Smite the Kitty

Correction to above. Remaining division opponents are Ludlow and Trimble County (not Newport). Also, it was a beautiful night versus DeSales. Oops. My apologies!

Bishop Brossart Mustangs (3-3) at Holy Cross Indians (4-2) Date: Friday, October 9, 2026 Kickoff: 7:00 PM Location: Thomas More Stadium (Crestview Hills, KY) Broadcast: Mixlr / NFHS The non-district tune-ups, long bus rides, and early-season measuring sticks are officially in the rearview mirror. When Friday night arrives at Thomas More Stadium, the real season begins for Bishop Brossart and Holy Cross. Class 1A, District 4 play is officially underway, and with Trimble County and Ludlow lurking down the October schedule, this opener carries massive playoff seeding weight and potential home-field advantage come November. Both squads arrive in Crestview Hills having navigated very different paths over the past two weeks. For Jake Martin's Mustangs, the timing of last week's bye could not have been better. Brossart spent late September grinding through a demanding non-district gauntlet that culminated in a punishing 28-7 battle against Class 3A Louisville DeSales in a driving rain. Seven days off gave the Mustangs what every football team craves at the midway mark: time to heal, rest banged-up joints, and install a dedicated district game plan with fresh legs. Across the field, Curt Spencer's Holy Cross Indians find themselves in unfamiliar territory. After roaring out of the gate to a 4-0 start while suffocating opponents to just 33 total points, the Indians have dropped two straight-surrendering 62 points in the process. Last Friday night was particularly taxing: a four-hour mountain haul to Coal Miners' Memorial Stadium in Baxter through fog and pouring rain. Holy Cross built an early 14-0 cushion and held a 21-14 lead midway through the fourth quarter, only to see Harlan County strike for two touchdowns in the final 7:30 to snatch a 28-21 win. Back on their home turf, the Indians will be playing with desperate urgency to steady the ship. Tale of the Tape: Common Opponents The comparative score lines provide plenty of fodder for debate leading up to kickoff: St. Henry: Holy Cross put on a defensive clinic in Week 1, suffocating the Crusaders 33-7. Two weeks later at Mustang Stadium, Brossart and St. Henry traded haymakers in an offensive shootout that slipped away from the Mustangs, 43-40. Bracken County: Both teams took business trips to Brooksville and handled business cleanly-Holy Cross rolling 41-6, while Brossart methodically pulled away 27-7. Star Power & What the Stats Tell Us 1. The Mustangs' Statewide Headliners Don't look now, but the Bishop Brossart roster features some of the most eye-popping individual production anywhere in the Commonwealth: Brady Boruske (WR/DB): Boruske has been a walking highlight reel. He currently sits at the top of statewide unclassified leaderboards with 36 receptions for 627 yards (17.4 YPR, 3 TDs) and leads the state defensively with 4 interceptions. Add in his 221 return yards, and he affects every phase of the game. What makes Boruske's numbers jaw-dropping is the context: he put up those statewide #1 figures in essentially four-and-a-half games after missing the Nicholas County contest due to a foot injury and having an idle week on October 2. Landon Spaulding (QB): Spaulding ranks among Kentucky's elite dual-threat passers with 1,148 passing yards and 7 touchdowns. When the pocket breaks down, he hurts teams on the ground, pacing Brossart with 356 rushing yards (5.65 YPC) and 4 rushing scores. His 1,504 yards of total offense makes him the engine Holy Cross must contain. Quinten Tischner (LB/WR): Tischner is quite literally Kentucky's tackle king, leading the entire state with 65 total tackles (22 solo, 7 TFL). He couples that sideline-to-sideline pursuit with a critical role in the passing game, catching 23 passes for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tommy Busby (LB): Checking in at #9 statewide in tackles with 42 stops, Busby teams with Tischner to give the Mustangs an inside linebacking tandem that punishes between the tackles. 2. The Holy Cross Ground Punch vs. The Air Vacuum The box score from Harlan County painted a very clear picture of who Holy Cross is right now: The Ground Heavyweights: When Holy Cross runs the football, they can be dominant. They rolled up 250 rushing yards on 32 carries (7.8 YPC) in the rain at Harlan. Dustin Wilson was electric, ripping off 98 yards on 10 carries (9.8 YPC, 1 TD), while junior quarterback Brian Ferguson added 88 yards on 12 carries (7.3 YPC, 2 TDs). On the season, Charles Oglesby still leads the district ground attack with 425 yards (6.6 YPC, 4 TDs). Passing Game Growing Pains: While the ground attack flourished, the passing game was held to just 4-of-14 for 32 yards and 2 interceptions. Division I recruit Max Hunt (6'5", 250 lbs) was bracketed and limited to a single 24-yard catch. When the Indians get behind the sticks or find themselves in obvious passing situations, they become vulnerable. Keys to the Game The Dual-Threat Blueprint: Last week, Harlan County QB Brayden Morris gave Holy Cross fits by doing exactly what Landon Spaulding excels at-scrambling for 153+ yards and hitting a back-breaking 67-yard touchdown pass when the secondary crept up. Spaulding's ability to extend plays outside the pocket and find Boruske downfield is the biggest matchup challenge Holy Cross faces. Plugging the Gaps on Wilson and Ferguson: Holy Cross averaged nearly 8 yards a clip on the ground last week. Brossart cannot allow Ferguson and Wilson to rip off 20- and 40-yard chunk runs. That puts the spotlight directly on Quinten Tischner (65 tackles) and Tommy Busby (42 tackles) to shed blocks and plug the interior lanes. Turnover Margin & Discipline: Holy Cross was whistled for 11 penalties for 115 yards and threw two fourth-quarter interceptions at Harlan. With ballhawks like Boruske (4 INTs) and Landen Ketron (2 INTs) lurking in the Mustang secondary, giving Brossart short fields on turnovers could tilt the game quickly. The Fresh Legs Factor: Brossart hasn't played in two weeks, allowing bruises to heal and energy levels to spike. Holy Cross just spent eight hours on a bus over the weekend playing a physically exhausting game in wet mud, losing a fourth-quarter lead. Watch the trench battle in the fourth quarter on the Thomas More turf-that's where Brossart's bye-week advantage should show up. District 4 supremacy starts now. Who gets it done Friday night in Crestview Hills? Let's hear your thoughts and score predictions!

