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2021 Snapshot: Conner

Conner WR/DB Alijiah Thompson (photo by Rocio Flores-Walls)

It was hard for Conner to find any kind of rhythm or continuity in 2020. Covid limited the Cougars to just seven games. They started the season 3-1 then had three two-week stints between each of their final three tilts (all losses). Now with the page turned this team looks to do some damage and surprise some foes.

“Our biggest strength is our team unity. This is a hard-working group on offense. On defense, our linebackers and secondary are solid,” head coach Dave Trosper states.

Conner can’t afford injuries in the trenches. The Cougars aren’t deep or very experienced along their lines. If they can stay healthy, this squad is capable of winning eight games or more like they have done in four of the previous six seasons.

Class 5A, District 5
2020 RECORD: 3-4, 2-2 Class 5A, District 5
COACH: Dave Trosper (90-69 at Cooper, 14 years, 103-96 overall, 18 years)

HONOR ROLL
Clayton Melcher, Sr, RB/LB – One of the best linebackers in northern Kentucky. Melcher has 98 total tackles and three sacks in his career. He was named Second Team All-NKY (LB) as a junior and First Team All-NKY as a sophomore.

TOP RETURNEES
Alex Castrucci, Sr, WR/QB/DB – With a year under his belt as a starter, Castrucci should flourish under center. He threw for 712 yards, ran for 185 yards and accounted for six touchdowns (four rush, two pass) in 2020.

Cody Crawford, Sr, slot/TE – No matter what position he plays, Crawford always produces. In two years as a starter, Crawford has caught 16 passes for 271 yards, recorded 34 total tackles, forced two fumbles, recovered four fumbles, had an interception, a scoop-and-score and a pick-six.

Conner TE/slot Cody Crawford (photo by Rocio Flores-Walls)

Alijah Thompson, Jr, WR/DB – The best thing about this electrifying playmaker is that Cougars fans get two more seasons to watch him. Thompson caught 21 balls for 296 yards with a touchdown on offense. Defensively, he snared four interceptions including a pick six as a sophomore.

Carter Lindemann, Sr, OL/LB – A returning starter and a senior who will be called upon to set the example for the younger Cougars. Lindemann was in on 21 total tackles and had a pair of sacks a year ago.

Grant Reece, Jr, OL/DL – The 6-foot-3, 240-pound o-lineman did quite well in his varsity debut last fall. Reece will be looked upon for leadership as a junior.

Caleb Barker, Sr, OL – After appearing in just one game last fall, Barker will be eager to prove that he can be a factor on the o-line.

Hayden Malott, Sr, DB – A returning starter. Malott had 18 total tackles as a junior.

Frankie Salzarulo, Sr, DB – Along with Thompson, Salzarulo is a pickpocket in the secondary. He had a fumble recovery and an interception in 2020.

Jackson Bucks, Sr, DB – Another player whose development was hindered because of the pandemic. Bucks should have a breakout final campaign.

Tyler Parsons, Sr, LB – Teams with Melcher and Lindemann to give Conner a dependable core at linebacker.

Cooper Elliston, Sr, DL – Has a knack for getting into opposing backfields. Elliston had eight tackles for losses a year ago.

Conner DL Cooper Elliston (photo by Rocio Flores-Walls)

NEWCOMERS
A trio of players are expected to make an impact for the first time on Friday nights, senior OL/DL Matt Kerr along with sophomores QB/WR/LB Ben Fay and slot/WR Elian Ruzindana            . At 6-foot-3 and 275-pounds, Kerr brings some welcomed size in the trenches.

2021 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/20/21 – vs. Lafayette at Henry Clay (1-6 in 2020) – 6:00 PM
Fri – 08/27/21 – at Ryle (6-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/03/21 – at Dixie Heights (6-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/10/21 – at Scott (1-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/17/21 – CAMPBELL COUNTY (2-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/24/21 – at Boone County (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/01/21 – at Highlands (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/08/21 – COOPER (3-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/15/21 – BYE
Fri – 10/22/21 – COVINGTON CATHOLIC (10-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/21 – GEORGE ROGERS CLARK (3-5) – 7:30 PM

 

 

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