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2025 Snapshot: Conner

Conner RB Cordion Abernathy (photo by Chris Granger / X: @regnagc)

They are aiming for  back-to-back winning seasons at Conner for the first time since 2018-19. The path to that feat isn’t going to be easy. Four of the Cougars first six contests are against schools that had nine or more victories a year ago. By the time Conner gets to October they will be more than battle tested and ready for a great stretch run in the playoffs. They will just need to keep at it, no matter how tough times may get in August and September.

Head coach Dave Trosper likes what he sees with his 2025 team. “Our biggest strength is our team unity. We are a hard working group on offense.”

Despite losing the Class 5A, District 6 Player of the Year, quarterback Wyatt Hatfield, the Cougars appear to be more athletic and have bountiful options at the skill positions. Their success will come if Conner can win the battles in the trenches. That will be a tall task as graduation depleted the team of experience on both sides of the line.

The beauty of Trosper’s squad is that there are so many players out to prove themselves at the varsity level. If line play can gel, sooner rather than later, and the Cougars can pick up a couple of confidence building wins early on, Conner will be a dangerous and fun team to follow come playoff time.

Class 5A, District 6
2024 RECORD: 7-4, 3-2 Class 5A, District 6
COACH: Dave Trosper (111-93 at Conner, 18 years; 124-120 overall, 23 years)

Conner Head Coach Dave Trosper (photo by Chris Granger / X: @regnargc)

TOP RETURNEES
Cordion Abernathy, Sr, RB/DB – A two-way starter who will be a focal point of the Cougars offense. Abernathy has 1,503 yards rushing, 15 scores on the ground, 67 tackles and two fumble recoveries in his career. 

Shepherd Dozier, Sr, WR/DB – All signs point to a monster senior campaign for Dozier. He will be too good to come off the field on both sides of the ball. Dozier ran for 268 yards, had three touchdowns rushing, 51 tackles, a sack, 4.0 tackles for losses and an interception as a junior.

Ayden Depenbrock, Sr, WR/LB – Another two-way starter who will be counted on to provide leadership. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Depenbrock has six receptions, 73 yards receiving, 33 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his career.  

Travis Keen, Sr, LB – Look for even bigger production from Keen who registered 21 tackles and a sack in his first season as a starter. 

Grayson Montgomery, Sr, WR – In limited offensive action as a junior Montgomery found ways to put points on the scoreboard. He threw for 268 yards with two touchdown passes, as well as scoring on a run and a reception on 10 touches (seven rush, three rec).

Abram Koller, Sr, DB – Had a solid debut as a starter totaling 32 tackles and an interception last fall.

Camryn Correll, Jr, WR/DB –  One of Conner’s top athletes, Correll showed All-NKY potential as a sophomore tallying 23 tackles, with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception.

Kannon Lawson, Jr, LB – One of the few sophomore’s to make an impact for the Cougars in 2024. Lawson was in on 32 tackles and had a sack.

NEWCOMER
DeShawn Champ, Sr, WR/DE – If you are looking for a possible breakout performer this fall in NKY, keep your eyes on Champ. At 6-foot-3 and 210-pounds he could cause real havoc as a defensive end.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
State Champion (one) – 1983 (3A).
State Runner-up (one) – 1980 (3A).

2025 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/22/25 – at Madison Central (7-5 in 2024) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 08/29/25 – at Ryle (12-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/05/25 – LLOYD MEMORIAL (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/12/25 – NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC (9-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/19/25 – SIMON KENTON (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/26/25 – at Cooper (14-1) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/03/25 – BOONE COUNTY (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/10/25 – at Dixie Heights (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/17/25 – BYE
Fri – 10/24/25 – SCOTT (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/31/25 – at Henry Clay (1-10) – 7:30 PM

 

 

 

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