Matchup: DeSales Colts (1-4) at Bishop Brossart Mustangs (3-2) Date: Friday, September 25, 2026 Kickoff: 7:30 PM Location: Mustang Athletic Complex (MAC), Alexandria, KY Last Meeting: DeSales 35, Bishop Brossart 7 (2025 at DeSales) The Setup: Coming off an emotional, grit-and-grind 21-20 road triumph over previously unbeaten Nicholas County, the Bishop Brossart Mustangs return home to the MAC this Friday night to host the DeSales Colts out of Louisville. Do not let DeSales' 1-4 record fool you. The Colts play a rugged Louisville slate loaded with Class 5A competition (Oldham County, Nelson County, and Southern) alongside premier small-school programs (Holy Cross and Kentucky Country Day). Fresh off a 22-0 shutout over Southern-where they raced out to a three-score lead in just two quarters before lightning ended the contest at halftime-the Colts roll into Alexandria aiming to duplicate last season's 35-7 win over the Mustangs. Key Storylines & Matchups to Watch: 1. Late-Breaking: Will Record-Setter Brady Boruske Suit Up? The biggest headline heading into kickoff surrounds Mustangs star wideout Brady Boruske. Sidelined in Carlisle last week due to a foot injury, Boruske spent the week in a walking boot and questionable for Friday's game. Even if Boruske is operating at less than 100% or used situationally, his presence on the perimeter alters DeSales' defensive math. Without him, Nicholas County loaded the box to stop the run. With him on the field, the Colts cannot afford single coverage outside, opening up running lanes underneath and restoring Landon Spaulding's primary deep threat. 2. Ground Warfare: Committee vs. Workhorses Brossart's Tandem: With Boruske sidelined last Friday, Coach Jake Martin leaned heavily on running backs Bentley McKinzie (11 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD) and Tommy Busby (8 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD). Combining for 128 hard-nosed rushing yards between the tackles, they chewed up clock and kept the Bluejackets' explosive offense off the field. DeSales' Four-Back Rotation: The Colts spread the touches across a deep stable. Sophomore Max Oliverio (#3) paces the ground attack (119 yards, 4.8 YPC), while junior Dorian Brice (#2) provides downhill, short-yardage muscle (90 yards, 5.3 YPC, 2 TDs). Add in senior Caleb Choate (#5, 5.6 YPC)—who bruised Brossart for 76 yards in 2025-and sophomore Cam Wells (#25, 8.0 YPC), and the Colts have four different ball-carriers capable of moving the chains. The Front Seven: Brossart's defensive front is riding high after denying state rushing leader Jayden Watkins on a game-deciding two-point conversion with 1:38 remaining. Disciplined gap integrity will be critical to forcing DeSales into obvious passing situations where they are far less comfortable. 3. Landon Spaulding vs. The Colts' Two-Quarterback System DeSales: The Colts have split snaps between sophomore Noah Cross (#8) and junior Rylee Embry (#10). While Cross has been the steadier hand (9-of-20, 112 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs), the Colts average roughly 49 passing yards per game on 39% passing, primarily relying on senior target Silas Jones (#4, 24.3 YPC, 1 TD) and screen passes out of the backfield to Brice and Oliverio. Brossart: Mustangs junior Landon Spaulding showed veteran composure down the stretch in Carlisle. Despite an interception at the goal line before the break, he managed the game, connected with Landon Ketron for a score, and walked into the end zone for the decisive two-point conversion. If Boruske is able to go alongside Ketron, Spaulding will have his full complement of weapons against a secondary that surrendered chunk plays early in the season. 4. Finishing Drives Inside the 20 Empty trips inside the red zone come back to bite you against physical opponents. Last week, Brossart was stopped on the goal line on 4th-and-goal and suffered an interception inside the 5-yard line before the half. DeSales capitalized immediately on short fields against Southern last week, punching in three touchdowns in 24 minutes. Crisp execution and putting seven on the board instead of empty possessions will decide this contest. 5. Hidden Yardage & Special Teams Tripp Wilson's daring 23-yard fake punt rumble flipped momentum in Carlisle, showing the Mustangs aren't afraid to take calculated gambles. Meanwhile, placekicking consistency between Ryan Eldridge and DeSales senior kicker John Dietz could tilt a one-possession contest. Can the Mustangs protect home turf and settle the score from last fall, or will the Colts pick up their second straight win? Who takes it Friday night at the MAC, and what is your score prediction?

