article NKY Power Rankings: Pre-Season

1) 5A Covington Catholic (14-1 in 2018) – Covington Catholic had a strong 14-1 run that earned them the 2018 5A runner-up trophy. Left with a bitter taste in their mouths after falling short of the 5A title, the Colonels have been using that to motivate themselves for the 2019 football season. Starting QB Caleb Jacob returns as a junior and will have a committee of running backs joining him, including Michael Boydston, Daniel Felix, Owen Nalley, Jadon Stava, Ryan Schneider and Luke Zimmerman. Notre Dame commit TE Michael Mayer is the obvious talk of the team after rising to the level of the national elite in the 2020 recruiting class. Mayer averaged over 22 yds per reception last season, and will be a major passing target for Jacob, along with Andy Molique, Wyatt Schwartz, and Ethan Reardon. Lucas Jones anchors the O-line, along with Zach Allen and Ago Murrer who all saw varsity time last year. Linebackers Michael Mayer, Daniel Felix & Luke Stegman will be at the core of Cov Cath’s defense, and the secondary will be filling out with Wyatt Schwartz, Andy Molique, Jack Raisbeck & Owen Nally. The Colonels open their 2019 season at home on August 23rd against 6A Ryle.

2) 5A Highlands (10-3 in 2018) – The Bluebirds made the leap back towards their traditional form in 2018, and will be returning a significant number of starters as they look to unseat Covington Catholic from the district throne. Collin Hollingsworth will get the nod at QB, after missing their scrimmage on Aug 9, but having an impressive showing in the scrimmage on Aug 16. Joe Buten will be a major player at running back after putting up over 500 yds rushing as Highlands’ #2 running back last year behind Cooper Schwalbach, who graduated in May. Receivers Hunter Ahlfeld & Ethan Houze were among Highlands’ top receivers in 2018 and will be back this year, joined by Joey Deschler, Jacob Welch, and Ryan Garvey to round out a deep primary receiving corps. On the other side of the ball, Eastern Michigan commit Brycen Huddleston will be the defensive anchor at linebacker, with LB Mason Schwalbach, DL Conner Zell, Griffin Welsch & Brennan White, DB John Kohler all back as starters. Talk from the bleachers continued in the offseason as to whether or not Huddleston’s athletic prowess will also be utilized on the offensive side of the ball for the Birds, but all signs are pointing towards Brycen playing exclusively as a defensive player. Highlands starts off their season on the road at 4A Scott on August 23rd.

3) 2A Beechwood (13-2 in 2018) – The Tigers find themselves in a new football classification for the first time in program history this year, after moving up to 2A to join traditional cross-state foe, Mayfield. With star quarterback Cam Hergott returning for his junior year, Beechwood’s passing game looks to be a major strength once again for the team, especially after graduating their biggest offensive producer from 2018 in running back Logan Castleman. Cole Stammer is going to be the primary running back for the Tigers this year, joined by Mitchell Corts and Michael Hatfield who were both significant contributors to the running game last year. Max Nordheim has moved from the offensive backfield to the O-line this year. The receiving corps was hit hard by graduation, but Mason Williams and Gage Dollenmeyer will likely be the most notable returning receivers. On defense, we can expect to see many of the same names as we do on offense, as usual, as Beechwood has created a tradition of putting their best 11 players on the field for as much time as possible. Mason Williams doubles at safety, as does Cam Hergott, Gage Dollenmeyer switches to cornerback on D, and Joshua Derry, Mitchell Corts & Max Nordheim all play both ways at LB. The Tigers are looking tough, and will be fighting for their first ever shot at a 2A championship this year. They open their season August 30th at Georgetown College against 1A Paintsville.

4) 6A Simon Kenton (10-3 in 2018) – Simon Kenton reclaimed the crown as the king of northern Kentucky 6A last season, but this season they are going to be looking to redeem themselves after losses last year to 1A Beechwood and 5A Highlands. The Pioneers had some significant losses to graduation in the offseason, including their starting QB. Their QB position has not yet been set in stone, with senior QB Erik Brown who doubles as a receiver, junior QB Reed Carmony, and a talented incoming freshman QB Chase Crone all looking to help lead the offense. The offensive line will have 3 returning in seniors Noah Brophy, Corey Cleveland, and Lucas Kreidenweis, and they will be joined by returning receiver Evan Mulberry and returning running back Austin Hammack. The defense will be led by standout lineman Vuk Sajlovic, as well as DL Jack Milton and LB Aric Hoffman. Isaac Bleier, Zack Koenes, and Tyler Parks will all be returning in the defensive backfield in hopes of helping lead Simon Kenton to a deeper run in the 6A playoffs in 2019. The Pioneers have their first game on Friday August 23 against 6A Henry Clay in the Bumblebee/Mingua Beef Jerky Showdown at Lafayette High School.

