A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

High school football coaches recognize outstanding players with Top 26 Awards at post-season banquet


By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter

Three high school football players who finished among the state’s statistical leaders in rushing, passing and receiving this season were among the recipients of Top 26 Awards at the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association’s annual banquet on Wednesday.

Each of the 20 teams in the association selected one player to receive an award and the coaches voted on six additional players to be recognized for having outstanding seasons.

Scott running back Quincy Perrin

The nominees included Scott senior running back Quincy Perrin, who rushed for 1,783 yards in 12 games for a 148.6 average that ranked 16th in the state. He also became the sixth Northern Kentucky player to surpass 5,000 rushing yards in his career.

Conner senior quarterback Jared Hicks and Holy Cross junior wide receiver Brandon McClendon are two Top 26 award-winners who had per-game averages that placed 10th in the state. Hicks passed for 2,756 yards in 12 games for a 229.6 average. McClendon caught 46 passes for 1,118 yards in 11 games for a 101.6 average.

Two seniors on the undefeated Covington Catholic team that won the Class 5A state championship received awards. Michael Mayer led the Colonels in scoring, pass receiving and tackles. Daniel Felix was the team’s leading rusher and finished second in both scoring and tackles.

Mayer was recruited by the University of Notre Dame. The other award-winners who have made college commitments are Brycen Huddleston of Highlands (Eastern Michigan) and Kaleal Davis of Newport (Indiana State).

Eddie Eviston of CovCath received the Bob Schneider Coach of the Year Award for the third consecutive season. His teams have compiled 44-1 record and claimed two state championships over that three-year span.

Jesse Herbst of Dayton received the Owen Hauck Award as coach of the team that showed the most improvement. In his first year as head coach, Dayton posted a 4-7 record to finish with the most wins in the last 12 years.

Jon Hopkins of Holmes was named Assistant Coach of the Year. He has been with the Bulldogs’ football program for 17 seasons and helped the 2019 team post an 8-4 record.

The coaches association will select three finalists for the Brian Williams “That’s My Boy” Award that goes to the top student-athlete in Northern Kentucky high school football each year. The winner of that award will be announced at the Greater Cincinnati National Football Foundation banquet in February.

NKFCA TOP 26 PLAYER AWARDS

Beechwood – Blake Shepherd
Bellevue –
Gunner Barnes
Bishop Brossart –
Devin Carson
Boone County –
Bruce Chenot
Campbell County –
Casey Rauch
Conner – Noah Benza, Jared Hicks
Cooper –
Anthony Witschey, Bryan Yelton
CovCath –
Daniel Felix, Michael Mayer
Dayton – Jordan Marksberry
Dixie Heights –
Jeremy Adams
Highlands – Jacob Brass, Brycen Huddleston
Holmes –
Damario Foster
Holy Cross – Brandon McClendon
Lloyd – Isaac Abdon
Ludlow – Ian Vallandingham
Newport –
Kaleal Davis
NewCath –
Paul Kremer, Caleb Jefferson
Ryle –
Kyle England
Scott – Quincy Perrin
Simon Kenton – Jack Milton, Vuk Sajlovic

COACHES AWARDS

Bob Schneider Coach of the Year – Eddie Eviston (CovCath)
Owen Hauck Award – Jesse Herbst (Dayton)
Assistant Coach of the Year – Jon Hopkins (Holmes)


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