NKYPreps

Game preview: Conner vs. Lloyd MemorialLloyd Memorial brings an unbeaten 2-0 record and the momentum of a pair of strong defensive performances into Friday's non-district matchup with Conner. The Cougars enter at 0-2 but showed late fight in last week's 36-21 loss to Ryle, after entering the 4th quarter only down by nine. The Juggs have the early edge on paper; they have outscored opponents 64-3. Conner is looking to steady itself after opening against two tough big-school opponents. But the Cougars' new offense is still developing under a first-year head coach and a first-year varsity quarterback, making this a useful measuring-stick game rather than a simple record-versus-record matchup. The Season Thus Far Lloyd opened with a 21-3 win at Newport Central Catholic, then followed it with the 43-0 shutout of Newport. Conner opened with a 56-6 road loss at Madison Central before narrowing the deficit late against Ryle; the Raiders eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter for the 36-21 decision. For Lloyd Memorial, the 43-0 victory over Newport represented the kind of complete performance that has made the Juggs one of Northern Kentucky's leading Class 3A programs. It was their second straight win after holding NewCath to a field goal in the opener. The shutout also gave Lloyd an early statement of defensive consistency: through two games, the Juggs have permitted only three points. Conner's loss to Ryle was more competitive than the final score alone suggests. The Cougars made a late push to close within one score before Ryle broke free in the fourth quarter. That resilience matters for a Conner team attempting to find its offensive identity around junior quarterback Ethan Estvanko, who is making the transition from a defense-first contributor to the starting signal-caller. Series The most recent meeting went to Lloyd Memorial, 40-27, at Conner on Sept. 5, 2025. Players to Watch Junior Colten Barger is the central figure in Lloyd's remodeled offense. A converted wide receiver taking over at quarterback, Barger produced 218 total yards in the opener against NewCath: he completed 9 of 12 passes for 79 yards while rushing 11 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns. His 77-yard touchdown run sealed that 21-3 win. Lloyd's backfield depth makes Barger more dangerous: Avery Conrad, RB/LB: Lloyd's leading rusher from last season, when he ran 81 times for 736 yards and 14 touchdowns. He had 54 rushing yards on 13 carries in the NewCath opener. Lincoln Tomlinson, FB/LB: A rugged complementary runner who rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown against NewCath. He also led Lloyd in receiving in that game with three catches for 43 yards. Lloyd's defense has also made early noise. Linebacker Zay Carter had two sacks against NewCath, including sacks that produced 27 yards in losses, while the experienced front and returning offensive line set the tone for the Juggs' physical approach. Ethan Estvanko is the key name for Conner. He replaces Grayson Montgomery, who threw for 2,065 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2025. Estvanko did not attempt a varsity pass last season, but he arrives with significant two-way experience: he logged 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a sack as a defender. He was also Conner's top returning rusher entering the season, with 247 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. At receiver, sophomore EJ Barney has been identified as the Cougars' new go-to target. The 6-foot-1 Barney is expected to take on a bigger varsity role after primarily playing freshman football last season, giving Estvanko a large target as Conner works to establish its passing game. Publicly available box-score detail for Conner's first two games did not provide verified 2026 individual rushing, passing, or receiving leaders as of this preview. The clearest current personnel indicators are Estvanko's role as the new starting quarterback and returning rushing leader, and Barney's expected emergence as the top receiving option. Coaches The coaching matchup links the programs in an interesting way. Kyle Niederman, now in his eighth season at Lloyd Memorial, guided the Juggs to a 13-1 record, district and region championships, and a Class 3A state-semifinal appearance in 2025. His 2026 group returns nearly all of its key rushing and receiving production, plus the entire starting offensive line, but has shifted from a prolific passing attack to a more physical, ground-and-defense identity. Conner is led by Chase Floyd, a first-year head coach who has been part of the Cougars' staff since 2018. Floyd takes over after a difficult period for the program following the 2025 death of longtime coach Dave Trosper and Noel Rash's one-season interim stint. Floyd has emphasized "One Team, One Mission,” a phrase rooted in Trosper's legacy. He also added veteran assistant Roy Lucas Jr., Lloyd Memorial's head coach from 2000 through 2010, to his staff-an especially notable connection heading into a game against Lucas' former program. How it Could Go Lloyd Memorial may try to make this a game of possessions, leverage its veteran line and let Barger, Conrad and Tomlinson wear down the Cougars. The Juggernauts' formula thus far is clear: control the ground game, limit explosive plays and force opponents into long drives against a defense that has yet to allow a touchdown in 2026. For Conner, the opportunity is to turn last week's late surge against Ryle into a full four-quarter performance. Estvanko's ability to make sound reads, avoid negative plays and connect with Barney on timely throws could prevent Lloyd from crowding the line of scrimmage. If the Cougars can create a few explosive plays and stay within reach into the second half, the contrast between Lloyd's power game and Conner's developing offense could make this one considerably tighter than the records suggest.

Conner plays host to the Ryle Raiders this Friday, August 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Fred Nevel Stadium. Both teams were thumped in their first games with Conner losing at Madison Central 56-6, and Ryle falling to Covington Catholic 50-6. Game Details Teams: Ryle Raiders (Union, KY) vs. Conner Cougars (Hebron, KY) Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Location: Fred Nevel Stadium, Conner High School (Hebron, KY) Coaches: Mike Engler enters his 13th season leading Ryle, holding a 93-55 record with the Raiders. Chase Floyd is in his first season. Season Outlook Ryle: The Raiders enter the season returning an experienced roster following a deep playoff run last year, though they are looking to fill key spots left by graduated starters. Ryle is considered one of Northern Kentucky's top class contenders. Conner: The young Cougars with their home-opener looks to give new head coach Chase Floyd his first win.

