The season has come to an end for all but two Northern Kentucky teams. Let's take a look back at this past week's games and a look ahead to what lies ahead for the teams still playing.

 

Frankfort 35 Beechwood 21

A season that was full of both highs and lows has come to an end for Coach Rash's Tigers. For the first time since 2006 (when Newcath was apart of 1A), Beechwood will not be playing in the state semi finals of the Class 1A playoffs. Beechwood allowed 251 yards and 5 TD's on the ground. The Tigers lost running back Joe Studer on the first possession of the game, and the offense never seemed to recover. With what the Tigers return next year, don't get used to seeing them not play in the next round.

 

Newport Central Catholic 34 Gallatin County 12

The Breds are going back to the state semi finals for the third time in the last 4 years.. Newcath got off to a slow start but were able to turn things around in the 2nd half for their 8th straight win. The Breds racked up 348 yards of offense, while holding the pass happy Wildcats to 281 yards of offense. Mac Franzen finished with a touchdown rushing, while also throwing for 102 yards and 3 TD's on 9 of 11 passing. Sophomore Jacob Smith was Franzen's favorite target with 44 yards and 2 touchdowns, while rushing for 73 yards on 12 carries. Jack Sutkamp led the ground attack with 113 yards and a touchdown on just 15 carries. Sutkamp also had 11 tackles on defense while Brandon Gray came up with 2 interceptions.

 

Up Next:

Newcath will host the 8-4 Briar Jumpers of Somerset. Somerset ia a team that uses a balanced attack offensively as they average 171 ypg on the ground and 141 ypg through the air. Bryson Jones will lead the rushing attack for Somerset while quarterback Castle Hatcher comes in with over 1,550 yards passing. Somerset does a decent job defensively against the pass but seem to struggle against the run, giving up 700 more yards on the ground. That would seem to favor the Breds as they like to use the quarterback and multiple running backs to wear the defense down and control the clock. On paper, the Breds should win this one and advance back to the state championship.

 

You can watch this game live at Northern Kentucky High School Sports | Football, Baseball, Volleyball, Basketball under the webcasts link.

 

Highlands 28 Covington Catholic 13

In other news, he Bluebirds will once again be playing on the day after Thanksgiving with a chance to get back to the state championship for the 7th consecutive time. Highlands' offense rolled up 395 yards while the defense limited a tough Colonel offense to 217 yards. Senior Zach Harris rushed 30 times for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns, while senior quarterback Drew Houliston was 17 of 26 passing for 191 yards. Houliston completed a pass to 6 different receivers.

 

Up Next:

The Bluebirds will travel to Lexington Catholic to take on the Knights for the third consecutive year in the state semi finals. Highlands has won the past 2 playoff meetings by an average score of 51-25. In last year's game, Zach Harris had 110 yards and 3 TD's on 24 carries. Lexcath comes in with a 10-3 recorda and are a team that is led by another high profile quarterback in 4* Reese Ryan who is just 16 yards away from reaching the 3,000 yard mark for the season. The Knights average right at 40 ppg while giving up 23 ppg. Considering the Birds offense can put up points in a hurry, don't expect this to be a game where the Knights can simply outscore their opponent. Birds roll in to the state finals.

 

Butler 29 Simon Kenton 14

The undefeated season came to an end Friday night as Simon Kenton ends the 2013 campaign with a 12-1 record. Senior quarterback Brenan Kuntz rushed 16 times for 106 yards but completed just 7 of 20 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown against a very athletic and talented Butler secondary. The SK offense had 290 yards of offense, compared to 356 yards for the Bears. Grant Wassom and Dillon Powell accounted for the two Pioneer touchdowns. While it is a disappointing end to the season for the Neers, the program has reached a point where they are now consistently in these games every year. The next step is to win these games and get back to the state championship.

Not bad that you have two schools 5 minutes apart rolling on. GO BREDS & BIRDS. :ylsuper: