Four downs with Ludlow

The Ludlow High School football team showed significant improvements in its first season under head coach Woody McMillen. Known for starting a program at Walton-Verona and later coaching at Bellevue, McMillen demonstrated his knack for handling small-school teams. In just one season, he transformed Ludlow into a contender after three challenging years with only 11 wins and twice as many losses.

McMillen led Ludlow to its first winning season since 2019 and its first district championship since 1976. The Panthers achieved an 8-5 record and went 3-0 in Class A, District 4. They were 6-5 against all Class A opponents. The overall victory total doubled from the previous season, and the Class A and district win totals tripled from 2022. Ludlow won two playoff games, matching the number of playoff wins from the previous four seasons combined, and reached the regional final for the first time this century.

The Panthers nearly doubled their scoring to 394 total points, averaging 30 per game. They reduced the points allowed by nearly 100, giving up an average of 16. The scoring margin was 14 points per game, compared to a minus-7.6 margin in 2022. There were also improvements in yards gained and yards allowed. The roster size increased by 33% to 40 players, the largest football team at Ludlow since 2010.

What can McMillen do for an encore in 2024? As usual, the man has a plan.

“We have replenished with very capable, hard-working players,” McMillen said of this year’s returning regional runner-up. “We should once again dress approximately 40 players.”

FIRST DOWN — RECAP

Last season’s historic journey began with a rocky opening month. The Panthers won their opener against Lockland but then lost three straight games. The 1-3 start overshadowed some resourceful developments, especially in the kicking game, where McMillen enlisted a player from the Ludlow girls soccer team as the placekicker.

Despite some injuries and aches and pains that affect smaller teams more than larger ones, the Panthers persevered and won five straight games before losing to Paris. They finished the regular season 6-4 while playing a complementary style of football that made them something more than the sum of their parts. They earned a No. 1 seed in the postseason, guaranteeing two home playoff games.

The Panthers defeated Bellevue and Newport in Ludlow in the first two rounds of the playoffs by a combined score of 74-20. Their season ended with a 29-16 loss at Kentucky Country Day in the Class A quarterfinals. The Panthers graduated 14 players.

SECOND DOWN — OFFENSE

Ludlow welcomes back 12 seniors. The Panthers return four key starters on offense: junior quarterback Jackson Mays, junior running back Dameyn Anness, senior wing back Spencer Brandenburg, and senior offensive lineman Matt Brock.

Mays was a mainstay, completing 91 of 175 passes for 1,264 yards with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He threw all but three of Ludlow’s passes. He wasn’t a rushing threat, running just 21 times for 37 yards, but that might change this season. Mays is also getting reps on defense in the secondary. Freshman Miller Reed is the alternate QB.

Anness led the team with 1,251 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns while also being among the tackle leaders at linebacker. He rarely came off the field, showing good stamina with 6.9 yards per carry. Anness was also the team’s second-most productive receiver with 22 catches for 263 yards and four more scores, totaling 17 touchdowns on offense. He was named Class A District 4 Player of the Year and has a great chance to repeat as the district’s premier two-way player.

McMillen expects Brandenburg, also a defensive stopper, to increase his production on offense after totaling seven catches for 72 yards and one touchdown last season as the third receiving option. He added 25 carries for 298 yards and three TDs. Aiden Smith-Baxley carried 64 times for 310 yards and nine TDs as the fourth rushing option.

“Spencer was the leading tackler last season but he is also a capable weapon on offense as a receiver and runner,” said McMillen, a Ludlow alum. “He was named to the all-district team by the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association.”

Brock was an NKFCA all-district choice on the line, anchoring the run-oriented offense.

THIRD DOWN — DEFENSE

The Panthers have seven returning starters in the 4-2 base defense, providing experience and continuity. Along with Anness at linebacker and Brandenburg in the secondary, the key players are senior lineman Carson Evans, senior linebacker Aiden Smith-Baxley, sophomore linebacker Ben Griffiths, and senior defensive backs Keedon Moore and Byron Conley.

Brandenburg led the team with 111 total tackles, including four tackles for loss. Anness was second with 99 total tackles, adding 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown plus a fumble recovery returned for a score.

Evans, who also plays tight end, is the anchor on the defensive line, leading the team with 6.5 sacks and earning all-district honors from the NKFCA. Smith-Baxley is an all-district selection at linebacker and yet another quality two-way player. He led the team with 15 tackles for loss and had 92 total tackles. Griffiths is expected to play on both sides of the line after adding offensive duties this season. Senior Landen Meyer is another two-way lineman.

Moore and Conley, both of whom play receiver on offense, are strong tacklers and solid in coverage in the secondary. Reed will also play defensive back.

“We received a nice shot in the arm with the return of a healthy Keedon Moore who suffered a serious injury two season ago.” coach McMillen said. “Keedon will be a key player on both sides of the ball this year and a vital piece to a successful year.”

FOURTH DOWN — GOALS/OUTLOOK

Repeating as district champion is tough, but this is Ludlow’s first goal, followed by a regional championship. To that end, McMillen made a key addition to his coaching staff. He hired fellow former Walton-Verona head coach Jeff Barth. While Barth has cut back on football time to be with his family, the time he gives to Ludlow is invaluable. He offers a second set of eyes with head-coaching experience. McMillen and Barth worked together at Walton-Verona and have maintained a close relationship.

“The players and community are very excited about the upcoming year,” McMillen said. “We welcome the chance to defend the district title.”

Good health, especially at the skill positions and among the two-way standouts, is another goal. Coach McMillen has been impressed with team conditioning and believes the Panthers are ready for the upcoming grind.

“The team has had a very good offseason and seems to be coming together,” McMillen said. “We have a nice mix of experience and fresh faces who should contribute to the 2024 campaign.”

The future looks bright beyond 2024. There are 12 freshmen on the roster, the biggest freshman class in years at Ludlow. There are nine sophomores.

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