How did the NewCath football, boys soccer teams do Thursday?

G. Michael Graham Photo. The Newport Central Catholic boys soccer team members watch during Thursday's 9th Region

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It was similar to last year’s semifinals at Ryle.

The Covington Catholic Colonels possessed the ball for the most part against the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds. But NewCath still came away with the win on penalty kicks on its way to a third straight region final appearance.

CovCath did not let that happen again. The Colonels left with a 1-0 victory and will play St. Henry for the 9th Region title Saturday back at Tower Park at 8 p.m.

“We came in confident,” said Mike McDonald, NewCath Head Coach. “We knew CovCath was good. They’re very good for a reason. They possess the ball very well. We lost a mark coming in from the back side. But we had our opportunities.”

CovCath (14-4-3 overall) outshot NewCath, 6-3. In his final game, Paul Grosser made five saves for the Thoroughbreds (12-8-3).

The Colonels scored the game’s lone goal with 18:58 left in the first half. CovCath had numbers on an attack. Junior Jacob Litzler dribbled right and found senior Parker Kenney on a cross into the box for the header.

The game became physical in the second half. The teams drew a combined three yellow cards.

The Thoroughbreds graduate nine seniors. They are Grosser, Ryan Randle, Mitch Murphy, Patrick Louis, Jack Kremer, Noah Connolly, Seth Freppon, Jeremy Bricking and Jacob Hensley.

“These are the guys I came in with as head coach,” McDonald said. “They’ve done everything I’ve ever asked them to do. Things grew as we went. I couldn’t be prouder of the kids. We didn’t lose for a lack of effort. We left it all on the field. That’s all we can ask. I hate to see them go.”

NewCath lost in the title game to Highlands last year and Boone County in 2012. The Thoroughbreds won the 10th Region crown in 2011 before losing to Montgomery County in the state tournament.

Football:

Newport Central Catholic 50, Covington Holy Cross 21:

Once again, the Thoroughbreds (4-4 overall, 4-0 District 6-2A) took care of business in district action.

NewCath handled the struggling Indians (1-8, 1-3) at Holmes. NewCath exploded for 390 yard on 39 plays for an average of 10 yards per play. Holy Cross gained 251 yards on 62 plays for an average of just more than four yards per play.

“The offensive line really played well,” said Dave Schneider, NewCath Offensive Coordinator. “We played a lot of combinations there. It was good for them. They’ve been working hard. Jacob did a nice job reading the blocks and running through the holes using his speed.”

The Thoroughbreds outgained the Indians, 307-219 on the ground. Jacob Smith exploded for 236 yards on 16 carries with five touchdowns. Teammate John Harris added 52 yards on six carries and a score.

“I thought we did well for the most part,” said Dan Wagner, NewCath Head Coach. “We lost our cool there on the one drive. We had two personal foul penalties. We have to correct those things. Other than that, we’re pretty happy.”

NewCath quarterback Patrick Henschen completed 6-of-9 passes for 83 yards. Brandon Gray had three catches for 46 yards and Nate Enslen had two catches for 33 yards.

Sophomore running back Xavier Abernathy had 23 carries for 134 yards and two touchdowns for Holy Cross. Quarterback Hamilton Scott had 71 yards on 22 carries. Scott completed 4-of-14 passes for 32 yards and was picked off three times.

Holy Cross had three more turnovers than Newport Central Catholic. The Indians and Thoroughbreds lost three fumbles each.

Senior quarterback Grant Schilling has not been able to play during the regular season. He broke a bone in in his right leg during the scrimmage with Holmes and could return in the playoffs. But he’s still found ways to contribute.

“I like to keep my team up,” Schilling said. “We have a young quarterback and he’s a heck of a player. I like to get behind (Henschen) and his choices on the field. I try to be there for all of them and the seniors because this is a big year for us making it to state last year and not finishing it off. Like our motto says, ‘unfinished business. We just want to get back there and make something happen.”

The Thoroughbreds led 21-7 after the first quarter. Enslen returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown and Smith ran 53 yards for a score to put NewCath up 14-0. Following a Scott 4-yard score, Smith ran 60 yards for another touchdown as the Thoroughbreds gained 118 yards on four plays in the first quarter.

Smith added two touchdown runs in the second quarter. They came from 24 and 23 yards out. The Thoroughbreds led 35-7 with 10:23 left in the half. Smith had 178 yards on six carries and four touchdowns.

NewCath extended the lead to 50-7 in the third before Abernathy had two touchdown runs in the fourth. Smith had a 1-yard score and Harris ran it in from two yards out. The running clock went into effect after Smith’s score.

NewCath plays host to Beechwood on Oct. 31. Game time is 7 p.m.