The sting of last November’s playoff loss remains, and replacing their former quarterback won’t be easy.
Even so, Dixie Heights enters the season believing their goals haven’t changed and they have the pieces to be successful.
Here’s five things to know about the Colonels as they approach the 2026 season:
Everywhere at Once
Position labels are more like suggestions at Dixie Heights this season. The Colonels plan to lean on a roster full of players capable of making an impact all over the field.
“We have several guys that are going to be in elevated roles who are athletic enough to do a lot,” head coach Pat Burke said. “We have a lot of young men who are very versatile and can move in and out of different positions while all being on the field at the same time.”
Leading rusher Levi Gilliland will line up at running back and linebacker, but can split out into the slot. Henry Waters is expected to see time at running back, wide receiver, quarterback and safety. Top receiver Parks Vonderhaar could also contribute in the secondary, while leading tackler Brad Roaden is expected to play tight end and line up in the backfield.
Fuel From the Finish
The final score has long been filed away, but the memory hasn’t.
Hosting a playoff game for the first time since 2021, Dixie Heights suffered a heartbreaking 52-49 first-round loss to Collins on a foggy November night. The Colonels rallied from a 21-point deficit to tie the game before Collins connected on a last-minute field goal to escape Edgewood with the victory.
“It’s one of those things that stays with you,” senior Brad Roaden said. “Pushing throughout the season, it’s a motivator. The playoffs are a great chance to see them again.”
Despite the disappointing finish, the game reinforced what Burke believed about his team.
“We preach resiliency and relentlessness, and I thought they displayed that,” Burke said. “There are no moral victories, but the kids realized they elevated their level of play. Going into the offseason it has motivated us to continue to be relentless.”
Turning the Page at Quarterback
Replacing a quarterback like Mason Fields isn’t about finding another Mason Fields. It’s about building an offense around the players who are back, and that’s exactly what the Colonels plan to do this season.
Fields finished statistically among Class 5A’s top three passers last season, completing 156 passes for 2,669 yards and 28 touchdowns while adding two rushing scores. He ended his career with 4,482 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes.
“People are worried, but in practice we’ve had multiple guys at QB who can throw the ball, run the ball and lead the team how we need them to,” senior wide receiver Parks Vonderhaar said. “I’m pretty confident in that position this year.”
Rather than asking one player to replace Fields, Dixie Heights will rely on an experienced offensive line, productive backs and proven receivers to help their next quarterback settle into the role.
Starting With a Statement
Dixie Heights hasn’t had much luck opening the season the past three years.
The Colonels dropped season openers to Simon Kenton in 2023 (23-13), 2024 (50-35) and 2025 (20-10).
This year, Dixie gets the Pioneers at home, giving the Colonels a chance to open the season with a statement and earn a rivalry win. For the senior class, it also presents an opportunity to snap a three-game skid against Simon Kenton.
“I’m ready for it,” senior Levi Gilliland said. “We haven’t beaten SK since I’ve been at Dixie, since I was a freshman. I’m really excited for it.”
As the team’s starting running back, Gilliland also sees the opener as an opportunity to showcase what the Colonels’ offense is capable of.
“I hope people see that we’re explosive,” he said. “Even if we’re not a pass-heavy team, we can still have explosive plays, running 70-yard touchdowns.”
Embracing the Gauntlet
Playing a schedule filled with teams from Dixie’s own backyard means facing not only some of Northern Kentucky’s best programs, but some of the state’s best.
Every season since 2019, including this year, Dixie Heights has faced Cooper, Ryle, Covington Catholic and Beechwood, programs that have combined for 15 state semifinal or championship game appearances during that span.
“We play everybody. We start out with Simon Kenton, then we have Beechwood, Covington Catholic and Ryle,” Burke said. “We have to be able to compete with them, match their level of physicality and their level of success.”
The demanding schedule hasn’t hindered the team’s belief.
“A lot of people say we’re going to show everyone what we’re made of,” senior Henry Waters said. “I don’t care about that. I know what we can do and what we’re capable of. We just have to go out and execute it.”
We’re previewing all 22 NKY football teams from July 27-August 17. Check out five things to know about each team below:
