A new era of Newport Central Catholic football will ascend at the Ciafardini Family Athletic Complex on Aug. 21 against Lloyd Memorial at Robert Schneider Field.
A new home field, a new coach and a lot of production to replace.
While the tradition rich program certainly has its history, the Thoroughbreds will usher in the 2026 season with a bit of a hill to climb.
Here’s five things to know about Newport Central Catholic for 2026:
Alum Brown the new leader
Pressure? Nah. Nerves? Nah.
Terry Brown takes over the program from Stephen Lickert after spending the last decade coaching the defense at Covington Catholic.
“Some people ask if its a lot of pressure or nerves, I see it as a great opportunity,” Brown said. “Kenny Collopy and Jeff Schulkens had enough faith in me for this job. I feel the responsibility to take what Coach Schneider built here. I had the pleasure of playing under him and guys before me. I’m a disciple from his tree and hoping to carry the torch and the characteristics to the next generation.”
On top of being an alum, Brown has NewCath football all over his roots. He’s a 2000 graduate, played under Schneider and was on Schneider’s staff when the Thoroughbreds won the 2005 state title. He’s been the defensive coordinator at Covington Catholic since 2015 under another NewCath alum, Eddie Eviston.
“NewCath is a family school where aunts and uncles went here, cousins went here. I knew in 2nd grade I’d be going here and something you look forward to and I’m looking to bring that back,”Brownsaid.
Bringing the core principles back
You’ll see a lot of those principles from the late 90’s to early 2000’s carried over into Brown’s regime.
“The goal is to do some of the things when I was back in school. We’ll be disciplined,” Brown said. “That’s not taking anything away from Coach Lickert and what he did here. He did a great job, the kids put in the hard work and they really paid attention to the little things.”
They’ll also carry over what Eviston was able to instill at CovCath.
“To be able to work with Eddie at CovCath I learned a lot. Not just x’s and o’s and what’s important. I’m looking to carry that on to NewCath and twist things and mold and shape of our own,” Brown said. We’ll do things the right way whether people are around or not. Develop our character, leave things better than you found it. We really focused on that at CovCath and paying attention to details on the small things and the bigger things will come second nature to you. Focus on the small things and the big things will come.”
A lot to replace
It’s a long grocery list of what graduated.
Starting quarterback, top three ball carriers, top five receivers, key lineman just to start. The question begs…who steps up and fills in?
At a small school, the names mentioned will most likely be playing both ways.
Parker Hurtt takes over at quarterback. Brown likes what he sees in Hurtt’s arm, reads his keys and will be a threat in the run game as well.
Vander Hundemer and Marvin Dukes will be the featured backs.
Will Meyer, Aiden Tillman, Colton Ewing and Liam Horan will be the key lineman on both sides of the ball and where Brown said they’ll “hang their hat” on this core.
Hundemer, Max Meyer and Will Stevie will man the linebacking corps.
“Most of these guys are unproven, but that’s good,” Brown said. “I like that and flying under the radar and playing with a chip on their shoulder with a lot to represent. We don’t return many varsity yards or touchdowns.”
“You can feel it in the air”
The Ciafardini Family Athletic Complex will include a synthetic turf field, six-lane track, seating for around 1,500, and offices for Schulkens and the football and soccer coaches. Not having to play “home” games at Covington Catholic or Dixie Heights means the Thoroughbreds finally have a home on The Hill.
The football field is named after the late Robert J. Schneider, who coached the Thoroughbreds from 1966-2009 and compiled a 343-183 record with three state championships.
“You can feel it in the air,” Brown said. “Just the excitement out of everyone. We’ll enjoy the atmosphere come Aug. 21, but we have to do our job to keep up that excitement.”
It’s quite the change from Brown’s playing days in the late 1990’s when they’d have to pick up beer bottles and glass on their way to practice.
“This all comes from the back of all those in front of them and we have to represent that jersey with pride and tradition,” Brown said. “We preach everyday that it’s a huge benefit. It’s why I put together a staff with a lot of alumni and knowing this means more to them.”
One thing that won’t change is the pregame routine of going to the Grato. Brown said they’ll still go there and then walk through the tailgate area and into the stadium.
Learning curve
While a state title is the goal every year, it may be a bit of a stretch considering what graduated and with a new coaching staff.
A mostly inexperienced team will be learning a new offense, defense and special teams nuances. That doesn’t mean it changes expectations.
“The kids heads are spinning a little bit and I can’t thank them enough for what they’re taking in or absorbing,” Brown said. “It will be tough early on, but as long as we’re getting better and building towards week one of the playoffs, that’s all you can ask for. We’re not looking at this as a tranisiton year.”
We’re previewing all 22 NKY football teams from July 27-August 17. Check out five things to know about each team below:
