The NKyTribune is featuring each of the 21 high school football teams in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties leading up to the first games of the 2019 season on Aug. 23. We will then provide focused coverage of our local teams throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.
By Quinton Marksberry
NKyTribune contributor
The only sophomore in Beechwood’s starting lineup last season received the most valuable player award in the Class 1A state championship game for being the Tigers’ most effective offensive weapon in a 21-20 win over Pikeville.
Cameron Hergott rushed for 105 yards, scored a touchdown and completed 8 of 11 passes for 74 yards and two TDs in that victory to end his first year as a varsity starter in impressive fashion.
Junior quarterback Cameron Hergott is the only returning offensive starter for Beechwood. (Photo by Dale Dawn)
In a few weeks, Hergott will begin his junior season as the only returning offensive starter for the Tigers, who were moved up to Class 2A in a statewide realignment after winning an unprecedented 14 state titles in the small-school division.
Hergott expects the newcomers in Beechwood’s starting lineup to rise to the occasion and carry on the team’s proud winning tradition.
“I believe we have the guys to win every game going into a new district,” Hergott said. “We have a ton of leadership on the team, not just me.”
Beechwood will have mostly first-year starters on its defensive unit as well, but coach Noel Rash is looking forward to the challenge of being in a new district that includes Holy Cross, Newport and Lloyd.
“We are excited to play in this district and will welcome the competition that it brings for our team this year,” said Rash, who enters his 14th season as the Tigers’ head coach with a 147-37 record.
“We have a great group of young men, especially our senior class,” Rash added. “Most of them haven’t had a chance to play yet, and they’re ready to get the season started.”
Rash’s list of the most experienced seniors includes fullback/linebacker Josh Derry, tight end/defensive end Gage Dollenmeyer and wide receiver/safety Mason Williams. Derry started the first four games last year before a knee injury put him out of action. His return will put another veteran in the backfield with Hergott.
Hergott transferred to Beechwood last year to play for his uncle, Greg, the team’s offensive coordinator. With a veteran offensive line in front of him, the newcomer threw for 1,671 yards and 24 touchdowns in 14 games. He also rushed for 547 yards and seven TDs.
Confidence is the key for any starting quarterback. Despite his team’s overall lack of experience going into this season, Hergott believes in his abilities and wants to make another run at a state title.
“I want to bring another championship in our new district to show that we can still win even when we move up from 1A,” he said.
This is also an important season for Hergott in terms of college recruiting. His older brother, Austin, is a quarterback at Central Michigan University and he wants to play at the next level as well.
BEECHWOOD TIGERS
2018 SEASON: 12-2 record, won Class 1A state championship.
DISTRICT: Class 2A, District 6 with Holy Cross, Lloyd, Newport.
HEAD COACH: Noel Rash (147-37 in 13 seasons at Beechwood).
2019 SCHEDULE
Aug. 30 – vs. Paintsville at Georgetown College, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 6 – at Somerset, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 13 – CORBIN, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 – COVINGTON CATHOLIC, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 – CINCINNATI TAFT, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 – at Dixie Heights, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 – vs. Holy Cross at Thomas More University, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 – at Lloyd, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 – NEWPORT, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1 – NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC, 7:30 p.m.
Other NKyTribune prep football previews:
