28 minutes ago, CCHFC said:

Without watching them play, I think BW probably wins by 10-14. I think their best players (Berger, Robinson and Campbell) are good enough to give them the edge.

However, the case for CCH winning would be:

1. The best team Beechwood has beaten is Simon Kenton…who had to start a freshman QB after their 4 year, FCS caliber starter went down. I know the final score wasn’t close, but when there is such a difference in player at that position, I don’t take away too much from the score.
2. Beechwood won last year…but 85% of their offense was accounted for by their 5th year senior, EKU signee at QB and CCH was playing a safety at QB and could not throw the football. 
3. Beechwood is starting a freshman QB. I don’t care how good you are, unless you’re a power 5 level talent, it’s tough to generate a consistent passing game against similarly talented teams at that age. If CCH plays 7 or 8 in the box and dares BW to push the ball down the field on anything that isn’t timing go balls down the sideline, I think they are going to have some success. 

Is Cov Cath’s QB out this week? 

Isn't that everyone's strategy to make Beechwood throw the ball??  Beechwood is a well oiled machine.  Who can fire on all cylinders. 

Yeah I’d say everyone knows to try and get the tigers to throw the ball. Hasn’t really slowed them down yet. If one team on their schedule has the ability, it’s Cov Cath. We will see this week. One of those games where the name on the jersey is going to fuel the other team. Look for Berger to really try and punish whoever is in front of him. 

33 minutes ago, Jason Bucklen said:

Is Cov Cath’s QB out this week? 

I'm not sure. Either way, I think they are both pretty even as players. I think Pitzer is a little better, but Roberts won the job to start the year and came in and played well vs Dixie last week.

CovCath needs to stop Berger and Robinson they win. I think they can do that to.

44 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

CovCath needs to stop Berger and Robinson they win. I think they can do that to.

Easier said than actually done. I was very nervous Friday against SK thinking they were going to be able to push around Beechwood’s line but they didn’t. I know CCH will also have size but Beechwood will find a way to get their offense moving.

This IS the game of the week! Can't wait to see it!!

1 hour ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

CovCath needs to stop Berger and Robinson they win. I think they can do that to.

Maybe slow them down but I do not seeing anyone stopping them. Plus, you key on one of them too hard and that frees up the other plus allows for other players to step up such as Aylor. SK realized that first hand. Beechwood is tooled to handle bigger lines. They use speed and technique to gain leverage against the size factor. On the other side of the ball Cov Cath will need to find a way to penetrate one of the best defenses in the state. Both teams are very well coached and adept at adjustments on the fly. Cannot wait until toe meets leather Friday night. 

Beechwood 90-0

I will not be at this game as my nephew is on homecoming court for Ryle this weekend so I will be at their game against Higlands Friday. @Colonels_Wear_Blue I hope you will be keeping the updates like you do every Cov Cath game!!!!

5 minutes ago, hector607 said:

Beechwood 90-0

30 field goals is quite the incredible feat for one game. 

21-14 CCH.

IMO, Berger is the best player in NKY and it’s not close. He will get his regardless of who wins or what the score is.

From what I’ve seen the BW QB situation is making them very 1-dimensional and will finally hurt them this week.

Both disciplined teams and traditional rich programs, so I’d say this game comes down to a big momentum play on special teams. 

Love this week, this game, and the community atmosphere that goes with it. Fall weather today, don’t know what the professionals are saying the temp will be come kickoff, but give me 65 degrees, an opening play big hit, and a Colonel Victory and all is right in the world in my book.

There are a lot of good, knowledgeable comments above. If Beechwood is a slight favorite in this game, it is so slight it means little in such a heated rivalry game. Here are some key questions to consider for this game.

1. Just how good is this Beechwood defense? It has been an awe inspiring first four games for the Tigers defense. They are tied for #1 in the entire state having allowed only 14 points all season. Both of those TD's allowed came against backups in the last minute of play. That's right. Not only has their varsity defense been unscored on, their starting junior varsity players have been unscored in varsity action. The Tigers defense is #2 in the state in pass defense, allowing 71 yards per game. The are #5 in rushing defense allowing 41 yards per game. Three of the four Beechwood opponents are teams who have been ranked in their class at some point this season. The one  unranked opponent is 5A Fairdale who has won 3 straight since their loss to the Tigers and are knocking on the door of a 5A top ten ranking. That said, Covington Catholic's schedule has been clearly more difficult and the Colonels are clearly the best team Beechwood will have faced this season. This will be the toughest test yet for the Tigers defense.