Matchup: Bishop Brossart Mustangs (2-2) at Nicholas County Bluejackets (4-0) Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 Kickoff: 7:30 PM Location: Carlisle, KY Series History: Bishop Brossart leads the all-time series 8-7 Last Meeting: Nicholas County defeated Bishop Brossart 30-7 in 2025 at the MAC The Setup: Bishop Brossart heads down to Carlisle looking to build on last Friday's dominant 27-7 home victory over Bracken County. The Mustangs' passing attack was in record-setting form behind senior QB Landon Spaulding (300 yards passing, 1 rushing TD) and WR Brady Boruske, who set a new school single-game record with 234 receiving yards and two long scores (70 and 80 yards), while also hauling in two interceptions on defense. Brossart's offense also saw freshman Tommy Busby punch in his first varsity touchdown. Nicholas County enters the contest riding a perfect 4-0 start under head coach Robert Hopkins, having topped Pendleton County (38-8), Bellevue (40-12), Lewis County (20-6), and Louisville Iroquois (28-14). The Bluejackets play a brand of physical, ball-control football powered up front by the "Big Blue Wall" offensive line (#52 Cash Linville, #78 Dakota Sparks, #69 Frankie Avalos, #55 Bradley Watkins, #59 Kaelen Martin). Key Players to Watch: Bishop Brossart: Landon Spaulding (QB): Now holds the top three single-game passing totals in school history; threw for 300 yards last week. Brady Boruske (WR/DB): Dynamic playmaker who broke the school single-game receiving yardage record (234 yards, 2 TDs) and added two picks against Bracken County. Tripp Wilson (WR): Reliable target who hauled in 4 catches for 53 yards a week ago. Nicholas County: Jayden Watkins (RB/LB): Nicholas County's workhorse back who amassed 667 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 93 carries through the first three weeks (including a 335-yard, 4-TD performance against Bellevue). He also leads the Bluejackets' linebacking corps in tackles. Ty Simons (QB/DB): Accurate, poised young signal-caller completing roughly 60% of his passes with multiple defensive interceptions from the secondary. Bentley Crump (WR/DB): Big-play weapon on the perimeter who recorded 4 interceptions in Week 1 against Pendleton County. Front Seven (#52 Cash Linville, #22 Jack Jeter, #88 Maddox Reid, #4 Jacob Saucedo): Aggressive unit that consistently creates disruption and tackles for loss behind the line of scrimmage. Key Matchup Questions: Can Brossart's front seven slow down Jayden Watkins and Nicholas County's ground game to force 3rd-and-long passing situations? Will Nicholas County's secondary be able to limit the explosive downfield strikes from Spaulding to Boruske? Who wins the turnover battle in Carlisle? Who takes this one Friday night, and what's your score prediction?

GAME PREVIEW: Bishop Brossart Travels to Brooksville to Battle Rested Polar Bears Matchup: Bishop Brossart Mustangs (1-2) at Bracken County Polar Bears (0-2) When: Friday, September 11 | Kickoff at 7:00 PM Where: Brooksville, KY Fresh off an explosive, 43-40 shootout against St. Henry, the Bishop Brossart Mustangs hit the road this Friday night for a Week 4 trip south to Brooksville. Both sidelines arrive with plenty to prove: the Mustangs are out to avenge a fourth-quarter heartbreak that spoiled an offensive masterclass, while the host Polar Bears look to cash in on a bye week and secure their first win of the season. The Storylines 1. Brossart's High-Powered Offense Hits the Road If Friday night at the MAC demonstrated anything, it's that Brossart can light up a scoreboard in a hurry. Senior signal-caller Landon Spaulding was virtually unstoppable against St. Henry, piling up nearly 300 passing yards and over 130 rushing yards while accounting for five total touchdowns-including an electrifying 80-yard option scamper. Spaulding's primary target, junior tight end Quentin Tischner, hauled in up to 12 catches for 131 yards and a physical touchdown, proving nearly impossible to bring down in the open field. Bracken County's defense has surrendered 76 points across its first two outings, struggling to contain big plays late in halves. If the Polar Bears can't collapse the pocket around Spaulding and account for Tischner over the middle, the Mustangs could establish control early. 2. A Needed Reset for the Polar Bears Bracken County head coach Jeremy Ahrens was candid about depth, cramping, and injuries during a grueling 41-6 loss to Holy Cross in Week 2, where the Polar Bears had to rotate junior varsity personnel in the fourth quarter. An open week gave Bracken County time to heal, rework their blocking schemes, and scout Brossart in person during their marathon battle with St. Henry. Bracken County will count on that extra week of preparation and fresh legs to match Brossart's physical tempo. 3. Trench Play and Protecting the Ball Bracken County managed only six points over its first two games-an Andrew Kirk touchdown against Holy Cross. To establish drives, the Polar Bears must sustain blocks up front. That won't come easy against a disruptive Mustang front line featuring Charlie Rauch, Atticus Prost, and Beckett Meersman, who consistently wreaked havoc in the Crusaders' backfield with sacks and tackles for loss. 4. Special Teams Swings Both squads know how fast special teams can tilt momentum: Brossart allowed a blocked-punt touchdown against St. Henry, only to answer instantly when Brady Boruske housed an 80-plus-yard kickoff return. Bracken County gave up punt-return touchdowns in consecutive games against Mason County and Holy Cross, though their unit did block a Holy Cross point-after try. Punt coverage and lane containment will be high on both coaching staffs' clipboards. Keys to a Mustang Win Maintain 48 Minutes of Gap Discipline: Brossart led St. Henry for nearly 45 minutes before a fourth-quarter rally-sparked by a heavy dose of Lucas Pate-slipped through their fingers. Coach Jake Martin's squad will look to clean up late-game penalties, shore up perimeter run defense, and finish drives. Control the Clock Behind the Line: When Brossart opened the St. Henry game, they took 7:32 off the clock on an 80-yard ground-and-pound drive anchored by Colin Blau and Isaac Hildebrand. Sustained drives keep the defense fresh and take the home crowd out of the game early. Capitalize on Red-Zone Chances: Points left on the 1-yard line at halftime against St. Henry proved costly. Turning red-zone trips into seven points rather than three or zero will be critical on the road. The Outlook: Brossart brings serious offensive firepower into Brooksville, pairing a dual-threat quarterback with multiple playmakers on the perimeter. If the Mustangs play clean football and win the line of scrimmage, they are well-positioned to head back up Route 27 with a 2-2 record.

