With the postseason fast approaching, Northern Kentucky’s top teams are making their final push for district titles, playoff positioning and championship momentum. From a thrilling interstate showdown in Fort Thomas to unbeaten teams continuing their dominance, Week 8 delivered plenty of memorable moments.
Three Northern Kentucky programs remain among the best in the region in the latest Blitz 5 Top 25 presented by TriStateFootball.com, with #8 Highlands, #13 Beechwood and #15 Covington Catholic leading the way.
Here’s a look at the latest news and notes from around Northern Kentucky heading into Week 9.
HIGHLANDS PROVES IT BELONGS WITH THE BEST
Despite suffering a heartbreaking 30-27 loss to #7 Elder, #8 Highlands (6-2) showed it can compete with some of the region’s top programs.
The Bluebirds jumped out to a 9-0 lead, fell behind 20-9 and rallied to regain the advantage in a back-and-forth battle. Kai Anderson’s field goal tied the game at 27 with 1:18 remaining, but Elder answered with a 30-yard game-winning field goal by Tyler Homan with just four seconds left.
Quarterback Bryce Armstrong threw for 220 yards and a touchdown while adding 76 rushing yards and another score. John Feldbruegge was his favorite target, hauling in five receptions for 168 yards and a touchdown.
Highlands has dropped two games this season, both against quality Greater Cincinnati competition. The Bluebirds will look to get back on track Friday when they host Mason County (5-3).
BEECHWOOD CONTINUES DOMINANT RUN
There appears to be no slowing down #13 Beechwood (7-0). The Tigers rolled past St. Henry 62-0 last Friday, scoring 28 first-quarter points and building a 49-0 halftime advantage.
Beechwood has outscored its three district opponents by a combined score of 188-7, further establishing itself as one of Kentucky’s top Class 2A contenders.
Nathan Pabst and Tyler Fryman have been an unstoppable combination, accounting for 35 touchdowns through seven games. Pabst has found the end zone 20 times, while Fryman has scored 15 touchdowns.
Quarterback Emmett Queen completed 10-of-13 passes for 213 yards and four touchdowns against St. Henry, while Fryman added six receptions for 124 yards and two scores.
The Tigers will look to remain perfect when they host winless Gallatin County (0-7) on Friday.
MILLER SHINES DESPITE COVCATH SETBACK
#15 Covington Catholic (4-4) came up just short in a 28-20 loss at Indianapolis Cathedral, but sophomore running back Kiyan Miller continued his remarkable season.
Miller carried 36 times for 163 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 971 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns through eight games.
The Colonels held a 14-13 halftime lead and pulled within a point late in the fourth quarter before Cathedral ultimately secured the victory.
Despite the .500 record, CovCath has faced one of the more challenging schedules in the area. The Colonels will look to build momentum for the postseason when they travel to Harrison County (0-7) this Friday.
DAYTON’S DREAM SEASON ROLLS ON
Dayton is enjoying one of the best starts in school history, improving to 7-0 with a convincing 42-6 victory over Bellevue.
The Greendevils were in control from the opening half, racing to a 36-0 advantage behind another outstanding performance from Malachi Kennedy.
Kennedy rushed for 154 yards and scored four first-half touchdowns, including an interception return for a score. He has now rushed for 818 yards this season, while teammate Kaden Anderson has added 638 yards on the ground.
The unbeaten Greendevils face their biggest test yet on Friday when Newport Central Catholic comes to town for an important Class 1A district showdown. Dayton is seeking its first victory over NewCath since 1998.
DIXIE HEIGHTS FINDING ITS STRIDE
After a difficult start to the season, Dixie Heights (3-5) has positioned itself for a meaningful finish.
The Colonels rolled past Conner 44-8 on Thursday night behind another huge performance from senior running back Levi Gilliland, who rushed for 142 yards and four touchdowns.
Gilliland has been one of Northern Kentucky’s hottest offensive players, piling up 724 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns over his last four games. He enters Week 9 with 904 rushing yards on the season.
Quarterback Brycen Schatzman also delivered a strong performance, completing 15-of-18 passes for 210 yards.
Dixie Heights has won two of its first three district contests, keeping its hopes of securing a home playoff game alive.
HOLY CROSS MAKES DISTRICT STATEMENT
Holy Cross (5-2) made an emphatic statement in Class 1A, District 4 with a 41-14 victory over Bishop Brossart.
Quarterback Brian Ferguson accounted for four touchdowns, three rushing and one passing, as the Indians snapped a two-game losing streak.
Xavier Thornberry provided an immediate spark with a kickoff return for a touchdown to open the game, while the Holy Cross defense forced three turnovers.
The Indians have put themselves in a favorable position in the district race, with critical games still ahead.
MORE NKY NEWS & NOTES
- Ryle: The Raiders edged Campbell County 13-6 in their district opener. Running back Cruze Sauley rushed for 154 yards, while the defense helped preserve the victory. Ryle faces another important test Friday when Great Crossing visits.
- Lloyd Memorial: The Juggernauts earned a hard-fought 14-7 victory over Henry County. Colten Barger rushed for 152 yards and a touchdown, while Lincoln Tomlinson recorded 18 tackles. Lloyd remains firmly in the Class 3A postseason picture.
- Newport Central Catholic: The Thoroughbreds kept possession of the Firemen’s Bell with a 17-6 comeback victory over Newport. NewCath now turns its attention to unbeaten Dayton in a pivotal district matchup.
- Walton-Verona: The Bearcats improved to 5-2 with a 58-0 victory over Gallatin County. With games against Owen County and St. Henry remaining, Walton-Verona has an opportunity to strengthen its postseason position.
- Scott: Senior Samuel Ishmael turned in one of the area’s top defensive performances with 22 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery in the Eagles’ 43-21 win over Boone County.
- Holmes: The Bulldogs picked up their second victory of the season with a 14-13 win over Ohio County. After enduring a 26-game losing streak from 2023-25, Holmes has now won four of its last 13 contests.
WEEK 9 GAMES TO WATCH
Several important district matchups highlight the upcoming schedule:
- Newport Central Catholic at Dayton
- Great Crossing at Ryle
- Simon Kenton at Campbell County
- Ludlow at Bishop Brossart
- Bracken County at St. Henry (Thursday)
Meanwhile, #8 Highlands hosts Mason County, #13 Beechwood welcomes Gallatin County and #15 Covington Catholic travels to Harrison County.
With the postseason picture becoming clearer each week, Northern Kentucky teams are running out of opportunities to improve their playoff positioning. For some, the focus is on protecting perfect records. For others, it’s about finding the momentum needed to make a postseason run.
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