After two weeks, every Northern Kentucky team has now played their opening game. Let’s take a look at the action:

 

Don’t call it a comeback:

 

The Cooper Jaguars fell behind early to Newport Central Catholic but a field goal just before the half to close the deficit to 14-10, was just the start of 24 unanswered points by Coach Randy Borchers’ squad. Jags were led by the duo of QB Will Ludwick (17-29 for 204 yards, 3 td’s) and RB Avery Bricking (17 rushes, 125 yards), but it was the play of Cory Fussinger (6 catches, 67 yards, 4 sacks) on both sides of the ball that takes home player of the game honors as they defeated Newcath 31-22 to pull their record even at 1-1.

 

Highlands Rolls:

 

The Bluebirds continued to roll as they defeated the Campbell County Camels 50-8. The Birds got off to a slow start but rolled after that behind 90 receiving and 72 rushing yards from senior Zach Harris. Harris had 4 total td’s to compliment Drew Houliston, who finished 18-26 for 318 yards and 5 touchdowns. 9 different receivers caught a pass from Houliston, including Alex Venneman, who had 3 catches for 97 yards.

 

Colonels Hold On

 

Despite losing their starting quarterback and running back, the Covington Catholic Colonels were able to hold on and defeat the Dixie Heights Colonels 21-13. Dixie scored a touchdown in the third quarter, to make it a 14-13 game, but the ensuing extra point sailed wide, shifting momentum back to the Blue Colonels. Dixie made one last push inside the Colonels 5 with under 30 seconds left but a pass break up by Matthew Way on 4th and 5 with 2.1 seconds left helped preserve the win. Covcath was led by Sam Dressman with 99 yards on 13 carries, as well as Matthew Way, who finished with 3 interceptions.

 

Beechwood Wins Opener:

 

Playing against a Division I Lima Senior (OH) team in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown at UC’s Sheakley Center, the Tigers pulled out a 20-14 win to put one in the win column in their ope ning game of the 2013 season. It was a back and forth game throughout until Kyle Fieger found Jaylen Hayden for a 50 yard touchdown strike with 8:01 left to give Beechwood the lead for good at 20-14. Fieger finished 5-20 passing but the Tigers made up for their lack of offense with 239 kick return yards. Ethan Stringer contributed to that mark with an 89 yard kickoff return to tie the score at 7. Beechwood won the game but lost senior running back Mitch Thomas for the remainder of the season to a knee injury.

 

Bellevue Rebounds

 

The Tigers went on the road and defeated Harlan behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Tyler Ackerson and two rushing touchdowns from Dylan Huff, who finished with 4 total td’s.

 

Pioneers Play D

 

Coming off a come from behind win over Collins, the Pioneers had a much easier night Friday as they defeated Holy Cross 48-0. The Neers jumped out to a 40-0 lead at the half and never looked back as quarterback Brenan Kuntz finished 10-12 passing for 167 yards and two touchdowns, while senior running back Travis Bryson finished with 52 yards on 3 carries and two touchdowns. Wide Receiver Grant Wassom also had two touchdowns as Simon Kenton improves to 2-0.

 

Scott Flexes

 

The Eagles had a lot of hype surrounding them and showed why Friday night as they routed Holmes 40-14. Tied, 7-7, the Eagles got a 50 yard touchdown run from senior Ben Osborne to put them on top for good. Scott rushed for 371 yards but it was Dylan DeTatta who stole the show as he finished with 88 yards and two touchdowns on just 9 carries. Josh Castleman (20 carries, 105 yards ), Nick Brinkman (8 carries, 64 yards), and Ben Osborne (11 carries, 86 yards) all reached the end zone for the Eagles to help improve their record to 2-0.

 

Ryle Routed

 

Playing one of the best teams in Class 6A, the Ryle Raiders dropped to 1-1 with a 56-14 loss to Scott Co. Ryle found themselves down just 7-0 at the half but couldn’t muster much throughout until they were able to get two late td passes from Gavin Brandt to Ryan Hill. Brandt finished 6-14 for 136 passing yards.

 

Barker “Did it on em”

 

It took just 15 plays for Drew Barker and Conner to put up 40 points on Boone County. Barker had touchdown runs of 75 yards and 80 yards on the first two plays of the game for Conner and the route was on. Barker would add 4 more passing touchdowns, including a 63 yard bomb on his 7th play from scrimmage to give him 5 total TD’s…in one half. Barker finished with 6 touchdowns. The game would be called at the half due to heat index with Conner winning 40-7. Needless to say, Drew Barker “Did it on em.”

 

Teegarden Gets First Win

 

After a tough loss to Dayton in week 0, Lee Teegarden’s Brossart Mustangs picked up the first win Of the season for their new coach. The Mustangs were led by Casey Pelgen with 130 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Stangs’ 21-6 win over Middletown Christian.

 

Newport Falls Again

 

After getting terrible news earlier in the week that head coach Matt Schmidt’s father had passed away, the Wildcats played Friday night with heavy hearts and fell to Walton Verona 48-13. Walton jumped out to a 41-7 halftime lead behind 3 Chris Lattimore touchdowns.

 

Juggs Get Offensive

 

After losing a close one in week 0, Lloyd put on an offensive clinich in a 63-12 win over Dayton, giving new head coach Eric Turner his first win as Lloyd Head Coach. Star of the game goes to senior running back Brian Warren, who had 210 first half rushing yards.

 

Week 2 Match ups:

 

Beechwood (1-0) v Dixie Heights (0-1)

Bellevue (1-1) at Gallatin County

Dayton (1-1) v Pendleton County

Ludlow (0-2) at Paris

Newport Central Catholic (1-1) at Campbell County (1-1) - NKYSPORTS.COM Game of the Week

Bishop Brossart (1-1) v Bracken County (Saturday 9/7)

Lloyd (1-1) v Holmes (1-1)

Highlands (2-0) v Bryan Station

Covington Catholic (2-0) v Moeller, OH (Saturday 9/7)

Conner (1-0) v Simon Kenton (2-0)

Scott (2-0) v Aiken, OH

Cooper (1-1) at Boone County (0-2)

Ryle (1-1) v Sycamore, OH

 

Byes: Newport , Holy Cross

 

NKY Top 5:

 

1. Highlands

2. Conner

3. Simon Kenton

4. Covington Catholic

5. Dixie Heights

 

Game of the week:

 

Simon Kenton at Conner: This game will be a match up of not only two of the top 3 teams in the NKY top 5, but also two of the top quarterbacks in the area. This game should give us a much better idea of just how good both teams are. Simon Kenton will have their hands full with Drew Barker and his ability to get all of his teammates involved both with his arm and running ability. Conner’s defense will receive a much tougher test defensively against the balanced offense of Simon Kenton, led by Brenan Kuntz.

Dylan Detatta is actually Dylan Detetta.