Late Surge by St. Henry Spoils Mustang Offensive Fireworks in 43-40 Shootout ALEXANDRIA, Ky. - On an electric Friday night under the lights at the MAC, fans at Munninghoff Family Stadium were treated to an instant Northern Kentucky classic. In a contest that featured lightning-fast scoring answers, heavy physical trench play, and non-stop offensive fireworks, visiting St. Henry edged Bishop Brossart 43-40 in a wild, back-and-forth thriller. The Mustangs controlled tempo and led on the scoreboard for nearly forty-four minutes of action, putting up 40 points behind a stellar dual-threat showcase from quarterback Landon Spaulding and an all-field performance from junior tight end Quentin Tischner. However, a ferocious fourth-quarter rally spearheaded by St. Henry back Lucas Pate allowed the Crusaders to snatch their first lead of the night with just 3:22 remaining. An Explosive Ground-and-Pound Start Brossart (1-2) set the tone right out of the gate with an authoritative opening possession. Methodically marching 80 yards over a grueling 7-minute-and-32-second drive, the Mustangs chewed up the first-quarter clock with six first downs. Spaulding capped off the surgical drive with a 1-yard plunge behind a surging interior offensive line to make it 6-0. Early in the second quarter, Spaulding broke the game wide open. Calling his own number on an option keeper, the senior signal-caller found open turf along the home sideline and took it 80 yards to the house untouched, pushing the Mustang cushion to 12-0. St. Henry capitalized on short field position and a defensive penalty to answer with a red-zone strike, cutting the deficit to 12-6. The Crusaders then turned the tide momentarily on special teams, blocking a Mustang punt and returning it for a score to knot things up at 12-12 before the two-point conversion gave them a brief edge at 14-12. Brossart's offense answered in dazzling fashion. Facing third down, Spaulding connected over the middle with Justin Bezold, who turned on the afterburners and sprinted away from the Crusader secondary for a 69-yard touchdown strike. Ryan Eldridge's PAT sent the Mustangs into the locker room at halftime holding a 19-14 lead after a goal-line stand halted another Brossart push at the Crusaders' 2-yard line as the clock expired. Fireworks in the Third: 33 Seconds of Pure Chaos The Mustangs seized immediate momentum to begin the second half. Following a Crusader fumble recovered by Charlie Rauch, Brossart capitalized on a short field. Spaulding scored his third touchdown of the evening, navigating a 9-yard bootleg around the left edge to extend the lead to 26-14. What followed next was a breathtaking 33-second sequence that had the Munninghoff faithful roaring: St. Henry answered on the very next scrimmage snap when Lucas Pate broke multiple tackles along the right sideline for a stunning 75-yard touchdown gallop (26-20). On the ensuing kickoff, Brossart's Brady Boruske fielded the ball cleanly, found a crease up the hash marks, and electrified the stadium with an 80-plus-yard return for a touchdown (33-20). St. Henry continued to battle back behind Pate, who punched in his second touchdown of the quarter to narrow the margin to 33-28 heading into the final frame. Tischner Powers Brossart; Crusaders Rally Late Opening the fourth quarter, Brossart executed another clutch march. Quentin Tischner, who was a reliable safety valve all evening on intermediate crossers and tight-end flats, delivered the play of the night for the home squad. Hauling in a pass in the flat, Tischner broke two tackles, stayed on his feet through direct contact at the 5-yard line, and powered through the goal-line pile for a touchdown, extending the Mustang advantage to 40-28 with 10:07 to play. Refusing to fold, the Crusaders dialed up pressure. After converting a deep 30-yard pass to David Penick, Pate hauled in a 31-yard scoring pass from Cy Perento to bring St. Henry within five at 40-35 with 6:18 left. Pinned deep inside their own 15-yard line on the ensuing drive after a penalty, the Mustangs were forced to punt from their own end zone. St. Henry capitalized, as Pate broke loose for a go-ahead touchdown scamper with 3:22 remaining. Perento connected with the 6-foot-4 Penick on the two-point conversion to push St. Henry ahead 43-40. The Mustangs refused to go quietly. With 3:11 on the clock, Spaulding delivered under heavy pressure, completing a contested 25-yard pass to Boruske and a 14-yard laser to Landon Ketron into Crusader territory. However, on third-and-manageable at the St. Henry 37, the Crusader pass rush got home, knocking the ball loose on a strip-sack fumble to stall the drive with 1:08 remaining. St. Henry's Pate picked up one final first down before smartly taking a knee to secure the 43-40 victory. Unofficial Statistical Standouts Landon Spaulding (Brossart): Finished with over 100 yards rushing and 2 rushing touchdowns (80, 9); threw for over 225 yards and 2 touchdowns (69, 15). Quentin Tischner (Brossart): 8+ receptions, roughly 85 yards, 1 touchdown; recorded multiple drive-stopping open-field tackles on defense. Justin Bezold (Brossart): 1 reception, 69 yards, 1 touchdown. Brady Boruske (Brossart): 1 kickoff return touchdown (~82 yards); 4 receptions for ~45 yards. Charlie Rauch & Atticus Prost (Brossart): Combined for 2 sacks, multiple tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, and a crucial fourth-down stop on a fake punt attempt. Lucas Pate (St. Henry): 150+ rushing yards, 4 total touchdowns (including runs of 75 and 31 yards). Takeaways & Looking Ahead The Positives: There is immense offensive firepower on this Brossart roster. Scoring 40 points in high school football wins on most Friday nights. Spaulding showed poise, escapability, and veteran leadership, while Tischner proved to be one of the most complete two-way athletes in the region. The offensive line-anchored by clean center snaps from Colin Blau and strong push from Isaac Hildebrand and company-won the battle at the line of scrimmage for large stretches of the evening. Defensively, Rauch, Prost, and Beckett Meersman demonstrated that they can generate heavy penetration and disrupt game plans. Growth Areas for Film Study: In a contest decided by a single possession, the margins are razor-thin. Untimely pre-snap penalties and field-position miscues in the fourth quarter backed the Mustangs into their own end zone at critical junctures. Cleaning up punt protection rules and maintaining gap discipline against outside perimeter sweeps will be central themes as Coach Martin and the staff break down the tape this week. The effort, character, and resolve displayed across 48 grueling, physical minutes showed a team that is battle-tested and capable of trading punches with anyone on their schedule. The Mustangs will look to regroup, refine the details, and bring that same intensity into Week 4.