5) 5A Cooper (5-7 in 2018) – It’s no secret the last two seasons were a struggle for Cooper, but the Jaguars look to build on the steady improvement experienced from 2017 to 2018. In 2019, despite moving into 5A and a district with Covington Catholic and Highlands, Cooper should benefit from the return of multiple starters on both sides of the ball, as well as multiple players who saw significant playing time last season. And let’s not forget about Mr. Everything, Jeremiah Lee. Returning as a sophomore, Lee led the 2018 offense in rushing from his position at QB, and was a significant defensive contributor in the team’s 2018 defensive backfield – and that was all despite an injury that kept him out for the majority of 3 games last year. If Cooper’s scrimmage against Beechwood is anything more than an experiment, though, it appears that Lee has moved to WR, and sophomore Drew Warth will be taking the primary role as QB. The Jags return #2 rusher Anthony Witschey in the backfield alongside newcomer Brendan Tye. Most of the offensive line will be back, and they return several offensive skills players who saw significant varsity time last year including senior WR Jayden Maynard. On the defensive side, DE Ethan Bosway returns. He was the #1 tackler in 2018. And they also return the likes of safety Joe Poage, LB Bryan Yelton, DL Tyeon Chipwelong, DL Dominic Rulli along with Jeremia Lee and Anthony Witschey in the backfield. Cooper starts off the 2019 season at home against 5A Dixie Heights on August 23.

6) 4A Scott (7-5 in 2018) – Among football programs in northern Kentucky, Scott’s has been one of the most notable programs on the rise in the 2010s. The Eagles had to be a little disappointed when Coach Danny Woolley announced he was stepping down at the end of last season. Since then, Coach Eric Turner was hired away from Lloyd, and Coach Woolley returned as the offensive coordinator. After graduating their starting QB in May, it appears that the job will be in the hands of sophomore Gus Howlett this season. They are very fortunate to return RB Quincy Perrin, who has over 2800 career yards rushing, as well as senior WR Jackson Hardin, sophomore WR Cam Patterson, and 4 year starters Jacob Randall & Eric Linton on the O-line. On the defense, linemen Hunter Wade, Evan Ohmer, and Michael Nicholas all return after seeing significant time last season. 2018 leading tackler Nigel Robinson returns at LB along with Michael Kawaa and Kaden Krallmen, and Quincy Perrin, and the backfield rounded out with seniors Jackson Hardin and Phillip Gallardo, among others. Scott starts their 2019 campaign at home against 5A Highlands on August 23.

7) 6A Ryle (2-9 in 2018) – Ryle is another team that has proven to be very difficult to predict. Head Coach Mike Englor is fancied a “quarterback expert” of sorts, but the 2018 season was a difficult one for the Raiders, and the team struggled at the QB position in particular. It looks like starting QB for the 2019 season will be either junior Bradyn Lyons, or sophomore Luke Worley, with senior Keegan Stanken, who filled in as QB for most of last season, returning to his favored spot at WR. Stanken will be joined by Johnathan Coker and Conner Lee as returning receivers. TE Leonel Galan was a favorite receiver last season as well. In the backfield, Ryle will be looking for another big year out of 3-year starter Kyle England, who is one of the best returning ball carriers in NKY, as well as senior Elijah Cusick. Senior LB Luke Bradshaw is the top returning tackler for the defense, and will be the anchor of the Raiders’ D, along with linebackers Dillon Talmon & Devin Handorf. Elijah Cusick, Morgan Rabe, JT Lokey, Johnathan Coker & Ryan Planck all come back in the secondary, and Cooper White, Keegan Points, and Adam Mullins will all return on the defensive line. With an impressive number of players coming back as starters or significant contributors, Ryle will be hoping to see some big-time improvements on things this year when they open their season on August 23 at 5A Covington Catholic.

