Bluegrass Preps All-State Team

SIXTH ANNUAL ALL BLUEGRASSPREPS.COM TEAM

OFFENSE
QB - Mike Thomas, Elizabethtown
RB - Deuce Finch, Saint Xavier
RB - Tim Phillips, Trinity
RB - Miles Simpson, Simon Kenton
WR - Chris Gohman, Elizabethtown
TE - Daniel Vogelsang, Lexington Catholic
OL – Adam Dempsey, Highlands
OL - Seth Harvey, Saint Xavier
OL - Robbie Logan, Raceland
OL - Samuel Simpson, Henry Clay
OL – Larry Warford, Madison Central
P/K - Monte Merrick, Bell County

DEFENSE
DL – Mister Cobble, Central
DL – Trevor Foy, Saint Xavier
DL – Roy Philon, Bryan Station
DL - Kody Rosenhagen, Highlands
LB - Josh Carter, Fort Campbell
LB - Ichiro Chiba, Oldham County
LB - Jordan Whiting, Trinity
LB – Ridge Wilson, Central
DB – Courtney Dalcourt, Franklin-Simpson
DB - Justin Green, Male
DB – D. J. Hall, Saint Xavier
DB - Yante Williams, Owensboro


ATHLETES
ATH - Antonio Andrews, Fort Campbell
ATH - Jordan Aumiller, Boyle County
ATH - Tevin Barksdale, Bowling Green
ATH – Jamarielle Brown, Lone Oak
ATH - Austin Collinsworth, Highlands
ATH - Channing Fugate, Breathitt County
ATH – Shenard Holton, Warren East
ATH - Dominic Mainello, Beechwood
ATH - Zack McCarthy, Bullitt East
ATH - Scott Radcliff, Trinity
ATH - Chase Richardson, Johnson Central
ATH - Tyrrell Willis, Calloway County


PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jordan Whiting, Trinity

Jr Pro football statistics

Click here to view a compilation of fifth- and sixth-grade Crittenden County Junior Pro football statistics from the 2008 season.

Rockets dole out awards at banquet

The Crittenden County High School football team held its annual awards banquet Sunday. Among those honored were (front from left) J.D. Gray, MVP Offensive; Tanner Nix, JV Captain and MVP JV Offense; Rodney Robertson, Ironman, Senior Award, Record-Setter, Captain, Marion Feed Mill Grit-Iron Award and Greg “Dozer” Belt Award; Gaige Courtney, Senior Award, Most Tackling Points, Most RBIs, Hitman Award, Record-Setter Career Tackles, Captain, MVP Defense, The Crittenden Press Leadership Award and Most Valuable Player Award; Dylan Clark, Solid Rocket Award; Aaron Berry, MVP Lineman; Brian Berry, Most Improved Offensive Player, Rocket Scholar 4.0 GPA; J.R. Adams, Most Improved Special Team Player, MVP Special Team, Record-Setter Award; (back) Terry Werne, Coach’s Award for Effort; Josh Urbanowski, Senior, Coaches Award for Character; Andrew Freeman, Co-Most Improved Defensive Player; Dyllan Thornton, Co-Most Improved Defensive Player Award and 110 Percent Award; Ann Travis, Coach’s Award for Dependability and Senior Award; Devin Wallace, MVP JV Defense; Elliot Day, Rocket Scholar 4.0 GPA; Korey Mayes, Rocket Scholar 4.0 GPA; Allen Kirk, Rocket Scholar 4.0 GPA; and Matt Berry, Equipment Manager.

QB Club selling championship blankets

Crittenden County Quarterback Club is taking orders for blankets that celebrate the Rockets’ 2008 First Region Class A football championship.

The blankets (pictured) are full-size fleeces about five feet long.

Orders will be taken at the banquet Sunday. The price is $40 and will have to be paid in advance.

Three Rockets on Sun's all-area team

Coach Al Starnes and Rockets Rodney Robertson and Gaige Courtney have been named to The Paducah Sun's All-Area Football Team. Well over half of the all-stars in the Sun lineup were selected from teams on Crittenden County's schedule this season.

