By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Covington Catholic will kick off the 50th anniversary season of its football program on Friday with a home game against Ryle at its newly renovated stadium.
CovCath senior AJ Mayer will begin his third season as the team’s starting quarterback on Friday. (Photo by Bob Jackson)
A ceremony to officially dedicate Dennis Griffin Stadium will begin at 7 p.m. with the game scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.
The $2.6 million stadium renovation project included a new front entrance, press box and stands. The synthetic grass field was also replaced and permanent lighting was installed to enable a full season of Friday night home games for the first time since CovCath started its football program in 1967.
The stadium project was partially funded by a $200,000 NFL Foundation Grassroots Grant.
Friday’s game will be a showdown between two of the top teams in Northern Kentucky. CovCath has a strong senior class led by quarterback A.J. Mayer and linebacker Kam Butler. Ryle has most of the starters back from last year’s 12-1 season, including senior running back Jake Chisholm.
This is the fifth straight year the two teams have met during the regular season. Ryle won the last three games, including a 31-13 victory last August that launched a perfect 10-0 regular season for the Raiders.
“Last year is done and over with,” said Ryle coach Mike Engler. “We don’t even think about last year. All we’re looking at now is CovCath and going out and performing our best this week. CovCath is a much improved football team and it’ll be a super challenge for us.”
Tickets at the gate for Friday’s game will be $4 for students and $6 for adults. Live play-by-play coverage will be provided on CovCath Internet Radio and local radio stations ESPN 1530 and FOXSports 1360.
There are 11 games involving local teams on this week’s high school football schedule. The match-ups are listed below. Five local teams have their season opening games scheduled for next weekend, including defending Class A state champion Beechwood.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
Dixie Heights at Campbell County, 7 p.m.
Highlands at Cooper, 7:30 p.m.
Ryle at Covington Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow at Carroll County, 7 p.m.
Newport Central Catholic at Scott, 7 p.m.
Holy Cross at Pikeville, 7:30 p.m.
Bellevue at Nicholas County, 7 p.m.
Simon Kenton at Meade County, 7:30 p.m.
Walton-Verona at East Jessamine, 6 p.m.
Lloyd vs. West Jessamine at East Jessamine, 8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY ‘S GAME
Dayton vs. Brossart at Campbell County, 7 p.m.
