2021 Snapshot: Ryle
- Updated: May 26, 2021
Ryle head coach Mike Engler (photo by Dan Bieneke/TriStateFootball.com)
This is the 30th year of Ryle football. The program has been a pillar of stability with an all-time record of 182-144 under just four head coaches. The Raiders were state runner-up in 2006 and had their only undefeated regular season in 2016. As good as things have been over the first three decades the future can even be better.
Ryle is looking to make it out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Which was also the last time they beat both Highlands and Covington Catholic in the regular season. With 14 starters and 32 lettermen returning this team has the pieces to achieve those goals.
“The return of some key players and loads of varsity game experience should give this Ryle football team an edge going into the season,” head coach Mike Engler states. Even where there are unknowns, like defensive line, quarterback and running back, competition will draw out the best.
The Raiders will be challenged with beast of a schedule. The seven non-conference foes on the slate were a combined 33-24 (.579 winning percentage) in 2020. Ryle will be pushed to its limit but it will only make the better come playoff time.
The tools are there for this to be a very successful campaign. Throw in the motivation factor and coach Engler sums it up best, “Team 30 should be an exciting team to watch.”
Class 6A, District 6
2020 RECORD: 6-4, 3-0 Class 6A, District 6
COACH: Mike Engler (48-33 at Ryle, seven years; 48-33 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Gabe Savage, Sr, OLB – One of the premier defensive players in northern Kentucky. Savage tallied 128 total tackles, had three sacks, 11.0 tackles for losses, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a scoop-and-score as a junior. He was named First Team All-NKY, Third Team All-TriState Football and TSF NKY DPOY finalist for his effort. Savage has 172 total tackles, four-and-a-half sacks, 23.5 tackles for losses, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his career.
Jackson Belk, Sr, LB – Teams with Savage to form one of the most formidable linebacking duos south of the Ohio River. Belk recorded 83 total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks, eight-and-a-half tackles for losses, with three fumble recoveries and an interception as a junior. He was named Second Team All-NKY.
OTHER RETURNEES
Jameson Smith, Sr, WR – The Raiders top returning receiver. Smith led Ryle with 36 receptions for 451 yards and three touchdowns in 2020.
Matt Mason, Sr, OL – A returning star starter who helped Ryle amass 228.2 yards and 21 touchdowns through the air, a year ago.
Tayshaun Marshall, Sr, OL – The anchor of the offensive line. Marshall helped pave the way for the Raiders to average 348.8 yards of total offense per contest last fall.
Logan Orlando, Sr, OL – A returning starter and one of the senior leaders up front. Orlando played a large role for a Ryle offense that found the end zone 38 times in 2020.
Drew Dickerson, Jr, OL – Faired quite well in his first year as a starter. Expect Dickerson to be even better over the next two seasons.
Logan Verax, So, QB – The frontrunner to be the Raiders starting quarterback in 2020 and beyond. Verax showed poise and promise as a freshman with 287 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
Freshmen of Influence: Class of 2024
Kaden Gardner, Jr, DB – Contributed big-time on both sides of the ball in his first year as a starter. Gardner had seven receptions for 230 yards and two touchdown catches, on offense. Defensively, he was in on 33 total tackles with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception last fall.
Lukas Colemire, Jr, DB – A gifted athlete with a very bright future. Colemire led Ryle with three interceptions, tied for the team lead with five rushing touchdowns also had a touchdown toss, 108 yards on the ground and 30 total tackles in his varsity debut as a sophomore.
Conner Peak, Sr, DB – A healthy Peak will be a huge boost to the Raiders secondary. He has a great nose for the football.
Nathan Yowan, Sr, DB – The leader of the secondary who is back for his third year as a starter. Yowan has 57 total tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries in his career.
TJ Pierson, Sr, DE – Despite playing just six games as a junior, Pierson posted some big numbers. He had 34 total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks along with four-and-a-half tackles for losses.
Trey Fleek, Sr, DE – Maybe one of the most underrated players in northern Kentucky. In his first season as a starter, Fleek registered 44 total tackles, three-and-a-half sacks, 10.0 tackles for losses sacks and fumble recovery, last fall.
Abram Cusick, Jr, DB – The next member of the Cusick clan that does nothing but produce results for Ryle on the football field. Abram should only build on that legacy over the next two campaigns after getting in on 19 total tackles as a sophomore.
NEWCOMERS
Seniors WR Gavin Ruark, WR Hunter Vaughn, WR Divy Patel, DL Sam Taylor, DL Dylan Logan, DL Jake Little, DL Zach Talmon along with juniors RB Jayce Harden, OL/DL Cole Plapp, OL/DL Ameron Vinson, DB Luke Lown, DB Justin Moore and DL Charlie Perkins will all be battling for playing time. Lown showed great promise with 20 total tackles and a fumble recovery in his varsity debut. Harden could emerge as the teams go-to guy out of the backfield.
2021 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/20/21 – LEXINGTON CATHOLIC (5-3 in 2020) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/27/21 – CONNER (3-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/03/21 – at Cooper (3-6) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/10/21 – LOUISVILLE DE SALES (3-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/17/21 – at Highlands (3-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/24/21 – BYE
Fri – 10/01/21 – LOUISVILLE ST. XAVIER (6-3)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/08/21 – @Campbell County (2-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/15/21 – at Dixie Heights (6-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/22/21 – SIMON KENTON (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/29/21 – at Covington Catholic (10-2) – 7:00 PM
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