Here is a list of the Crittenden players on the all-star team and those on teams the Rockets faced this season. For a full list see the Paducah Sun's Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008 edition.

Coach of the Year: Al Starnes - Led Rockets to state semifinals.

OFFENSE
QB: Casey Brockman, Calloway County — Steady leader, passer led the ultra-productive Lakers’ spread offense.
RB: Tyrrell Willis, Calloway County — Junior established himself as an Mr. Football candidate in Calloway’s postseason run.
RB: Rodney Robertson, Crittenden County — Power-speed runner played much of the season recovering from a broken hand.
WR: George Garner, Calloway County — Big-play receiver finished strong and also team’s top tackler.
OL: Grant Williams, Calloway County — It was no coincidence the Lakers’ offense flourished when he returned from injury.
OL: Jeff Prescott, Lone Oak — Leader of an offensive line that’s help put up a ton of points over the last two seasons.
OL: Kyle Proffitt, Caldwell County — Hard-working two-year starter allowed no sacks this season.

DEFENSE
LB: Gaige Courtney, Crittenden County — Big, physical player set single-season and career tackling records, led Rockets to state semifinals.
DL: Tron Gray, Caldwell County — Quick defensive tackle had a good first step. Size and quickness combination makes him tough to block.
DL: Kameron Cain, Caldwell County — Perhaps a step quicker than Gray and the other reason Caldwell had the area’s best set of tackles.
DB: Tyrese Murrell, Mayfield — Has started at cornerback since the first game of his freshman year, also Cards’ top rusher.
DB: Justin Jackson, Lone Oak — Lightning-fast cornerback also a dangerous scatback in Purple Flash’s explosive offense.
DB: Austin Hargrove, Calloway County — Dependable cornerback, solid in coverage and in the Lakers’ run defense.

Post-season awards banquet Sunday, Dec. 21

The annual Crittenden County High School Football Awards Banquet will be held starting at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 21 at the high school multi-purpose room.

2008 Rocket Football Season Wrap up

The final podcast of the 2008 football season

A special thanks to this year's blog and podcast sponsors:

Yarbrough Insurance Agency, Convenient Car Care, Health Quest Wellness Center

Marion Eye Care Center, Just-A-Burg'r, Marion McDonald's

Dr. Steve Crider, DMD; James Penn Construction and The Crittenden Press Online

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Excerpts from Sun sports writer Dusty Luthy's article

Paducah Sun sports writer Dusty Luthy's story captured the Rockets' state semifinal spirit better than any other written. Here are some excerpts from her story that was published Saturday and posted online at Paducah Sun Online, which requires a subscription.

Luthy also writes a blog, which is available to the public. She has a post about the game, too. Click here.

• Even with the scoreboard showing a 34-0 Beechwood victory over Crittenden County in Friday night's Class A state semifinal game, Tigers coach Noel Rash said the win was anything but easy. “I think they’ve got some explosive players,” Rash said about the Rockets, “and the biggest thing I was concerned about was their passion and their excitement for this. I was so overwhelmed by their take on this. You just look at them now and how emotionally drained they are and, God love ’em, they’re an impressive football team."
• On Crittenden's passion to play hard, coach Starnes told Luthy: “That’s what they’ve done all year,” Starnes said. “That’s what’s got us here. Because you look at us, we’re not big. We didn’t look like the prototype power football team, but the kids just played hard, and they played with a lot of heart, and that’s what we were hoping to do.”
• With Beechwood on to play Hazard next weekend for a possible 10th state title, Rockets’ senior running back Rodney Robertson said Beechwood was the best team they had faced all season, even compared to the likes of Lone Oak and Calloway County.
• Said Robertson: Our linemen, we probably don’t average 180 pounds across the line,” Robertson said. “Our biggest lineman is probably 225. It’s just hard to match up with kids that are 6-3, 6-4, 250, 260.”
  
