NewCath fall short of 2A Repeat

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

BOWLING GREEN – When they look back at this one, it will come down to their drives to end the first half and start the second one.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds did not convert on fourth down on both drives and it hurt them in a 34-26 loss to the Louisville DeSales Colts in the Class 2A state championship Saturday at Western Kentucky University. The Thoroughbreds (10-5) hoped for three championships in four years, but came up short. NewCath graduates 12 seniors from the team.

Thoroughbreds hope to defend title better this year

G. Michael Graham Photo. The Newport Central Catholic quarterbacks warm up during a practice Thursday. Senior Mac Franzen (white pants) will take over the position for the defending Class 2A state champions after spending most of last year at wide receiver.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – It is a familiar position.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team enters the season as defending Class 2A state champions. But they hope to handle that title better than two years ago.

The Thoroughbreds won the 2A title in 2010 but lost to District 6 rival Covington Holy Cross in the regional title game the following season. Last year, players said they took things for granted in 2011.

In the offseason, former player and head coach Eddie Eviston took the Offensive Coordinator job at Georgetown College and the school promoted longtime Defensive Coordinator Dan Wagner to the position. Wagner agreed the current players need to keep up the same work ethic displayed by previous teams to add to the recent legacy when asked about handling the role of defending state champions.

“You can’t (rest on your laurels),” Wagner said. “We emphasize getting after it knowing we have the Bull’s Eye on our back. People are going to be coming after us.”

The Thoroughbreds own an overall record of 447-334-10 since the program started in 1935 and resumed 10 years later. NewCath owns 13 straight winning seasons and has recorded double-digits wins every year during that time except 2009.

NewCath has also advanced to third round of the playoffs every year since 2000 with state championships in 2005, 2006, 2010 and last year. They’ve also finished state runner-up in 2000, 2001, 2007 and 2008 during that time. The program’s first state crown came in 1984.

Wagner also retained a lot of the assistants so it has not been a huge transition. Three district opponents also have new head coaches, but all three head coaches came from outside their respective programs. That often means players have to adjust to new philosophies.

The Thoroughbreds graduated 15 players from last year and most were major contributors. That included their leading passer in quarterback Josh Cain (168-of-277 completions for 2,427 yards, 20 touchdowns, nine interceptions) and leading rusher in Dylan Hayes (233 carries for 1,706 yards and 28 touchdowns). NewCath also graduated a number of starting offensive and defensive linemen like Elliot Rust, Brady Thacker, Steve Schneider, Jake Haas and Quinn Anost along with several starting wide receivers and secondary players like Dan Ruwe, Pete Collopy and Noah Freppon.

But the Thoroughbreds do return a number of contributors from last year. Wagner and staff like what they’ve seen so far. The Thoroughbreds will continue to run the vaunted spread offensive and 4-4 defense with minor tweaks.

“We really like the way they work,” Wagner said. “I know coaches say that but we (coaches) don’t have to get after them too much. They’re very self-motivated.”

Returning senior linebacker Kalvin Moore said leadership will be important to make sure 2011 does not repeat itself when his class was sophomores. They want to see the tradition continue after they graduate like the players that came before them do.

“It’s about the same,” Moore said. “We lead on the field and teach them how to do things right. We also make sure they do things the right way. They’re going to follow in our footsteps.”

Moore returns after recording 88 tackles last year along with fellow senior linebacker Jack Sutkamp. Sutkamp led the Thoroughbreds with 110 tackles last year.

Offensively, last year’s leading receiver in senior Mac Franzen will move to quarterback the way Cain did last year. Franzen caught 59 passes for 1,143 and eight touchdowns last year. Franzen did not attempt any passes in limited action last year at quarterback.

“I played backup last year and I played it as sophomore behind Josh (Cain) and Brady (Hightchew) so I got all the mechanics down,” Franzen said. “I worked with Coach Eviston and he put us in a good position to succeed. It will be fun to watch.”

