NKy Sports Blog

Ear to the Streets

2009-10-21T18:52:00.006-04:00

Ok a lot more great questions came in the past week or two via twitter (@NKySportsBlog) and email (nkysportsblog@gmail.com). Let's get to it...

D1 Prospects

This first topic I got off email from a reader, who says they are big into the recruiting side of things, he asks: Rick, will there be another NKy player to play D-1 football other than the current commits and Miles Simpson?

Well there are no guarantees but if Nick West doesn't play at a D1 school then there is something wrong with the system. I think West could be a factor at a BCS school possibly, but without a doubt he could help out some of the local D1 teams that are a bit smaller (Miami OH, Akron, Western Kentucky, etc). West may not be as physically gifted as some of the top guys, but he has a strong enough arm and his football IQ is as good as I've ever seen.

I also think there is a chance that we may have a surprise guy in this class. Possibly a kid like Wes Smith at Dixie could warrant a late scholarship offer from a D1 school.

Mr. Football Candidates

Another email I got this week was asking me about the Mr. Football award in Kentucky. They wanted to know: Does Miles (Simpson) or Austin (Collinsworth) have a chance at winning the Mr. Football award this year?

This is a tough one. In my opinion despite being an explosive player and putting up good stats on one of the best teams in the state, Collinsworth isn't going to be in the final conversation. In his case being a team player and moving to the position that his team needed him at most this year, may have actually hurt him a little bit.

On the other hand, I think Simpson will be in that final conversation. A few weeks ago, I didn't think Simpson would really be a favorite to win it, but a few ridiculous weeks later and he has pushed his name right back to the top of the list. There are a few kids such as Antonio Andrews and Rees MacShara that are definitely going to be up there with Simpson, but he has as good of a chance as anybody. If Simpson commits to UK though, consider the award his.

NKy State Title

This person hit me up on Facebook and admitted that they were a Simon Kenton fan. They want to know: RickB other than 5A with Highlands what class has the best chance of bringing home a state title?

Well obviously the two obvious guesses are 6A and 1A. You have a really good Simon Kenton team at 6A that isn't a favorite to win state but definitely could make a run at it. Also Beechwood is always dangerous to win 1A even in a down year, because the competition is so watered down.

My surprise team though is Holmes at the 4A level. Right now, I think the Bulldogs are about the fourth best team in 4A in the state, but when the playoffs come around anything can happen. All it takes is one of the top teams to get upset or Holmes to be playing well at the right time.

If I had to rank them, I'd say the best chance is 1A with Beechwood just because the talent is so watered down. Then I'd say 6A is next with St. Xavier being the top team in 6A in the state, but Simon Kenton is talented enough to pull an upset or two. Holmes is right behind the Pioneers with the next best chance in 4A.

NewCath Reigns Supreme in 2A

2009-10-12T17:16:00.006-04:00

The tide had shifted. NewCath didn't have the numbers. They didn't have the talent. This was the year Holy Cross was waiting for. They had the talent. It was finally their turn.

Except for...well you know...it wasn't.

The Thoroughbreds dismantled the Indians 38-21 Friday night, and they did it with a two-headed monster in the backfield led by sophomore quarterback Brady Hightchew who ran for 217 yards. His partner in crime in the backfield, Chris Kelly, also racked up 159 yards and four touchdowns.

The 'Breds proved yet again, that they are the class of 2A in Northern Kentucky until someone takes it from them. If you read Bob Schneider's quote in the article Ryan Ernst wrote for the enquirer than you'll realize that they understand that as well.

What can be learned immediately from this game is that NewCath was severely underrated coming into this game, and to an extent rightfully so. The 'Breds have played a tough schedule, which is a big reason for their poor record, but it's not the only reason. Their offense has improved leaps and bounds since the beginning of the season, and most of it is due to the maturation of Hightchew.

Hightchew's increased comfortability in the offense has given him a lot of confidence. Using his athletic ability he has proven to be one of the top rushing quarterbacks in NKy and makes defenses pay for over-pursuing Kelly by running counters. While he may not kill you with his arm, he has become at least confident enough to make a big play in the passing game when needed or to keep the defense honest as proven by his 39-yard touchdown to Brian Doyle against the Indians.

What can be learned longterm is that the Indians continue to play not to lose against the Thoroughbreds. They still cannot get over the psychological hump that keeps them from competing with NewCath and Beechwood on a regular basis.

So as Coach Schneider pointed out... NewCath is the champions until someone beats them when it matters.

Holy Cross will have to try again in the playoffs.

Simon Kenton 49 Ryle 29

2009-10-09T16:05:00.002-04:00

Posted at TriStateFootball.com

The Simon Kenton Pioneers took a firm hold of first place in class 6A Thursday night with a convincing win over Ryle 49-29.

The Pioneers were ranked No. 2 in Northern Kentucky according to our QueenCityHigh.com rankings and Ryle was ranked No. 3. Simon Kenton also dominated the No. 4 team in our rankings the Conner Cougars 56-14 two weeks ago.

“I think we've proved a point,” Simon Kenton linebacker Austin Baldwin said. “We proved a point against Conner and we'll keep proving points.”

Simon Kenton’s run to the playoffs last year may have been unexpected, but this year the Pioneers have made themselves known as the clear-cut favorites in Northern Kentucky class 6A.

“We talked all week about how we wanted to make a statement,” quarterback Chad Lawrence said. “We wanted to show everyone that we're serious about getting back to state and winning it.”

