By: Rick Broering (Cincinnati.com)
RYLE (5-7 last year) AT COVINGTON CATHOLIC (8-5)
WHERE/WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Friday at Wooten Field, Park Hills
WHAT TO EXPECT: Ryle started slow last year losing five of its first six games, but finished strong to end up 5-7. The Raiders are hoping to pick up where they left off last season in year two of the Mike Engler era. CovCath fans are anxious to see the new look Colonels after former Newport Central Catholic coach and Georgetown College offensive coordinator Eddie Eviston replaced Dave Wirth as the head coach in the offseason. Ryle beat CovCath 21-14 last season.
There's a lot of preseason buzz surrounding both teams' starting quarterbacks. Ryle junior Tanner Morgan, a transfer from Hazard, holds multiple Division-I scholarship offers and threw for over 4,800 yards and 56 touchdowns in his first two seasons at Hazard. CovCath sophomore AJ Mayer earned the starting job in summer camp by impressing his coaches and teammates. Most eyes will be focused on that matchup, but the battle in the trenches will likely be more pivotal to the outcome of this game. This is a good measuring stick for both programs to start the season; a lopsided score either way would be an impressive statement for the winning team.