What a great game. Full recap tomorrow, but a solid win for St. Henry and a great effort from Brossart. Lucas Pate is the real deal...but stud performances all around.

43-40, St. Henry. 3:22 in 4th.

St. Henry scores. PAT to follow.

St. Henry scores. 40-35. 6:18 in 4th. bmustangs.com

Hear the final call on bmustangs.com!

40-28. Mustangs. 10:57 4th

33-28 Mustangs. Going to be a great 4th.

33-20 6:52 left in 3rd

TIME UPDATE: Game moved to 7:30 p.m. due to heat. PLAYER UPDATE: After missing an entire calendar year-all of last season plus the first two contests of 2026-senior Tripp Wilson (#3) is officially suited up and cleared to make his emotional return to the turf tonight.

Hot topic! Great discussion! Game moved to 7:30. Hope you'll give us a listen on Schabell's BMustangs.com.

Friday Night Preview: St. Henry Crusaders at Bishop Brossart Mustangs When: Friday, September 4, 2026 | Kickoff: 7:30 PM EDT Where: Mustang Athletic Complex, Alexandria, KY Records: St. Henry (0-2) at Bishop Brossart (1-1) Classifications: Non-District (Class 2A District 5 vs. Class 1A District 4) Setting the Scene Friday night brings an intriguing Northern Kentucky Catholic clash to Alexandria, as the Bishop Brossart Mustangs welcome the St. Henry Crusaders to the MAC. While the two diocesan schools share decades of fierce postseason history on the hardwood, soccer pitches, and cross country trails, this meeting marks an exciting, fresh chapter on the gridiron. Both teams enter Week 3 eager to establish momentum. Brossart looks to bounce back onto the winning track after running into a buzzsaw in Lexington against an unbeaten, state-ranked Sayre squad. St. Henry, now in its second season of full KHSAA varsity play under head coach Tim Odom, arrives seeking its first win of the campaign-and bringing plenty of confidence after taking Class 5A Boone County down to the wire in a 34-31 Week 2 shootout. The Matchup: Brossart's Balance vs. St. Henry's Ground Game When Brossart Has the Ball: The Mustangs will look to control the tempo early after being bottled up on the ground last week in Lexington. Sayre stacked the box, limiting Brossart to just 24 net rushing yards. Expect a renewed commitment between the tackles Friday night, with Tommy Busby and Alex Twehues pounding the rock to keep the chains moving and open up play-action. When Brossart takes to the air, senior quarterback Landon Spaulding has a clear go-to weapon in Brady Boruske. Boruske proved near impossible to cover even against Sayre's airtight secondary, hauling in 6 receptions for 103 yards, including long gains of 41 and 29 yards. Spreading the field with Boruske and Quinten Tischner will force St. Henry's young secondary to defend sideline to sideline. The key matchup in the trenches will be keeping St. Henry's active freshman pass rusher Brayden Hughes (3.5 sacks) out of the Mustang backfield. When St. Henry Has the Ball: The Crusaders feature an old-school, ball-control attack spearheaded by the backfield tandem of Owen Pate and Lucas Pate. Averaging nearly 90 rushing yards per game, Owen Pate is a bruising downhill runner who thrives on chewing clock and wearing down fronts, while Lucas Pate provides the change-of-pace scoring touch. On the outside, sophomore receiver David Penick is the top target when the Crusaders look to take vertical shots. For Brossart's defense, the game plan starts with winning first and second downs. If the Mustangs' defensive front can bottle up the interior run game and force St. Henry into third-and-long situations, Boruske and the Brossart secondary will have prime opportunities to create takeaways-much like Boruske's red-zone interception against Sayre. Three Things to Watch Battle for the A & B Gaps: Which offensive line controls the line of scrimmage? St. Henry wants to churn out 4-yard runs and shorten the game; Brossart wants to establish Busby early to open up the deep playbook. Special Teams Rebound: Special teams swung the game in Lexington last week, where Sayre converted two return touchdowns. Brossart showed its own return capability with Boruske's 40-yard kickoff burst. Clean coverage lanes, solid field position, and reliable PATs from Ryan Eldridge could prove decisive. Finish in the Red Zone: Both offenses moved the football into opposing territory early last week without capitalizing on points. Putting six on the board instead of trading punts or field-goal attempts will set the tone under the lights. The Verdict St. Henry proved against Boone County that they can score in bunches when their running game clicks. However, Brossart brings more varsity battle-testing, superior perimeter playmaking on both sides of the ball with Boruske, and the home-field advantage of the MAC. If the Mustangs protect the football and re-establish their ground attack, they have the tools to pull away in the second half and even their season record at 2-1.