After Franzen, the leading returning receiver from last year is senior Tyler Lyon. Lyon caught six passes for 48 yards and three touchdowns. But the biggest one was a 4-yard game-winning touchdown with 26 seconds left in state championship 30-26 win over Caldwell County.

Franzen will be throwing to many new receivers. Among those expected to make contributions at that spot aside from Lyon are seniors Tommy Donnelly, Kole Zenni, juniors Brandon Gray and John Caudill. Caudill also spent some time on kickoffs and extra points.

“The receivers have been around the program for a while now,” Franzen said. “It’s not like they don’t know what to expect.”

Sophomore Jacob Smith is the leading returning rusher from last year. Smith ran for 267 yards on 47 carries and five touchdowns. But Moore and fellow sophomore Dylan Powell could see some carries as well.

Junior Matt Lenz returns to anchor the offensive line. Other players looking to contribute on the offensive line are senior Stephen Brooks, Nathan Kling, Ross Meek, Matt Lenz and junior Logan Neff.

Defensively, Meek and Lyon return to anchor the defensive line. After Moore and Sutkamp at linebacker, Brooks and some others are looking to contribute. Franzen also returns at safety with others like Donnelly competing for time in the defensive backfield. Franzen tied the team with three interceptions last year and Lyon tied two others with two fumble recoveries.

The Thoroughbreds scrimmage Covington Holmes on Friday before opening the season Aug. 23 at Newport Field against Ashland Blazer. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

NewCath promotes Wagner to head coach

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic recently promoted Dan Wagner (above) to head football coach. He'd been defensive coordinator since 1999.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

When it comes to filling head coaching vacancies, the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds tend to promote from within the family.

In an expected move last week, NewCath Principal Carl Foster and Athletics Director Rob Detzel promoted longtime defensive coordinator Dan Wagner to head coach. Wagner takes over for Eddie Eviston. Eviston resigned before Christmas to take the offensive coordinator job at Georgetown College.

“After meeting with Dan, we knew we had the man we wanted for the job,” Detzel said. “Dan is a NewCath guy and his record as an assistant speaks for itself. Hiring Coach Wagner will make for a smooth transition for our football program, and we believe he will continue the great tradition that is Newport Central Catholic football. We look forward to many years of success with Coach Wagner as Head Coach of the NCC Thoroughbreds.”

Wagner, a 1978 NewCath graduate, has been Defensive Coordinator since 1999. The Thoroughbreds struggled to 4-8 in 1999 under legendary head coach Bob Schneider.

But things have changed dramatically since then. NewCath has reeled off 13 consecutive trips to at least the third round of the playoffs and finished with double-digit wins in 12 of those seasons with four state championships and four runner-up finishes.

“I don’t see that changing,” Wagner said. “We’ll just keep plugging along with what we’ve been doing. That’s the beauty of this change just like when Eddie took over. Everyone was still there and everyone knows what to expect. We set the bar high in 2000 and it’s been high ever since.”

The Thoroughbreds finished 11-4 last year beating Caldwell County, 30-26 for their second Class 2A state championship in three years under Eviston. Eviston took over for Schneider in 2010 and the Thoroughbreds went 35-8 during his tenure.

“Coach Eviston has taken the NCC program to the next level following the legendary Coach Schneider developing it into one of the premier programs in the state of Kentucky,” Wagner said. “I plan to continue that tradition started by Coach Schneider and most importantly continue to develop our student-athletes into great young men on and off the field like my predecessors have done over the years.”

Wagner, 52, began coaching in 1980 with the NewCath freshmen squad. Before coming back to NewCath in 1999, Wagner coached at Campbell County, Norwood (Oh.) and Indian Hill.

“I always wanted to coach at NCC,” Wagner said. “Even while coaching at other schools, I would always read the reports in the newspaper about NewCath first. My heart has always been here, and it is truly the only place I ever wanted to coach. I want to thank the NCC administration for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to lead our football program for years to come. I am excited and can’t wait to start working with these kids in this new role.”

