2024 Results: 14-1 Class 2A State Champion

2024 Recap: Beechwood finished 2024 on arguably the most impressive run in the state. The Tigers rolled through the 2A playoffs averaging 52 points per game and did not have a close challenge in the playoffs. Especially impressive were the semifinal win 44-24 over Lexington Christian and the championship win 50-34 over then undefeated Owensboro Catholic. The only blemish on the record was a regular season loss to 4A semifinalist Covington Catholic. 

Beechwood opened the season with a bowl game win in Corbin over 5A regional runner-up Pulaski County. The Tigers pounced off that close battle to dominate big school opponents in their next three games, defeating 6A Campbell County, 5A Dixie Heights and 6A Simon Kenton. The 4-0 Tigers then played their final non district game, facing rival Covington Catholic. The Tigers were disappointed in their performance as Covington Catholic beat Beechwood in an area the Tigers felt was a strength - at the line of scrimmage. The Colonels shocked the Tigers racking up 490 yards rushing on Beechwood's defense. But that game is what Coach Jay Volker called the game that won the title for Beechwood. The Tigers made some adjustments on defense after that game. Beechwood steamrolled through district play by a combined score of 271-6.

The first 3 playoff games were almost as lopsided leading up to a semifinal matchup versus the highly rated Lexington Christian Eagles. LCA came into the game with one of the most impressive running games in the state, which they showed off crushing Mayfield at Mayfield while racking up 379 yards rushing. This is where lessons learned in the Covington Catholic loss paid off. Beechwood shut down LCA's offense most of the first half flying out to a 25-7 lead and the Tigers never looked back. The 44-24 final score stunned football fans across the state, but many still doubted Beechwood as they headed into the title game against undefeated season long #1 Owensboro Catholic and their outstanding dual threat quarterback. Talk leading up to the game about how much speed Beechwood had led to a comment from Owensboro that Beechwood was "just a bunch of athletes" and discounted them as football players. The Tigers used that bulletin board material as inspiration. Beechwood again jumped out to an early lead, getting ahead 21-7. Owensboro Catholic fought back but the Tigers showed both their speed and their football ability as they posted a very impressive 50-34 state championship game win. Title #18 for Beechwood and title #1 for second year head coach Jay Volker. 

Key Graduations: Record setting QB Clay Hayden; WR/S James Cusick; WR/CB Luke Erdman; RB Chase Flaherty, LB/OG Jack Meier, OG/LB Brody Waddell, OT/DE Mattox Kelly, OT/DL Cole Howard, C Chance Baugh, OG/DT Jordan Wagner, WR/DB Austin Flesch

These starters, several of them 3 year starters, won a state championship as sophomores and as seniors. QB Clay Hayden holds most of the passing records at Beechwood and wrote his name in the state record book as well. He finishes his career as the leader in N. Ky history in TD passes. He will finish his career in the top 10 in KY history in completion percentage. Several of these players will move on to college football, including D1 level programs. Congratulations to all and best wishes on continued success at the next level.

Key Returning Players: Returning starters for the state champions include WR/DB Tyler Fryman, RB/LB Brody Aylor, RB/CB Nathan Pabst, WR/DB Caleb Arrasmith, QB/LB Bo Sowder, DT Austin Stephenson, OG Carson Eshelman and also with starting experience WR/DE Chase McDaniel, TE/LB Aiden Dicke.

Despite the number of key graduations, all the athletes did not graduate. There will be speed back in the skill positions. There are a number of up and coming underclassmen who led a strong JV team who have patiently waited for their turn to start for a state champion. There will be enough size up front but starting experience will be lacking with only one returning offensive line starter and one returning defensive line starter. The line will be a project and will have to learn by fire on the varsity level. But the huge question will be at QB. The projected starter is Bo Sowder but he started varsity as a TE and DE/LB. He got reps at QB on his freshman team but as a varsity starter as a sophomore in 2024 got no reps at QB. 

2025 Outlook: The Beechwood program is rolling. The Tigers title in 2024 was their 18th state championship and they have won the 2A championship in 4 of the last 5 years. The Tigers also won the 1A state championship their last 3 years in 1A (2016-2018). That makes it 7 state championships in the last 9 years for Beechwood. There will be challenges for the 2025 team to get back to the title game. The QB and line questions need to be solved. There will be a new heavy hitter opponent in the 2A east as 8 time state champion Belfry drops down from 3A to 2A in 2025. Another note of interest, it is looking like 1A stalwart and long time Beechwood rival Newport Catholic will be back on the Tigers schedule in 2025. A new district alignment adds St. Henry to the schedule as well. The new district alignment and growing strength of a couple district programs should be a boost to Beechwood's RPI. All those factors considered, look for Beechwood to be a team that may hit a couple bumps along the way but will challenge for another title in 2025.

Will Bo Sowder take over at QB?

Hasn’t BW been very successful in their QBs pulling double duty as LBs.  Craig Wilmhoff(sp?) and Greg Hergott come immediately to mind.  I’m thinking there have been others.  Could Sowder replicate this dual role?