The Pioneers were led by standout running back Miles Simpson who ran for 275 yards and scored four touchdowns. He also eclipsed the career school rushing record of 3,637 yards set by Daniel Morrison in 2000. Simpson finished the game with 3,821 yards in his career.

CONTINUE READING

TSF Youtube for Postgame Interview and Game Footage

Ear to the Streets

2009-10-07T17:54:00.011-04:00

This is a new segment on the blog that I'll probably be doing a little bit more regularly or at least as long as you guys keep sending me questions or asking me for my take on subjects via twitter @rickbroering or @nkysportsblog or email nkysportsblog@gmail.com. Anyways in these segments I'll answer your questions and also address rumors or things I'm hearing around town. So without further ado... Here we go:

Blake Bryan Not Leaving Villa
I wanted to address this topic first, because I don't like rumors like this. Last week I was approached by someone who asked me why Blake Bryan was leaving Villa. I dismissed it, but a day later I saw it on a message board that he was transferring to Newport. I placed a call to a member of Villa's coaching staff and talked to another guy who is around Villa and both of them said the same thing that Bryan was at school that day and had attended Villa's basketball meeting.

Case closed. Blake Bryan isn't going anywhere.

Top 5 QB's in NKY
The next question came from a fan who wanted to know who I thought was the top five quarterbacks in Northern Kentucky. I decided that this made for a good blog post, so I saved it for this. Let me preface this ranking by saying that it's tough to come up with what type of criteria to use for ranking high school quarterbacks... College potential? Being a true passer? Most successful? When it came down to it I decided to rank them by who I felt was the best at the high school level. Who did the most for their teams to help them win games. I'd love to hear your guys' rankings so leave them in a comment.

Top 5 QB's
1. Nick West - Conner - The Cougars' senior is like a second coach on the field. No one understands the game better than West at the HS level. West is not only one of the top passers but he is a true dual-threat guy who can really rack up the yardage with his legs.
2. Will Bardo - Highlands - Bardo was well on his way to being an elite level QB before his unfortunate injury against St. X. His strong left arm and track star speed made him another lethal dual-threat guy.
3. Chad Lawrence - Simon Kenton - Lawrence, a junior, has done nothing but improve since he took over the QB job last season. He has given the Pioneers a passing game to compliment one of the top rushing games the area has ever seen led by standout RB Miles Simpson.
4. Brayden Erpenbeck - CovCath - Maybe not the top passer in the area, but his legs made the Colonels competitive early in the season. As the team has started to pick up the spread offense, his ability to throw the ball has really increased.
5. Markel Walker - Holy Cross - The Indians senior is another one who may not be a great passer, but he is by far Holy Cross' top offensive weapon and every other team knows that. He still can single-handedly dominate a game and win it for the Indians.

Brossart Will Get 4th Playoff Spot in 1A
This next topic came through an email from a fan who wanted to know who I thought would earn the fourth playoff spot in 1A if Beechwood, Ludlow and Bellevue had already claimed the first three.

I've been saying this since the beginning of the season and I'm sticking with it. I think Brossart is going to make the playoffs this year. They hit an unfortunate circumstance with the flu and underperformed the past few weeks, but I still think they'll rally to knock off Walton-Verona and Dayton to sneak in.

They have a big hard runner at the RB position in Chris Bowman. They have a strong offensive line led by Brian Weckbach and a few playmakers in the passing game for QB Jesse Orth to throw to in Spencer Brown, Michael Whitford and TE John Schack. Their defense does a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage up front, which is the most important thing in playing defense at the small school level. Finally, they have one of the top young coaches in Matt Reinhart who isn't afraid to go for it and make the calls to let his team win games.

Mark it down. Brossart. Playoffs.

That's all I got. I might get to some other questions and emails soon so stay tuned. Also, be sure to send your questions to nkysportsblog@gmail.com, leave them in a comment here, or on twitter via @rickbroering or @nkysportsblog.

Preview: Ryle at Simon Kenton

2009-10-07T00:54:00.003-04:00

Posted at QueenCityHigh.com

Thursday night the No. 3 team in our QueenCityHigh.com NKY Rankings, Ryle, will travel to Independence to take on No. 2 ranked Simon Kenton.

Both teams come into the game 5-1 overall and 2-0 in district play. This game is not just the game of the week, but possibly the game of the year in Northern Kentucky.

Simon Kenton now ranks third in the newest state 6A AP poll and Ryle comes in at eleventh.

The game will start at 7:05 and be broadcast on Fox Sports Net Ohio.

Here's a preview of the matchup:

Ryle Raiders
NKY Class 6A, District 6
HEAD COACH: Bryson Warner
2009 RECORD: 5-1, 2-0

Simon Kenton Pioneers
NKY Class 6A, District 6
HEAD COACH: Jeff Marksberry
2009 RECORD: 5-1, 2-0

CONTINUE READING

Brossart Gets a Pass

2009-10-05T18:51:00.003-04:00

The Bishop Brossart Mustangs surprised a lot of people when they started the season 3-0. However, a lot of people questioned the Mustangs' schedule and asked questions such as, "Are they scheduling wins?" My response... "Who are you supposed to schedule when you haven't won a game in two years?" Do you think that had Betsy Lane or Bracken County won that game people around there would be saying, "Well we just scheduled that win?" I highly doubt they would.

But I digress... Anyways, the Mustangs came back to earth posting back-to-back losses against district competition. They fell to Ludlow 35-14 and then followed that up by losing to Bellevue 45-7.

