District 6-2A opponents continue to chase Thoroughbreds

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The theme for Class 2A, District 6 may not change much.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds have dominated district since Kentucky expanded from four to six classes in 2007. They are a perfect 20-0 in district action during that time.

Every team in the district has a new head coach with the exception of Covington Holy Cross. The only difference between new NewCath head coach Dan Wagner and the rest of the district is Wagner received an in-house promotion. That often means teams need to adjust to new philosophies.

Covington Holy Cross Indians (4-8 last year):

The Indians are the lone team in the district to return their head coach in former Cincinnati Bengal Bruce Kozerski.

They hope to put last year in the rear-view mirror quickly. The Indians fell apart after winning the state championship in 2011. Injuries, inconsistency and a seemingly lack of team chemistry contributed to the Holy Cross fall.

But Holy Cross does return senior Jalen Beal. The 5-foot-11-inch, 190-pound wingback returns to lead the Holy Cross shotgun spread offense. Beal rushed for 704 yards on 111 carries and 12 touchdowns last year but did not play in Holy Cross’ second-round 52-0 playoff loss to Newport Central Catholic because of injuries. Beal also caught 18 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns last year.

The Indians have two players battling for the quarterback spot in Senior Matt Stecht and sophomore Hamilton Scott. They will be protected by three offensive linemen who weigh more than 240 pounds in seniors Jake Ketron (6-3, 260), Sean Sullivan (6-1, 240) and Anthony Zimmerman (6-3, 260).

The defense needs significant improvement if the Indians are to challenge for another state championship. Opponents averaged nearly 40 points and 286 yards against the Indians last year.

Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts (8-4):

Josh Stratton seemed to have the program from Erlanger headed in the right direction. Lloyd lost in the second round of the 2A playoffs to Walton-Verona last year finishing second in district action.

But Stratton took the job at New Richmond (Ohio). The school hired former Boone County Offensive Coordinator Eric Turner to take that spot in the offseason.

“Coach Stratton and his staff did a great job the last two years,” Turner said. “My staff and I have inherited a great group of student-athletes. We are excited for the upcoming season. I feel like we can continue where Lloyd left off last year and take it even further with our senior leadership.”

The Juggernauts ran a spread offense last year. Turner said the staff is looking to add a mixture of spread formations and tight sets. He said he want to see balance offensively. Defensively, Lloyd will implement a 3-5 base defense.

Lloyd graduated starting quarterback Dexter Smith and wide receiver Akintomide Mejolagbe. But senior Jared Gabbard could step in at quarterback or running back and safety on defense with senior Kyle Grant manning a wide receiver and defensive back spot. Senior Brian Warren should contribute at running back and linebacker and junior Zach Riddle returns at wide receiver and defensive end.

“My staff and I have been working hard to show the kids we are here for them be it on the field or off the field,” Turner said. “We are also very excited and confident in what we are implementing at practice. The players are buying in and also are getting close to the staff on and off the field. I feel we have a real ‘One Team, One Goal’ attitude.”

Newport Wildcats (3-8):

Matthew Schmitz came up from Tennessee to try to revive this program.

The Wildcats graduated all-purpose back Daylin Garland. But senior Dominic Joseph and junior David Lynam could pick up the slack there and also contribute at linebacker as well. Senior wide receiver/defensive back JaQuan Short returns along with senior running back/linebacker Daryl Youngman.

In their losses last year, Newport allowed at least 30 points. Two of their three wins came against struggling 1A schools Dayton and Ludlow. Their third and only district victory came 54-8 against Bishop Brossart. They lost 42-7 in the first round of the playoffs at Walton-Verona.

Bishop Brossart Mustangs (1-9):

Former Ryle Offensive Coordinator and Pendleton County Head Coach Lee Teegarden takes over a program that has struggled since its first season in 2007.

The Mustangs moved up to Class 2A from 1A in 2011 and have yet to win a district contest. Opponents outscored them 199-17 last year.

Bishop Brossart’s leading rusher in Jacob Elbert graduated. He ran for 1,093 yards on 113 carries and eight touchdowns last year.

But Senior Casey Pelgen returns at quarterback and safety for the Mustangs. Senior  running back/linebacker Sean Tieman also returns. Sophomore Logan Schoulthies could play a pivotal role at running back and linebacker with junior guard/defensive tackle Jeff Steffen anchoring the lines.