Final: Sayre 42, Bishop Brossart 0 A relentless showcase on special teams and big plays through the air propelled the host Sayre Spartans to a decisive 42-0 victory over Bishop Brossart. Fresh off a marquee win over Kentucky Country Day, the Spartans wasted zero time seizing control on their home turf. Game Recap Early Fireworks: Sayre's Jordan Backers set the tone on the contest's very first play, fielding the opening kickoff and racing 90 yards to the end zone. Mustang Fight: Brossart looked to counter immediately behind the connection of quarterback Landon Spaulding and two-way standout Brady Boruske. Spaulding hit Boruske for a 41-yard strike into Spartan territory, but Sayre's defense bowed up to force a turnover on downs. Boruske made his presence felt again on Sayre's next drive, intercepting a Gage Pennington pass deep in Mustang territory to stifle a scoring threat. Spartans Pull Away: Sayre capitalized on its next opportunity, capping a 64-yard drive when Pennington found Harrison Phillips on a 13-yard touchdown play for a 14-0 lead after one quarter. Pennington stayed hot in the second frame, connecting with Paul Miller on a 12-yard scoring strike. Special Teams Sting: After an Eldridge field goal attempt narrowly missed for Brossart late in the half, Sayre delivered a backbreaker. With just 0.7 seconds remaining before the break, Jesse Nance fielded a punt and took it 55 yards for a score, sending the Spartans into halftime up 28-0 behind a perfect kicking performance from Amanuel Arms. Second Half Surge: Boruske provided an early spark after the break with a 40-yard kickoff return, but Sayre held firm on a critical fourth-and-inches stop. Taking over at their own 37, Pennington linked up with freshman Payton Rafter, who shed four Mustang tacklers on a dazzling 63-yard touchdown catch-and-run to trigger the running clock. Isaiah King added the finishing touch with a late third-quarter 7-yard rushing score. Key BBHS Stat Lines Brady Boruske (BBHS): 6 receptions, 103 yards | 1 INT on defense | 40-yard kickoff return Landon Spaulding (BBHS): 8/25 passing, 116 yards Sayre Big Plays: 2 return touchdowns (90-yd KO return, 55-yd punt return), 3 passing touchdowns from Gage Pennington (Phillips, Miller, Rafter) Up Next Bishop Brossart (1-1) returns home next Friday night looking to bounce back against St. Henry at 7:00 PM. The Mustang junior varsity squad will host Campbell County this Monday at 6:00 PM.

Class 1A Showdown: Bishop Brossart Travels to Lexington for Clash with No. 3 Sayre Coming off hard-fought, season-opening victories, the Bishop Brossart Mustangs hit the road this Friday for a high-stakes Class 1A test against the Sayre Spartans in Lexington. Both squads enter Week 2 tested by fourth-quarter adversity and hungry to establish early-season momentum. How They Got Here Bishop Brossart (1–0): The Mustangs kicked off the Jake Martin era with a 30–22 victory over Walton-Verona at the MAC. After racing to a 21–0 first-quarter lead behind a Bentley McKinzie touchdown run, a 57-yard bomb from Landon Spaulding to Brady Boruske, and a Landen Ketron pick-six, the Mustangs weathered a 22-point surge from the Bearcats. Brossart regained control late behind a 29-yard field goal from Ryan Eldridge and an 11-yard scoring strike from Spaulding to Quinten Tischner, while the defense forced three straight stops—including a Boruske interception—to lock down the win. Sayre (1–0): Ranked No. 5 in Class 1A, Chad Pennington’s Spartans staged a fourth-quarter comeback to edge defending state champion Kentucky Country Day 22–19. Facing a 19–7 deficit with seven minutes remaining, Sayre rallied behind a 47-yard touchdown scramble by Gage Pennington, a successful onside kick recovered by Harrison Phillips, and a 7-yard jet sweep touchdown run by Phillips. Key Matchups & Storylines Quarterback Playmaking: Landon Spaulding led the Brossart offense with 194 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 54 rushing yards in Week 1. He faces a Sayre defense that stiffened in the clutch, while the Mustang front must contain Spartan signal-caller Gage Pennington, whose scrambling ability sparked Sayre’s late-game surge. Boruske vs. Sayre Secondary: Senior receiver Brady Boruske delivered a standout Week 1 performance with 8 receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown alongside a defensive interception. Keeping him involved early will be key against Sayre's disciplined scheme. Special Teams Execution: Both programs lean on reliable specialists. Brossart’s Ryan Eldridge delivered a flawless kicking debut (3 PATs, 29-yard field goal), while Sayre demonstrated high-risk, high-reward execution by converting an onside kick and two-point conversion to win the Old Oaken Bucket. Series History Friday marks the fourth all-time meeting between the programs, with Sayre holding a 2–1 advantage. After Brossart took the inaugural matchup 21–3 in 2019, Sayre answered with a 20–13 win in 2020 and an 8–5 defensive battle in 2025. Expect another tight, physical 48-minute battle in Lexington.

