The NKyTribune will be providing focused coverage of NKY high school football throughout the season, thanks to support from St. Elizabeth Healthcare Sports Medicine. See all of our pre-season features on each of NKY’s 21 high school football teams and follow our coverage, including roundups each week at Northern Kentucky High School Football.
Evan Merrill
NKy Tribune contributor
The Simon Kenton football team wasted no time showing off its potent offense in Friday’s 46-20 win over Cooper.
On the Pioneers’ first possession, senior quarterback Cameron Racke threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Fisher Hayden to take the lead and their team proceeded to generate 540 yards of total offense in the win that raised its record to 5-0.
“We’re dynamic,” Racke said. “We have a bunch of people that can put it in the end zone. “Wouldn’t be able to do it without the offensive line. They’re great. (We) appreciate them. They did their job (Friday) and took care of business.”
Racke completed 12 of 19 passes for 254 yards and five TDs behind the protection provided by the offensive line. The Pioneers also rushed for 273 yards with sophomore Jon Sergent picking up 140 and scoring twice.
“Players win games (and) we have players that work really hard,” SK coach Jeff Marksberry said. “Cam had a great performance (Friday). People underestimate his ability to throw the football. He threw five touchdowns (Friday). I’m just proud for him and what he’s done. Sergent stepped up. He’s a sophomore back that’s been getting rep after rep in practice. It was just a great team effort. I’m really proud of them.”
Cooper was averaging more than 500 yards per game on offense, but the Jaguars finished well below that number with 337. Senior quarterback Jarod Lonaker provided most of the offense, completing 16 of 36 passes for 219 yards and one TD.
Simon Kenton senior cornerback Trent Kincaid received the difficult task of defending Cooper senior wide receiver Dante Hendrix, who entered the game averaging 98 yards per game in receptions. Hendrix ended up catching five passes for 93 yards.
“That has really been fun to watch for three years,” Marksberry said of the matchup between the two players. “Dante won a couple battles (Friday), but we won the war.”
Simon Kenton and Ryle remained the only two undefeated teams in Northern Kentucky with wins on Friday. Cooper was right behind them in the local coaches poll this week so it was an important win for the Pioneers.
“It’s definitely a statement,” Racke said of the victory. “We made a statement (Friday), but other than that we’re 1-0 this week. And that’s all we’re worried about.”
The Pioneers are off to a 5-0 start for the fifth straight year, showcasing a level of consistency. The program has a 50-8 record over than five-year span.
“I’m proud of our kids, they’ve worked really hard,” coach Marksberry said. “We’ve battled a few injuries and faced adversity. Our kids just continue to come back and work. Our coaches work hard during the week to prepare our kids. Our kids just buy into what we do and they just play really hard and we’re talented. Players win games, they do all of the work.”
Despite their success in recent years, the Pioneers have not gotten as far as they would like in the Class 6A playoffs. They’re looking to change that this season.
“It’s hard to win. People don’t understand that sometimes,” Marksberry said. “There are really good players up here, good coaches and good teams. You have to play every week. Each week you know you’re going to get their best shots and that’s what we tell our kids. If we have a down week in practice, someone could get us. We focus really on going 1-0 each week and taking care of the little things.”
COOPER 0 13 7 0 — 20
SIMON KENTON 14 12 13 7 — 46
SK – Hayden 80 pass from Racke (Seger kick)
SK – Green 36 pass from Racke (Seger kick)
C – Jackson 6 run (Hollifield kick)
SK – Hampton 10 run (Seger kick)
SK – Sergent 8 pass from Racke (conversion failed)
C – Hendrix 29 pass from Lonaker (kick blocked)
SK – Vance 43 pass from Racke (conversion failed)
C – Jackson 8 run (Hollifield kick)
SK – Hayden 20 pass from Racke (Seger kick)
SK – Sergent 3 run (Seger kick)
RECORDS: Simon Kenton 5-0, Cooper 3-2