By Ben Miller
NKyTribune sports reporter
After scoring just one touchdown in back-to-back losses, Newport Central Catholic’s offense finally broke through Friday during a 55-28 win at Boone County.
It was the Thoroughbreds’ first win under new head coach Terry Brown, who spent the past several months laying the foundation for a new identity within the program.
“It’s a lot of weight off my shoulders and off my chest,” Brown said. “I knew eventually it was going to come, and like I tell the kids all the time, wins will come if you take care of the small things.”
It was the first loss of the season for Boone County. The Rebels built a 21-7 lead on a pair of TD runs by Steven Johnson and a 45-yard scoring pass from Asa LaGrand to Amare Newberry, but the momentum shifted.
The Thoroughbreds scored late in the second quarter to pull within 21-14 at halftime and Thomas Twehues returned the second-half kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown that made it 21-20.
After that big play, NewCath’s offense found rhythm, the defense tightened up, and the team played with a confidence that had been missing in the season’s first two weeks.
NewCath senior running back Vander Hundemer delivered a three touchdown performance. His physical running style and consistency provided stability for an offense that had been searching for a spark.
“Van is a captain for us,” Brown said. “We get those productions from him week in and week out. He has been our solid horse offensively, and he is just a workhorse for us. He’s getting 27 carries a game, and he grinds and grinds and grinds.”
Hundemer credited his offensive line for making his big night possible, pointing to the trust and chemistry built within the group.
“I look up and I see my offensive line, and I know I’m safe,” Hundemer said. “I trust them my whole life.”
NewCath’s defense scored twice on fumble returns by Will Stevie and Garry Rowland in the second half. Rowland also made it to the end zone on a 70-yard run.
BOONE COUNTY 14 7 0 7 — 28
NEWCATH 7 7 21 20 — 55
BC — Johnson 12 run (Ordu kick)
BC — Johnson 3 run (Ordu kick)
NC — V. Hundemer 2 run (Max Meyer kick)
BC — Newberry 45 pass from LaGrand (Ordu kick)
NC — Hundemer 19 pass from Parker Hurtt (Meyer kick)
NC — Twehues 80 kickoff return (kick failed)
NC — Hundemer 8 run (Meyer kick)
NC — Stevie 25 fumble return (kick failed)
NC — P. Hundemer 4 run (Meyer kick)
NC — Rowland 2 fumble return (Meyer kick)
NC — Rowland 70 run (Meyer kick)
BC — Crager pass from Chiasson (Ordu kick)
RECORDS: Boone County 2-1, NewCath 1-2.