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HOLY CROSS GRINDS OUT 21-8 WIN OVER CLERMONT NORTHEASTERN IN SWELTERING HEAT AT THOMAS MORE Holy Cross stayed unbeaten on September 4th, outlasting Clermont Northeastern 21-8 in a game defined by heat, physicality, and long stretches of defensive control. Neither team ever truly found rhythm in the oppressive conditions, but the Indians' ability to convert short fields and finish drives proved decisive. A CHAOTIC START, THEN HOLY CROSS SETTLES INThe opening sequence was anything but clean. After a solid Xavier Thornberry kick return to the 30, Holy Cross immediately put the ball on the turf with a RB Charles Oglesby lost fumble giving Clermont Northeastern a golden opportunity at the Indians' 30. But the Rockets couldn't capitalize. Their four-play series went backward, including an Isaiah Brunner loss of 7 yards, and Holy Cross took over on downs. That defensive stand steadied the Indians, and from there the offense began leaning on its identity: power runs, quarterback keepers, and timely conversions. OGLEBY OPENS THE SCORINGHoly Cross' first touchdown came late in the first quarter, capping a methodical drive built on runs by Oglesby, Dustin Wilson, and quarterback Brian Ferguson. After a nice 23 yard run by Jacob Rieselman, the scoring play was straightforward and physical with Oglesby rushing from 6 yards. Gabriel Romito's PAT made it 7-0. FERGUSON TO HUNT MAKES IT 14-0The second quarter opened with Holy Cross again working on a short field. Ferguson found Max Hunt on a crisp 12-yard TD strike extending the lead to 13-0 before Romito added another clean extra point. The Indians' defense continued to dominate this stretch. Clermont Northeastern quarterback Leam King completed passes underneath, but Holy Cross consistently tackled in space and forced long-yardage situations. Penalties hurt both teams, but the Rockets' inability to sustain drives kept momentum firmly on the home sideline. WILSON PUNCHES IN A THIRD SCOREMidway through the third quarter, Holy Cross again marched inside the 5. Wilson finished the drive with a 1-yard plunge pushing the margin to 21-0 after Romito's third PAT. At this point, the Indians had scored on three of their first five meaningful possessions, while Clermont Northeastern had yet to find the end zone. ROCKETS FINALLY BREAK THROUGHClermont Northeastern's lone touchdown came early in the fourth quarter, powered by their most effective player of the night: Isaiah Brunner. Though bottled up at times, Brunner still produced 94 rushing yards on 16 carries. The score, however, came from Tyler Watkins, who muscled in from a yard out then added a two-point conversion to make it 21-8. The Rockets' defense stiffened late, but Holy Cross' earlier efficiency had already built a cushion. STATISTICAL SNAPSHOTHoly Cross Indians Rushing: 33 carries, 172 yards (5.2 avg). Oglesby, Wilson, Ferguson, and Jacob Rieselman all contributed, highlighted by Rieselman's 23-yard burst to the 6. Passing: Ferguson finished 6 of 11 for 57 yards, including the Hunt touchdown. Defense: Forced a turnover, allowed just 95 rushing yards, and repeatedly won short-yardage downs. Special Teams: Romito perfect on PATs; Hunt averaged 36.5 yards per punt. Clermont Northeastern Rockets Isaiah Brunner: 94 rushing yards, consistently the Rockets' best weapon. Passing: King went 11 of 20 for 91 yards but threw an interception and was sacked once. Defense: Logged 11 penalties for 76 yards, undermining several stops. Special Teams: Waldman punted twice for a 32.5-yard average; Watkins added 61 kick-return yards. THE VERDICTThis wasn't Holy Cross' cleanest performance - two lost fumbles, stalled drives, and penalties kept the game from becoming a blowout - but the Indians controlled the line of scrimmage, managed the heat better, and executed in the red zone. Clermont Northeastern showed grit, especially in the fourth quarter, but the early missed opportunity after the fumble and the inability to slow Holy Cross' ground game proved costly. Holy Cross moves to 3-0, continuing a season defined by physicality and resilience. Clermont Northeastern, despite the loss, demonstrated toughness and a workhorse back capable of keeping them competitive.

TurboStats GameCast for Football: Holy Cross Indians_vs_Clermont Northeastern Rockets The Covington Holy Cross Indians score in each of the first three quarters and holds on to beat the Clermont Northeastern Rockets 21-8 on a very hot night at Thomas More University. Next Friday night, Covington Holy Cross (3-0) travels to take on their neighbor, Covington Holmes (2-0 at the time of this post). Holmes was playing at Green County tonight.

My arms are too short to change it.

On Friday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m., Clermont Northeastern (OH) (0-2) travels across the Ohio River to play Covington Holy Cross (2-0) at Thomas More University. Last season, Holy Cross won 45-15 in Ohio. How does this game go? Start the discussion.

The Utah Great 8's beat the Cincinnati Slingers 62-59 in the 2026 IAL Championship.

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 NIGHTHoly 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 EARLYBracken 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 DEFENSEAfter 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 MOMENTThe 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 SHUTDOWNThe 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 VERDICTHoly 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.

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.

If HC stumbles in an upcoming game, let's see what AI says!