If you only look at the score of those games then yes it is easy to come to the conclusion that Brossart just is the same team they've been and they only won those games because they scheduled weak opponents. Well the problem with that reasoning is, while their schedule may have given them the opportunity to play some winnable games, those are still teams that the Mustangs wouldn't have beaten the past two years. I've watched three of the Mustangs five games now and I can honestly say they are a much better football team.

I took some flack this week when they lost two games and I had been telling people that they would be competitive with all those teams in 1A (except Beechwood) and actually win a game or two to make the playoffs. I deserved some of it and maybe the Mustangs aren't quite as good as I thought, but I still contend that they are a competitive team in 1A this year.

You have to look at the circumstances they played those last two games under. They lost half of their team to swine flu three weeks ago and had to cancel their game with Elizabethtown. Two weeks ago the whole team had caught it and they canceled the entire week of school and all activities due to a school-wide outbreak of the pandemic. That forced the Mustangs to play that game against Ludlow on Monday night and it also forced them to play with virtually no preparation as they werent allowed to practice for a week and hadn't practiced hardly at all the week before because of how many members of the team were sick.

If you watched the Ludlow game, Brossart did not look outmanned. In fact, after the first quarter it looked like the Mustangs were going to roll the Panthers. They went up 14-0 early and dominated the Panthers offensive line giving up virtually no yardage on defense. However, in the second half when the Panthers came back and then ended up running away with the game 35-14 they did look like a team who just hit a wall. It's pretty understandable really when you think about it. You're talking about a team who didn't practice for two weeks, so not only is conditioning a problem but they were out with the flu which isn't exactly something you recover from 100% in just a few days. Coach Reinhart was quoted after the game as saying that they were a better team than the Panthers, and to be honest when watching the game I felt the same way.

They were pretty clearly dominated in the game against Bellevue and that very well may be because Bellevue is a much better team. The Tigers have a great running back in Ricky Buckler who I knew would be a tough match up for the Mustangs going in to the game. Once again though, you have to look at the circumstances Brossart played this game under before reaching a conclusion that they don't have a chance to be competitive in 1A. The Mustangs played Ludlow on Monday night and then followed that up by playing just four days later on Friday against Bellevue. That is an absurd turnaround for the sport of football. You really can't do much practicing at all on Tuesday because you have to let the guys rest. Then you are left with two days to try and prepare, but you really don't want them going hard on Thursday either because they have to play the next day. That isn't exactly the ideal situations you want to be operating under as a coach preparing for a very tough opponent.

Bottom line is I think Bellevue would beat the Mustangs either way but the Ludlow game I'm not so sure about. Either way the Mustangs would have much better showings against those teams if you play them under normal circumstances... I promise you that. So for now, the Mustangs get a pass and you should still consider them a competitive team in 1A and a threat to make the playoffs. I really think they can still knock off Walton-Verona and Dayton, which would make them a playoff team.

Don't Count Conner Out

2009-10-05T02:02:00.006-04:00

Many people saw the score of the Simon Kenton/Conner game last week and immediately went to their computers and started blasting the Cougars and talking about how they can't compete with the top teams in 6A on the internet message boards. Sure, 56-14 wasn't what we expected from a team that was supposed to be right there with the Pioneers challenging for NKy's 6A district. However, a week later they beat Boone, another team in 6A that many saw as a competitor 42-14.

Did it make you feel any different?

Well it should have.

The Cougars got beat... in fact they got embarrassed. However, that doesn't mean that they aren't a top team in 6A that could make noise in the playoffs.

Their 42-14 victory over Boone was a big one that they needed. No, Boone's not as good as Simon Kenton or Ryle this year, but they are a solid team and most importantly they can run the football. Conner's defense needed to prove that they could stop the run and they were able to do that against Boone. Also, Conner has an offense that has put up 30 or more points in five of their seven games. Regardless of who they played, that is a high-powered, potent offense at the high school level.

Another reason you can't look into that 56-14 score too much is the offense that they run. Yes, it means they are somewhat one dimensional and don't run the ball, but if you're one dimensional it's nice for that dimension to include four or five different playmakers and a quarterback who can improvise if the play breaks down. Their offense is a passing offense and most of the time it has been extremely effective this year. When it is not though, they open themselves up to a lot of quick three-and-outs where they aren't taking time off the clock with incomplete passes. This gives the other team's offense a lot of chances to score and leaves your defense on the field seemingly forever.

The third factor that you have to take into account is these are still high school kids we are talking about. Sometimes they don't perform to their full capabilities, sometimes they let early success go to their head and sometimes they get into a mental funk and can't get out of it. That was seemingly the case in their game against Simon Kenton. They got out to an early 14-0 lead and just quit playing and I think that the players will admit to that themselves.

Bottom line is Conner has one of the top young coaches in Dave Trosper and a great quarterback in Nick West who has enough playmakers on his offense to be dangerous. If you match these two teams up again in the playoffs... just like last year it could be a completely different outcome, so don't count Conner out as a 6A contender just yet.

Why I love High School Sports

2009-09-30T16:06:00.006-04:00

Last Friday I made a trip to Fort Thomas not particularly excited to be covering the game between St. Xavier and Highlands. Sure it was on national television and the atmosphere for the game was going to be good, but there was no way that it was going to be a good game. Couple that with the fact that I had to show up ridiculously early to find a parking spot in Fort Thomas and I really wasn't very happy about the whole situation.

I showed up and went through my usual pregame routine. I talked to some of the the other scribes, photographers and coaches and then started snapping pictures of the players in warmups.

Looking at the teams lined up and stretching on either side of the field only furthered my thoughts about the blowout I was about to witness. I mean St. Xavier was so much bigger...

