2016 Snapshot: Beechwood

A run to the state finals behind a very accomplished senior class fell just short of a title for Beechwood in 2015. Repeating that feat this fall is going to take some kind of special effort from this pride of Tigers. Graduation took some of the best players to ever don the red and white for the program. Replacing that kind of individual productivity Beechwood got from last year’s squad will need everyone on this season’s roster pitching in.

Beechwood Head Coach Noel Rash (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

One thing head coach Noel Rash has shown he can do consistently and win on a yearly basis is adapt to the talent that is presented to him. He has been a master at getting the most out of each players own gifts and the getting them harmonic within the team concept.

‘We must be patient and focus on the development of young players, particularly up front, to help surround this small, but very determined senior class. None of that will matter if we don’t have the mental toughness needed to carry us through each week. We must develop a fast and nasty demeanor to each practice and every Friday night. This team has to master the grind especially in the trenches,” Rash states.

Beechwood will get better as the season wears on. There will be some growing pains as a challenging schedule will make an inexperienced group gel and grow up in a hurry. The Tigers will be battle-tested come the playoffs which is where they have shined under Rash.

Class 1A, District 4
2015 RECORD: 13-2, 3-0 Class 1A, District 4 – Class 1A State runner-up
COACH: Noel Rash (109-32 @ Beechwood, 10 years; 109-32 overall)

RETURNING STARTERS
Aiden Justice, Sr, RB – Justice touched the ball 69 times (45 carries, 24 receptions) and found the end zone 18 times (10 receiving, eight rushing) as a junior. That equates to one touchdown every 3.82 touches! He also had 471 yards rushing and 344 more receiving.

Beechwood ATH Aiden Justice (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Lucas Benson, Sr, TE/DE – Benson will be a menace on the outside rush for the Beechwood defense. He had 13 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown in ’15.

Trevor Soward, Sr, FB/LB – Look for Sowards role to expand on offense. Defensively all signs point to a monster senior campaign at linebacker.

Riley Burns, Sr, FB/LB – A staple at linebacker, Burns will lead by example on the field.

Logan Castleman, So, RB/DB – As a freshman Castleman made his presence felt immediately for the Tigers. In his varsity debut he led the team with four interceptions and on offense he had 26 receptions for 389 yards and six touchdowns. He will move to running back this fall.

Elijah McKenney, Jr, DB – A returning starter McKenney had two interceptions as a sophomore.

OTHER RETURNEES
Dalton Everett , Sr, WR/DE – There are snaps to be had at receiver as Everett will be one of a quartet of Tigers vying for playing time at the position.

Garrett Ratliff, Sr, WR/DE – Opportunities are there for the taking, Ratliff should be a solid contributor as a senior.

Sam Talley, Sr, OL/DE – The role has changed for Talley he now becomes a leader up front for the Tigers.

Chris Campbell, Sr, OL/DE – Campbell will be looked upon as a leader on the o-line. It is important that he and Talley remain a calming influence with an inexperienced line and quarterback.

Josh Dietz, Sr, TE/LB – Dietz has been in battle now is his time to shine as a starter.

Daniel Mescher, Jr, WR/DB/K – Mescher’s foot could be a huge asset for Beechwood. Kickers have done well und coach Rash. He looks to be on his way after connecting on 25 extra points and a field goal as a sophomore.

Jake Massie, Jr, WR/DB – More playing time awaits Massie who gets the chance to show his stuff in the secondary and at receiver after graduation has depleted those spots for Beechwood.

Beechwood RB/DB Logan Castleman (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

STATE TITLES
11 total – 2008, 2007, 2004, 1999, 1997, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1984

2016 SCHEDULE
In addition to its Class 1A, District 4 games against Dayton, Ludlow and Bellevue, Beechwood will also face the all the teams in Class 2A, District 6 – Lloyd, Newport, Holy Cross and Newport Central Catholic. The Tigers will get a real test in the opener against a very good Lloyd squad. The other three games for Beechwood has them hosting Somerset in Week 2 and Franklin County in Week 3. The next two Friday’s the Tigers will play at Wooten Field on the campus of Covington Catholic. First it is their annual brawl with neighboring Colonels then the following week it is Holy Cross. By then Beechwood’s strength’s and weaknesses will surface.

FINAL-LY NO MORE MAYFIELD
Last season’s Class 1A state finals appearance was the first for Beechwood since winning the crown in’08. The Tigers were knocked out in the state semi-finals five times in six years by Mayfield since bring home the last title to Fort Mitchell. Mayfield moved up to Class 2A last fall. They beat the Tigers long-time rival NewCath to win it all in Class 2A in ’15. The only time Beechwood did not fall Mayfield from ’09 to ’14 was in ’13 when the Tiggers lost to Frankfort in the third round of the playoffs.

THE RASH EFFECT
Beechwood has won at least two playoff games in each of its 10 seasons under the command of Noel Rash. Nine times the Tigers have won at least three tilts in the post-season under his guidance. Rash has a 34-8 lifetime mark in the playoffs with Beechwood including titles in 2007 and ’08.

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