8) 5A Conner (9-4 in 2018) – Conner has always been a tough one to judge going into the beginning of the season. Over the last couple of decades things have stayed pretty quiet in Hebron during the off-season. The Cougars are one of the fortunate teams in northern Kentucky to have a returning starter back as QB. Jared Hicks will be a senior this year, and had a solid season passing last year. The offense will also be relying heavily on senior RB Douglas Abdon, but they are without any regular starters coming back as receivers. The offensive line will be anchored by Michael Neal and Sam Clements. On the defensive side, Conner graduated most of their leading tacklers, so they will be relying heavily on underclassmen stepping into roles on the defensive line, the linebacking corps, and in the defensive backfield. DL Chase Kurtz, DL Noah Benza, LB Colton Roy, and DB’s Colten Roy & Drew Siegmundt are the most notable players back on defense. Keep an eye out for sophomore DB Hayden Malott as well. The Cougars still have a relatively small roster, and will be dependent on many of their players spending significant time playing both ways. Conner starts off on the road against 6A Madison Central in the Roy Kidd Bowl on August 24.

9) 6A Campbell County (6-5 in 2018) – The Camels’ 2018 season saw 5 losses coming at the hands of 5 tough challengers in 5A Highlands, 6A Simon Kenton, 5A Covington Catholic, 6A Scott County, and OH-DIII Mount Healthy. Unfortunately for Campbell County, this year they will be challenged with finding new players to step into the roles of the majority of their starters on both sides of the ball. Junior QB Justin Little saw relatively few varsity snaps last season, and will likely looking to split time early on with sophomore QB Preston Agee as they work on deciding who their offensive pilot will be. RB Crosley Gray will return this season on the offense, along with WR Crew Berkley, WR Josh Pond, TE Casey Rauch, and a number of seniors on the offensive line who all saw action last year. On the defensive side, LB Casey Rauch is the strength as the leading tackler from last year, and Preston Agee will be a strong 2-way player in the defensive backfield, but the lion’s share of the remaining defensive starters will be decided from the players who were primarily backing up the starting D last season. Campbell County opens up the 2019 season at home against 1A Newport Central Catholic on August 23.

10) 1A Newport Central Catholic (5-7 in 2018) – The Thoroughbreds had a meat-grinder of a season last year, and it was reflected in their final record, but Coach Lickert will be using those hard-fought lessons as building blocks as he looks to bring in a batch of new starters this season. His mainstay offensively will be QB Paul Kremer, who comes into the 2018 as the #1 returning QB in northern Kentucky for passing touchdowns (29) and the #2 returning QB for passing yards (2,401). He will have senior Daniel Craig protecting him from the O-line, and his primary passing target will be senior WR Caleb Jefferson. Luke Landrum, Landen Davis, and Joe Doeker are the likely candidates to appear in the backfield alongside QB Kremer. On defense, look out for big senior LB Daniel Craig to lead the team alongside Luke Landrum, and sophomore Dom Morgan looking to step up and impress as he joins Craig as a linebacker. Joe Doeker, Joey Runyon, and Caleb Jefferson will round out the defensive secondary, while the defensive frontline remains to be seen. The Breds start off this year by heading down 27 to face 6A Campbell County on August 23.

GAME OF THE WEEK: WEEK 0

6A Campbell County vs. 1A Newport Central Catholic

Coach Lickert is taking his team back to his old stomping grounds after losing 24-0 the Camels at home last year in his first year as the skipper for New Cath after departing Campbell County. Without looking at anything else, a 6A team should beat a 1A team. This one may be slightly more than that, though, since Campbell County’s roster was hit extremely hard by graduation in May. The Thoroughbreds have one of the best returning QB’s in northern Kentucky, Paul Kremer, to base their offense off of, and senior linebacker Daniel Craig coming back to anchor their defense, but they are looking to fill a lot of roles lost to graduation as well.

HAPPENING ELSEWHERE IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY

1A Bellevue – One of several programs in NKY with a new head coach. Tiger alum Cie Cie Wood is no stranger to the program after playing for Bellevue and having spent the past 7 years there as an assistant coach. Senior WR/DB Gunner Barnes led the team last year in both receiving yards and interceptions.