Three hours later I was in the midst of one of the coolest post game celebrations I've ever been around. Families with tradition in the Highlands football program crying on the field, coach Dale Mueller getting doused in water, and the student section jumping up and down screaming while being shown on the big screen above Highlands' sideline was just some of what I witnessed after the huge upset victory for the Bluebirds.

This is why I love high school sports so much.

The Bluebirds weren't bigger, faster, or stronger than the Bombers, but they wanted it and on that particular night that was all that mattered.

I witnessed a David and Goliath story when 5-foot-9, 180-pound Cam Dierig consistently beat 6-foot-8, 305-pound Division-I prospect Matt James. I witnessed the budding of a star when Senior quarterback Will Bardo ran for 135-yards and the Birds' lone touchdown and made some big plays in the passing game when they needed him. I witnessed a kid play his heart out and was most happy about receiving the approval of his uncle in Brandon Roller who finished the game with 11 tackles a sack and an interception. I witnessed a team who lost gracefully and asked the injured Bardo how he was doing and offered him their well-wishes.

That's the beauty of high school sports. There's a place for Cam Dierig to play defenive end. There's family tradition. Most importantly though, you just never know what's going to happen under Friday night lights.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you Highlands and St. Xavier. Thank you for reminding me, in a very cynical world filled with private versus public school debates and recruiting accusations, why high school sports is still the best thing going.

Beechwood 36 Holy Cross 35

2009-09-14T00:41:00.003-04:00

Posted on TriStateFootball.com

Holy Cross had done it. Andy Roenker’s interception at the Beechwood 5-yard line gave them the ball back with only 2:24 left in the game, a seven-point lead and Beechwood was out of timeouts. The program’s first ever win over Beechwood was in their grasp… and then the unthinkable happened.

Roenker, the most sure-handed player on the team, carried up the middle on second down and on his way to the turf the ball came loose. The refs pointed Beechwood’s direction and just like that the Indians watched their chances of making history slip away.

It wasn’t over yet though, actually far from it. The Indians called a timeout to regroup and regroup they did. The defense bowed their backs and broke up two pass plays and then took Beechwood quarterback Matt Rigdon down at the line of scrimmage for no gain. Facing fourth and goal from the 10-yard line, Rigdon looked to the guy he’d been going to all night. Joe Colosimo ran across the front of the endzone and Rigdon hit him as he was going to the turf in the side of the endzone for the score.

“It was fourth down and it’s a play we run in practice all the time,” Colosimo said. “I saw Andy Roenker coming out of the corner of my eye and he swatted at the ball and it just landed in my hands.”

That touchdown tied the game up 29-29 and sent it into overtime. The high school overtime rules are much like the college rules where teams alternate possessions from the 10-yard line.

CONTINUE READING

Predictions - 9/11/09

2009-09-11T16:24:00.003-04:00

Another Friday. More Great Matchups. Here's what will happen:

Boone Co. at Anderson
The Rebels are trying to get back on the winning track after losing to Scott County last week, but don't expect it to be this week. Anderson is bigger up front and has just as good of a running game as Boone does, plus they have a much better defense. Boone is ranked No. 6 in the QueenCityHigh poll Anderson is No. 5 in Ohio's Division I poll on QueenCityHigh... When in doubt go with the Ohio school. One thing is for certain... This game will fly by with the way both teams run the ball so frequently.

Final Score: Anderson 35 Boone 14

Dayton at Lloyd
This week's Kentucky Lottery game of the week... Somebody's gotta win. Both teams are at 0-2. Both are struggling so far. Lloyd has played the tougher competition and is at home... plus their name is the JUGGS.

Final Score: Lloyd 21 Dayton 7

CovCath at Campbell County
This could potentially be the game of the week. The Colonels are still in search of their first win after falling to Lasalle this past week. Meanwhile the Camels are riding high after coming from behind to beat Roger Bacon in the final minutes of the game. The Camels have a no huddle spread offense that Michael Kremer ran to perfection last week. Look for him to get WR Andrew Eshman involved early and watch RB Austin Johnson to make some big plays on the screen pass. CovCath meanwhile has proved that their best offense is QB Brayden Erpenbeck tucking and running on broken plays. When it comes down to it I see this being a shootout but CovCath won't be able to stop the Camels offense.

Final Score: Campbell County 45 CovCath 35

Highlands at Withrow
Withrow has some good athletes, but they lack the depth and discipline to compete with a team like Highlands. Keep an eye on the Bluebirds defense though as they are still trying to get all those guys on the same page.

Final Score: Highlands 45 Withrow 6

Holy Cross at Beechwood
This is another awesome game. It's a tough one to call because Holy Cross is the more talented team and has looked a whole lot better in the first two weeks. The Tigers have played much better competition though and have the mental edge on the Indians knowing that they've never lost to Holy Cross. The Indians have three playmakers in the backfield in QB Markel Walker, and RB's Andy Roenker and Brayson Smith. Expect the Indians to pound Roenker up the middle and then try to let Walker make the plays on the edge. Walker is also always a threat to make a big play when flushed out of the pocket as well. The Tigers meanwhile are going to play the field position game and hope that RB Cameron Vocke has a big game. I expect this one to be close and it will come down to the coaching staffs making the right calls.

