By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Mayfield has been a major roadblock in the postseason playoffs for Northern Kentucky high school football teams. Over the last 10 years, the Cardinals were 7-0 against local opponents in state semifinal and championship games on both the Class 1A and 2A levels.
That streak started with five wins against Beechwood and the Tigers would like to be ones who end it Friday in a Class 2A semifinal game at Mayfield. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. local time, which is 6:30 p.m. in Mayfield.
Beechwood (8-5) will be making a 320-mile road trip for Friday’s game. Mayfield (12-1) gets to play at home for being the top-seeded team remaining in the Class 2A playoff bracket.
Covington Catholic (13-0) is the top seed in the Class 5A playoffs and will play a semifinal game at home against Bowling Green (9-3) at 6 p.m. Friday.
Mayfield was runner-up in the Class 2A state playoffs the last two years and the seniors on coach Joe Morris’ roster want another shot at the title. Beechwood’s lineup has mostly first-year starters who saw limited action during last year’s march to a third consecutive Class 1A state championship.
But the Tigers’ most experienced player, junior quarterback Cameron Hergott, said he’s not worried about how his young teammates will perform in the semifinal game against one of the state’s perennial powers.
“I would’ve been earlier in the season, but I think we’ve matured a lot,” Hergott said last Friday following a 42-7 win over West Carter in the regional finals. “After this win, I think our confidence is boosted a lot, so we should be all right.”
Hergott has provided 70 percent of Beechwood’s offensive yardage this season. In addition to passing for 1,976 yards and 14 touchdowns, he’s the team’s leading rusher with 718 yards and 12 TDs.
The veteran quarterback is operating behind an offensive line that includes four seniors and two sophomores. The Tigers’ leading pass receiver is senior Mason Williams, followed by two sophomores. One of their 10th grade classmates, Avery Courtney, is the team’s second leading rusher.
“Sophomores have been big for us, but the senior class are the ones who have led them and taught them what to do,” said Beechwood coach Noel Rash. “I don’t want to take anything away from the sophomores, but it’s the seniors who showed them how to do things the right way.”
On defense, the Tigers often have five seniors and six underclassmen in their lineup. They’ll be trying to contain a Mayfield offense that’s averaging 416 yards and 46 points per game behind senior quarterback Jayden Stinson, who has passed for 3,317 yards and 46 touchdowns.
“We’ll go out and lay it all on the line,” coach Rash said. “I know one thing our kids will do, they’ll play their hearts out and represent the school well.”
Bowling Green comes into the Class 5A semifinals averaging 305 yards and 33 points per game, but the Purples will be facing a CovCath defense that has outscored its first three playoff opponents, 115-0, in the first half to instigate a running clock in each game.
CovCath senior Michael Mayer is a two-way starter at linebacker and tight end. The Notre Dame recruit and Mr. Kentucky football candidate leads the team in tackles (82), yards receiving (807) and points scored (104).
Daniel Felix is also having a good season on both sides of the ball for the Colonels. He has rushed for 683 yards, scored 98 points and ranks second in tackles with 61.
Bowling Green defeated South Oldham 28-14, in last week’s regional final. The Purples rushed for 238 of their 306 yards in that game with junior Javeius Burton picking up 145 on 23 carries and scoring two touchdowns. The team’s starting quarterback is junior Conner Cooper, who has passed for 1,314 yards and 15 touchdowns in 11 games with just six interceptions.
Friday’s state semifinal games
CLASS 1A
Paintsville at Kentucky Country Day, 7:30 p.m.
Louisville Holy Cross at Pikeville, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 2A
Beechwood at Mayfield, 7:30 p.m.
Breathitt County at Somerset, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 3A
Taylor County vs. Bell County, 7:30 p.m.
Belfry at Louisville DeSales, 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 4A
Louisville Central at Boyle County, 7:30 p.m.
Madisonville-North Hopkins at Johnson Central, 6 p.m.
CLASS 5A
Bowling Green at Covington Catholic, 6 p.m.
Owensboro at Fredrick Douglass, 6 p.m.
CLASS 4A
Lexington Tates Creek at Louisville Male, 7 p.m.
Louisville Trinity at North Hardin, 7:30 p.m.
State championship games at University of Kentucky
Friday, Dec. 6 — Class 1A, 2 p.m.; Class 3A, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Class 2A, 1 p.m.; Class 4A, 4:30 p.m.; Class 5A, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8 — Class 6A, 2 p.m.