6-27 2nd

The Conner Cougars head south to Richmond, KY and the Roy Kidd Bowl for a non-conference tilt agains the Madison Central Indians tonight, August 21, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM. The Game Date: Friday, August 21, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM Kickoff (Madison Central's Tomahawk Walk at 6:00 PM) Location: Roy Kidd Bowl, Madison Central High School Tickets: $7 cash or $8 online via GoFan Notes Conner enters the 2026 season under new head coach Chase Floyd, is looking to score experience and a win(?) with a youthful roster. A win would immediately put the Cougars rebuild into high gear. The task will be tough though, as Madison Central rolls in with a talented squad. The two teams previous faced each other 364 days ago on August 22, 2025. Madison Central soundly defeated the Cougars 43-0 at home.

Conner came out hot from beyond the arc. Finn Louden totaled 24 in the first half on seven made 3's. Was unconscious in the first quarter. Nolan Nipper and Logan Back each added their own makes from deep to supplement the first half three-pointer barrage. Highlands fought hard but could never dig out of the early hole. Conner stayed hot after the break and pushed the lead out to 20 in the third quarter. The Bluebirds cut the lead to 11 in the fourth quarter with pressure, but couldn't draw any closer as Conner successfully melted the clock to seal the victory.

We can offer some insight on Conner... They have a duo of seniors that will set the tone. In Finn Louden and Brady Bushman, you have two players that have logged significant varsity experience since the early days of their HS careers. Tyler Warner (a reclassed Junior) is a presumed starter. Warner is the younger brother of 2025 grad Landon Warner. As seniors, Holten Raider and Logan Back will have the inside track on starting duties, but will be challenged by some talented juniors. Besides Warner, the junior class is lead by talented point guard Nolan Nipper, a new name to most who will challenge for a starting slot. Paired in the backcourt for considerable minutes will be talented shooters, junior guards Gabe Smith and Kayden Iames. Junior big man, Brent Haynes, (son of Scott hall of fame, Chris Haynes) will be sorely missed until at least mid-season as he recovers from ACL surgery. Of note, is sophomore transfer Juan Rondon (younger brother of Yamil Rondon) who we will watch with interest. Predicted Depth: Finn Louden (6-0 CG), Brady Bushman (6-1 CG), Tyler Warner (6-1 SF), Holten Raider (6-3 SF), Nolan Nipper (5-11 PG), Logan Back (6-1 SF), Gabe Smith (5-11 CG), Kayden Iames (6-1 CG), Cooper Bloom (6-2 PF) Key Injury: Brent Haynes (6-6 C) Conner will be undersized against the region's best. Defense, pace of play, and three-point accuracy will be critical to their success.

Our sources tell us the decision was personal (family focus) and not for another job. As far as we know, he will continue in his teaching role at Conner. Curious what is meant by "a certain program there quits discouraging their athletes from playing other sports". Can you elaborate?

Would love to see you post your non-state tourney results! To start with this one - of interest because it brought together many of the best (not all, mind you) 7th grade players in NKY. With a core of kids from the Conner feeders, they came together as the NKY Cougars. Six programs and nine schools in all were represented as they won their bracket at the Battle in Rocky Top tournament in the 7th Grade Restricted Division (no skill player above 150 lbs.) by a combined score of 86-0. Lots of names to watch on this team heading into high school! As a warm up, Highlands 7th and NKY Cougars 7th played a live scrimmage on November 14. NKY Cougars 38 | Highlands Bluebirds 6 Battle in Rocky Top results were similar as the NKY Cougars proved to be dominant. NKY Cougars 28 | Southern Hitmen (TN) 0 NKY Cougars 26 | East Tennessee Villains (TN) 0 NKY Cougars 30 | Christian Brothers Falcons (LA) 0 Roster (Name | Program | Positions) Caleb Arrasmith | Beechwood Tigers (WR, CB, QB) Dawson Bell | Conner Cougars (OL, DL) Mason Buckler | Conner Cougars (S, WR) Xavier Collins | Union Raiders (CB, WR) Kyle Collins | Summit View Academy Royals (OT, OG) Aydin Depenbrock | Conner Cougars (DE, TE) Tyler Fryman | Beechwood Tigers (TB, LB) Malik Johnson | Boone County Rebels (DT) Kannon Lawson | Conner Cougars (TE, LB) Jonny Lind | Covington Catholic Colonels (DE) Scotty Lozier | Conner Cougars (C, DT) Nolan Nipper | Conner Cougars (WR, S, QB) Emmett Queen | Covington Catholic Colonels (QB) Bradley Roaden | Summit View Academy Royals (LB, TB, FB) Landon Robinson | Conner Cougars (OG, OT, DT) Kyle Shaw | Conner Cougars (C, DT) Jagger Sheanshang | Conner Cougars (LB, DT) Vandon Smith | Conner Cougars (DT, OG) Hudson Stephens | Union Raiders (TB, FB, LB) George Unkraut | Covington Catholic Colonels (DT, OG)