Final Score: Beechwood 21 Holy Cross 17

Cooper at Holmes
These teams are both riding high after opening up the season 2-0. The Cooper Jaguars have found their offense in the form of RB Dvontae Bradley. Bradley has been unstoppable in the first two weeks and expect them to have another big game against a Holmes team that struggles to stay disciplined on defense. Holmes has been a little more balanced on offense. RB's Damien Oden and Greg Clemons have taken turns having huge weeks. Jesse Jenson has also proved to be a weapon running the ball as well. The key is going to come down to who wins the battle up front on both sides of the ball. Whoever gets the push up front offensively to give the RB's holes and slows down the other team's rushing attack will win.

Final Score: Holmes 28 Cooper 21

Dixie at Conner
Another awesome game in a loaded week. This one is going to be all about the offenses. They both have wide open offenses that are extremely fun to watch. I think this one comes down to two things. 1. The Coaches. Whoever is able to keep their offense unpredictable and moving the ball will have the edge. 2. Nick West. This sort of goes along with coaches because essentially that's what West is on the field. He has the ability and freedom to make reads and change plays like no other quarterback in the area. That should be the difference in this one.

Final Score: Conner 49 Dixie 35

Notre Dame Hires Former WNBA'er

2009-09-11T16:09:00.007-04:00

Ryan Ernst is reporting today that Notre Dame Academy has hired their replacement for departed Cheryl Darpel. The Pandas have decided on former Xavier Musketeer and Los Angeles Sparks player Nicole Levandusky.

Levandusky played on Xavier's 2001 Elite Eight team and then played a season in the WNBA. She averaged 1.5 points per game in 5.2 minutes of action with the Sparks.

Xavier announced two days ago that Levandusky will be inducted into the Xavier Athletic Hall of Fame.

Predictions - 9/4/09

2009-09-04T15:59:00.005-04:00

Alright here are my predictions for the games tonight. By the way take a look at last week... Not only was I right on all of them, but the scores were pretty darn close.

Highlands at Beechwood

I don't even need to break this game down. Beechwood is going to get dominated up front on both sides of the ball. Austin Collinsworth will touch the ball five times or less for two or three scores. Streeter will score two or three times and Fennell will also get in on the action. No chance of this one being close.

Final Score: Highlands 56 Beechwood 0

Holmes at Bellevue

This one comes down to Bellevue trying to control the game and be more fundamentally sound, while Holmes will try to overwhelm them with their speed and athletes. Holmes wins out in this case.

Final Score: Holmes 28 Bellevue 14

Lloyd at Conner

Conner should dominate this one as well. Nick West is too much with both his arm and his legs. Expect Coach Trosper to try and get his stud out of the game early after he scores four touchdowns himself.

Final Score Conner 42 Lloyd 12

Cooper at Scott

This is actually a game I have my eye on believe it or not. This one could be a really good matchup. Cooper got their biggest win in the program's history last week against a weak Shawnee team. Scott isn't very good either, but still a bigger school. I think this one goes down to the wire and I look for the Jaguars' newcomer Dvontae Bradley to be the difference in this one with another 200-yard game and multiple touchdowns.

Final Score: Cooper 35 Scott 28

Dixie Heights at Simon Kenton

The most interesting matchup on the slate for this weekend in NKy. Also by far the toughest to predict. Simon Kenton proved to me that they can win this game with or without Miles Simpson last week. They have two solid backs in Sage Powell and Nik Brown who make up for a lot of the missed production when Simpson is out. Dixie's defense has been a huge surprise thus far, but they haven't been tested like they will be tonight. This one is going to come down to Dixie's playcalling. If they are able to mix it up enough to keep moving the ball and stay in the game then they have a shot. Otherwise Simon Kenton could end up running away with this one.

Final Score: Simon Kenton 28 Dixie 21

Other Predictions:
Lasalle rolls over CovCath in a batlle of two bad offenses 21-0.
Roger Bacon squeaks out a win in Camel Country 21-18.
Boone is able to outlast Scott County 28-21.
NewCath gets their first win over Madison Central 14-6.

Friday Links

2009-09-04T15:46:00.003-04:00

Here we go:

- Ryan Ernst has an interesting blog post about a question I was wondering - Who is Dvontae Bradley?
- Shannon Russell glorifies a game that ... well... really shouldn't be glorified. - Highlands vs Beechwood
- NKY.com's takes a look at tonight's top games - Top Games at a Glance
- Highlands wasn't a unanimous No. 1 this week in the Enquirer's polls. Who voted for SK? Spritsky? - Highlands not unanimous #1
- Richard Skinner has an awesome article up about how NKY came to be a football powerhouse and the man responsible - Homer Rice Grew NKY Football
- TSF has their look at the weekend games - Weekend Watch Week 2
- TSF's Podcasts page has plenty of postgame interviews from last week - TSF Podcasts
- We also had our weekly live webradio show this morning and our live blog - Listen/Read On-Demand
- Dan Clasgens takes a look at Dixie's great start - Dixie Heights Starts Fast

DIXIE HEIGHTS 47 BEECHWOOD 7

2009-08-30T15:09:00.004-04:00

Posted at TriStateFootball.com

The last time the Beechwood Tigers took the field, they walked off of it as state champions. It was a far different feeling for the school this time around.

Dixie Heights (2-0) scored first on a 53-yard touchdown run and never looked back as they cruised to a 47-7 victory in the opening of Saturday’s quadruple header of the Crosstown Showdown at Nippert Stadium.

Wilson added two touchdowns through the air, a 10-yard pass to junior Bobby Leonard and a short-screen pass that classmate Corey Klei turned into a 68-yard scoring play.

Klei also added a 1-yard run as Dixie ran away with things. The senior feels as if the Colonels’ Class of 2010 is destined for great things.

