In year three of Dan Court’s tenure at Boone County, the momentum continues to build.
After ending a seven-year playoff drought last season, the Rebels enter the season with experience and expectations of taking another step.
Here’s five things to know about the Rebels as they approach the 2026 season:
Building on the Breakthrough
For Boone County, last year’s playoff berth wasn’t the finish line. It was confirmation the program is moving in the right direction.
The Rebels snapped a drought by reaching the postseason for the first time since 2018. Their season ended with a 54-7 first-round loss to Woodford County, but simply getting there marked an important step for the program.
“It was huge, and it showed that the work we’re putting in—not just during the season, but year-round—is paying off and they’re buying into the process,” Court said. “When you see results, it helps give you the stamp of approval that the stuff you’re doing is working.”
One postseason goal. Box checked.
Now, the Rebels are looking to end another.
Boone County’s last playoff victory came in 2011, when they won three postseason games before falling to Scott County in the Class 6A state semifinals.
Seasoned Safeties
Sometimes the fastest way to grow up is to be thrown into the deep end.
Boone County’s young safeties found that out last season, and the experience they gained could transform the Rebels’ defense in 2026.
As underclassmen, Jeremiah Sanchez and Liam Kolks were thrust into starting roles at safety. Despite their youth, the duo combined for 122 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
Now older and more experienced, Sanchez and Kolks are expected to anchor a much more balanced defense.
“We’re much more well-balanced from back end to the front,” Court said. “It’s kind of a crazy to start a freshman at safety, but Liam has been the guy and has had a great offseason. Jeremiah has also had an awesome offseason, getting stronger and faster. Those two have bought in, and they’re going to make our defense much better this year.”
Boone’s Bell Cow
Defenses know who’s getting the football. Boone County knows it, too.
That’s why Court calls senior running back Malik Johnson the “bell cow.”
Last season, Johnson became Boone County’s first 1,000-yard rusher and first player with double-digit rushing touchdowns in a season since Jordan Oppenheimer rushed for 1,360 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010. Johnson finished with 1,188 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Johnson credits his offseason work for the breakout campaign. This offseason demanded even more.
“This offseason is obviously bigger,” Johnson said. “I know what to do based off the success I had last season. I’m working to build on that and keep rolling. Definitely use my size and be more physical. Last year I was trying to make people miss, but I want to add more power this year. Stiff-arm people. Truck people.”
Johnson is one of two returning 1,000-yard rushers in Northern Kentucky.
Full Throttle
If there’s one thing Boone County want fans to notice this fall, it’s the energy. The Rebels expect to play faster, celebrate louder and fly around the field every Friday night.
“I really see us having such an exciting year,” coach Dan Court said. “The celebration of each other, the way they play football, it’s going to be fun to watch. They’re going to fly around and be fast.”
No one embodies that mindset more than senior linebacker Javier Diaz.
Boone County’s leading tackler returns after recording 117 tackles, 39 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season. He’ll also see time at running back this season.
“I want to be flying around on defense, trying to get every tackle, even if it’s not me getting the whole tackle, just helping my teammates or boosting my teammates,” Diaz said. “Being high energy, celebrating all of my teammates.”
Boyz II Men
Forget the R&B group. Around Boone County, “Boyz II Men” has become the program’s philosophy.
As coach Dan Court enters his third season at the helm after guiding the Rebels from a two-win campaign in his first year to four wins and a playoff appearance last season.
The next step, Court believes, starts long before kickoff. It begins in the weight room, in team meetings and in the daily habits players develop throughout the offseason. He’s focused on building a culture that develops leaders and young men, trusting that success on Friday nights will follow.
“We’ve been trying to hit home the culture and becoming a great leader and a great high school football player,” Court said. “How that matches with growing as a human being and growing from boys to men. When you focus on that stuff, being a good high school football player comes with it.”
We’re previewing all 22 NKY football teams from July 27-August 17. Check out five things to know about each team below:
