On Friday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m., Covington Holy Cross (1-0) travels to play Bracken County (0-1).  Last season, Holy Cross edged Bracken County 25-24 at Thomas More University. How does this game go? Start the discussion.

Holy Cross wins by 4 or more scores.

NFHS Video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/bracken-county-high-school-brooksville-ky/gamf223017623

🏹 🐻‍❄️ Final at Brooksville.

Covington Holy Cross 41

Bracken County 6

TurboStats GameCast for Football: Bracken County Polar Bears_vs_Holy Cross Indians

The Covington Holy Cross Indians win on the road 41-6 over the Bracken County Polar Bears in Brooksville. A full sports report will be posted shortly.

Next Friday night, Covington Holy Cross (2-0) will host Clermont Northeastern (0-2). Bracken County (0-2) has a bye.

 

HOLY CROSS CRUISES PAST BRACKEN COUNTY, 41-6, IN BROOKSVILLE

BROOKSVILLE, KY - The Covington Holy Cross Indians rolled into Bracken County on August 28th and delivered another commanding performance, overpowering the Polar Bears 41-6 to move to 2-0 on the young season. Behind explosive plays, a relentless ground attack, and a defense that smothered Bracken County from start to finish, Holy Cross controlled every phase of the game. The game was marred by a large amount of penalties on both sides (8-91 for the Indians and 15-147 for the Polar Bears).

A 62-YARD LIGHTNING STRIKE TO OPEN THE NIGHT

Holy Cross wasted no time asserting itself. On the very first offensive snap, quarterback Brian Ferguson kept the ball, found a crease, and sprinted 62 yards untouched for a touchdown. Less than a minute in, the Indians led 7-0 - and the rout was underway.

HOLY CROSS DEFENSE DOMINATES EARLY

Bracken County's opening drives were a struggle:

• Illegal block penalty (–10 yards)

• Rush for 1

• Rush for 1

• Incomplete pass

• Punt

Holy Cross' front seven repeatedly collapsed the line of scrimmage, forcing the Polar Bears into long-yardage situations and predictable passing downs. A first-quarter sack of quarterback Ryland Tucker pushed Bracken County back 12 yards, and moments later Jason Rieselman intercepted a pass at midfield, halting the Polar Bears' best early scoring chance.

OGLESBY AND WILSON WEAR DOWN THE DEFENSE

After Ferguson's opening strike, the Indians leaned on their bruising backfield duo:

• Charles Oglesby churned out steady gains - 6, 3, 5, 14, 5 yards - repeatedly moving the chains.

• Dustin Wilson added tough inside runs, including a 6-yard burst to the Bracken 5.

One first-quarter drive featured nine straight runs, marching from the Bracken 49 deep into the red zone. It was classic Holy Cross football: physical, disciplined, and relentless.

BRACKEN COUNTY FINDS A MOMENT

The Polar Bears did break through in the second quarter. With the ball at the Holy Cross 11, Ryland Tucker rolled out and found Andrew Kirk for a touchdown. It cut the deficit to 20-6 and briefly energized the home crowd.

After a scoreless third quarter, Holy Cross answered.

The Indians hit on big play with a Dustin Wilson 80-yard TD run shortly into the 4th quarter.

SECOND-HALF SHUTDOWN

The Indians' defense pitched a second-half shutout, forcing punts, sacks, and negative plays. Holy Cross' offense continued to stack points with efficient drives created by strong special teams and turnovers.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS (from box score & play-by-play)

Holy Cross Indians

• Brian Ferguson: 62-yard TD run and a 1-yard TD run; efficient passing

• Charles Oglesby: Multiple first downs; consistent 5-14 yard gains; 1-yard TD run

• Dustin Wilson: Key short-yardage conversions; 35-yard punt return for a TD in the 2nd quarter; 80-yard TD run in the 4th quarter

• Jason Rieselman: Interception at midfield

• Jacob Rieselman: 76-yard TD run with under a minute to play

• Xavier Thornberry: 11-yard punt return; steady presence

• Gabriel Romito: 5-6 PATs

Bracken County Polar Bears

• Ryland Tucker: 11-yard TD pass

• Andrew Kirk: Touchdown reception

• Saegan Rosel & Ryland Tucker (rushing): Limited gains against stacked fronts

THE VERDICT

Holy Cross didn't just win - they imposed their identity again. A week after a statement victory over St. Henry, the Indians looked sharp, fast, and physical in Brooksville. With a 41-6 final, Holy Cross continues to emerge as one of Northern Kentucky's most dangerous 1A teams.