• On injured Rocket quarterback J.D. Gray, senior Gaige Courtney said this: “Not only is he a great player, he’s our friend,” Courtney said. “We all love him, and the last game for me, it’s hard for me to see him go out like that.”
• Said the Beechwood coach: It’s obvious they’re a well-coached football team,” Rash said. “Coach Starnes and his staff do a great job of moving what we call the chess pieces around and making you defend different parts of the field and then making your offense think about what you’re going to do to defeat them.”
• With the Rockets losing three from this team, the question is whether they can come this far again next year. Rash gave an emphatic yes. Starnes wants to wait and see.“I don’t know if we can get a group of guys that can play with as much heart as these kids did,” Starnes said. “This is my 18th season here, and it didn’t just happen overnight.”

dluthy@paducahsun.com

Beechwood pounds Rockets in state semifinal

FORT MITCHELL, Ky. – Carving out a place in history is tough enough, but it's virtually impossible to do without the guy carrying the hammer and chisel.

For Crittenden County's football team, an historic second trip to the Class A state championship game was the improbable dream. Against heavy odds, the Rockets lined up against defending state champion Beechwood with hopes of slaying a giant and etching into local football lore a second championship chapter.

However, the Tigers, winners of 10 state championships since 1974, blocked every avenue and knocked out the hammer man, quarterback J.D. Gray, in the first half.

When Gray left the game in the second period with a damaged knee cap, Crittenden trailed 21-0. Beechwood went on to win 34-0 and will face Hazard in the Class A state championship game. Gray has been the trigger man in Crittenden's offense sharing a starring role with backfield mate Rodney Robertson. Without Gray, the Rockets' one-two punch is lacking its right arm.

Gray's injury was not as bad as first feared. A member of the Cincinnati Bengals orthopedic staff told the Rockets' Dr. Johnny Newcom that it appeared to be a dislocated knee cap, but Gray will get a full evaluation Saturday morning once the team is back home. In the meantime, sophomore Brian Berry went in behind center and tried to keep the Rockets moving.

Even if Gray could have carried his Rockets across the finish line, the outcome would likely not have been any different.

"They just overpowered us," said 18th-year Rocket coach Al Starnes, as his team was stopped just four quarters short of a berth in the state title game. "I will tell you what, our kids fought and as long as we continue to fight like that, we'll get better."

Crittenden took just 28 players to Fort Mitchell to take on the 69-man roster of Beechwood. Only three of those Rockets were seniors. Gray, just a junior, will return next season along with eight other starters. Only seniors Rodney Robertson, Gaige Courtney and Josh Urbanowski will graduate.

"What we saw tonight is what a state championship football team is," Starnes said describing Beechwood, "they just take it to you from every angle from everywhere on every down. There was nothing we could have done. They just beat us."

Starnes said Gray's absence probably cost his team a few first downs and some offensive yardage, but the outcome would not have been any different.

"We were regional champion and state semifinalist and that's something all these kids can be proud of. They fought all season long and accomplished a great deal," Starnes said. "They never quit in this game either."

Beechwood's factory-type offense was methodical and merciless, pounding Crittenden's generally stingy defense into submission with 14 first downs, five rushing touchdowns and 329 yards on the ground. The Rockets, who were yielding just 16 points a game, had not given up that kind of rushing yardage all season.

"They are big and physical and we knew what they were going to do coming into the game," Starnes said.

His Rockets were overmatched. Beechwood had been averaging 42 points a game, but needed just 34 to pin Crittenden on the mat. After scoring on three of its first four possessions the Tigers tacked on a couple more TDs in the third period then coasted through the fourth quarter with reserve players.

The Rocket offense was stymied. It never got across midfield and Robertson, who was averaging 165 yards per game, was held to just 33. Beechwood's star running back Nieco Teipel, who has more than 2,000 yards this season, rushed for four touchdowns and 178 yards.

"What we learned is that if we want to continue playing at this level, we're going to have to get stronger and more physical," Starnes said, his eye trained squarely on the future.