1A Bishop Brossart – Brossart is quickly working towards the completion of phase 1 of the MAC - the Mustang Athletic Center. This will make them to be the 2nd Catholic high school in NKY to have their own football field. The Mustangs hope to get to play the second half of their regular season home games at the new facility. They will have senior DB Sam Howard & DE Grant Haubner back to lead the defense, and junior QB Trevor Schadler will be the leading the offense this year.

5A Boone County – Another school with a new head coach, and another head coach taking over for his alma mater. Bryson Warner started at linebacker for the Boone County in the early 90s, and has come back to take over the Rebels program after having spent 11 years as Ryle’s head coach, and most recently spent two years as an assistant on Covington Catholic’s football coaching staff.

1A Bracken County – Bracken County was another of the programs to find itself in the off-season carousel of coaching changes. After 2 seasons as head coach for the Polar Bears, Dave Brausch stepped down. No word on whether Coach Brausch is still in the football coaching game currently, but Tim Caver stepped into the role fairly late in the game, towards the end of June. Coach Carver has 35 years of experience, and was the first “official” coach for neighboring Bishop Brossart, although he gave up the position before the start of the Mustangs’ first football season.

2A Carroll County – Justin Franklin took over the Panthers program in April after Coach Hunter Cantwell was hired away by Christian Academy Louisville. Coach Franklin is a member of the cast of coaches in northern Kentucky to take over at their alma mater, but he previously spent 4 seasons as head football coach at Trimble County from 2012 to 2015. Since then he spent the last 3 years at Carroll County as the defensive coordinator and the strength & conditioning coach.

1A Dayton – Dayton is the fourth program in NKY to have a coach “come home” to take over the football program. Jesse Herbst spent 15 years as an assistant coach for Simon Kenton, before accepting the head coaching job at Dayton, where he graduated in 1990. Herbst took over a program that was faced with forfeiting 2 games due to low roster numbers last year, but he already gotten players excited about football in Dayton, and comes into the season with a 33 man roster – 60% larger than last year.

4A Holmes – Coach Nevels is looking for some leadership behind a senior-heavy returning offensive line, with most of his players doubling on the defensive side of things as well. The Bulldogs are looking to likely have a sophomore QB this season in David Commodore, and he will have two big receiving targets in brothers Quantez & Tayquan Calloway.

2A Lloyd Memorial – The Juggs are under the helm of new head coach Kyle Niederman, who has a reputation for strength and conditioning and “physical old-school ball”. Coach Nierderman will be working on replacing a lot of vacated spots on the team this year, and will rely primarily on LB Isaac Abdon for leadership. Abdon led the team in tackles last year and is also a running back for the offense.

1A Ludlow – Coach Taphouse is entering his 4th year as the Panthers’ head coach, and he has a track record of success and improvement in the program to show for it. This year Ludlow will be without Beechwood as a district foe for the first time in program history – having replaced them with New Cath – and the Panthers will be looking for leadership from QB Ian Vallandingham, who ranks as one of the top returning NKY quarterbacks in passing yards & passing touchdowns in addition to being one of the best returners in rushing touchdowns, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and total touchdowns.

CWB’s PWPs (Colonels_Wear_Blue’s Players With Persistence)

Some kids inevitably are going to end up playing for programs that just aren’t going to make the deep runs in the playoffs, teams that may not always be grabbing the newspaper headlines, or teams that may not even end up with winning seasons. In the case of my power rankings, there are some kids who are on teams that just aren’t going to get much of a shot at making the power rankings. They're the guys who play football despite the fact that they aren't going to get a whole lot of acknowledgement for it. They play because they just really love the game. Here are some of them for you to look out for this season.

Isaac Abdon (Lloyd Memorial) – As a two-way player, Isaac put of 49yds rushing on 8 attempts, good for 1 TD last year, and was the top tackler on the defense with 77 total tackles including 50 solo tackles and 5 tackles for loss. He also had 1 interception.

Jeremy Adams (Dixie Heights) – Dixie didn’t get much talk last season, finishing with one of the worst records in team history, but QB Adams still managed to put in a season of strong numbers with his 1562yds and 9 TDs passing, and 619yds and 11 TDs rushing. He is back this year as a senior.

