Round-Up: Simon Kenton Beats Dixie
The third week of action in Northern Kentucky was headlined by a showdown between Kenton County rivals, Simon Kenton and Dixie Heights.
Both teams entered Friday evening undefeated, but something had to give. The Pioneers put up a strong effort in their home opener, pulling away for their second victory of the season.
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We look back at a busy night of football in the Bluegrass State with a recap of some of the night's best games:
SIMON KENTON 49, DIXIE HEIGHTS 28
The Simon Kenton Pioneers defeated the Dixie Heights Colonels on the road on the strength of five Miles Simpson touchdowns and a solid night from quarterback Chad Lawrence as they won 49-28.
Simpson, who has been battling an ankle injury, rushed for 186 yards a week after carrying the ball just seven times for 31 yards.
The Pioneers, ranked second in the latest QueenCityHigh.com Northern Kentucky Rankings, struck first as Lawrence connected with Simpson for a 25-yard touchdown pass.
Simon Kenton would add two more scores early in the second quarter. The first on a 55-yard touchdown pass from Lawrence to Ryan Winkler and the second on a 27-yard run by Simpson.
The Colonels didn't do themselves any favors, committing turnovers on three straight possessions during the first half. They finally got on the scoreboard when Ryan Wilson found Josh Raleigh on 9-yard pass.
Simon Kenton answered right back though as Miles Simpson took a 55-yard run to the house.
Wilson would lead Dixie back down the field hitting Ben Haggerty for 29-yard pass for a touchdown and the Colonels would end the half trailing 28-14.
Dixie Heights struck first in the second half on another Wilson to Haggerty scoring play.
Simon Kenton would pull away from there, outscoring Dixie 21-7 down the stretch, including two more Simpson touchdowns.
Lawrence finished the night with 201 yards passing and 119 yards rushing. His counterpart, Wilson, ended up throwing for 323 yards and three scores in the loss.
HIGHLANDS 48, BEECHWOOD 20
The Highlands Bluebirds moved to 3-0 in convincing fashion as they beat Beechwood 48-20 in a battle of defending state champions Friday night in Ft. Mitchell.
Quarterback Will Bardo led the way for the Bluebirds, who are ranked atop our latest Northern Kentucky Rankings. The senior completed 15 of his 25 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns.
Classmate Nick Buten was the recipient of many of Bardo's targets as he pulled in seven catches for 165 yards, including two touchdowns.
Running back Austin Collinsworth added 161 yards rushing and two more scores on just eight carries.
The Bluebirds outgained the Tigers with 514 yards of total offense to 295.
Beechwood, who entered the week ranked eighth in Northern Kentucky, falls to 0-2 and have now surrendered 95 points through two games.
SCOTT COUNTY 30, BOONE COUNTY 14
The Boone County Rebels fell in their home opener, losing to Scott County 30-14.
The Rebels, known for their power running attack, got a taste of their own medicine as Scott County compiled 380 rushing yards.
Running back Brooks Barber ran for two touchdowns and did the bulk of the damage for Scott County, including 96 yards in the first quarter alone.
Boone County, who came into the week ranked sixth in our Northern Kentucky rankings, had their chances. However, costly turnovers and poor tackling doomed them in on this night.
Senior quarterback Nate Alford passed for one touchdown and ran for another in the loss for the Rebels.
HOLMES 24, BELLEVUE 8
The Holmes Bulldogs moved to 2-0 with an impressive 24-8 road win over the Bellevue Tigers on Friday night.
Sophomore running back Greg Clemons led the way for the Bulldogs, finishing with 132 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns.
Bellevue's only score came on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Richard Willis to Mike Rankin in the first quarter.