The NKyTribune is featuring players on each of the 21 high school football teams in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties leading up to the first games of the 2022 season on Aug. 19. We will then provide focused coverage of our local teams throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.
By Blake Lehmann
NKyTribune sports reporter
The Bellevue Tigers won only three games over the last three seasons and were outscored by 343 points last year. Returning players look to reverse those fortunes this season under new head coach David Brausch, who has turned other programs around during his 19-year career.
“Some of us are ready to win,” said senior Steven Meyers. “We want to dominate this year.”
Steven Meyers, No. 15, was a pass receiver for Bellevue last season, but he’ll be playing tailback his senior year. (Photo provided)
Meyers was a two-way starter at wide receiver and defensive back on last year’s team that posted a 1-10 record and lost in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs. As one of eight seniors on the current roster, he’s trying to instill a positive attitude in order to get better results.
“We need to communicate more and give it our all in order to improve from last year,” he said.
Meyers was the leading pass receiver on last year’s team, but the offense mostly relied on a rushing attack with two seniors — quarterback Logan Allen and running back Zach Noonchester — carrying the ball for a a combined total of 1,558 yards.
Since both of them graduated, Meyers will be playing a new role on offense this year. He’ll be replacing Noonchester at tailback.
Meyers garnered some experience at running back last season by rushing for 79 yards on 51 attempts. He’ll be getting the ball a lot if the new coach sticks with the team’s run-heavy offense. In 11 games last year, Noonchester picked up 754 yards on 195 carries and Allen netted 804 yards on 146 carries.
Steven Meyers
Meyers said that he’s confident in his ability to adjust in his new position. He actually has more experience playing in the backfield than as a wideout.
“I feel like I’d do better at running back than at receiver or tight end,” he said. “I don’t really know what I’m doing at receiver or tight end, but I’ve played running back my whole life, so I’m more comfortable there.”
On defense, Bellevue lost five of the top seven tacklers on last year’s unit that allowed 3,613 yards of offense and 40 points or more in nine games. Four of those players graduated and linebacker Jacob Sullivan transferred to Newport Central Catholic.
The top returning tacklers on last year’s list are Meyers and Aaron Vogt, who tallied 26 and 25 as defensive backs. They’re among the veteran defensive players determined to improve on last season’s stats.
The Tigers will face teams in higher classes in five of their first six games, suggesting that Brausch will take them through a trial by fire to get ready for three Class 1A district games that will determine seeds in the post-season playoffs.
BELLEVUE TIGERS
2021 SEASON: 1-10 record, lost in first round of Class 1A playoffs.
DISTRICT: Class 1A, District 4 with Dayton, Ludlow, Newport Central Catholic.
HEAD COACH: David Brausch (127-79 in 19 years at five schools, first year at Bellevue).
2022 SCHEDULE
Aug. 19 – HOLY CROSS, 7 p.m.
Aug. 26 – at Metcalfe County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1 – at Brossart, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 – at Magoffin County, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 – at Gallatin County, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 – NEWPORT, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 – DAYTON, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 – LUDLOW, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20 – NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC, 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 – at Holmes, 7 p.m.
Other NKyTribune prep football previews:
COOPER JAGUARS
HIGHLANDS BLUEBIRDS
CAMPBELL COUNTY CAMELS
HOLMES BULLDOGS
BROSSART MUSTANGS
COVINGTON CATHOLIC COLONELS
CONNER COUGARS