Gunner Barnes (Bellevue) – After being the Tigers’ top receiver last year, Barnes also makes for the team’s top returning scorer, as well as one of their leading tacklers and the team leader in interceptions, with 4.

Colby & Colton Beane (Pendleton County) – Twin brothers, twin receivers, twin defensive backs. Colton led the team in solo tackles from safety last year, and Colby was #2 from cornerback. Colby is also the top receiver returning on the offense, and Colton is the #3 returning receiver.

Quantez & Tayquan Calloway (Holmes) – The Calloway family is a major boost to the Bulldogs’ football program, to say the least. Quantez put up 355yds receiving and 79yds rushing for 3 total TDs, in addition to seeing time at QB good for 180yds passing, and contributing on defense with an interception, among other things. Tayquan had a fumble recovery and 3 interceptions on D, and 512yds receiving, and 338yds rushing for 10 total TDs. They return as juniors.

Jahmaree Cosby (Newport) – Jahmaree is the kind of player you can look at and just tell he’s one of those guys who just goes hard. As a linebacker, he racked up 48 solo tackles last year on top of having 1 forced fumble, a sack, and an interception. When a coach has a player like Cosby, it’s hard not to put him on the field as much as possible, so he also plays guard on the offensive side of things.

Matthew Campbell (Pendleton County) – Returning as quarterback for his senior season, Matthew was a 50% passer last year, and threw for almost 1299yds last year, in addition to being the #1 rusher for the team.

Corey Cheek (Dayton) – It’s hard to write up a highlight reel for an offensive lineman, but Corey returns at tackle for his senior season as one of the team leaders after a challenging 2018 season. On the defensive side, Cheek plays DE, where he was the #3 tackler last season, making him the #1 returning tackler this year for the Greendevils.

Evan Curee (Boone County) – Curee is a major bright spot for the Boone County team, which has lacked in numbers in recent years. After putting up a strong sophomore season where he finished as #3 in tackles and had 2 fumble recoveries including 1 for a TD, Evan will return for his junior year as the top tackler on the team going into the season.

Kaleal Davis (Newport) – Back for his senior year, Indiana State commit Kaleal Davis was the man for the Wildcats last year. At quarterback, he had 1020yds passing for 12TDs, 540yds rushing for 7 TDs. On the defensive side, he had 62 total tackles, 5 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries.

Tyler Gregory (Gallatin County) – Tyler is a wide receiver/cornerback for the Wildcats, and on top of led the team last year in points scored in addition to leading in forced fumbles and being the top returning tackler.

Grant Haubner (Bishop Brossart) – Coming back this year as a senior, Haubner was another of the many small school two-way-warriors last year. He returns as one of the top two tacklers for the defense, with 61 total tackles last year at linebacker and 2 fumble recoveries – one for TD. And on offense, Grant contributed 62yds receiving for 2 TDs from WR.

Austin Hazeres (Bellevue) – A somewhat unique combination of running back and defensive end, Hazeres had 77yds rushing and 152yds receiving for 1 TD last year in addition to leading the defense in tackles (32), fumble recoveries (2) and sacks (6).

Jeremiah Hicks (Covington Holy Cross) – After spending his freshman and sophomore years without seeing a win, Hicks will be looking to be the spark the Indians need in his junior year, after leading the team last year in rushing, with 297yds, good for 3 TDs, and leading in tackles with 59 total including 45 solo tackles and 3 tackles for loss.

Conner Knipp (Grant County) – After spending time watching older brother Austin at quarterback last year for the Braves, Conner managed to rack himself up 258yds passing at quarterback as a freshman for Grant County over the course of 3 games. Look for Conner to start an impressive career as a 3-year starter, beginning this year, his sophomore campaign.

Cody Kramer (Ludlow) – Cody is the exact definition of reliability and a workhorse. He returns as the Panthers’ #2 receiver, their #2 rusher, their leader in fumble recoveries, their leader in sacks (with 6), and their leading tackler.

Ethan Lawrence (Gallatin County) – As the go-to receiver last year at Gallatin, Ethan led the offence in total yards receiving, as well as contributing on the defensive side with a forced fumble and as being one of the top 3 tacklers returning this year for the team.

