Prep Football Previews: Newport aims for higher goal after getting to region finals last two seasons

By Jake Dickman
NKyTribune sports reporter

If the past two seasons were any indication of the trajectory the Newport football tam is on, then it might not be too crazy to start dreaming of greater success.

Since Newport alum Paul Wiggins Jr. took over in 2024, the team has become a real contender at the Class 1A level, not just in Northern Kentucky, but statewide. As the Wildcats ready for Wiggins’ third season at the helm, the sky may truly be the limit.

A 9-3 record in his first year saw the Wildcats fall short to Kentucky Country Day, 14-12, in the region finals. While the Wildcats’ record regressed to 8-5 last season, they returned to the region final and lost to Kentucky Country Day once again. KCD went on to win the state championship.

“The schedule is going to be the same, so it’s going to be some challenges on that,” Wiggins said of this season. “But we hope that gives us that character and strength to win those playoff games.”

The downside for Newport is losing some key players who helped win playoff games. Most notably, running back Kendall Buck-Barber, who ran for over 1,200 yards and scored 12 touchdowns as a senior.

But Wiggins feels as though he has the perfect player to replace Buck-Barber.

“Damarco Jackson: You might see him wearing my headset at some point,” Wiggins said with a laugh. “Damarco is a really high IQ player, and he brings a lot to the table just by himself. He can do a little bit of everything.”

Last year, Jackson reeled in 23 catches for 468 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. Wiggins plans to take him to the next level by playing him anywhere possible.

“You’re probably going to see him in the slot,” said Wiggins. “You’re probably going to see him out wide, and you’re definitely going to see him in the backfield.”

Senior linebacker Sean Hurry is someone the coach considers “a pillar to build this team on.” Last fall, Hurry posted team-highs in tackles (86), tackles for loss (23) and sacks (6).

“Sean is just a hard-nosed player in general and a good leader,” Wiggins said. “Leading up to the season, he’s already holding guys accountable and pushing people.”

Continuity was hard to come by for the Wildcats last season. They got off to a 3-4 start then won five in a row before the season-ending loss in the playoffs. All five losses came by margins of 20 points or more.

Wiggins expects better continuity this year with three-year starters Gontay Waller, Donovan Craig and Julius Chambers-Sims on the offensive and defensive lines.

There’s also continuity in the backfield with Jaden Conley returning at quarterback. Hey began last season as the back-up before taking the reins during in the first district game. After the switch, Conley led the Wildcats to a 5-1 finish.

“He did really well for a guy who’s never been there before,” Wiggins said. “So, we hope that experience pays dividends.”