1 hour ago, FatNate said:

Agreed.  I am very curious to how they man those spots.  Does anyone know if the offense/defense schemes will change with the new coach and how that might impact the team?

The OC is still Hergott isn’t it? Which he was also the OC when Rash was there. So the offense scheme probably won’t change. The main area that may change is on defense in regards to scheme. 

My honest prediction- Beechwood will win every single regular season game except for 1, to a team down the street in Park Hills. ?

1 hour ago, theguru said:

Right, you either have those players or you don't and that is my major concern playing such a tough schedule.  Our skilled players should be able to match up with almost anyone, but football powers usually have a bunch of dudes in the trenches and I am not sure Beechwood is on par there. 

Anyone?

Line size (both offensive and defensive) and depth are what really separates the great programs from the elite programs.  Two things that don’t get talked about much.  Hard for the average fan to quantify these two things.  They just see the huge splash plays that are created by mauling blockers that allow huge holes to run and extra time for the passing game.  Perfect technique gives anyone a chance but at a certain point size and power win out.   Not to mention being the fresher team going into the 4th quarter due to superior depth. 

3 hours ago, futurecoach said:

 

All the reasons you have stated is why I also think Beechwood is the favorite. With that said, all those same players were also on the team last year. I know for me I also thought Beechwood should have won it last year, but they didn't even make the title game. So with the way you are talking about them here, how did they fail last year, because how you are talking about them here, sure makes it sound like it would be impossible for them to lose, but yet they did. 

 

Probably because they had to play schools like Walton-Verona twice last season so the competition level leading up to the Final 4 was scarce + having to travel 4+ hours to a tough environment doesn't help either. Home field advantage counts for 1.5 - 2.5 points in most football games, especially when the teams are relatively even, give or take a few athletes. What do you know, Beechwood lost by 1 last year. Who knows, maybe a neutral site or home game would've ended differently. Hopefully they get another crack at O Cath this year... time will tell. 

The trenches return the big 6'4 athletic lineman and a bunch of smaller than normal lineman but more athletic and quicker. They should do great!

3 hours ago, futurecoach said:

The OC is still Hergott isn’t it? Which he was also the OC when Rash was there. So the offense scheme probably won’t change. The main area that may change is on defense in regards to scheme. 

Same stuff for sure but the pass play percentage will certainly drop. Rash has always won games playing defense, running the football and with special teams. That isn't changing.

5 hours ago, AcrossTheRivver said:

Probably because they had to play schools like Walton-Verona twice last season so the competition level leading up to the Final 4 was scarce + having to travel 4+ hours to a tough environment doesn't help either. Home field advantage counts for 1.5 - 2.5 points in most football games, especially when the teams are relatively even, give or take a few athletes. What do you know, Beechwood lost by 1 last year. Who knows, maybe a neutral site or home game would've ended differently. Hopefully they get another crack at O Cath this year... time will tell. 

That sounds like a lot of excuses, especially when considering the type of players referenced in this thread that they have. I mean I guess based off what you said maybe it would have been better for Beechwood’s  state title chances if they had played Morgan County in the second round instead of Walton-Verona again, even though WV put a running clock on Morgan County in the first half of their first round game, which is why Beechwood had to play WV a second time. 

I think you completely missed the point of my post. As the person I quoted was bringing it on a little to heavy about how Beechwood should be number 1, and how could someone else be over them with the players they have. Which is why I brought up last year, just to try to bring it down a little bit. As Those same great players were on the team last year too, and they fell short. So it’s not completely crazy to think someone else is above them. 
 

I know I have already said that I believe Beechwood is the best team in 2A going into this year. Quite honestly I think if they had beat OC last year, they would have beat LCA in the title game. However, that is why you play the games. 

Does anyone know if Greg Hergott was offered the head coaching job before bringing Noel Rash back? Just curious... 

1 minute ago, fatsnbul said:

Does anyone know if Greg Hergott was offered the head coaching job before bringing Noel Rash back? Just curious... 

I have no idea but I doubt he would even want to be a head coach.

21 hours ago, futurecoach said:

That sounds like a lot of excuses, especially when considering the type of players referenced in this thread that they have. I mean I guess based off what you said maybe it would have been better for Beechwood’s  state title chances if they had played Morgan County in the second round instead of Walton-Verona again, even though WV put a running clock on Morgan County in the first half of their first round game, which is why Beechwood had to play WV a second time. 

I think you completely missed the point of my post. As the person I quoted was bringing it on a little to heavy about how Beechwood should be number 1, and how could someone else be over them with the players they have. Which is why I brought up last year, just to try to bring it down a little bit. As Those same great players were on the team last year too, and they fell short. So it’s not completely crazy to think someone else is above them. 
 

I know I have already said that I believe Beechwood is the best team in 2A going into this year. Quite honestly I think if they had beat OC last year, they would have beat LCA in the title game. However, that is why you play the games. 

Good point. I also think everyone is overlooking the fact that Noel Rash was LCA’s kryptonite and guess what… he’s back… Rash went 2-0 against LCA in the State Championship game in back to back seasons including a thrilling overtime win off a blocked PAT and the other game coming down to a game winning beechwood field goal. Obviously it’s 5 years later but as they say history always repeats itself.

On 5/20/2026 at 10:47 PM, futurecoach said:

That sounds like a lot of excuses, especially when considering the type of players referenced in this thread that they have. I mean I guess based off what you said maybe it would have been better for Beechwood’s  state title chances if they had played Morgan County in the second round instead of Walton-Verona again, even though WV put a running clock on Morgan County in the first half of their first round game, which is why Beechwood had to play WV a second time. 

I think you completely missed the point of my post. As the person I quoted was bringing it on a little to heavy about how Beechwood should be number 1, and how could someone else be over them with the players they have. Which is why I brought up last year, just to try to bring it down a little bit. As Those same great players were on the team last year too, and they fell short. So it’s not completely crazy to think someone else is above them. 
 

I know I have already said that I believe Beechwood is the best team in 2A going into this year. Quite honestly I think if they had beat OC last year, they would have beat LCA in the title game. However, that is why you play the games. 

The

Yeah…as the legendary NeNe Leakes declared…I said what I said and I stand by it. 

I didn’t “come on a little too heavy”, I stated my INFORMED knowledge of this roster, it’s incredible talent combined with Noel Rash back in the saddle and the fact that LCA - imo - doesn’t get ANY edge over Beechood UNTIL they beat them which - as we all know - has been quite elusive for the Eagles.

Looking forward to proving my point with results here in a few months. 

14 hours ago, theguru said:

Athletes!

I am not familiar with Coach Rash and I have appreciated reading comments from those with more familiarity with him and his style.  I know he is an older coach and I get the impression he might be a little more ‘old school’ than the previous coach.   Which leads me to one question…

Will the team still wear the alternate black jersey at some point this season?  I believe they have been worn for one game each of the last few seasons.

9 hours ago, BrosefStalin said:

The

Yeah…as the legendary NeNe Leakes declared…I said what I said and I stand by it. 

I didn’t “come on a little too heavy”, I stated my INFORMED knowledge of this roster, it’s incredible talent combined with Noel Rash back in the saddle and the fact that LCA - imo - doesn’t get ANY edge over Beechood UNTIL they beat them which - as we all know - has been quite elusive for the Eagles.

Looking forward to proving my point with results here in a few months.