High School Football Week 6 Recap: Rain Can’t Dampen Excitement in Cincinnati
This past week, Cincinnati’s high school football scene was shaken up as the second half of the 2024 season kicked off amid the remnants of Hurricane Helene. While many games faced delays and postponements, the action on the field was intense and thrilling.
The Thunderhawks took center stage with a commanding 50-23 victory over Middletown, propelling them back into a tie for first place in the conference alongside Princeton and Lakota West. Ryder Hooks was a standout, scoring three touchdowns. Quarterback J.T. Kitna showcased his skills with impressive passing touchdowns to Zion Neal and Patrick McFarlane. The Thunderhawks will face off against Lakota West on October 18.
Meanwhile, the Firebirds didn’t miss a beat, crushing Colerain 52-0 this week. The Rams managed a solid comeback, besting Fenwick 35-7 and marking their fourth consecutive win after a rough 0-2 start. Badin’s defense was remarkable, holding Fenwick scoreless until late in the game.
Another exciting match saw McNicholas defeat Chaminade Julienne 42-23, thanks to strong performances from Braden Bobo, who threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another, while Caleb Naumann scored three rushing touchdowns. The Rockets boast a five-game winning streak and now hold a record of 5-1.
In coaching news, Ryan Knigga, having graduated from Lawrenceburg in 1996, solidified his legacy by becoming the Tigers’ all-time winningest coach after a 24-0 victory over Batesville. The win marked Knigga’s 125th overall, surpassing his mentor Glenn Crocker’s previous record.
On an unexpected note, the Warriors, averaging a mere 4.4 points per game prior to this week, exploded in a 34-14 victory against New Richmond. They made a significant comeback, returning a kickoff for a touchdown that sealed the deal.
The Big Blue showcased their defensive prowess with a 34-0 win over Princeton, limiting the Vikings to just 46 total yards while snagging two interceptions. This win ended an eight-year drought against the Vikings.
The Knights bounced back impressively, dominating Lebanon with a score of 38-0. Carson Lindholm shone by rushing for 121 yards and scoring four touchdowns. With this win, Kings has now beaten Lebanon four out of the last five matchups.
The Spartans celebrated a 31-14 victory over Ross, thanks to a senior’s standout performance which included three touchdowns in just one half. The Wolves also had a fantastic showing, securing a 17-14 win over Turpin, highlighted by a stellar defensive effort and a career milestone for one of their star players.
As week six wraps up, the excitement in Cincinnati high school football continues to build, promising an electrifying second half of the season.