Wagner’s promotion comes as welcomed relief for the returning NewCath players. They won’t have to get used to new systems and philosophies like they might had an outsider come in.

“It was definitely a great choice,” said Mac Franzen, NewCath junior. “He knows how the program runs so I think not much is going to change. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to it.”

Opponents averaged just 16.5 points against the Thoroughbreds last year. Class 2A, District 6 opponents scored just 32 points against them in five games. That included NewCath’s 52-0 shutout of rival Covington Holy Cross in the second round of the playoffs.

“He’s really prepared us well in practice,” said Jake Haas, NewCath senior. “He always has us ready by game day. He knew how to get us riled up in practice. I can’t say enough about him. I hope they continue to win in the future.”

The Thoroughbred coaching staff consisted of NewCath graduates except assistant Billy Lyon. Lyon graduated from Lloyd Memorial in 1990. Wagner said pretty much every one of the assistants will also return.

NewCath hopes to battle for another state crown this year. But the staff needs players to step into the roles left by the graduating players. The Thoroughbreds will graduate 15 seniors including quarterback Josh Cain and leading rusher Dylan Hayes as well as much of the offensive and defensive lines, secondary and a couple linebackers.

That will involve some personnel decisions. Franzen led the Thoroughbreds with 59 receptions for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns last year. But he could move to quarterback this year.

“I’m always in it for the team no matter if that’s playing quarterback or wide receiver,” Franzen said. “Whatever will get us the win, I’ll be fine with that.”

Rising sophomore Jacob Smith will be the leading returning rusher with 267 yards on 47 carries and five touchdowns for an average of about 5.7 a carry. The Thoroughbreds also return their leading tackler in rising senior linebacker Jack Sutkamp with 110 stops.

One big key for the coaching staff is to keep solid chemistry in the locker room. The Thoroughbreds did battle through some adversity last year.

“To be honest, there hasn’t been much (dissension) happen in the locker rooms. When it does, we handle it,” Wagner said. “I’m a black and white guy. It’s either right or wrong. Another thing with the kids on this team is I know their parents really well not just in passing. There’s that family feel there.”

NewCath will continue to run the 4-4 defense and run a similar base spread offense with some tweaks depending on personnel. The Thoroughbreds will also run their tough offseason conditioning programs led by assistant coach Dave Schneider. They hope to be deeper this year.

The Thoroughbreds will also face a similar tough schedule against the likes of 6A opponents Campbell County, Simon Kenton and Dixie Heights. NewCath started last year 2-4 before reeling off nine straight wins.

“When we play big schools five games in a row that have 70-80 kids, you get beat up pretty good, but it does make us better,” Wagner said. “So we’ll keep doing it.”

Covington Holmes and Cincinnati McNicholas decided not to continue the series with NewCath. The Thoroughbreds have filled one of the openings with defending Class 5A runner-up Cooper.

NewCath battles Walton-Verona for Region 3 title

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It is fitting for the district champions to meet for the Class 2A, Region 3 football championship Friday at 7 p.m. at Newport Stadium.

The host and fourth-ranked Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (8-4) and Walton-Verona Bearcats (10-2) bring respectable records to the table thanks to nice winning streaks. The District 6 champion Thoroughbreds have won six straight since starting the year 1-3. The District 5 champion Bearcats have won eight in a row since starting the season 2-2.

Both teams also run similar offenses and defenses. They like to run spread offenses that look like Wing-T formations as times and 4-4 defenses.

NewCath blasts Brossart in District 6 opener, 58-0

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team snapped its three-game winning streak in a big way Friday in Alexandria.

The smashed the host Bishop Brossart Mustangs, 58-0 to open Class 2A, District 6 action. NewCath (2-3 overall, 1-0 district) ran away with 30 points in the second quarter to go up 44-0 at halftime to force the running clock.

The Thoroughbreds outgained the Mustangs (1-4, 0-1), 453-63 in total offense in a balanced attack. NewCath had seven first downs to four for Brossart.

This included 248-37 on the ground. NewCath ran the ball 27 times for an average of about 9.2 per carry. Brossart averaged just more than one yard per rush.