SCORE BY QUARTERS
Crittenden Co. 0 0 0 0
Beechwood 14 7 13 0

SCORING PLAYS
B-Michael Colosimo 9 run (Cullen Burke kick) 7:24, 1st
B-Neico Teipel 9 run (Burke kick) 1:06, 1st
B-Teipel 25 run (Burke kick) 7:41, 2nd
B-Teipel 41 run (Burke kick) 7:41, 3rd
B-Teipel 3 run (kick failed) 1:40, 3rd

TEAM STATISTICS
First Downs: Crittenden 7, Beechwood 14
Penalties: Crittenden 3-24, Beechwood 8-61
Rushing: Crittenden 31-44, Beechwood 48-329
Passing: Crittenden 7-11-0, 35 yds., Beechwood 7-11-0, 103 yds.
Total Yards: Crittenden 79, Beechwood 432

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing
Crittenden: Rodney Robertson 15-33, J.D. Gray 8-14, Gaige Courtney 4-15, Brain Berry 4-(-18). Beechwood: Teipel 27-178, Matt Rigdon 6-93, Joe Colosimo 3-26, Michael Colosimo 2-11, Corey Schuler 2-2, Corey Crane 2-1, Ben Studer 3-5, Nick Pandilidis 22-4.
Passing
Crittenden: Gray 2-3-0, 12 yds., B.Berry 5-8-0, 23 yds. Beechwood: Rigdon 7-11-0, 103 yds.
Receiving
Crittenden: Robertson 3-23, B.Berry 2-3, Allen Kirk 2-8, Joey Pluskota 1-1. Beechwood: J.Colosimo 2-38, Alex Downton 3-33, Daniels 2-32.

Defense
Atwell assist; A.Berry 5 solos, 3 assists, TFL; B.Berry 2 solos, assist; Clark 2 solos, 2 assists, TFL; Courtney 6 solos, 3 assists, 2 TFL; Freeman 3 solos, assist, TFL; Fletcher assist; Gray 3 solos; Mitchell solo, assist, TFL; Nix 3 solos, 4 assists; Robertson 5 solos, 2 assists; Thornton 6 solos, 2 assists; Urbanowski 2 solos, Wallace solo, assist; Werne 3 solos, 4 assists; Willis solo.
Players of the Game: Offense Rodney Robertson, Defense Gaige Courtney, Lineman Aaron Berry.
Records: Crittenden 10-4, Beechwood 13-1

View video below or click here for full frame

Beechwood ends Rockets' run 34-0

-
Crittenden County Rockets (10-3) vs.
Beechwood Tigers (12-1)
at Edgar McNabb Stadium, Fort Mitchell, Ky.

Beechwood 34, Crittenden 0 FINAL
Check back here for stats and more after the game, as well as Saturday.

Fourth quarter

BW has ball in own territory. 1st: Runner dropped for loss. 2nd: Hand-off up middle for gain of 5 to midfield. 3rd: Final play of the game, BW gives to fullback for 2-yard gain.

CC takes ball at own 35. 1st: Pass complete to Kirk for 5. 2nd and 5: Berry pass complete for gain of 5. 3rd and 1: Runner hit for loss, fumble recovered by BW.

BW begins at own 37. 1st. Halfback gains about 8. 2nd and 2: Halfback met in backfield for loss: 3rd and 3: QB sneak picks up 1. 4th and 1: (Rocket subs into game with 3 minutes left) Punt out of bounds at CC 35.

CC starts at own 20. 1st: Berry runs for gain of 4. 2nd and 6: Berry complete to Robertson for first down at 34. 1st and 10: Berry complete to Pluskota to 35 for 1 yard gain. 2nd and 9: Berry forced out on scramble at 28. 3rd and 14: Berry draw up middle for loss of 2. 4th and 16: Punt by Robertson taken by BW at 37.

BW takes over at own 25. 1st: Tailback out to right for gain of 14. 1st and 10: Tailback up middle to BW 47. 1st and 10: Tailback up middle into CC territory. 2nd: Fullback met at line for no gain. 3rd: Halfback taken down for loss. 4th and 10: Punt into end zone for touchback.

CC has ball near midfield in own territory. 3rd and 14: Deep pass attempt short, interception dropped. 4th and 14: Punt taken by BW at 10 out to 25.

Third quarter

CC takes kick out to 30. 1st: Robertson up middle for gain of 5. TO by CC. 2nd and 4: Robertson takes run to midfield. 1st and 10: Robertson around right and taken down at line. 2nd and 10: Robertson taken down in backfield for loss. End of third quarter.