“Our goal is 10-0. Then a perfect 5-0 (in the playoffs),” Klei said. “We have big expectations for our senior class. We start 10 seniors on offense and defense. We are a senior-led team. We expect to be perfect.”

Going undefeated is a tall task, but starting 2-0 is a refreshing change for Dixie... CONTINUE READING

Postgame Interview: Cory Klei - Dixie RB

HIGHLANDS 37 RYLE 14

2009-08-28T17:00:00.006-04:00

Posted at TriStateFootball.com

What started out looking like a shootout between Ryle and Highlands, ended up seeing 34 unanswered points and a convincing win for the Bluebirds.

The Raiders marched 90 yards and ate up over seven minutes of the game clock with their first drive as running back Travis Elliot dominated carrying the ball 11 times for 67 yards including a 1-yard touchdown.

However, less than three minutes and six plays later, Highlands’ quarterback Will Bardo got loose for a 24-yard touchdown run tying the game up at 7-7. The touchdown run was setup by Austin Collinsworth’s kickoff return out to the Highlands’ 45-yardline.

It would take most of the quarter before anyone would score again. With 2:59 left in the half Collinsworth put the Bluebirds up 14-7. However, it wouldn’t be the last time Highlands scored in the first half.
Ryle decided to go for it on their next possession on fourth and two from their own 43, but failed to convert. Highlands didn’t waste any time as Bardo connected with senior receiver John Drennan for a 37 yard gain and then Collinsworth ran it in from the six.

Highlands led 20-7 at the half and would never look back.

Collinsworth tacked on his third and fourth touchdowns in the third quarter. Each one showed off a different style of running. The first showed off his vision, cutback ability and overall speed as he danced around and ran past the Raiders’ secondary for a 33-yard score. The second was a 1-yard power run up the middle where he bowled over two defenders to get into the end zone. He finished the game with 13 carries for 124 yards and four touchdowns. He had 232 all-purpose yards.

CONTINUE READING

POST GAME INTERVIEW: Will Bardo Highlands QB

Weekend Preview

2009-08-28T14:01:00.005-04:00

Ok no more of that Week Zero crap... It's time for real football this week with a full slate of games. I'll be out at the Highlands vs Ryle matchup in Union. You can follow the Gamenight Live Blog at TriStateFootball.com which is going to be live from Nippert but will include updates from my game as well. Or you can just follow me on twitter @RickBroering.

Let's take a look at my thoughts and predictions on some of these games:

Highlands vs Ryle

This is a tough game for me to predict. The Bluebirds are the better team in my mind without question, but the question is how big is that margin right now? Highlands didn't play bad against a good Manual team last week and that game in no way has me doubting the Bluebirds. In fact it was a good win in my opinion because Manual is tough and Highlands turned the ball over too much but was still able to overcome it. The aspect that has me thinking it might take the 'Birds a while to reach their full potential is that they have a completely different offense than last year personnel-wise. Their best player and biggest offensive-threat is playing a new position, the quarterback is getting really his first varsity experience ever and you have some new and old faces at tight end and receiver but they have to adjust to the rest of the offense as well. Meanwhile, Ryle is in a position where they know exactly what they have. Most of their players were significant contributors last season and they know each other. In my opinion they are much closer to reaching their full potential right now than are their feathered-friends. The difference comes on the defensive side of the ball. It really doesn't get much better than the Highlands' defense and that side of the ball is already up to speed. Ryle on the other hand looked okay last week against a bad CovCath offense, but they aren't very sound tacklers. Anyways to end this rambling here is how I see it playing out. Neither team scores much in the first half as the two feel each other out. However, Highlands gets a huge play in the special teams(Ryle's Achilles Heel) that leads to a score. In the second half, Highlands finds a rhythm with Austin Collinsworth and the run game on a wet night and are able to get things moving. Ryle never can get it going on Highlands' stout D and there's no passing game on a rainy night. Ryle could make it closer if they are able to force some turnovers.

Final Score: Highlands 24 Ryle 13

Other Friday Games:
Conner will roll over Scott 35-7
Holy Cross wins a tight one over Belfry 17-14

Saturday Games

Dixie vs Beechwood @ Nippert Stadium

This game could be a solid matchup as well. If it is raining again tomorrow then it could play a big factor in this game and it would favor Beechwood big time. However, assuming it's not raining than I'd take the Colonels over the Tigers. Dixie will have the advantage on the frontline as Beechwood is smaller this year and Wes Smith should dominate up front on both sides. If the coaching staff mixes it up and uses the spread they did early against NewCath last week then Dixie should have no trouble putting up points against Beechwood. Beechwood will counter with a lot of rushing. They never pass a whole lot, but they do have a QB in Matt Rigdon who can throw the ball a little bit if needed. However, that's just not their game they are going to try to run it down Dixie's throat. I'd say there are more playmakers on Dixie's team and their defense has gotten enough better especially up front to slow down the Tigers. However, like I said if there is rain then that will hinder Dixie's spread attack and they will not beat Beechwood if they have to rely on their ground game.

Final Score: Dixie 22 Beechwood 17

Simon Kenton vs NewCath @ Nippert Stadium

Miles Simpson's injury has been on the hush and no one really knows right now how that will affect him. If he plays and is close to his usual self than Simon Kenton should have no problem and he should have a big game against this NewCath defense. However, if he's not there than NewCath has a much better shot of making this a game. Look for NewCath to be trying some different looks offensively as they failed to do anything offensively against Dixie. It will still be a lot of Chris Kelly running, but lookout for quarterback Brady Hightchew's legs as he can run too. Also, expect them to try to get the ball to Jake Cain a little bit more at the H-Back position.