I am going to try something new this year. The following is my first attempt at letting AI give a summary of this game in the role of a sports reporter based only on input from the play by play and box score, team stats and player stats. Some of the original report was clearly incorrect, so I had to make some modifications. HOLY CROSS OPENS 2026 WITH STATEMENT WIN OVER ST. HENRY, 33-7 Under the lights at Thomas More University Stadium, the Covington Holy Cross Indians delivered the kind of season-opening performance that sends a message. Behind a bruising ground attack, timely passing, and a momentum-swinging defensive touchdown, Holy Cross rolled past St. Henry 33-7 on August 21st to begin the 2026 campaign 1-0. A FIRST HALF THAT SET THE TONE Holy Cross wasted no time establishing control. After an early defensive stop, the Indians marched 56 yards on 10 plays, capped by Charles Oglesby's 2-yard touchdown run, the first of his two scores on the night. The drive showcased the formula that would define the evening: physical offensive line play and Oglesby's relentless downhill running. The Indians struck again midway through the second quarter. Oglesby ripped off a 22-yard touchdown burst, pushing the lead to 13-0. Even when St. Henry's defense forced long-yardage situations, quarterback Brian Ferguson kept drives alive with efficient throws-most notably a 31-yard strike to Max Hunt that set up another scoring opportunity. Holy Cross closed the half with a crisp 46-yard scoring drive, highlighted by Ferguson's 13-yard scramble and a 15-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Thornberry, giving the Indians a commanding 19-0 halftime lead. ST. HENRY'S SPARK - AND HOLY CROSS' RESPONSE St. Henry finally broke through early in the third quarter when Lucas Pate sprinted 62 yards for a touchdown, trimming the deficit to 19-7. For a moment, momentum seemed to shift. Holy Cross answered emphatically. The Indians pieced together a six-play, 71-yard drive fueled by Oglesby and Dustin Wilson, who combined for chunk gains before Wilson punched in a 1-yard score. Castanda's extra point made it 26-7, restoring full control. DEFENSE SLAMS THE DOOR If the offense set the tone, the defense delivered the exclamation point. With eight minutes left, St. Henry attempted to convert a fourth-and-six near midfield. Dustin Wilson jumped the route, intercepted the pass, and raced 52 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the Holy Cross sideline and stretching the lead to 33-7. Just minutes later, Thornberry added a 58-yard interception return, though a penalty wiped out part of the run. Still, the takeaway sealed a dominant defensive performance that included multiple sacks, forced penalties, and four turnovers. STAT LEADERS (from box score & play-by-play) Holy Cross Offense Charles Oglesby: 2 rushing TDs, well over 100 yards Dustin Wilson: rushing TD + 52-yard pick-six Brian Ferguson: passing TD, several key scrambles, efficient short-to-intermediate passing Xavier Thornberry: receiving TD, multiple receptions, interception St. Henry Offense Lucas Pate: 62-yard TD run, several tough carries Cy Parento / Andrew Stewart: combined passing efforts, but pressured throughout THE VERDICT Holy Cross didn't just win-they imposed their identity. A punishing run game, opportunistic defense, and disciplined execution carried them wire-to-wire. For a team with postseason aspirations, this was the kind of opening statement that resonates. Next week, the Indians look to build on their momentum as they continue their 2026 campaign with confidence-and a clear sense of who they are.

True, if you are a high school football fan.

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.

TurboStats GameCast for Football: St. Henry Crusaders_vs_Holy Cross Indians The Covington Holy Cross Indians take the first game of the season 33-7 over the St. Henry Crusaders at Thomas More University. For Holy Cross, QB Brian Ferguson was 8-9 passing for 93 yards and 1 TD (a 15 yard strike to Xavier Thornberry). RB Charles Oglesby had a huge game running for 143 yards on 15 carries with two TDs. RB/LB Dustin Wilson ran for 78 yards on 10 carries with a short touchdown. Dustin sealed the deal in the 4th quarter with 52 yard pick 6 of Crusader QB Cy Parento. For St. Henry, RB Owen Pate had 7 carries for 87 yards. RB Lucas Pate had a huge run of 62 yards for the Crusader's only score in the 3rd quarter. He had 65 yards total on 5 carries. Next Friday night, Covington Holy Cross (1-0) travels to Bracken County (0-1). St. Henry (0-1) will host Boone County (1-0) .

Yes, we are!

I hear you. Can the Bengals change their line strategy to better take advantage of strengths and hide weaknesses? My other thought is - who in the NFL needs a defensive lineman that has an abundance of offensive tackles?

On Friday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m., the high school football season begins as the St. Henry Crusaders visit the Covington Holy Cross Indians at Thomas More University. Last season, Holy Cross shut out St. Henry 47-0 at Crusader Field. How does this game go? Start the discussion.

It was nice to see the Green Devil Stadium with a year under its belt.

Just getting back from the scrimmage. Everything said below is the way it happened. It wasn't even 2 hand touch on the QB...if you got with a couple yards of the QB, the refs blew the whistle on the play.

I thought the giveaway at last night's game was hilarious. The White Sox fans got a "Pope Hat" in honor of Pope Leo XIV who is from Chicago and is a big White Sox follower. You can get one for around $50 on eBay.

Scrimmage was held on Friday night 8/7 on Grant County's new turf field. Teams played 3 sets of 10 plays offense/10 plays defense (with the 3rd set being JV). Holy Cross had no problems moving the ball down the field and scored twice. Grant County scored twice on two big pass plays. The teams played one full quarter of live action with Holy Cross scoring once and almost scoring a second time but QB Brian Ferguson threw a late interception near the goal line. Lots of work to do for both teams.

Yes, he was. He even has visited the practice field a few times. For privacy, I can't go into what he is facing in his recovery, but thank you for the prayers. I would ask prayers for the Holy Cross football program in general. Lately, it has been hit with some other difficult, challenging and even tragic news.

I like Jim. He gets close to the players which makes the post game interviews more enjoyable to watch.

Tyler Stephenson was very emotional in an interview following today's game after he hit that solo home run. It could have been his last Red's at-bat. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

The Walton Verona storm sounded like it was headed our way, so we went downstairs, but it appeared to fizzle out before it reached Taylor Mill.