BW takes over in own territory: 1st: Teipel runs for short gain. 2nd and 8: Teipel stopped by Urbanowski for short gain. 3rd and 7: Pass complete to Colosimo, who jumps over Nix for gain out to 43. 1st: Run taken inside CC 30. 1st and 10: Tailback breaks tackles and runs for big gain. 1st and 10: Teipel stopped for short. 2nd and 6: Flag. Motion against BW. 2nd: Stopped for loss at 20. 3rd and 14: Pass complete for gain to 5. 1st and goal: Teipel scores up middle for TD. PAT: Kick wide left. 34-0

CC takes kick to 23 by Courtney. 1st: Courtney out to 36 for first down. 1st: Courtney takes ball for loss. 2nd and 15: Berry completes pass for gain of 5. 3rd and 10: Berry incomplete attempt to Nix, almost picked off. 4th and 10: Robertson back to punt at CC 22. BW takes ball at BW 31. (Gray on sideline without crutches but not dressed for game.)

BW on CC 44. 1st. Teipel runs to 36. 2nd and 4: Teipel runs for 36-yard TD. PAT: Good. 28-0

CC takes ball in own territory. 1st. Run for no gain. 2nd and 11: Berry incomplete to Courtney. 3rd and 11: Berry brought down in backfield, fumble recovered by CC. Flag. Personal foul. 4th and long: Punt taken by BW at CC 43.

BW takes onside kick. Flag. CC touches ball before ball travels 10 yards. BW takes ball on CC 49. 1st: Halback picks up 7. 2nd and 3: Runner called down before fumble. 1st: Runner tripped up for short gain. 2nd and 8: Tailback stopped for 4 yard gain. 3rd and 4: Teipel taken down for loss. 4th and 6: Pass dropped by Daniels. Ball turned over on downs.

BW has dominated game with size on defense and offense. CC starting QB J.D. Gray out of game with knee injury, taken off field on cart. Gray's kneecap popped out of place, but put back in by doctor. Gray okay, but will not return. Penalties by BW have hurt the host team. Clipping penalty called back 99-run by BW near end of half. Short punts by CC handed BW great field position in first three possessions. Neico Teipel passes 2,000 yards rushing for the season for BW.

Halftime stats:

CC rushing: Robertson 19 yards. Courtney 7 yards. Gray 8 yards. CC: Four first downs.

BW over 200 yards rushing. Teipel 101 yards on 15 carries. Rigdon 93 yards. Rigdon 5 for 7 for 75 yards passing. BW: Nine first downs.

Halftime

CC takes ball at own 20. 1st: Courtney runs for 3. End of first half.

BW takes over in shadow of own goal line. 1st: Flag. BW offsides. 1st and 11: Run up middle taken 99 yards. Flag. BW called for clipping, nixes 99 yard run up middle. Penalty puts ball at CC 40 for 60-yard gain. 1st and 10: CC drops interception. 2nd and 10: Pass complete at 35. 2ndand 10: Flag. BW QB called for grounding after scramble. 2nd and 30: QB takes down to inside 30. BW takes TO. 4th and 12: QB drops to pass, complete but short of 1st. Ball turned over on downs.

CC takes kick to own 29. 1st: Gray takes to own 40. Flag. Facemask. Gray injured on play(knee), taken out of game. CC calls TO. Berry in at QB. 2nd and 11: Pitch to Roberston for loss. 3rd and 16: Berry pass dropped by Nix. 4th and 16: Punt taken by BW inside own 2.

BW takes over in CC territory. 1st: Pitch to halfback taken close to 30. 1st and 10: Pass incomplete, first of night for BW. 2nd and 10: Tailback takes up left for gain: 3rd and 5: Pitch to halfback for TD. PAT: Good. 21-0

CC takes over on own 20. 1st: Run tofor gain of 5. Flag. Holding against CC. 1st and 20: Completed pass moves ball back out to 18. 2nd and 12: Robertson up middle to 23: 3rd and 7: Gray stopped for 2on scramble. 4th and 5: Punt taken by BW at CC 42.