Final Score: Simon Kenton 28 NewCath 17

Friday Links

2009-08-28T13:47:00.004-04:00

Let's take a look at some clickables from around the net this week:

- TSF has their Weekend Watch - Weekend Watch Week 1
- Katie Budke writes about the tradition that is the Crosstown Showdown - Showdown has Become Tradition
- Here was my quick hits article from the beginning of the week - NKY: Quick Hits
- Interview I did with Ryan Wilson after the game last week - Postgame Audio: Ryan Wilson
- Greg Shoemaker makes 10 Bold Predictions - 10 Bold Predictions for 2009
- NKY.com revamped its high school page and it looks good - NKY.com's New Look
- Today was the first High School Sports Cafe on Fox19 and TriStateFootball.com. Listen here on demand - SportClips High School Sports Cafe
- There was also a live blog for that which I was running - Live Blog

Round Up: Week Zero

2009-08-22T11:38:00.002-04:00

Posted on QueenCityHigh.com

CovCath at Ryle

The 2009 high school football season kicked off in Kentucky on Friday night with a handful of schools in action, including Covington Catholic at Ryle.

Ryle running back Travis Elliott ran for 238 yards and two scores against CovCath.
It didn't take long for the Raiders to test their scoreboard in their match-up against the Colonels. On the first play of the season Raiders' sophomore running back Travis Elliott busted through the seam and scampered 80 yards for a touchdown.

The Raiders, who started the season ranked fourth in the QCH Northern Kentucky rankings, never looked back as they cruised to a 34-14 victory. They outrushed CovCath 429 to 194 yards on the night.

Elliott finished with 27 carries for 238 yards and two scores.

Kiefer Eubanks added two scores of his own, a 54-yard run at the end of the third quarter and 30-yard late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal.

CONTINUE READING ABOUT ALL THE GAMES FROM FRIDAY

Weekend Watch

2009-08-21T15:51:00.003-04:00

Posted at TristateFootball.com

Though most of the teams in the Tri-state area don’t officially start the season until next week, there are a handful of local teams starting their 2009 campaign this week.

Ryle welcomes Covington Catholic, who is getting a fresh start under new head coach Dave Wirth. Meanwhile, NewCath’s young team will get a big test as they travel to Dixie Heights. In addition, Highlands will begin their defense of their state title as the head to Louisville for a showdown with Manual.

We take a look at some of the more appealing match-ups and get you ready for kickoff with our first edition of the Weekend Watch.

CovCath at Ryle
This game is going to be pretty well attended out in Union. The Colonel fans are exploding with optimism about the season ahead and the changes afoot, while the Raider fans are excited in their own right having one of the best teams the program has seen in recent years.

Expect the Raiders to be too much in this one and win by a few scores at least. Ryle has too many big athletic weapons on the offensive side of the ball with quarterback Connor Hempel, running backs Kiefer Eubanks and Travis Elliot and tight end Tate Nichols.

The Colonels are going to have to play tougher on the defensive end than they looked in their only scrimmage against Holy Cross. Their biggest challenge will be slowing down the Raiders’ rushing attack. When the Colonels have the ball expect them to rely on their quarterback, Brayden Erpenbeck’s legs more than his arm. If they can get the spread offense working with some short quick passes early it could definitely help boost their confidence and allow them to hang around.

CONTINUE READING TO READ ABOUT THE REST OF THE GAMES

Friday Links

2009-08-21T13:55:00.002-04:00

Finally, IT'S HERE!!!! High school football is back in NKy as some teams have a game in what is known as Week Zero of the season. Don't ask me. If it's something the KHSAA decided on then it usually means it doesn't make sense to me.

Anyways lots of good stuff from this week to link to, so here we go:

- First of all here is my "Weekend Watch" that I posted over at Tri-StateFootball.com. It previews all of the games and will be featured every week over at TSF. - Weekend Watch
- Also at TSF the season guide magazine is out and in GoldStar and Sport Clips locations everywhere, but if you can't get out and want to buy one online here is where you can do so... - Buy TSF Season Guide Magazine
- The Preseason All TriState Team has been released as well. - Preseason All-TriState Team
- Ryan Ernst blogs about the televised football games in NKy this season. - Televised Games in NKy
- Dixie's offense was one of the best in the final eight games of the season last year. Here's an article about that and their expectations. - Offense Drives Colonels' Hopes
- Highlands Starts on Top - No explanation needed.
- The Enquirer looks at this weekend's games
- TE Position Strong in Area
- Area QB's Have D-I Desires

Ok that's enough for today because it's time to actually get ready for some games. Enjoy it everybody and Follow @nkysportsblog on twitter for live updates.

Indians New Look

2009-08-15T14:43:00.008-04:00

Here's a look at the new uniforms Holy Cross were sporting last night at the CovCath Scrimmage:

(Click on the image to make it bigger)

CovCath vs Holy Cross - Scrimmage Breakdown

2009-08-15T14:36:00.005-04:00

Ok after talking about this an awful lot last night and thinking on it, here is my impression from the scrimmage:

CovCath
+ The spread offense they are running looks so much better. When they were throwing quick passes early it looked like they could move the ball effectively with it.
+ Erpenbeck is really fast. His speed and ability to run out of that spread gives their offense another dimension. He killed HC running the ball.
+ Connelly looked like he could be a dangerous weapon as a WR. He has grown some more since basketball and is tall and very fast. I don't know if they'll be able to get the ball downfield enough to really utilize him though.
- The CovCath line does not look improved at all. It could be worse than last year's even.
- Erpenbeck can run but he took a lot of hits. If he doesn't learn to avoid some of those big hits and he gets hurt... Their season is done.
- I didn't see a running back emerge at all for the Colonels that looked ready to take the job.
- The offense looked OK. Not great. and HC's defense is not the same caliber that they will be facing week in and week out.

