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2023 Snapshot: Simon Kenton

Simon Kenton OL Jake Puthoff (photo from Twitter: @PutthoffJake)

They are back on the winning side of the ledger after two sub-par season per Simon Kenton standards. Perhaps the most impressive part of the Pioneers 8-4 record in 2022 was that they did it against the state’s second toughest schedule in Class 6A. The mental toughness of the returning players has head coach Roy Lucas, Jr. feeling pretty good about what his squad capable of accomplishing this fall.

“Our offensive line will be strong and talented again. We should be able to continue to run the ball well. We return several good skill players on offense,” Lucas, Jr. states. The biggest piece of the puzzle that is missing is at quarterback where the Pioneers need to replace four-year starter and the school’s all-time leading passer, Chase Crone. The seniors and skills players will need to pick up the slack and their production to offset the loss.

On defense, Simon Kenton returns six starters and will be led by a strong group at linebacker. The Pioneers must do a better job of keeping foes out of the end zone. Seven times last fall, they allowed 30 or more points, going 3-4 in those affairs.

Once again, the schedule is challenging. Simon Kenton’s opponents were a combined 72-50 in 2022 (.590 winning percentage. Five of their 10 foes won at least eight games. With a group that has been through the wars the Pioneers will be more than prepared for what lies ahead of them. Another eight win campaign is not out of the question but getting there is going to take a very focused effort.

Class 6A, District 6
2022 RECORD: 8-4, 3-0 Class 6A, District 6
COACH: Roy Lucas Jr. (16-26 at Simon Kenton, four years, 79-92 overall, 15 years)

HONOR ROLL
Aba Selm, Sr, OL/DL – One of the best offensive linemen in the Tri-State. Selm gave the Pioneers a big boost on the d-line last fall, as well. He was in on 35 total tackles had a pair of sacks, forced three fumbles and recovered a fumble. Still the 6-foot-4, 295-pound University of Kentucky commit found his accolades as an o-lineman earning First Team All-NKY and First Team All-TSF honors as a junior.

Simon Kenton OL Aba Selm (photo from Twitter: @abaselm1)

Luke Scheiber, Sr, DB/RS – One of the most pleasant surprises in Northern Kentucky last fall. Scheiber recorded 57 total tackles and had an interception earning First Team All-NKY (DB) and Third Team All-TSF honors.

Jake Puthoff, Sr, OL/DL – One of the Pioneers leaders up front. Puthoff helped pave the way for Simon Kenton to average 39.2 points and 434.4 yards per game in 2022. He was named Second Team All-NKY (OL) for his efforts.

Andrew Petty, Sr, K – An awesome weapon to have on special teams. Petty was named Second Team All-NKY (K) as a junior. He has connected on 86/96 extra points and 7/8 field goals for 105 kicking points in his career.

Simon Kenton K Andrew Petty (photo from Twitter: @SKHSFootball)

OTHER RETURNEES
Mark Ober, Sr, LB – Should get the well-earned recognition he deserves as a senior. Ober, the heart-and-soul of the Simon Kenton defense, has 121 total tackles and nine tackles for losses in his career.

Cohen Schmidt, Sr, OL/DL – Another veteran up front who is back for his third year as a starter on the o-line. Schmidt will also see some snaps on defense at crucial times.

Kaleb Bleier, Sr, RB/LB – Really blossomed as a junior becoming a factor on both sides of the ball for the Pioneers. Bleier ran for 604 yards, found the end zone six times (five rush, one rec), had 32 total tackles, one sack and 12 tackles for losses.

Nathan Kitchens, Sr, WR/DB – Like Bleier, Kitchens is a major commodity on offense and defense for the Pioneers. He has 17 receptions for 281 yards, three touchdown catches, 35 total tackles, five takeaways (four INTs, one FR) and a scoop-and-score in his two years as a varsity letterman.

Carter Blades, Sr, WR – Will be one of the team’s top targets in the passing game. Blades productivity should soar at receiver and in the secondary as a senior.

Simon Kenton WR/DB Carter Blades (photo from Twitter: @CarterBlades1)

Simon Kenton WR/DB Carter Blades (photo from Twitter: @CarterBlades1)

Durrell Turner, Jr, RB/DB – Expect Turner to be one of the breakout performers in Northern Kentucky this fall. He played in the Pioneers final five games and ran for 128 yards and four touchdowns last fall. He carried the ball five times for 61 yards and three touchdowns in the Simon Kenton’s playoff win over Marshall County.

NEWCOMERS
Juniors LB Aven Bohms, OL Preston McCauley and OL Gavyn Jordan look to crack the starting lineup. Bohm and McCauley played in every game as sophomores. Bohm had seven total tackles in 2022.

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – DIXIE HEIGHTS (3-8 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Woodford County (11-2)  – 8:30 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – COVINGTON CATHOLIC (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – at Beechwood (14-1) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Conner (2-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – at PL Dunbar (6-6) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – BYE
Fri – 10/06/23 – GREAT CROSSING (8-3) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – CAMPBELL COUNTY (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – at Ryle (6-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/27/23 – at Ashland Blazer (9-5) – 7:30 PM

2023 Active Leaders: Northern Kentucky (offense)
2023 Active Leaders: Northern Kentucky (defense)

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