Jordan Marksberry (Dayton) – Jordan quietly put in a solid season as an all-around utility man for the Greendevils last year, with 12 solo tackles, 70yds receiving, and 22yds rushing in his sophomore campaign. Look for even more out of Marksberry as he returns for his junior year.

Andre Mumphrey (Carroll County) – Andre is an athlete, and it showed in his many roles last year for the Panthers. He was the quarterback, place kicker, punter, and saw time at cornerback as well. At QB, he put up an impressive 1438yds passing for 16 TDs, and rushed for another 885yds and 14 TDs. He will be one of the biggest keys to success for Carroll County this year in his senior season.

Trevor Schadler (Bishop Brossart) – He can pass, rush, catch, tackle – he just does whatever coach tells him he needs to do. Schadler was the #2 QB for the Mustangs last year with 156yds passing for 2 TDs. He also put up 153yds rushing, and 205yds receiving for 2 TDs. On the defensive side, he had 37 total tackles. Trevor returns this year as a junior starter.

Peyton Smith (Walton-Verona) – This year, in a season where the Bearcats are working to reload after being hit hard by graduation, the team will be looking to lean hard on the leadership of senior running back Smith, who led the team in rushing last year with 695yds and 10 TDs, as well as 205yds and 4 TDs receiving, making him their #2 returning receiver.

Ian Vallandingham (Ludlow) – Stepping into the vacancy left by team record-setting quarterback Justin Blackburn’s graduating, Ian finished last year with a very solid 1037yds and 11 TSs passing, and 677yds and 12 TDs rushing. He was also a significant contributor on defense at cornerback.

Cauvey Vastine (Boone County) – Vastine only saw action in 6 games last year as a sophomore, but he managed to put up enough rushing yards in that time to come in less than 100yds behind the Rebels’ leading rusher with his 568yds and 5 TDs.

Emery Woods (Bracken County) – As a sophomore, it’s tough to make a big show when you have players the likes of seniors Tad Fisher & Trey Brausch making their way into most every play on both sides of the ball, but Emery Woods certainly managed, posting 121yds and 1 TD receiving, making him the team’s top returning receiver this year. Then he will also be among the top returning defensive players for the Polar Bears with his 40 total tackles, and 4 interceptions.

Matthew Young (Owen County) – As a senior, the Rebels will be looking to Matthew Young for leadership on the field this year after he led the team last year in most regards – rushing, receiving and total scoring on the offense, and on defense, tackles (54), sacks (8), fumble recoveries (3) and fumbles returned for TD (1).

Seth Young (Dixie Heights) – Seth Young proved to be a very reliable player for a team that was in need of reliable players last year. On offense he put up a respectable 24yds on 10 carries at running back, and 108yds on 9 receptions at wide receiver. Defensively, he is one of the top returners at cornerback with 58 tackles accrued last season.

Truth be told, I feel like the 1-4 spots are pretty well set for the moment, but then the 5-10 spots are going to see a pretty decent amount of shuffling around in the coming weeks. I'm curious to hear what else folks think about how those teams should be lined out.

Lots of ifs for a lot of teams "if they can develop a solid quarterback", "if they can fill out their defensive line", "if they can get their passing game picked up this year"....things like that.

Great Work CWB! Love the Happening Elsewhere In NKY Section!

Truth be told, I feel like the 1-4 spots are pretty well set for the moment, but then the 5-10 spots are going to see a pretty decent amount of shuffling around in the coming weeks. I'm curious to hear what else folks think about how those teams should be lined out.

 

Lots of ifs for a lot of teams "if they can develop a solid quarterback", "if they can fill out their defensive line", "if they can get their passing game picked up this year"....things like that.

Always hard before the season starts to accurately rank teams, but here's my top 5:

1) CovCath

2) Highlands

3) SK

4) Ryle

5) Beechwood

I don't follow high school football in NKY nearly as close as many (all?) of you, but are we to take nothing from the varsity portion of Cooper's scrimmage with Beechwood? Talking to a guy whose knowledge around H.S. sports I respect, he feels like Beechwood, while having a GREAT QB, is going to be down from prior years overall.

Guess we'll find out.

Nice work on the write-up.

I don't follow high school football in NKY nearly as close as many (all?) of you, but are we to take nothing from the varsity portion of Cooper's scrimmage with Beechwood? Talking to a guy whose knowledge around H.S. sports I respect, he feels like Beechwood, while having a GREAT QB, is going to be down from prior years overall.