Dylan Hayes led the Thoroughbreds rushing for 90 yards on nine carries with a touchdown. Freshman running back Jacob Smith came in and ran for 84 yards on four carries with a touchdown.

“We just prepared to play sound football,” said Eddie Eviston, NewCath head coach. “We really didn’t look at anything like, ‘We can’t let him run outside or we can’t let him run inside.’ When we do that, we can be pretty good and stop someone. That’s what we did (Friday).”

Defensively, NewCath focused on Brossart senior running back Jacob Elbert. He had seven carries for minus-2 yards and completed just 1-of-3 passes for nine yards before leaving with an injury.

Simon Kenton bests NCC, 28-20

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team is getting healthier and that turned into better play Saturday.

But NewCath still made a number of mistakes and that led to a 28-20 loss to the 5-0 Simon Kenton Pioneers in the home opener at Newport Stadium. The Thoroughbreds dropped their third straight falling to 1-3, including a 1-2 mark against opponents from Class 6A, District 6.

The Thoroughbreds had their chances. But they made more mistakes than Simon Kenton, especially down the stretch.

“They (Pioneers) made plays when they needed to,” said Eddie Eviston, NewCath head coach. “We kept fighting, but could not make the plays when we needed to. We have to learn to be consistent. We need to play every play like it’s our last. If we continue to do that, we might be alright.”

NewCath took the ball down eight with 9:40 left from its own 38 and converted several third-down plays on a 16-play drive. But the biggest mistake of the game came on that final play. On 4th-and-2 from the Pioneer 5, the Thoroughbreds mishandled the snap and the Pioneers recovered with 1:23 left in the game. That marked the game’s lone turnover.

The Pioneers ran out the clock in four plays after that point. Pioneer running back Andrew Sampson broke free for a 35-yard run before quarterback Brennan Kuntz knelt twice in Simon Kenton’s victory formation.

Mistakes in pass coverage and penalties mostly led to the defeat. NewCath had 10 penalties for 85 yards and Simon Kenton had eight for 56 yards.

Kuntz completed 17-of-30 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns of at least 21 yards. His first touchdown pass came from 38 yards out to Sampson with 7:37 left in the second quarter to pull Simon Kenton within eight at 14-6. After a Sampson 8-yard run cut the lead to 14-12 with 5:16 left in the half, Kuntz found Lars McEntyre wide-open on a post route with 53.6 seconds left to give the Pioneers the lead for good at 18-14 at halftime.

Kuntz’ final touchdown came with 1:42 left in the third. Kuntz broke free from NewCath pressure and found Jacob Huesman for a 52-yard score as the Thoroughbreds could not get back in time on the scramble. That made the final score of 28-20.

Simon Kenton outgained NewCath, 346-304 in total offense. The Pioneers also had 19 first downs to 12 for the Thoroughbreds.

The Pioneers did gain just 105 yards rushing on 28 carries for an average of 3.75 per carry. The Thoroughbreds did much better against the run than in the 42-16 loss at Campbell County on Aug. 31 thanks to the return of players like linebackers Brady Thacker and Jack Sutkamp to their natural positions. The Camels ran for 302 yards on 42 rushes for an average of 7.2 a touch.

“We’ve been waiting for these guys to get back,” Eviston said. “For the most part, some of them were rusty. But some of them played well. It’s good to have them on the field.”

On the offensive side of the ball, running back Dylan Hayes had 138 yards on 17 carries for an average of just more than 8.1 a carry and one touchdown. Quarterback Josh Cain also had a big game completing 15-of-24 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns, including six to Mac Franzen for 138 yards.

NewCath jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. Cain completed a 13-yard pass to Pete Collopy just 1:51 into the game. Cain completed a 58-yard pass to Franzen to set up the score.

The Thoroughbreds went up 14-0 with 10:28 left in the second when Cain found Tyler Lyon from 11 yards out. That capped an eight-play drive that Hayes set up with a 68-yard scamper down the right sideline from the Thoroughbred 6.