BW takes over deep in CC territory. 1st: QB takes inside 30. 2nd and 5: Tailback outside to 22. 1st: Halback met at line for no gain. 2nd and 10: Flag. Penalty on BW. Ball moved back 10yards on hold. 2nd and 20: QB brought down for loss. Flag. Holding against BW. Declined. 3rd and 24: QB draw ended for loss on tackle by Courtney. 4th and 24: BW kicks into end zone for touchback.

CC begins 2nd quarter with 1st and 10: Run for short loss. 2nd and 12: Flag. Motion penalty pushes CC back to 33. 2nd and 17: Gray picks up 8 yards: 3rd and 8: Gray sacked for loss. 4th and 11: High snap, Gray forced to run. Ball turned over on downs.

1st Quarter

CC takes kick at 22 and Nix returns to 28. 1st: Gray takes up middle for no gain. Flag: Facemask on BW, ball on CC 33. 1st and 3: Run for short gain. 2nd and 2: Courtney breaks tackle for short gain. Rockets gain first 1st down. End of first quarter.

BW at own 44. 1st: Halfback stopped for gain of one. 2nd and 7: Halfback up middle for short gain. 3rd and 6: Pass complete at 41: 1st and 10: Snap to halfback for short gain. 2nd and 9: Halfback stopped out of bounds for short gain. 3rd and 6: QB completes pass for gain to 14: 1st and 10: Tailback takes down to 8. 2nd and 4: Tailback takes in for TD. PAT: Good. 14-0

CC takes over at own 27 after kick. 1st: Robertson takes it on run. 2nd and 6: Robertson up middle for 4. 3rd and 2: Roberston out to 43. 1st and 10: Robertson picks up 2. 2nd and 8: With 5:15 left in 1st, Gray met in backfield for loss. 3rd and 11: Gray back to pass, incomplete to Courtney. 4th and 11 at CC 42. Punt to BW lands at CC 43.

BW takes first possession on own 48 after Rocket three-and-out. 1st: Teipel picks up 12 on run. 1st: Teiple met at line for no gain. 2nd and 10: Pass complete for near first down. 3rd and short: First picked up on run to CC 24. 1st and 10: Halfback brought down for short gain: 2nd and 7: Draw handoff for run up to 15. 1st and goal: QB takes it in for TD. PAT: good. 7-0

CC wins the toss and elects to receive. Robertson takes the kick at 15. Flag: Offsides on BW moves kickoff back 5 yards. Rekick from 35 goes to Robertson on 14, gives to Gray on reverse. Rockets open first possession on 28. 1st: Gray pass to Nix complete at 32. 2nd: Robertson up middle for loss of 1. 3rd and 8: Gray brought down on scramble for loss. 4th and 11: Gray back to punt at 26.

Press to blogcast Rocket game

The Crittenden Press will provide Rocket fans unable to go to tonight's playoff game or out of earshot from WMJL's live broadcast a unique opportunity to follow the contest. We will be blogcasting, or updating the game on the Rocket Football Blog from the radio station's broadcast from Fort Mitchell. Simply log on to this site at kickoff, 6:30 p.m., CST, and hit your refresh button throughout night.

LISTEN LIVE ONLINE: You may also listen to live streaming radio broadcast from Cincinnati's WCVX-Radio. Click here to connect and listen live on the Web.

Or Go to NorthernKentuckySports.com.

Directions to Beechwood's Stadium

Because several people have called The Crittenden Press looking for directions to tonight's game, Beechwood High School is located right off I-71 and I-75 in Fort Mitchell, Ky., which is the Greater Cincinnati Area. Click here for map.

From Marion, it is about 300 miles.

Rockets loosen up for semifinal with Tigers

UPDATE: Due to a scheduling conflict, the Rockets missed the James Bond movie and saw Four Christmases as a substitute. The coaching staff wasn't too pleased with the theater's error. It was the holiday movie or Matagascar, coach Starnes said. 

-------------------------

A large team breakfast greeted the Rockets after a 7 a.m., (CST) wake-up call. Following their eggs and bacon, the Rockets retired to their rooms for a little video game action on the television. 