The Coppage kid is a great athlete and has a chance to be a really good QB but he needs a year in the weight room.  I saw where he was playing basketball, no disrespect to the basketball program but if him and Kingston want to get ready for football next season then they need to get off the basketball court and into the weight room.  Look what happened to Maddox Kelly after he gave up basketball he signed a D1 scholarship offer.  I am sure there will be some transfers that should help with OL and DL as well as add depth.  RB is also a question mark.  The Ritter kid is solid but he’s another one who needs to be in the weight room.  The receiving core won’t skip a beat with Fryman, Pabst and Aerosmith.  I guess you could put Fryman or Pabst or maybe even both in the backfield but I think they are better weapons at WR if they have a QB who can get them the ball.  I would prefer they leave Sowder at TE and get him more involved in the offense.  Sowder is definitely a potential D1 football player if he continues to grow.  Overall I think Beechwood will be right back in the mix next season for #19.  The difference between Beechwood and everyone else in 2A is everyone else hopes to win a championship but Beechwood expects to win a championship.

1 hour ago, Bengal Boy said:

The Coppage kid is a great athlete and has a chance to be a really good QB but he needs a year in the weight room.  I saw where he was playing basketball, no disrespect to the basketball program but if him and Kingston want to get ready for football next season then they need to get off the basketball court and into the weight room.  Look what happened to Maddox Kelly after he gave up basketball he signed a D1 scholarship offer.  I am sure there will be some transfers that should help with OL and DL as well as add depth.  RB is also a question mark.  The Ritter kid is solid but he’s another one who needs to be in the weight room.  The receiving core won’t skip a beat with Fryman, Pabst and Aerosmith.  I guess you could put Fryman or Pabst or maybe even both in the backfield but I think they are better weapons at WR if they have a QB who can get them the ball.  I would prefer they leave Sowder at TE and get him more involved in the offense.  Sowder is definitely a potential D1 football player if he continues to grow.  Overall I think Beechwood will be right back in the mix next season for #19.  The difference between Beechwood and everyone else in 2A is everyone else hopes to win a championship but Beechwood expects to win a championship.

Sowder was a beast when played running back in youth football. 

1 hour ago, Bengal Boy said:

 The difference between Beechwood and everyone else in 2A is everyone else hopes to win a championship but Beechwood expects to win a championship.

You think that's so? I beg to differ.

2 minutes ago, snakesnot_2000 said:

You think that's so? I beg to differ.

I would add Mayfield along with Beechwood in 2A but that is it.

3 minutes ago, theguru said:

I would add Mayfield along with Beechwood in 2A but that is it.

No doubt Beechwood is on an incredible roll. Similar when Mayfield played in 10 out of 11 State Championship games. But all things end... it's just when. 

8 minutes ago, snakesnot_2000 said:

No doubt Beechwood is on an incredible roll. Similar when Mayfield played in 10 out of 11 State Championship games. But all things end... it's just when. 

Yep, nothing is forever and enjoy it while it lasts...

2 hours ago, snakesnot_2000 said:

No doubt Beechwood is on an incredible roll. Similar when Mayfield played in 10 out of 11 State Championship games. But all things end... it's just when. 

Good luck! Beechwood will do Beechwood things!

Beechwood will be fine, there will be a lot of the doubters out there in 2025 and again most of the hype for 2A in 2025 will be down in southwest part of the State just like this past season.  Beechwood line moving up from JV will do good, BUT has to become mature and battle ready quickly in order to help Beechwood make it far into post season play.  On VOR comment about Belfry, it’s going to be interesting to see them in the hunt late in the season and where they land.

Fryman and Pabst can manage the running game with the Wildcat, but Beechwood needs a strong passing game so I hope Coppage or Sowder is up for the challenge.

Although VOR commented that the RPI will be a little favorable toward Beechwood in 2025, I strongly doubt it because KHSAA won’t truly fix the problem with the district having more teams than most of the other 2A districts.  Plus, Beechwood’s area has better 3, 4,5 and 6 A teams that they play collectively than most of the other 2A schools (with exception of LCA).

Go Tigers!

I have definitely enjoyed it while it has lasted and I don’t expect it to end anytime soon.  And I do agree with The Guru that Mayfield also has that mindset and I expect them to be back at the top sooner than later.  But let’s be honest LCA and OC has been there but can’t get it done.  They hope they can win a championship.  Belfry might change the picture but I will have to see it before I believe it.

9 hours ago, snakesnot_2000 said:

You think that's so? I beg to differ.

I agree with you on this one! 

9 hours ago, snakesnot_2000 said:

No doubt Beechwood is on an incredible roll. Similar when Mayfield played in 10 out of 11 State Championship games. But all things end... it's just when. 

Just like hopefully the losing streak in Mayfield ends as well one day. 

20 hours ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Sowder was a beast when played running back in youth football. 

Beast at QB too when he was with the Spartans!!!