Game Summary via bmustangs.com (D. Schabell) On what started as a perfect night for football, and a perfect night for our Mustangs kicking off the Jake Martin era, we cruised to a 21-0 first quarter lead. Just a it appeared that this one would come easy, things turned a bit ugly as a black cloud rolled in and hovered over the MAC. In addition to a steady 30 minute rain, it brought with it the bad luck associated with black clouds and black cats. Momentum jumped into a Walton uniform as they inaugurated a 79 yard touchdown drive that began in the waning minutes of the first quarter and ended in the endzone 10 minutes later with 4:28 remaining in the half, and we hadn’t touched the ball in the period as of yet. When we did, we were ineffective and turned it over on downs twice, and with under a minute to play in the half, aided by a 15-yard flag, the Bearcats scored again to cut the Mustangs lead to 21-14, and suddenly this one didn’t look like the sure thing that it did back in the opening stanza. Things continued to deteriorate as the Bearcats, who received the ball to start the second half, got a great kick-off return to the Brossart 40 and finished it off a few plays later. Their two-point conversion attempt went for naught, BUT Hold The Phone, there was a flag on the play, and the new life allowed the visitors to punch it in this time, taking a 22-21 lead as the Mustang faithful sat stunned as to what was transpiring. On our final possession of the 3rd Quarter we posed a major threat, advancing the football to the 14 yard line before seeing it fizzle out. However, Soccer/Football Senior Ryan Eldridge was in Field Goal range and delivered a 29 yard conversion to give the Stangs the lead back at 24-22 with 12 minutes remaining in the game. The Mustang defense resurfaced in the fourth quarter stymieing the Cats on all three of their possessions that included a Brady Boruske interception along with two turnovers on downs. Meanwhile, the Mustangs put together a 58yard drive resulting in Landon Spaulding finding Quinten Tischner in the endzone, giving the home team some breathing room, and securing the 30-22 victory. It was Bentley McKinzie who got the scoring underway in the first quarter, rambling 9 yards to paydirt giving the Mustangs a 7-0 lead, when Ryan Eldridge split the uprights for the “And One.” Spaulding hit Brady Boruske on a 57 yard pass play for our second score, plus an Eldridge PAT, and Landen Ketron intercepted a Braxton Parr pass and took it to the house for a Pick Six, making it 21-0 Mustangs after one. We would not score again until late in the third frame when Eldridge knocked home a 29yard Field Goal, and then in the fourth, Spaulding found Quinten Tischner in the endzone for an 11 yard trophy toss, giving the Mustangs the final score of 30-22. There were many other notable contributions, especially on defense, where Quinten Tischner teamed up with Beckett Meersman, Justin Bezold and Landen Ketron who all made some big defensive stops. We are blessed to have a history of great kickers, and Ryan Eldridge picked up right where Max Runge left off a year ago, nailing his first three PAT attempts and hitting a 29 yard Field Goal. Passing: Landon Spaulding: 11/22 194 yrds 2 TDS Rushing: Landon Spaulding: 8 carries for 54 yards Alex Twehues: 3 carries for 11 yards Bentley McKinzie: 5 carries for 10 yards ,1 TD Tommy Busby: 1 carry for 2 yards Landen Ketron: 2 carries for -2 yards Receiving: Brady Boruske: 8 catches for 159 yards, 1 TD Quinten Tischner: 1 catch for 16 yards, 1 TD Austin Johnson: 1 catch for 12 yards Justin Bezold: 1 catch for 7 yards Kicking: Ryan Eldridge – PAT- 3/4 – FG: 1/1 for 29 yards The Mustangs will travel to Sayre in Lexington next Friday night where we will play the Past Class 1A State Champs for the fourth time. Sayre leads the series 2-1, having lost to us 21-3 back in 2019, and defeating us 20-13 in 2020, and 8-5 in 2025. ______________ For his efforts, Senior Brady Boruske was tabbed our Player of the Game being on the receiving end of a 36 yard Landon Spaulding aerial, and followed it up with a 59 yard touchdown reception. In the pivotal third quarter, Boruske carried the piggy from our 47 yard line to the 26 yard line of Walton, followed by a 15 yard tack-on. He also made a late-game interception that snuffed out a Bearcat drive.