2. What will the Covington Catholic offensive game plan be? Last year Coach Eviston went with an uncharacteristic ground and pound offensive game plan. The Colonels went with a steady dose of running the ball to use clock and shorten the game. That game plan was one of the most effective ones against the Tigers last year. Last year's Tigers only gave up 833 yards total on the season, and Cov Cath put up 203 of those yards. But the Tigers out grinded Cov Cath last year on the way to a 27-7 win. This year the Colonels have been very balanced on offense. Despite using two QB's due to injury issues, the numbers are very good. Combined the Colonel QB's Pitzer and Roberts have completed 67%, averaging 158 yards per game with 8 TD's against only 1 INT. I look for the Colonels to test the Beechwood defense through the air. To be effective, they will need to contain Tigers DE Xavier Campbell who is #5 in the state in sacks. 

3. Can Mitchell Berger do a Michael Mayer on the Colonels? Michael Mayer is a future NFL high draft pick who single handedly put the Colonels on his back and led them to victory in several games his senior year. Mayer was a stud on both sides of the ball. Mitchell Berger, like Mayer, is a one man wrecking crew on both sides of the ball. He leads the entire state in scoring. He is one of the leaders in the state in rushing yards. He also will get it done as a receiver and has 2 receiving TD's. He is a heat seeking missile LB on defense. He is the place kicker for the Tigers on extra points and field goals. He has made a major impact as a punter, flipping the field with several 60 yards+ punts. What will Berger do in this game to lead the Tigers to victory?

4. Will the Colonels defense fill the box and force the Tigers to throw the ball? Beechwood has been run dominant early in games. They use a steady Berger diet to pound teams into submission. One of the underrated aspects of Cov Cath during Coach Eviston's tenure is how good their defense has been year in and year out. Look for the Colonels to devise a defensive strategy focused on stopping Berger. That will put the onus on Beechwood's freshman QB Cash Harney to make plays with his arm and get the ball to D1 signee Antonio Robinson Jr. Robinson is a TD waiting to happen every time he touches the ball in space. Can the Colonels stop Berger AND keep Harney to Robinson from doing damage? The Tigers have not asked Harney to throw the ball much to date, but he has been very effective when he has passed. Harney has completed 77% of his passes with 6 going for TD's and only 1 INT. The 6 passing TD's have been spread equally between Berger, Robinson and Liam McCormack. If the Colonels stack the box, this could be the Cash Harney and Antonio Robinson Jr. breakout offensive game for Beechwood.

7 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

There are a lot of good, knowledgeable comments above. If Beechwood is a slight favorite in this game, it is so slight it means little in such a heated rivalry game. Here are some key questions to consider for this game.

1. Just how good is this Beechwood defense? It has been an awe inspiring first four games for the Tigers defense. They are tied for #1 in the entire state having allowed only 14 points all season. Both of those TD's allowed came against backups in the last minute of play. That's right. Not only has their varsity defense been unscored on, their starting junior varsity players have been unscored in varsity action. The Tigers defense is #2 in the state in pass defense, allowing 71 yards per game. The are #5 in rushing defense allowing 41 yards per game. Three of the four Beechwood opponents are teams who have been ranked in their class at some point this season. The one  unranked opponent is 5A Fairdale who has won 3 straight since their loss to the Tigers and are knocking on the door of a 5A top ten ranking. That said, Covington Catholic's schedule has been clearly more difficult and the Colonels are clearly the best team Beechwood will have faced this season. This will be the toughest test yet for the Tigers defense.

2. What will the Covington Catholic offensive game plan be? Last year Coach Eviston went with an uncharacteristic ground and pound offensive game plan. The Colonels went with a steady dose of running the ball to use clock and shorten the game. That game plan was one of the most effective ones against the Tigers last year. Last year's Tigers only gave up 833 yards total on the season, and Cov Cath put up 203 of those yards. But the Tigers out grinded Cov Cath last year on the way to a 27-7 win. This year the Colonels have been very balanced on offense. Despite using two QB's due to injury issues, the numbers are very good. Combined the Colonel QB's Pitzer and Roberts have completed 67%, averaging 158 yards per game with 8 TD's against only 1 INT. I look for the Colonels to test the Beechwood defense through the air. To be effective, they will need to contain Tigers DE Xavier Campbell who is #5 in the state in sacks. 

3. Can Mitchell Berger do a Michael Mayer on the Colonels? Michael Mayer is a future NFL high draft pick who single handedly put the Colonels on his back and led them to victory in several games his senior year. Mayer was a stud on both sides of the ball. Mitchell Berger, like Mayer, is a one man wrecking crew on both sides of the ball. He leads the entire state in scoring. He is one of the leaders in the state in rushing yards. He also will get it done as a receiver and has 2 receiving TD's. He is a heat seeking missile LB on defense. He is the place kicker for the Tigers on extra points and field goals. He has made a major impact as a punter, flipping the field with several 60 yards+ punts. What will Berger do in this game to lead the Tigers to victory?

