Did NC make it three straight over Beechwood?

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team (4-5) could not gain that momentum it wanted going into the playoffs.

NewCath fell in its annual rivalry game to the Beechwood Tigers (8-2), 30-13 on Friday. The Tigers have won eight straight.

The Thoroughbreds had no answer for the balanced Tiger attack. Beechwood outgained NewCath, 445-310 in total offense. The Tigers gained 14 first downs to 11 for the Thoroughbreds.

They especially could not stop Ethan Stringer. The junior running back had 176 yards rushing on 34 carries for the Tigers.

That success set up the passing game. Junior Kyle Fieger completed 10-of-19 passes for 245 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Senior Jonathon Stokes had three catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Jacob Smith had a great game for NewCath. He had 152 yards rushing on 24 carries and two catches for 54 yards.

Beechwood went up 14-0 after the first quarter. Stringer had runs of 14 and 34 yards.

The Tigers extended the lead to 20-0 in the second quarter. Stringer completed a 64-yard touchdown pass to Stokes.

The Thoroughbreds cut the lead to 20-14 at halftime. Clint Bartels had a 16-yard run and quarterback Patrick Henschen completed a 46-yard touchdown pass to Smith with 2:57left in the game.

But the Tigers pulled away in the second half. Fieger found Stokes for a 46-yard pass with 8:40 left in the third quarter.

Beechwood added a field goal with nine minutes left in the game. Mario German hit one from 26 yards out.

NewCath opens the 2A playoffs on Friday. The Thoroughbreds take on the Trimble County Raiders (3-7) at Covington Holmes.