The opening week of football is in the books and we saw some great team and player performances. Let’s take a look at how each team fared in Northern Kentucky in week 0:

 

Walton Verona (1-0) 21 Bellevue (0-1) 20

The Wildcats were led by Chris and Will Lattimore in this one. Just before the half, Chris Lattimore hauled in a 60 yard touchdown pass to put the Bearcats up 14-6. Opening the second half, the Bearcats used a 67 yard run by another Lattimore to extend the lead to 21-6. Bellevue was able to close the deficit to 20-14 after a Dillon Huff 2 yard touchdown run and 2 point conversion. Late in the game, the Tigers scored another touchdown to close to within 21-20 but the 2 point conversion failed and an interception with 33 seconds left, sealed the win for Walton to drop Bellevue to 0-1.

 

Players of the game:

Chris and Will Lattimore took home co-players of the game with a combined 212 yards and 3 touchdowns.

 

Gallatin County 41 Ludlow 0

 

Gallatin County scored 5 first half touchdowns and that was all she wrote as the Panthers could never get anything going offensively and get shut out in their opening game.

 

Newport Central Catholic (1-0) 37 Ashland (0-1) 26

 

The three headed rushing attack of Mac Franzen (11 rushes, 103 yards), Jacob Smith (9 carries, 86 yards, 2 td’s), and Jack Sutkamp (66 yards, 1 td) were all the Breds needed as they start their season 1-0 with a win over Ashland. With the score tied 13-13 in the second quarter, senior QB Mac Franzen scored on a 22 yard touchdown run to put the Breds up for good. Newcath racked up 304 yards on the ground.

 

Player of the game:

 

With two touchdowns, sophomore Jacob Smith takes home player of the game honors. His opening touchdown really set the pace for the Breds and his 18 yard touchdown run late in the game capped off the Breds scoring.

 

Dayton (1-0) 20 Bishop Brossart (0-1) 14

 

The Devils scored just before the half to go in to the locker room up 8-0 after a Robbie Hayes QB sneak from 1 yard out and successful 2 point conversion. The Devils would score again with 4:25 left in the 3rd quarter to go ahead 14-0 but would need a Logan Brewer 2 yard touchdown run with 1:12 to seal the victory, as Brossart was able to come back and tie the score at 14 with 10:41 left.

 

Holmes (1-0) 48 Holy Cross (0-1) 14

 

The Bulldogs fell behind 7-0 early but would use 42 unanswered points to down the Indians and get new head coach Ben Nevels his first varsity head coaching victory. The story of the game was the big play as Bruce Scruggs (78 and 63 yd receiving TD’s), Jon Scruggs (71 yd receiving TD), and Dashean Brumfield (46 yd TD Run) all had scoring plays of 45 yards or more. Jaylen Beal was the bright spot for the Indians with both of their touchdowns, including a 74 yard touchdown run late in the game to make the score 42-14.

 

Player of the game:

 

Jon Scruggs had 277 all purpose yards, but player of the game goes to sophomore quarterback Dashean Brumfield. Making his first varsity start, Brumfield was 5-10 passing for 235 yards and 4 td’s, while also rushing for 55 yards on 7 carries.

 

Scott 21 West Jessamine 20

 

Trailing 20-6 heading in to the 4th quarter, the Eagles scored two touchdowns in the final 7:17 to escape with a 21-20 win over West Jessamine. Running back Nick Brinkman sealed the victory for the Eagles with a td run with :28 left.

 

Covington Catholic (1-0) 48 Boone County (0-1) 0

 

It was a rough night for the Rebels at home under new head coach Jeff Griffith, as the Colonels continued to have the Rebels number and go on the road to pick up a 48-0 win. The Colonels got on the board with a 16 yard TD run from junior quarterback Adam Wagner (3 rushing, 1 passing td) and never looked back. It was 13-0 at the end of one, 33-0 at the half, and the Colonels tacked on two more scores in the second half with a Sam Hatter 5 yard run, safety, and McGinness 4 yard touchdown run. Senior Sam Dressman finished with 4 catches for 114 yards and 64 yards rushing on 4 attempts.

