FullRide

Channel 5 (WLWT) in NKY had banner running across bottom of screen last night (like election results or school closings)- that was really neat to see and props to them for spotlighting all sports and signings that they received. Looked like most were Cincy schools, but there were a couple NKY schools- great idea, would like to see more participation next time from the bluegrass...(maybe it's getting word out to the AD's that they will be doing this?)

But a great idea for celebrating one of the most exciting days for these student-athletes!

It would be tough for smaller schools from a volunteer standpoint, unless it would be an "Official"- then it adds to the expense...

I think that not having a shot clock is one of those things that makes high school ball special- it is a part of the game..

That's a shame. Should be celebrated. Great for kids and for school...curious- is that a Dixie policy or a Kenton County Schools policy?

Beechwood 8th beat Gray twice in the Turkeyfoot Holiday Tournament.

Beechwood beat them in a holiday tournament, but not in league play.

The real story in this game is which is higher...the Highlands score or the split the pot.....

Seems like a big waste, just bring back the cannon.After the new scoreboard and new pressbox are finished- how will the new dome fit?

Agree...NCC horses have left the barn- although 2A is probably weakest overall class...

In my Opinion "Dynasty" would mean at LEAST 3 State Titles. Six of the teams listed have ZERO....many have 1- hardly a "Dynasty" by any measure.

1. Mark Pike - Stud in every sense of the word. From Dixie, to GA Tech, to 12 years in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.

 

2. Chris Derry - Maybe the greatest blocking FB in University of Kentucky history.

 

3. Doug Jones - From Dixie, to UC, to camp with the St. Louis Rams.

 

Who are your top 3 Dixie football players?

Agree with all of the above- would also throw Dennis Odom 's name in to the mix as well- dominated middle of field at linebacker.

I can give my own preview and give some credit to some of the better distance and middle distance runners in NKY (on the boys side) and how they stand state wide.

In Class A:

 

Eric Baugh (Villa), Michael Caldwell (Brossart) and Grant Brindelli all have had great seasons running the 800, 1,600, and 3,200. Not sure what they are running tomorrow. Also Sam Barth (NCC) has done very well in the 800. The bad news for these kids is that Jacob Thompson (Louisville Holy Cross), one of the best if not the best runners the state has had will win the 1,600 and 3,200. The good news is that Thompson didn’t run the 800 at regionals, so this gives all 4 of the NKY kids a chance to win the state in the 800. Grant is a 9th grade, Eric is a 10th grader, Michael is an 11th grader and Sam is a senior. I don’t know Grant, but I think the other 3 are all quality young men. I haven’t followed Daniel Wolfer (St. Henry) as closely, but he could be in the mix in the 1,600 and 3,200 as well. These are the top NKY boys. I know that NCC has done well at the 400 – I think it is Graham Heil, but I might be wrong. Sam is very good at the 400 as well, but given their placement in the meet that 400/800 combo is tough to pull off and I doubt he will try it.

 

In Class AA:

 

Nicholas Luareano of Lexington Catholic (Lex Cath is in the NKY region) is an excellent runner and kid. He is going to triple at both regional and state, he could very well be a regional/state champ in all 3. The best NKY AA distance kids are Cov. Cath’s Brian Menke, and Highland’s John Michael Griffith and Ethan Shuley. Brian’s better event is probably the 3,200, but will also do well in the 1,600. John Michael has had a good season and Ethan is going to be really special in the years to come (he is already very good). These are probably the only three (3) that have a chance to score at state (certainly could be wrong). Ryan Greene (Highlands) has had an outstanding season in the 400. Anything less than a regional championship would be a shock; however, at state he has to face a beast in Central’s Jazz Hayes. The good news for Ryan is that Jazz is a senior and he is a junior.

 

In Class AAA:

 

The competition is so strong in AAA from St. X and the other large Louisville schools that it makes it really tough. I honestly don’t know how the NKY kids rank compared to the top large school competitors in the state, but I will say that both Mitchell Greenhagh (I am sure I butchered the spelling) and Zac Stewart from Cooper have both had good seasons in the absence of their teammate Brady Baker, who is one of the top runners in NKY and has missed the entire season. Max McGehee (Dixie) would be another top big school kids. I am sure there are others, but these were the ones who came to mind. I can’t remember his name at the moment, but Campbell County has a kid who is also very good in the 400 – he battled Ryan Greene in dual meets all season. Based upon his battles with Ryan I would guess he is right at a 50 flat. Not sure how that would rank in the 3A.

 

I am sure I have forgotten some NKY kids, but these are the ones who came to mind.

Baugh won the 1600, Caldwell the 800 and Wolfer the 3200. Baugh was 427 and change, Caldwell went 159 and Wolfer went about 955 in 3200. Rained most of evening and track was slick, but temps were perfect. This is by far the most competitive region in state for distance/mid distance and is loaded with talent that will be returning next year and following years. Other than Highlands kid they are all the top of the talent pool in the NKY area. Barth closed very strong in 800 and finished second. The Beechwood freshman, Birindelli ran 202 and 437 (not his best). Someone told me that he plays offensive guard for Beechwood freshman football team this year?? He also had on a basketball warm up when he has not racing? He and Baugh will be a very tough combo for years to come in NKY and state. They all seem like very high quality young men. St. Henry's Brockman was also in the mix- he is only a sophmore. Baugh has emerged as probably the best of this group this year from the meets I've seen.

Thomson of Louisville Holy Cross will win the state 1600 and 3200...he could probably run backwards and still win- I saw that he ran 408 a couple of weeks ago. But the 800 is WIDE open for any of the NKY guys to win...from what I see they all take turns beating each other. Birindelli had top time in state going in to regionals- looks like Caldwell now owns that mark (pending what other regions do this weekend). Should make for one of the most exciting races at the A boys state next weekend.

Comic Relief of the night...WCPO says Hunter Spahn threw for 5 touchdown passes tonight.

Great and insightful reporting.....way to phone it in WCPO.