Four downs with Boone County

The Boone County Rebels are entering the 2024 season with a fresh start and a new coach.

Four months ago, longtime coach and current Physical Education teacher Dan Court was appointed as the program’s next head coach. The former state champion and Highlands graduate will carry over his 14 years of coaching experience to a Rebels team continuing their rebuild.

“Having been at multiple schools with great cultures and leadership has allowed me to have a first hand experience of what it’s like to be successful,” Court said. “I’m very aware of the prestige of the Boone County football program, my experiences will help build off what those before have already built.”

Prior to his latest commitment, Court coached as an assistant with Highlands and Newport Central Catholic and led Scott as a defensive coordinator from ‘21-’23.

FIRST DOWN — RECAP

In the 2023 season, Boone County finished 2-8 with an 0-5 district record. Months later, former head coach Bryson Warner announced his resignation after finishing 13-36 through five seasons with the program.

The Rebels struggled putting points on the board against local powerhouse programs and Class 5A, District 5 rivals such as Dixie Heights, Highlands, and Cooper. Through all three matchups, Boone County was outscored 155-14 on the road. 

Their lone victories came at the beginning and end of their season with dominating wins against Holmes and Walton Verona, who they each defeated by more than 30 points.

Graduating 16 seniors, the Rebels are losing more than just a head coach. With multiple reps and touches on the ball up for grabs, Court will look to lean on a couple key players throughout the course of the season.

SECOND DOWN- OFFENSE

Offensively, the Rebels found a large portion of their offensive production from graduates Jamarion Hocker, who led the team in passing yards and receivers Mason Hall and Braxton Graves, Hall graduating and Graves transferring to Anderson in Ohio.

With a new playbook and fresh set of offensive weapons, Court will look to senior Jayden Jackson at running back.

“He’s a skilled player on offense that we’ll look to get the ball to multiple times a game because he is electric when he touches it,” Court said.

As a junior, Jackson played the supporting role behind Graves finishing with 89 rushing yards and a touchdown. This season, he’ll look to solidify a commanding role in the Rebels’ offense to keep the chains moving.

“I can get a lot of yards and touchdowns for my team when I do my job offensively,” Jackson said. “I try and go into each play at a hundred percent.”

Court will not only lean on Jackson, but implement others in his offense.

“Offensively, we are going to get as many people involved in the game as possible,” Court said. “We have to spread the ball out to a lot of our guys.”

The Rebels also return three-year starter Charles Marshall who will look to anchor the offensive line and give players like Jackson a chance to get their team on the board more frequently.

THIRD DOWN- DEFENSE

Defensively, the Rebels are returning their standout linebacker Jacob Jonathan. Last season, Jonathan led the defense with 25 tackles despite only being able to play seven of the team’s 10 games.

Jonathan’s plans to form results are “the same as last year,” he says. “Reacting to the ball and my pursuit being on point.”

Looking to take more on in his final season with the team, Jonathan will take on a key leadership role this season.

Court pointed out Jonathan’s high IQ as a main factor for his success, acknowledging he sees the senior as a player expected to have a breakout year in his “fast and attacking” defensive scheme. 

“Our team’s ideology this year is to change and be different,” Jonathan said. “Changing the perspective of others about us, our attitudes, and with a new coach we already have big changes within the team.”

FOURTH DOWN- GOALS/EXPECTATIONS

Entering the season with a clean state, the goal is clear. Win and improve. 

Facing a schedule identical to the ‘23 season, the sky’s the limit to accomplish both goals.

“Being in the school as a teacher in the past has played a huge role,” Court said. “I’ve already built relationships with students which has helped me transition into being their coach.”

Despite tough matchups in their respective district, the Rebels will look to give their opponents everything they’ve got. Embracing the role of an underdog, Court wants to provide his program and something to play for.

“I want to bring excitement to the football program within the school and the community,” Court said.

This season, the Rebels will face all three of their district opponents on their own turf. A perfect opportunity for a fresh start.

The Rebels open their season on the road against Holmes on Aug. 23.

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