 

Player of the game:

 

Junior Quarterback Adam Wagner takes home player of the game honors in his first varsity start. The junior finished 9-11 for 211 yards and 1 td passing, while also rushing for 89 yards and a td on 8 carries.

 

Campbell County (1-0) 27 Newport (0-1) 7

 

Opening their brand new stadium, 3k plus watched their home Camels kick off their season with a 20 point win over the Newport Wildcats. It was 0-0 heading in to the 2nd quarter, but the Camels would head in to the half up 13-0 after rushing touchdowns by Brandon Morris (6 yards) and Alex Howard (25 yards). Newport closed to with 20-7 late but Campbell County would extend their lead to 27-7 and cap off the scoring with a Eli Matthews 76 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

 

 

Player of the Game:

 

We will go a little outside the box on this one and give it to the Campbell County offensive line as the Camels racked up 248 yards on 40 rushes. Alex Howard finished with 134 of those yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 carries.

 

Ryle 17 Cooper 10

 

In the battle of Union, it was the Raiders who came away with the victory. Trailing 10-3 late, the Raiders tied the score at 10 on an 11 yard run from Kyle Bailey with 2:45 to play. Zac Lamore had the game winning touchdown with 24 seconds left, which was set up by a blocked punt with 2:00 to go at the Cooper 21.

 

Player of the game:

 

This award goes to John Belk of Ryle, who had 2 blocked punts, including the big one that led to Ryle scoring late for the win.

 

Simon Kenton 23 Collins 21

 

The Pioneers kicked off their season with a 2 point win over last season’s 4A state championship runner up. The Neers were led by quarterback Brennan Kuntz, who finished 11-of-17 for 123 yards and one touchdown and also finished with 102 yards rushing on 16 carries. Dillon Powell also rushed for 106 yards on 25 carries. SK clinched the win with a Tyler Smith 18 yard field goal.

 

Player of the game:

 

Tyler Smith goes home the hero, as his field goal with 11 seconds left was the game winning play.

 

Highlands (1-0) 47 University Christian, FL (0-1) 17

 

The Bluebirds fell behind 10-0 early but would score 47 unsnaswered points to send the defending class 2A Florida State champions home. Trailing 10-6, the Bluebirds were able to score just before the half to go in to the locker room up 13-10. The second half would be all Highlands as UC wouldn’t score again until late in the 4th quarter. The Bluebirds piled up 518 yards of total offense.

 

Player of the game:

 

Drew Houliston takes home player of the game. Another quarterback making his first varsity start, the senior didn’t disappoint as he finished 21-30 for 373 yards and 4 td’s.

 

Week 1 Preview:

 

Newport (0-1) at Walton Verona (1-1)

In a game that could end up as a future playoff match, the Wildcats will travel to Walton looking for their first victory under new head coach Matt Schmitz. This game will be a good test for the Wildcats to see where they truly are after suffering a 27-7 loss in week 0.

 

Holmes (1-0) at Scott (1-0)

 

This should be a very good test for both teams, coming off victories. For Holmes, the key will be how their defense does against the big offensive line of the Eagles. For Scott, the key will be how they handle Holmes athletes Dashean Brumfield, Jon Scruggs, and Bruce Scruggs. This should be one of the better games in Northern Kentucky.

 

Cooper (0-1) v Newcath (1-0) at Dixie (Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown)

 

Despite the difference in size of the two schools, this Is a tough game for the Jags. Cooper is young and Newcath returns a lot of experience, although unproven. The key will be how well Cooper handles Newcath’s rushing attack, which racked up over 300 yards on the ground in week 0.

