Prep Football Stats Report: CovCath backfield duo generating nearly 400 offensive yards per game

By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter

Containing a balanced Covington Catholic offense that’s averaging 452 yards and 44 points per game is the challenge Highlands will face in the annual showdown between the Class 5A district rivals on Friday in Ft. Thomas.

The undefeated Colonels are the No. 1 team in statewide power rankings after winning seven games by an average margin of 32.2 points. In their four wins against Kentucky opponents the average margin was 38.2.

CovCath quarterback Caleb Jacob slips a handoff to running back Casey McGinness. (Photo by Bob Jackson)

Based on season statistics posted by local teams on the khsaa.org website, CovCath sophomore quarterback Caleb Jacob is the leading passer in Northern Kentucky and his senior teammate Casey McGinness ranks first in both rushing and scoring. Those two players have generated a combined total of 391 offensive yards per game.

McGinness has provided 1,140 rushing yards and 120 points for the Colonels. This is the third consecutive year he has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and now holds team records for most career rushing yards and touchdowns.

Jacob has passed for 1,603 and 16 touchdowns in his first year as a varsity starter. A veteran offensive line and talented pass receivers have a lot to do with his success. CovCath junior tight end Michael Mayer and senior wide receiver Jack Coldiron are major college recruits who rank among the top pass receivers in Northern Kentucky.

Campbell County senior Reid Jolly continues to lead the area in pass receiving. He has caught 51 passes for 759 yards and six TDs. He’s closing in on the Northern Kentucky single-season record of 77 receptions set by Mike Setters of Ryle in 1999.

Bellevue senior Will Ryan became his team’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2012 in a game against Newport two weeks ago. Ryan sat out last week’s game against Beechwood with a shoulder injury and may return to action this Friday against Dayton.

Dayton had to forfeit its game against Ludlow last week because several players were sidelined by injuries. Bellevue coach Woody McMillen said he received word that Dayton will play the annual Battle for the Paddle game at Bellevue this Friday. This will be the 143rd game between the two teams, one of the longest running series in Kentucky high school football.

Here are the top offensive players in Northern Kentucky compiled by the NKyTribune. Two teams had to be excluded — Boone County and Dixie Heights — because they did not have up-to-date statistics posted on the khsaa.org website.