The third week of the Greater Cincinnati high school football season showcased intense competition amid warm weather, with teams making significant strides as they approach the midpoint of the regular season. As the season progresses, conference standings in Ohio are beginning to solidify, while in Kentucky, district contenders are starting to emerge.
One of the most notable games featured Newport Central Catholic (NewCath) and Boone County. The Rebels seemed poised for a historic start, leading 21-7 late in the first half thanks to a 45-yard touchdown pass from Asa LaGrand to Amare Newberry. However, NewCath quickly responded with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Parker Hurtt to Van Hundemer, narrowing the gap to 21-14 at halftime. The momentum shifted dramatically when Thomas Tweheus returned the second half kickoff for a touchdown, tying the game.
By the end of the third quarter, NewCath had turned the tables, leading 34-21, with a key defensive score from Will Stevie. NewCath head coach Terry Brown reflected on the team's resilience, stating, "We didn’t help ourselves too much with turnovers, kind of put ourselves in a hole... but we settled the ship a little bit." The victory marked a significant turnaround for NewCath, who had struggled in their previous games, and it was Brown’s first win since returning to his alma mater.
In another exciting matchup, Lakota East faced Oak Hills in a nail-biter that ended with a 31-28 victory for the Thunderhawks. After leading 31-7 at halftime, Lakota East found themselves in a precarious position as Oak Hills mounted a comeback. Lakota East head coach Jon Kitna opted for aggressive play-calling, trusting junior quarterback Nile Knutson, who threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Kitna praised his quarterback, saying, "He’s the best quarterback in the GMC." Despite the pressure, Lakota East held on for the win, showcasing their ability to withstand adversity.
Meanwhile, Goshen secured a 34-12 victory over Aiken, marking their first 3-0 start since 2017. The Warriors have been dominant, outscoring their opponents 123-19 over the first three games. Similarly, Lebanon also improved to 3-0 with a 34-20 win over West Clermont, driven by standout performances from running back Logan Schmenk, who has amassed 644 rushing yards in the season.
Badin High School continued its impressive run, defeating Edgewood 31-7. Junior running back Chase Even shone with a remarkable performance, rushing for 218 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Badin's defense also played a crucial role, forcing three turnovers and maintaining pressure on Edgewood's offense.
As the week concluded, several players emerged as top performers. Van Hundemer from NewCath contributed significantly with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown, while Knutson's performance for Lakota East solidified his status as a key player in the Greater Miami Conference. Other notable players included Kenyon Norman of Lakota West, who rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns, and Jacob Alexander of Indian Hill, who scored four touchdowns in a commanding win over New Richmond.
As teams prepare for the next round of games, the competitive landscape of Greater Cincinnati high school football continues to evolve, with several teams looking to maintain their unbeaten streaks and others aiming to bounce back from tough losses.
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