NewCath cut the margin to 21-20 with 4:35 left in the third when Hayes scored from a yard out. He ran for 28 yards on the six-play drive. Cain also completed a 43-yard bomb to Franzen on the play. But NewCath did not convert the two-point run because of a bad snap.

“We were out of position (on NewCath’s long pass plays),” said Jeff Marksberry, Simon Kenton head coach. “Our safety came up and bit on something. We told our secondary to over the top and not let anything get behind them.”

The Thoroughbreds travel to Alexandria to battle Bishop Brossart to open Class 2A, District 6 action Friday at 7 p.m.

 

Thoroughbreds hope to get back on track for first home game of 2012

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team has entered games as favorites in recent years.
That may not be the case for Saturday's matchup against the rejuvinated Simon Kenton Pioneers. The Pioneers are undefeated at 4-0 and entering off a 31-7 victory over visiting Covington Holmes in a game called a halftime because of lightning. The Pioneers went 2-9 last year losing 72-0 to state-power Louisville Trinity in the first round of the playoffs.
This marks the third opponent NewCath has faced out of Class 6A, District 6. The Thoroughbreds beat Dixie Heights, 37-22 to open the season before losing 42-16 at Campbell County on Aug. 31. The 1-2 Thoroughbreds have their first losing streak since 2009.
NewCath used its bye week to heal up. Head coach Eddie Eviston said the Thoroughbreds "have had several players out and a handful more nursing some injuries over the last three to four weeks." Eviston and staff hope to see some of them playing at or close to 100 percent in the coming weeks.
Injuries have especially hurt the Thoroughbreds on defense. Teams have run for 598 yards for about 200 a contest against NewCath's 4-4 defense. Campbell County and Cincinnati McNicholas had some success running the spread read-option attack. The Camels ran for 302 yards on 42 carries for an average of 7.2 a carry.
"No matter how you want to 'skin the cat,' the fact is we have had some players over the last three games who have really been playing out of their natural position," Eviston said. "In no way is that an excuse for poor execution, but due to our onslaught of injuries, we have had to put players in positions that they are not necessarily built for. We have and will continue to coach guys up on proper technique and making correct reads to be successful."
NewCath will face another balanced, shotgun spread offense against Simon Kenton. Led by junior quarterback Brennan Kuntz and running back Andrew Sampson, the Pioneers have run for 515 yards and passed for 831. Kuntz has completed 47-of-73 passes for 732 yards and seven touchdowns and ran for 171. Sampson has run for 298 yards on 56 attempts with six touchdowns for an average of 5.3 a contest.
Eleven different receivers have catches for Simon Kenton. Sampson and Grant Wassom lead the way with 10 each. Sampson has 183 yards and one touchdown reception and Wassom has 145 yards and two touchdowns.
Simon Kenton has outscored opponents 114-38 for an averge of 28.5-9.5. The Pioneers had two close wins over Danville, 12-7 and Beechwood, 21-17 before smashing Pulaski County, 50-7.
The Thoroughbreds have been outscored an average of 30.3-25.7. They have 465 yards rushing and 507 passing. Dylan Hayes leads NewCath with 292 yards rushing on 53 carries for an average of 5.5 per attempt.
NewCath has improved passing the ball each week out of its spread offense that will face a 3-4 or 3-5 Pioneer defensive scheme. Quarterback Josh Cain has completed 45-of-72 passes for 507 yards with two touchdowns. Mac Franzen leads NewCath with 14 catches for 202 yards and Pete Collopy has 10 for 88.
"For a senior, Josh (Cain) is still inexperienced when it comes to the quarterback position, but I feel he has done a tremendous job for the most part," Eviston said. "He has all the tools to be one of the top quarterbacks in the area and I think that will continue to shine through as he gains more experience and becomes more comfortable in that role. With that, our receivers continue to improve on their understanding of the offense as well and that will only help our passing game as we we roll on into our season."
Game time is 7 p.m. at Newport Stadium.