Can Simon Kenton be stopped?

[NEERFAN]

I like scrimmaging NCC, they are usually big for a "A" school, and they usually have some good skill players, they've whipped us up the past few seasons, our question mark will be on the defensive side, I believe they graduated 7 starters from last season and they were pretty solid on that side of the ball.

[theguru]

Here is the rundown on the Tbreds:

 

1. Newport Central Catholic (13-2)

 

Head coach: Bob Schneider

2005: Won the Class A state championship over Mayfield 42-7

 

2005 proved to be quite a year for veteran NCC head coach Bob Schneider.

 

First, Schneider became the state’s all-time leader in coaching wins and later became the first coach to win 300 career games in the state.

 

Then, the Thoroughbreds won the school’s first state title since 1984 and first in Class 1A by rolling through the playoffs by an average margin of 34 points a game.

 

Whether the ‘Breds can become the first 1A team to repeat as state champs since Danville (2000-01) will depend on how well Schneider can replace quarterback Sam Diehl and receiver Josh Canafax.

 

Newport Central Catholic does return four starters on defense and six on offense, including three on his offensive line.

 

Zack Kiernan (6-6, 255, Sr.), Ziggy Niedzielski (6-0, 210, Sr.), and Bob Schneider (5-11, 215, Sr.) provide the ‘Breds with some consistency on a unit that will be full of turnover.

 

Michael Vicars (5-11, 175, Sr.) is one of the best running backs in the state regardless of classification after rushing for 1,443 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.

 

However, the ‘Breds will have to insert new players around Vicars, who suddenly becomes the main focal point of opposing defenses.

 

Jared Harris (6-2, 200, Sr.) is the likely replacement at quarterback, while Wes Diehl (5-10, 170, Jr.) could challenge for the job.

 

Jonathon Hellman (5-11, 180, Sr.) should take over at fullback.

 

Schneider must find a replacement for 109 catches, 2,000 yards, and 27 touchdowns that walked down the aisle at graduation in the persons of Canafax, Scott Gesenhues, and Kevin Bueter.

 

Phil Horan (5-10, 160, Sr.) and tight end Dustin Giesler (6-4, 190, Jr.) are the likely replacements at receiver.

 

Weir and Noah Litmer (6-4, 220, Sr.) are the only starting linemen returning on defense, while Chip Burks (6-0, 190, Sr.) is the lone linebacker returning.

 

Schneider is hoping a junior class that had no starters among them last year can develop and provide some depth.

 

NCC kicks off their season against 2A power Belfry in the Pike County Bowl Aug. 18 and will play on the new turf of Newport Stadium the following week against the school they share the stadium with, Newport High.

 

“Everything went our way last year, and we’ll need to work hard this year to match it,” Schneider said. “We have some quality players returning and some excellent prospects. We should be right in the thick of things again this year.”

[nptwildcat]

Originally posted by theguru

while Wes Diehl (5-10, 170, Jr.) could challenge for the job.

 

Isn't Diehl injured right now with a broken foot?