4. Will the Colonels defense fill the box and force the Tigers to throw the ball? Beechwood has been run dominant early in games. They use a steady Berger diet to pound teams into submission. One of the underrated aspects of Cov Cath during Coach Eviston's tenure is how good their defense has been year in and year out. Look for the Colonels to devise a defensive strategy focused on stopping Berger. That will put the onus on Beechwood's freshman QB Cash Harney to make plays with his arm and get the ball to D1 signee Antonio Robinson Jr. Robinson is a TD waiting to happen every time he touches the ball in space. Can the Colonels stop Berger AND keep Harney to Robinson from doing damage? The Tigers have not asked Harney to throw the ball much to date, but he has been very effective when he has passed. Harney has completed 77% of his passes with 6 going for TD's and only 1 INT. The 6 passing TD's have been spread equally between Berger, Robinson and Liam McCormack. If the Colonels stack the box, this could be the Cash Harney and Antonio Robinson Jr. breakout offensive game for Beechwood.

Great post VoR!

7 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

There are a lot of good, knowledgeable comments above. If Beechwood is a slight favorite in this game, it is so slight it means little in such a heated rivalry game. Here are some key questions to consider for this game.

1. Just how good is this Beechwood defense? It has been an awe inspiring first four games for the Tigers defense. They are tied for #1 in the entire state having allowed only 14 points all season. Both of those TD's allowed came against backups in the last minute of play. That's right. Not only has their varsity defense been unscored on, their starting junior varsity players have been unscored in varsity action. The Tigers defense is #2 in the state in pass defense, allowing 71 yards per game. The are #5 in rushing defense allowing 41 yards per game. Three of the four Beechwood opponents are teams who have been ranked in their class at some point this season. The one  unranked opponent is 5A Fairdale who has won 3 straight since their loss to the Tigers and are knocking on the door of a 5A top ten ranking. That said, Covington Catholic's schedule has been clearly more difficult and the Colonels are clearly the best team Beechwood will have faced this season. This will be the toughest test yet for the Tigers defense.

2. What will the Covington Catholic offensive game plan be? Last year Coach Eviston went with an uncharacteristic ground and pound offensive game plan. The Colonels went with a steady dose of running the ball to use clock and shorten the game. That game plan was one of the most effective ones against the Tigers last year. Last year's Tigers only gave up 833 yards total on the season, and Cov Cath put up 203 of those yards. But the Tigers out grinded Cov Cath last year on the way to a 27-7 win. This year the Colonels have been very balanced on offense. Despite using two QB's due to injury issues, the numbers are very good. Combined the Colonel QB's Pitzer and Roberts have completed 67%, averaging 158 yards per game with 8 TD's against only 1 INT. I look for the Colonels to test the Beechwood defense through the air. To be effective, they will need to contain Tigers DE Xavier Campbell who is #5 in the state in sacks. 

3. Can Mitchell Berger do a Michael Mayer on the Colonels? Michael Mayer is a future NFL high draft pick who single handedly put the Colonels on his back and led them to victory in several games his senior year. Mayer was a stud on both sides of the ball. Mitchell Berger, like Mayer, is a one man wrecking crew on both sides of the ball. He leads the entire state in scoring. He is one of the leaders in the state in rushing yards. He also will get it done as a receiver and has 2 receiving TD's. He is a heat seeking missile LB on defense. He is the place kicker for the Tigers on extra points and field goals. He has made a major impact as a punter, flipping the field with several 60 yards+ punts. What will Berger do in this game to lead the Tigers to victory?

4. Will the Colonels defense fill the box and force the Tigers to throw the ball? Beechwood has been run dominant early in games. They use a steady Berger diet to pound teams into submission. One of the underrated aspects of Cov Cath during Coach Eviston's tenure is how good their defense has been year in and year out. Look for the Colonels to devise a defensive strategy focused on stopping Berger. That will put the onus on Beechwood's freshman QB Cash Harney to make plays with his arm and get the ball to D1 signee Antonio Robinson Jr. Robinson is a TD waiting to happen every time he touches the ball in space. Can the Colonels stop Berger AND keep Harney to Robinson from doing damage? The Tigers have not asked Harney to throw the ball much to date, but he has been very effective when he has passed. Harney has completed 77% of his passes with 6 going for TD's and only 1 INT. The 6 passing TD's have been spread equally between Berger, Robinson and Liam McCormack. If the Colonels stack the box, this could be the Cash Harney and Antonio Robinson Jr. breakout offensive game for Beechwood.

Lots of great points here. #2 was interesting to me as I feel Cov Cath has been run heavy the last couple of seasons. I went back and looked. In 2021, CCH passed the ball 169 vs. 467 rush attempts. So far in 2022, 78 pass attempts vs. 149 rush attempts. I am sure the juggling at QB the past 2 seasons has a lot to do with this but I am not sure CCH has a choice but to go run heavy. Also, I have to believe that many of those pass attempts are screen plays. Expect a lot of unbalanced line, run plays and screens.