 

Guess we'll find out.

 

Nice work on the write-up.

Minus Jeremiah Lee, Beechwood probably beats Cooper in that scrimmage. All three Cooper TD's were long pass + run by Lee. Final varsity score was 24-14 in favor of Cooper.

That being said, I agree Beechwood is down from a senior dominated 3 time state champion level. Here is my ranking:

1. Cov Cath

2. Simon Kenton

3. Highlands

4. Ryle

5. Cooper

6. Beechwood

7. Conner

8. Campbell County

9. New Cath

10. Scott

Truth be told, I feel like the 1-4 spots are pretty well set for the moment, but then the 5-10 spots are going to see a pretty decent amount of shuffling around in the coming weeks. I'm curious to hear what else folks think about how those teams should be lined out.

 

Lots of ifs for a lot of teams "if they can develop a solid quarterback", "if they can fill out their defensive line", "if they can get their passing game picked up this year"....things like that.

For Beechwood Josh Derry is the running back and he is back after getting injured early last year. Expect him to have a very good year once comfortable again. You didn’t mention him as the running back. I also think Beechwood is in for a rebuild. They will probably win 7 games, I think they will lose to Cov Cath and Corbin, and Somerset will be a tough one for them. Also Taft was pretty good last year, but I think they lost a lot. I think right now SK and Ryle are probably also ahead of them, so I think 5th is probably a fair starting spot. Replacing your entire offensive and defensive lines is tough to overcome, especially early on.

Thank you, outstanding report and so much insight.

I love the regional power rankings. There's always a more personal touch involved when you're talking about the area you know best. And the differences of opinion carry more weight when the people involved understand the unique temperature of the region.

Great work, CWB.

I love the regional power rankings. There's always a more personal touch involved when you're talking about the area you know best. And the differences of opinion carry more weight when the people involved understand the unique temperature of the region.

 

Great work, CWB.

Just another example of coverage you can only get at BluegrassPreps.

Truth be told, I feel like the 1-4 spots are pretty well set for the moment, but then the 5-10 spots are going to see a pretty decent amount of shuffling around in the coming weeks. I'm curious to hear what else folks think about how those teams should be lined out.

 

Lots of ifs for a lot of teams "if they can develop a solid quarterback", "if they can fill out their defensive line", "if they can get their passing game picked up this year"....things like that.

I don't follow high school football in NKY nearly as close as many (all?) of you, but are we to take nothing from the varsity portion of Cooper's scrimmage with Beechwood? Talking to a guy whose knowledge around H.S. sports I respect, he feels like Beechwood, while having a GREAT QB, is going to be down from prior years overall.

 

Guess we'll find out.

 

Nice work on the write-up.

Minus Jeremiah Lee, Beechwood probably beats Cooper in that scrimmage. All three Cooper TD's were long pass + run by Lee. Final varsity score was 24-14 in favor of Cooper.

 

You can almost say that about almost any team if you take away a certain player things may have been different. I mean that would be like saying well if Hergott doesn't play Beechwood may get shut out and Cooper wins be even more.

It was just a scrimmage, but it is interesting how some seem to down play the result of last weeks scrimmage between Cooper and Beechwood. Based off that I probably would have Beechwood behind Cooper to start with as VOR mentioned. Then see how things play out as the season progresses. Nice work putting all this together.

It is interesting how the Beechwood/Cooper scrimmage went last week. I have to assume that both teams held some things back, but basic fundamental football had Cooper ahead in offense and defense. Yes Lee had 3 TD's as a receiver, never saw him in any other position on offense. One would think he will see other offensive positions. Cooper won the line of scrimmage all night both offensively and defensively. 72 and 53 for Cooper are a lot to handle. I think Beechwood would agree. I would have to give Cooper the advantage coming out of that scrimmage. Of course, it is a scrimmage and doesn't matter at all. This Friday is when it counts. Lets see what happens then.

I agree with Voice of Reason with the Top 5:

1. Cov Cath

2. Simon Kenton

3. Highlands

4. Ryle

5. Cooper

CCH has something to prove after letting their perfect season fall short in the finals.

What is the love for Simon Kenton?

Great research and think your definitely on track here.