By Chad Hensley
NKyTribune sports reporter
Rick Honaker mimicked a famous line by Dorothy, the main character in “The Wizard of Oz,” when he accepted the head football coaching position at Campbell County High School.
A 1999 graduate of Campbell County, Honaker will find out if there’s truly “no place like home” during the 2026 season that begins Friday night when the Camels visit Scott for their annual Battle of the Bridge opening game.
“The goal of wanting to come home had always been in the shadows of my thoughts, but a coach once told me be where your feet are,” Honaker said. “As much as it will be about getting our guys ready to play, I will definitely take a moment to take it all in and realize the position I’ve been granted. Not too many people get to return to their first love and I absolutely love Campbell County football.”
Honaker spent most of his 23-year coaching career as an assistant on high school and college coaching staffs before taking charge of the Gallatin County team two years ago. In his new job, he’ll be trying to turn around a Campbell County program that has not had a winning season since 2018.
“I’m back home at the place that built me and allowed me to have the last 23 years coaching at the highest levels,” Honaker said. “I am now in charge of bringing those experiences back home so that I can pay forward what all my coaches gifted me. Being successful will be a byproduct of attention to detail and the willingness to sacrifice the me for the we.”
The “We Over Me” mentality helped the staff evaluate a plethora of players to fill key positions for the 2026 season. One of them is Xander Guy, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound junior quarterback. He will replace Lucas Anthrop, who passed for over 2,400 yards the last two seasons combined.
“Xander will be taking over the quarterback position with plenty of guys to spread the ball to,” Honaker said. “Our wide receiving corps have shown great promise with the ball in their hands. When we pair that with our stable of running backs, I feel our offense will be a tough scout. The most promising part is our offensive line that just live to work and will lead our charge.”
The pool of talented receivers includes junior Cade Anthrop, who led the team in receiving yards (604) and touchdowns (eight) last year. Ayden Earls was next in line with 456 receiving yards and six TDs.
The Camels’ experienced offensive line includes seniors Connor Abercrombie, Gavin Kremer, Max Mills and Jesse Ball along with junior Micha Creager.
All five of them have received interest from college coaches, according to the coach. Last year’s team averaged 245 yards per game with linemen providing blocking and pass protection up front.
The defensive unit also brings back seven starters, including junior linebacker Alex Riedinger, who led the Camels in total tackles (103), solo tackles (64), tackles for loss (10) and sacks (three).
“Our defense will be anchored at inside linebacker with Alex Riedenger and Lucas Grady, who are both juniors and just have a gift of getting to the ball,” Honaker said.
“Our secondary is in great hands with Cole Heisler getting us in and out of coverages and our front five with Max Cole setting the edge and some of our big seniors that will be pulling some double duty (on the line). I think our defense can provide that shot in the arm we need to play on the edge.”
Defense is the area Campbell County needs to improve on the most after allowing 419 yards and 39.2 points per game last season. The Camels will play the same 10 teams as last year during the regular season, including state powers like Highlands (4A), Cooper (5A), Lloyd Memorial (3A), Newport Central Catholic (1A) and Beechwood (2A).
Honaker knows his team has to put in extra work for the collective good of the team rather than individual success. His “We Over Me” has become the mantra since he took charge of the program.
“The only thing that I can say to our community is that as your new head football coach, I will never promise wins but what I can promise is that Friday nights are going to look different,” Honaker said. “You can expect a well-prepared, willing-to-fight football team that is willing to lay it on the line. As we grow our program and create an environment that all stake holders will be proud of, you will not want to miss Friday nights with your Camels.”
CAMPBELL COUNTY CAMELS
2025 SEASON: 3-8 record, lost to Louisville Ballard, 35-21, in first round of Class 6A playoffs.
STARTERS RETURNING: 7 offense, 7 defense.
DISTRICT: Class 6A, District 6 with Great Crossing, Ryle, Simon Kenton.
HEAD COACH: Rick Honaker (First year at Campbell County, 3-17 in two years at Gallatin County).
2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21 – at Scott, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 – PULASKI SOUTHWESTERN, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 – HIGHLANDS, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 – COOPER, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 – at Lloyd, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 – at Newport Central Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 – at Ryle, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 – SIMON KENTON, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 – at Great Crossing, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 30 – BEECHWOOD, 7 p.m.