How big transfers, graduations and coaching changes reach some small school football teams

A new season of high school football begins in the coming weeks and practices and scrimmages have been helping teams get ready for the 2024 year. Some teams are rolling with new coaches, some with key departures from graduation, some with transfers into starting roles and some with former impact starters transferring out of the school.

Before the season gets underway, here are some question areas that small schools in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will face in the new season. In this case, small school means Divisions IV-VII in Ohio and Classes 1A-4A in Kentucky.

More: Fall in love with the Enquirer’s 2024 high school sports preseason coverage

What challenges does Beechwood face in getting back to the state finals?

After winning three consecutive state championships from 2020-2022, Beechwood finished 12-2 last season as the Tigers fell to playoff rival Mayfield 31-28 in the Class 2A state semifinals. Beechwood hasn’t missed consecutive state championship games since failing to reach the final week from 2009-2014.

The Tigers scored 666 points in 14 games last season, averaging over 47 points per game while allowing just 204 points overall, or just over 14 points per game. Beechwood’s offense should again be a powerhouse with returners like quarterback Clay Hayden and top three scorers Luke Erdman, Chase Flaherty and Tyler Fryman.

Second-year head coach Jay Volker will have to work a bit more magic on defense where the Tigers lose all-star contributors like Xavier Campbell and Talon Linder. Nothing is guaranteed in a football season, but Beechwood’s enormous track record of playoff success seems likely to have another successful chapter added in 2024.

Can Lloyd Memorial make more noise in Class 3A?

Former Class 2A foe Lloyd Memorial could face similar questions. The Juggernauts went 10-4 in 2022, falling to Beechwood in…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-transfers-graduations-coaching-changes-222826442.html

Author : Cincinnati.com | The Enquirer

Publish date : 2024-08-09 22:28:26

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