 

Covington Catholic (1-0) v Dixie Heights (0-0) (Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown)

 

In the Battle of Dixie Hightway, it will be the Colonels v Colonels in week 1. Covcath is coming off a victory over Boone, while Dixie comes in with this being their first game of the year. Dixie was impressive in their two scrimmages and one of the biggest keys will be how they do against a Covcath defense. Dixie should be able to pass the ball but how they are able to run against the Covcath defense will determine how well they do in this game.

 

Campbell County (1-0) at Highlands (1-0)

 

Campbell County will have their hands full with Highlands’ passing attack. The Birds two platoon system will really test the Camels on both sides of the ball. This game should give people a much better idea of where the Camels stand right now.

 

Boone County (0-1) v Conner (1-0) at Thomas More (Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown)

 

In the Battle of Boone County on Saturday, the high flying Conner offense, led by Drew Barker will make their debut against the Rebels. Conner comes in off of a bye week but were impressive in their scrimmage against Beechwood, led by Mr. Football candidate Drew Barker. Boone comes in off a big loss to Covcath and will need to use this game to simple get better for district play as Conner should be the favorite.

 

Holy Cross (0-1) at Simon Kenton (1-0)

 

The Indians will travel to Simon Kenton Friday night in what should be a one sided affair. Simon Kenton comes in off a big win over a very good Collins team, while Holy Cross is coming in off a lopsided loss to Covington rival, Holmes. Expect the Neers to get a lot of young guys playing time.

 

Ryle (1-0) at Scott County (1-0)

 

The Raiders are coming in off a victory over Union rival, Cooper, but this game will likely prove to be too much for the Raiders as Scott County is regarded as one of the best teams in 6A. Ryle needs to use this game to work on their quarterback “issues” and simply get more reps for the inexperienced skill guys.

 

Beechwood (0-0) v Lima Central (OH)

 

In another Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown game, the Tigers will take on Lima Central out of Ohio. The Tigers are still suffering the effects of losing linebacker and team captain Jack Talley, but with Kyle Fieger at the helm and the wealth of young talent, Beechwood should be able to move on. Expect the Tigers to test the Lima Central secondary early and often.

 

Bellevue (0-1) at Harlan

 

On Saturday the Tigers will travel to Harlan in the Alumni Bowl to take on Harlan, who is also a 1A school. Both teams come in off losses but Bellevue should have the upper hand.

 

Dayton (1-0) at Lloyd Memorial (0-1)

 

The Devils will travel to Erlanger Friday night to take on the Juggs. Lloyd comes in off a 26-18 loss to Marion County but should be the favorite in this one as their athletes should be too much for the smaller Dayton squad to keep up with 4 quarters.

 

Ludlow (0-1) at Bracken County

 

The Panthers are coming off a big loss to Gallatin County and things won’t get much easier for them against a decent Bracken County County team in week 1. While this is a winnable game for the Panthers, they will have to play better offensively to win.

 

NKY Rankings Week1:

 

1. Highlands

2. Simon Kenton

3. Covington Catholic

4. Dixie Heights

5. Conner

 

A few things to keep in mind with the above rankings:

1. Highlands is the clear cut #1 in Northern Kentucky. Their offense is one of the best in the state led by a great offensive line and a deep core of skill guys. Houliston has proven that he is more than capable of leading this offense and is an elite quarterback not only in Northern Kentucky, but also in the state.

2. Simon Kenton, Covington Catholic, Dixie Heights, and Conner could all be ranked anywhere 2-5 and you wouldn’t be wrong. Northern Kentucky has a great group of very good teams this year. The next two weeks should give us a much better idea of where these teams stand and how they stack up against one another. A case could also be made for Newcath to be included in the top 5.

3. Starting week 3, I will release a full top 10 list. This early in the season, there are simply too many unknowns to accurately rank the teams.

 

Week 0 showcased some great teams and games. Let’s hope for the same in week 1 and moving forward throughout the season.

Dillon Powell for Simon Kenton also had 2 touchdowns.