2024 Snapshot: Beechwood

The roster is full of accomplished players and the motivation is high at Beechwood as it looks to get back to the state title game for the eighth time in the last 10 years after falling just short of that goal in 2023. The Tigers are one of the few teams that enter the season with very few flaws.

“Our senior class is loaded with experience, talent, and leadership. Last season our offense ranked fourth in all of Kentucky with 47.6 points per game (nine games of 49 points or more). Our defense was ranked 17th in the state of Kentucky at 14.6 points per game,” head coach Jay Volker states.

As polished as this team is on paper Volker still knows there is some work to be done. We struggled last year to consistently run the ball and stop the run. This will be a point of emphasis this year for this team. We have to be able to run the ball and stop the run if we want to win a state championship.”

Expectations are high in Fort Mitchell but when aren’t they?  Look for this team to embrace the challenges and conquer them making it a another very special season at Beechwood.

Class 2A, District 5
2023 RECORD: 12-2, 5-0 Class 2A, District 5
COACH: Jay Volker (12-2 at Beechwood, one year, 15-18 overall, three years)

HONOR ROLL
Clay Hayden, Sr, QB – It was a record setting junior year for Hayden. He completed 72.9% of his passes (tied for fifth best in a single season in Kentucky) while throwing for 3,910 yards (15^th most in a single season in Kentucky history) with 48 touchdown passes (tied for 18^th most in a single season in Kentucky history) and only seven interceptions. Hayden was named Class 2A, District 5 Player of the Year, NKFCA Division III All-NKY for his efforts. He heads into his senior year with 5,961 passing yards, 71 passing touchdowns (only nine INTs) and three rushing scores.

Beechwood QB Clay Hayden (photo from: beechwoodphotos.com)

Luke Erdman, Sr, WR/DB – It was a breakout junior campaign for Erdman who was named NKFCA Division III All-NKY (WR). He had 50 receptions, 1,133 yards receiving (22.7 yards/rec), 1,353 all-purpose yards, 289 yards receiving and 22 touchdowns (16 rec, five rush, one KR). Erdman has 66 catches, 1,349 yards receiving and 18 touchdown catches at the varsity level.

Jack Meier, Sr, OL/DL – The heart-and-soul of the Tigers defense. Meier earned NKFCA Division III All-NKY (DL) accolades after getting in on 70 total tackles with two sacks and eight tackles for losses as a junior.

James Cusick, Sr, WR/S/P – A valuable commodity in all phases of the game for the Tigers in 2023. Cusick had 46 receptions for 706 yards and 12 touchdowns. Defensively, he had four takeaways (three INTs, one FR) and on special teams, Cusick was named NKFCA Division III All-NKY as a punter. He has 63 receptions for 990 yards and 17 touchdown catches, in his career.

Beechwood WR/DB/P James Cusick (photo from: beechwoodphotos.com)

Colson Lair, Jr, K – A special teams weapon. Lair connected on 81/82 extra points and 3/5 field goals (long of 42-yards) for 90 points on his way to NKFCA Division III All-NKY honors as a sophomore.

Tyler Fryman, So, WR/DB – A truly gifted athlete who starred on both sides of the ball as a freshman. Fryman was an NKFCA Division III All-NKY (WR) selection after pulling down 47 receptions for 1,052 yards (22.4 yards/rec), running for 191 yards, amassing 1,270 all-purpose yards with 18 touchdowns (10 rec, seven rush, one FR). On defense, he had five takeaways (three INTs, two FRs) and a scoop-and-score. He has verbally committed to Louisville to play baseball.
Freshmen of Influence: Class of 2027

OTHER RETURNEES
Chase Flaherty, Sr, RB/LB – Added pass catching to his repertoire as a junior. Flaherty ran for 676 yards, had 33 receptions for 391 yards and found the end zone 19 times (16 rush, three rec), a year ago. He has 1,446 yards and 35 touchdowns rushing, in his career.

Beechwood RB Chase Flaherty (photo from: beechwoodphotos.com)

Mattox Kelly, Sr, OL/DL – One of the best kept secrets in Northern Kentucky. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound. Kelly has committed to Illinois State.

Brody Waddell, Sr, OL/LB – It was a solid debut for Waddell in 2023. He was in on 40 total tackles, had two-and-a-half sacks and nine tackles for losses.

Jordan Wagner, Sr, DL – A returning starter and seasoned veteran, Wagner has appeared in 26 varsity games.

Chance Baugh, Sr, C – A returning starter and anchor of an o-line that helped pave the way for the Tigers to average 404.7 yards of total offense per game in 2023.

Beechwood C Chance Baugh (photo from: beechwoodphotos.com)

NEWCOMERS
Senior OL/DL Cole Howard a transfer from Moeller brings even more size and depth up front with his 6-foot-4, 270-pound frame. Juniors RB/LB Brody Aylor and OL Carson Eshelman are expected to make considerable contributions on offense. Aylor ran for 324 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
State Champion (17) – 2022 (2A), 2021 (2A), 2020 (2A), 2018 (1A), 2017 (1A), 2016 (1A), 2008 (1A), 2007 (1A), 2004 (1A), 1999 (1A), 1997 (1A), 1996 (1A), 1994 (1A), 1993 (1A), 1992 (1A), 1991 (1A) & 1984 (1A).
State Runner-up (six) – 2023 (2A), 2015 (1A), 2003 (1A), 2002 (1A), 1995 (1A) & 1974 (1A).

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – at Pulaski County (4-8 in 2023) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – CAMPBELL COUNTY (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – DIXIE HEIGHTS (5-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – at Simon Kenton (5-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – at Covington Catholic (14-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – GALLATIN COUNTY (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – at Walton-Verona (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – at Owen County (5-6) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – CARROLL COUNTY (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – at Bracken County (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 11/01/24 – BYE

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