio) (13 tackles, fumble recovery)
Ethan Powell, Ludlow vs Newport (12 tackles, interception)
Aiden Smith Baxley, Ludlow vs Newport (12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss)
Cameron Mandel, Bishop Brossart vs Lloyd Memorial (12 tackles)
Adam Duncan, Conner vs Simon Kenton (11 tackles, tackle for loss, sack)
Elijah Laurent, Cooper vs Great Crossing (10 tackles, sack)
Ezaiah Tillman, Holmes vs Walton-Verona (10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss)
Matt Brock, Ludlow vs Newport (10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, .5 sack)
Trevin Figgs, Holy Cross vs CCPA (Ohio) (10 tackles, tackle for loss)
Kai Workman, Ryle vs CAL (9 tackles, .5 sack)
Aiden Dowds, Campbell County vs Newport Central Catholic (9 tackles, tackle for loss)
Sean Hurry, Newport vs Ludlow (8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, fumble recovery)
Carson Evans, Ludlow vs Newport (7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks)
Breckin Ralston, Ludlow vs Newport (7 tackles, tackle for loss, .5 sack)
Kameron Vickers, Campbell County vs Newport Central Catholic (7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss)
Tate Kruer, Covington Catholic vs Beechwood (7 tackles, fumble recovery)
Ryan Ehlman, Holy Cross vs CCPA (7 tackles, fumble recovery)
Jake Porter, Newport vs Ludlow (7 tackles, tackle for loss)
Jack Lonaker, Cooper vs Great Crossing (7 tackles, tackle for loss)
Derek Smith, Bishop Brossart vs Lloyd Memorial (6 tackles, tackle for loss, .5 sack)
Carson Sanders, Newport vs Ludlow (6 tackles, tackle for loss)
Khalil Buck-Barber, Newport vs Ludlow (6 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack)
Amonte Lowe, Newport vs Ludlow (6 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, interception)
Kayveion Sharp, Newport vs Ludlow (6 tackles, interception)
Kendall Buck-Barber, Newport vs Ludlow (5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, INT return for TD)
Littello Johnson, Holy Cross vs CCPA (Ohio) (5 tackles, fumble recovery)
Abe Bowlin, Walton-Verona vs Holmes (5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss)
Logan McNabb, Campbell County vs Newport Central Catholic (5 tackles, tackle for loss)
Mason Wiseman, Campbell County vs Newport Central Catholic (4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack)
Nathan Heck, Bishop Brossart vs Lloyd Memorial (4 tackles, tackle for loss, .5 sack)
Kayden Crowell, Holmes vs Walton-Verona (4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss)
Aaron Johnson, Holmes vs Walton-Verona (4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss)
Alex Amin, Bishop Brossart vs Lloyd Memorial (4 tackles, tackle for loss)
Evan Leitz, Conner vs Simon Kenton (4 tackles, tackle for loss)
Mason Stanton, Cooper vs Great Crossing (4 tackles, tackle for loss)
Landon Slomer, Ryle vs CAL (4 tackles, tackle for loss, sack)
Jonathan Strunk, Walton-Verona vs Holmes (4 tackles, .5 tackle for loss)
Carter Daniels, Walton-Verona vs Holmes (3 tackles, 2 interceptions, tackle for loss)
Austin Alexander, Cooper vs Great Crossing (3 tackles, sack, tackle for loss, 2 fumble recoveries)
Kaden Morrison, Ludlow vs Newport (3 tackles, tackle for loss, .5 sack)
Ryker Campbell, Cooper vs Great Crossing (3 tackles, tackle for loss)
Jake Stewart, Ryle vs CAL (2 tackles for loss, .5 sack)
Landon Schirman, Walton-Verona vs Holmes (2 tackles, .5 tackle for loss)
Ben Reeves, Covington Catholic vs Beechwood (2 sacks)
Ethan Grimm, Highlands vs Raceland (2 sacks)
Thomas Plymesser, Lloyd Memorial vs Bishop Brossart (2 tackles, Fumble recovery)
Mason Haywood, Campbell County vs Newport Central Catholic (2 tackles, tackle for loss, sack)
JP Sullivan, Covington Catholic vs Beechwood (2 tackles, sack)
TJ Jackson, Lloyd Memorial vs Bishop Brossart (2 tackles, Interception return for TD, Fumble recovery)
Jonah Purnell, Lloyd Memorial vs Bishop Brossart (2 tackles, Fumble recovery)
Ayden Satchel, Newport vs Ludlow (2 tackles, tackle for loss)
Ryshawn Clifford, Holmes vs Walton-Verona (2 tackles, tackle for loss)
Corey Jenkins, Holmes vs Walton-Verona (2 tackles, tackle for loss)
JD Quintinilla, Cooper vs Great Crossing (tackle for loss, sack, fumble forced)
Dillon Smith, Ryle vs CAL (Interception return for TD, .5 sack)
Xavier Campbell, Beechwood vs Covington Catholic (Interception return for TD)
Garyn Jackson, Campbell County vs Newport Central Catholic (Interception return for TD)
Yurii Collins Comer, Lloyd Memorial vs Bishop Brossart (Fumble recovery for TD)
Tyler Fryman, Beechwood vs Covington Catholic (Interception)
Carson Class, Highlands vs Raceland (Interception)
Elijah Collins, Lloyd Memorial vs Bishop Brossart (Interception)
Mason Hessling, Boone County vs Paul Laurence Dunbar (Interception)
Blake Gamble, Walton-Verona vs Holmes (fumble recovery)
Eli Diop, Walton-Verona vs Holmes (fumble recovery)
Jack Meier, Beechwood vs Covington Catholic (Sack)
Nolan Kruse, Bishop Brossart vs Lloyd Memorial (Sack)
Diego Race, Highlands vs Raceland (Sack)
Hollon Schweitzer, Highlands vs Raceland (Sack)
Josh Studer, Highlands vs Raceland (Sack)
KyRon Carter, Lloyd Memorial vs Bishop Brossart (Sack)
Colton Graham, Cooper vs Great Crossing (Sack)
Noah Stamp, Ryle vs CAL (.5 sack)