Holy Cross
+ Walker looked good. I expect him to run for 1500 yards this year. He has all the moves and speed. His arm looked really good on some passes. He did miss some open guys though, but most of his throws are on the run.
+ Jordan Norris looked great at WR. He caught a great touchdown in the back of the endzone on the Indians first possession. and had some other nice catches too.
+ Brayson Smith looked good running the ball. He gives them a faster change of pace back when they bring Roenker out.
+ Backup QB Jerry Arlinghaus looked very good throwing the ball yesterday. He was bringing it a couple times when he threw over the middle.
+ The Indians move to the spread at least makes their run more effective in my opinion. It gives Walker more opportunities to make something happen.
- However, they didn't throw the ball out of that offense at all hardly. The first drive they did and they marched right down and scored and then we didn't see it much after.
- Andy Roenker was almost non-existent in this game. They hardly gave him the ball and when they did there wasn't anywhere to run.
- Robert Ziegler didn't see the ball a whole lot and the few times they threw to him it was behind him or he dropped it. They will need him to have a big year.
- That offensive line did not look good for the Indians.
- Neither did the defensive line. Heck the whole Indians defense looked pretty bad to be honest.

Final Take: Ryan Ernst after watching the game last night put a "preseason ranking" up on his blog. He listed CovCath 8 and Holy Cross 10. After watching the game I'd say he's dead on. CovCath is moving in the right direction. I say they finish third in 5A behind Highlands and Dixie still, but they are moving in the right direction. They will beat the teams they are supposed to beat and will lose to the bigger teams. The teams that they are supposed to be even with, I think will be close games.

Holy Cross has an easier schedule so they could end up ranked higher. However, had this been a real game the Indians would have lost. Their defense looked bad and their offense was still to0 predictable. They could still win 2A this year because NewCath is an unknown, but they are not as good as some thought they could be.

Friday Links

2009-08-14T16:40:00.003-04:00

Sorry the Friday Links segment is late and abbreviated today. I shot a NKy Preview Show for television earlier today with Chad Brendel, Dan Clasgens and Greg Shoemaker. I'm not sure when that will air... I'll let you guys know though.

Let's get to it:
- If you didn't see it TSF released it's Season Guide Magazine Cover. The Magazine comes out Monday in all GoldStar Chili locations and Sport Clips stores in the Tri-State.
- Also Fox19 and TSF extended their partnership. There is now going to be a live 30 minute news broadcast on location at the Time Warner Prep Rally Tour Location. Check it out - Fox19, TSF Extend Partnership.
- QCH's Greg Shoemaker takes a look at NKy 5A - 2009 Preview NKy 5A
- Rivals released it's top 10 prospect rankings. Simpson at No.4, Collinsworth at No. 6 and Nichols at No. 9. - Rivals Prospect Rankings: Top 10 in Kentucky
- The Enquirer is running an Ultimate Fan contest - Ultimate High School Football Fan Contest

- Ryan Ernst writes about NewCath, Bob Schneider and the season ahead with an inexperienced squad. - Thoroughbreds Welcome Challenge
- Richard Skinner looks at the Dixie Colonels and the optimism in the program with almost all of their key players returning from last season. - Dixie Hopes Year Makes a Difference
- Here's the slate of games being broadcasted by KR Sports this year - KR Sports Broadcast Schedule

TriStateFootball.com NKy Preview Show

2009-08-13T02:19:00.003-04:00

TSF held it's annual NKy preview show Wednesday night at Longnecks Sports Bar and Grill in Wilder. It was another solid event with a pretty good turnout considering many of the teams had practice the same day.

Conner, Ryle, Dixie, Dayton and Beechwood all showed up and were interviewed for a segment on stage.

Listen Below:

Lloyd Ranked 11th Most Unique HS Nickname

2009-08-09T03:06:00.006-04:00

Here's another piece from Andy Staples where he ranks the top 15 high schools' nicknames. I had to check it out when I saw the link and low and behold there was a NKy team that made the list. When I saw who it was it made a lot of sense. Ever since I was a 5th grader playing in the Lloyd Memorial Basketball League I was a big fan of their nickname. Honestly, when else is it completely acceptable to cheer for Juggs? Obviously, as a grade schooler it is an automatic snicker when you look up and see "Juggs" painted on the walls of a gym. Anyways, I was pretty pumped to see Lloyd make the list as the 11th Most Unique High School Nickname in the nation.

Here's what he had to say about the ole Juggs:

11. Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts, Erlanger, Ky.

Every year during the NCAA Tournament, somebody breaks out a Mascot Fight to the Death Pool. The idea is simple; choose the mascot that would win in a fight. Forces of nature (Miami, Tulsa or Alabama, for example) usually win. For this reason, I've always wondered why a mid-major didn't call its teams the 100-megaton Warheads. This name might be even better. A juggernaut is an unstoppable, crushing force. It would win every time. Alas, Marvel Comics supervillian Juggernaut is not a Lloyd Memorial alum.

READ THE OTHER NICKNAMES ON THE LIST

And I leave you with this fantastic video...