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2025 Snapshot: Beechwood

Beechwood LB Brody Aylor (photo by: Chris Granger/X: @regnargc)

In 2024, Kentucky small school powerhouse Beechwood captured its 18th state title in school history and seventh in the last nine years. With promising senior and junior classes returning the Tigers run doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. This squad won’t rest its laurels and looks to build upon the 10-game winning streak they have heading into 2025.

Getting back to the mountain top isn’t going to be easy with having to replace seven starters on offense and five on defense. ”We graduated almost all of our offensive production. We will need to transition to a new quarterback, new offensive line, and new skill players,” head coach Jay Volker states.

For the past decade this program has reloaded as well as anyone on a yearly basis. The Tigers have voids but envious talent to fill them. Volker is going to make sure this team more than taps into and doesn’t waste its potential. “We expect to win every game. This comes from relentless preparation in the offseason. A high level of effort, accountability, and brotherhood.”

Beechwood Head Coach Jay Volker (photo by: Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Class 2A, District 5
2024 RECORD: 14-1, 5-0 Class 2A, District 5
COACH: Jay Volker (26-3 at Beechwood, two years; 29-19 overall, four years)

TOP RETURNEES
Colson Lair, Sr, K – A special teams weapon who can knock down a field goal from 50-plus yards and  consistently turn his kickoffs into touchbacks (and that is huge for a defense, especially when your team scores 101 touchdowns like Beechwood did in 2024). Lair has 181 points on 166/173 extra points and 5/9 field goals in his career.

Beechwood K Colson Lair (photo by: Chris Granger/X: @regnargc)

Brody Aylor, Sr, RB/LB – Blossomed on defense as a junior with his ability to cover sideline to sideline. Aylor was third on the team with 59 tackles despite missing the last four games of the playoffs. He will also be a key contributor on offense with his 20+ MPH speed. Aylor has 442 yards rushing and eight offensive touchdowns (seven rush, one rec) in his career.  

Austin Stephenson, Sr, DL – Transferred in from Conner before last season and anchored a defensive line that limited opponents to under 16 points per game. Volker is looking for Stephenson to take the next step on defense and to help out on the o-line as well.  

Carson Eshelman, Sr, OL – The only returning starter on the offensive line and one who was was a huge part of the Tigers success last year. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Eshelman has the ability to play every position on the offensive line.

Tyler Fryman, Jr, WR/DB – A Louisville baseball commit who is an absolute playmaker and will be a Power 4 football recruit/player if he decides to go that route. Fryman started on both sides of the ball as a freshman and sophomore but a broken collar bone limited his action last fall. He has 64 receptions, 1,351 yards receiving (21.1 yards/rec), 261 yards rushing, 23 touchdowns (14 rec, eight rush, one FR) and five takeaways (three INT, two FRs) in his career.

Beechwood WR Tyler Fryman (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Nathan Pabst, Jr, WR/DB – Another Tigers playmaker with serious speed. Pabst will play slot, running back and cornerback. As a sophomore he found the end zone 12 times (five rec, three rush, two KR, two IR) with multiple scores four different ways. The Tigers staff won’t be surprised if, and honestly expects Pabst’s touchdown numbers to double in 2025.

Caleb Arrasmith, Jr, WR/DB – Started at safety last season and finished with 46 tackles and a pick-six (his third career interception). Arrasmith’s usage on offense will increase this year and he should have a campaign year on both sides of the ball.  

Bo Sowder, Jr, TE/LB – The Tigers are expecting a huge year out of Sowder who came on late in 2024. He finished with 37 tackles, 3.0 sacks and 13.0 tackles for losses. Sowder has a 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame that can move. He will be a force on defense and can line up anywhere on offense.

NEWCOMERS
Kyle Shaw, Jr, OL/DL – A freak injury ruined Shaw’s sophomore season. He has the ability to impact the game on both sides.

Chase McDaniel, Jr, DE – Has gained 30 pounds this offseason and still runs 20+ MPH. Beechwood is expecting a huge season from McDaniel on the defensive side of the ball, especially as a pass rusher.

Emmett Queen, Jr, QB – Will take over at quarterback replacing one of the state’s best ever, Chase Harney. A transfer from Covington Catholic, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Queen has an offer from Toledo.

Jacob Ross, Sr, OL/DL – A transfer from Conner, the 6-foot-1, 260-pound lineman has the talent to become a starter on both sides of the ball. He has 26 tackles and a sack in 11 games over the past two seasons.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
State Champion (18) – 2024 (2A), 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)

2025 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/22/25 – BYE
Fri – 08/29/25 – at Newport Central Catholic (9-4 in 2024) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/05/25 – at Dixie Heights (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/12/25 – SIMON KENTON (4-7) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/19/25 – COVINGTON CATHOLIC (11-3) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/26/25 – OWEN COUNTY (6-5) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/03/25 – at Walton-Verona (5-6)  – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/10/25 – ST. HENRY DISTRICT (N/A) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/17/25 – at Gallatin County (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/24/25 – BRACKEN COUNTY (2-8) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/31/25 – CAMPBELL COUNTY (2-9) – 7:00 PM

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