Matchup: Bishop Brossart Mustangs vs. Walton-Verona Bearcats Date / Time: Friday, August 21 | 7:30 PM Location: Mustang Athletic Complex (The MAC), Alexandria, KY Classifications: Class 1A, District 4 (Brossart) vs. Class 2A, District 5 (Walton-Verona) The 20th anniversary season of Bishop Brossart football kicks off this Friday night at the MAC as the Mustangs host the Walton-Verona Bearcats in the 2026 season opener. Both squads enter Week 1 off solid preseason outings. Brossart put together a strong defensive showing against Class 5A Scott, controlling the clock and picking off two passes (Landen Ketron and Quinten Tischner). Meanwhile, Walton-Verona handled Pendleton County 20–6 across three varsity quarters. Storylines to Watch:The .500 Chase for Coach Martin: First-year head coach Jake Martin (BBHS Class of '17) takes over with the program sitting at 100–105 all-time. The stated goal is to push the program above the .500 mark for the first time in school history, starting with defending home turf. Spaulding vs. The Bearcat Linebackers: Brossart senior QB Landon Spaulding (2,076 yards, 18 TDs in 2025) looked sharp in scrimmage action connecting deep with Brady Boruske and Quinten Tischner. He will be tested by one of the top inside backer duos in Class 2A: seniors AJ Yutze (122 tackles) and Cooper Burch (98 tackles, 14.5 TFL), who combined for 220 stops last fall. Containing "Lynn-sanity": Walton-Verona will look to unleash dynamic playmaker Drew Lynn (744 rush yds, 14 TDs in 2025) alongside sophomore signal-caller Braxton Parr. Brossart counters with a physical front seven led by Tischner (92 tackles) and reigning Class 1A District Lineman of the Year Beckett Meersman. Fast Start Factor: Third-year head coach Gary Pence and the Bearcats are aiming to reverse slow season debuts from recent years and build Week 1 momentum on the road.

Live broadcast for tonight's game. https://bmustangs.mixlr.com/

What to Look For: Mustangs Host Scott Eagles in Final Scrimmage Test The Jake Martin Era at Bishop Brossart kicked off on a high note last week. Despite a 40-minute weather delay, a roster mismatch in total numbers, and facing a Boone County squad boasting a 1,000-yard rusher, our Mustangs earned high marks in their opening scrimmage. Veteran quarterback Landon Spaulding looked poised and sharp in the pocket, orchestrating the offense with steady rhythm. That composure paid dividends in the 10-minute regulation quarter, where Spaulding hooked up with Brady Boruske for a touchdown while our defense systematically shut down the Rebels to seal a winning outing. Add in an electrifying 60-yard touchdown run by speedy freshman Tommy Busby in the JV session, and Brossart showed plenty of depth, grit, and promise. Now, the focus turns to Friday night at Mustang Park for our second and final tune-up before the regular season begins. The Class 5A Scott High School Eagles come to Alexandria for what promises to be a physical, fast-paced matchup. Based on online reports, here is a breakdown of what to watch for when Scott takes the field on Friday night. A Program Rebranded: The Dustin Trimnell Era Scott enters 2026 under first-year head coach Dustin Trimnell, a Kentucky National Guard veteran and 2008 Dayton High School graduate who brings 13 years of Northern Kentucky coaching experience to Taylor Mill. Trimnell—who compiled a 57–38 record with four regional titles during stops at Bellevue and Newport Central Catholic—has made it clear this season isn't a rebuild, but a complete "rebranding" built on effort, attitude, and physical toughness. He has assembled a heavyweight staff to execute that vision, bringing in longtime NewCath defensive architect Dave Meadows as Defensive Coordinator and Kevin Eichmann (formerly of Turpin) to direct the offense. Expect a disciplined, hard-nosed Scott team eager to establish a physical standard early. Under Center: Replacing a 2,500-Yard Passer The central storyline for the Eagles this offseason is finding their next signal-caller following the graduation of Trey Cook, who threw for over 2,500 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2025. Junior Nash Overholser took the bulk of the snaps during spring ball and enters the contest with the inside track. However, keep an eye on dynamic sophomore Zane Murphy, an explosive athlete whom the Scott staff wants to touch the football early and often. How our Mustang front seven disrupts Scott’s new quarterbacks will be a key barometer for Coach Martin’s defense. High-Powered Weapons on the Outside While the Eagles are breaking in a new quarterback, their skill position inventory is loaded with returning production: TE/LB Justin Hardy: A top-50 receiver in Class 5A last fall (40 rec, 539 yards, 3 TDs), Hardy is a physical, two-way anchor who serves as both a primary passing target and a linebacker leader. WR Peyton Zinser: Highly dangerous downfield threat who hauled in 28 catches for 466 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 8 games last season. RB/LB Lucas Tomlin: A hard-nosed runner (443 yards, 5 TDs in 2025) who sets a physical tone in the backfield. Breakout Watch: Keep an eye on utility athlete Kaydenn Marshall, who turned heads throughout spring workouts as one of Scott's most explosive open-field threats. Matching Physicality in the Trenches Last week, senior linebackers and linemen like Quinten Tischner and Beckett Meersman set a tough tone against Boone County. They will face another stern test Friday against a Scott team that wants to re-establish its running game and win the line of scrimmage under Coach Trimnell's military-inspired style. Game Details & Broadcast Info Matchup: Bishop Brossart Mustangs vs. Scott High School Eagles (Final Preseason Scrimmage) Location: The MAC, Gilbert Ridge Date: Friday Night at 7:00 Live Airtime: The pregame show begins at 6:40 PM on bmustangs.com.