What local records has a Highlands wide receiver broken and where did Hoge verbally commit over the weekend?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands wide receiver Alex Veneman (6) hauls in a touchdown pass a few weeks ago against Covington Holmes. Veneman broke the Northern Kentucky record for the most receptions and receiving yards in a season in the Highlands win over Ashland on Friday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The senior tandem of quarterback Beau Hoge and Alex Veneman for the Highlands Bluebirds football team (10-2) have tormented defenses all season.

Hoge has completed 193-of-301 passes for 2,871 yards, 30 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Veneman has 79 catches for 1,418 yards and 20 touchdowns on the season.

Hoge ventured west over the weekend and verbally committed to play football for the Brigham Young University Cougars. Hoge watched the Cougars beat the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 42-23 on Saturday.

“The staff is very impressive and east to talk to and be around,” Hoge said. “In terms of just the school, the campus is easy to navigate around and the atmosphere even at such a cold game was very impressive. Location in general played a big factor for me. I have a lot of family close by.”

Veneman broke a Northern Kentucky record for the most receiving yards in a season when Highlands beat Ashland, 30-15 in the second round of the playoffs on Friday. Veneman had six catches for 107 yards during the game.

Former Bluebird wide receiver Brett Hamblen had the most receiving yards in season previously. Hamblen had 1,386 receiving yards in 2000.

Veneman also broke the local record for the most receptions in a season. Former Ryle receiver Mike Setters hauled in 77 receptions in 1999.

Hamblen still holds the local record for most touchdown receptions in a season with 27. The state record is 28.

Highlands faces Covington Catholic on Friday in the regional championship game in Fort Thomas for the fourth straight season. Game time is 7:30 p.m.