At mid-morning the team is going to see a movie at a local theater. There were no football-oriented films available in the area, so the coaching staff did some research and opted to send their crew to the action-backed James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

After the movie, the team will get some more free time at the motel then start getting ready for the game with a brief walk-through on the motel campus. The Rockets ride their chartered bus to the game and will be on the field for pre-game warmups at 5 p.m., (CST). Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m., (CST).

Click here for a map of the area immediately around the Beechwood school and stadium.

See a playoff game preview at Cincinnati.com, click here.

KY Post coverage of Rockets v Tigers

See what the KY Post has to say about the Class A semifinal between Crittenden County and Beechwood. Click here for complete online article.

If that's not enough about the game, go here to see what's going on the KY Preps chat room as chatter increases about this game.

Health Quest Wellness Center - Rocket Kickoff Show

Due to technical difficulties with our normal podcast server, we've posted this week's kickoff show as an MP3 file directly on the Web. You should be able to listen to or download this file to any MP3 player. Click the link below:

Health Quest Wellness Center - Kickoff Show (click here)

Rockets at Beechwood

Recorded Thursday night from team motel in Florence, Ky.

Guests: Coach Al Starnes, Rocket players Aaron Berry, Gaige Courtney & Andrew Freeman, and senior manager Ann Travis

If you have trouble hearing this podcast: Email us

MORE PODCASTS & VIDEO INTERVIEWS:

WPSD-TV has several interviews with Rocket players posted. Click here to listen.

Pictured above are the Rockets working out on the Beechwood turf Thursday night.

Rockets work out on Beechwood turf

Crittenden County spent about an hour and half working out on the Beechwood artificial turf Thursday night. The workout was held under cold conditions with the temperature at 24 and a steady breeze blowing across the field. Practice ended at 7:30 p.m., (CST).

Players retired to their rooms after practice for pizza. A trip to the motel swimming pool was planned for 9:30 p.m. (CST).

Players were loose and excited during their workout. We took a few minutes after practice to interview senior running back Rodney Robertson. View the practice session and interview below or click here for full screen at You Tube.

Rockets arrive at motel in northern Kentucky

Stay tuned for more posts later this evening

The Rocket football team arrived at the motel in Florence, Ky., at about 4:45 p.m., Central Time. The team will be staying the night at the Courtyard by Marriott.

After a brief break at the motel, the Rockets will be heading over to Beechwood High School for a workout on the artificial turf at the Tigers' stadium. Crittenden's players will practice special teams play in sweats and helmets. Afterward, they will return to the motel for pizza.

The football team had a champion's sendoff from Marion this morning. After pep rallies at Rocket Arena and Crittenden Elementary School, the Rockets made a couple of passes through town as fans lined the city streets. Crayne had its own contingent of fans and homebuilder James Penn and his crew had put a large Go Rockets sign at the county line. There were even a few fans at Princeton to help put the team on the Western Kentucky Parkway.

The inspirational football movie "Facing the Giants" was viewed on the bus during the long trip as the team ate McDonald's burgers, chips, cookies and drinks that were picked up before leaving Marion. The team also watched a replay of the 1985 Class A state championship which was checked out from the Crittenden County Public Library. The Quarterback Club had prepared a sack snack for the ride. Ham sandwiches, chips and a dessert were served during a short leg-stetching break at Shelbyville. The bus was stopped in traffic for more than 30 minutes near Louisville because of an accident on the interstate.

The Crittenden Press provided a bundle of newspapers for the staff and players to read en route to northern Kentucky. At Florence, the team was met by Marion native Wheeler Yarbrough who along with a soft drink distributor friend, donated 10 cases of Vitamin water for the team to have after Thursday's practice.

View more video from Reese Baker, click here.

View the video below at You Tube in full frame.

Points to ponder as kickoff approaches

Crittenden County averages 33 points per game on offense and gives up 16.5 points on defense.

Beechwood averages 42 points per game on offense and gives up 9 on defense.

AGAINST TEAMS STILL IN THE KHSAA PLAYOFFS:

Crittenden County 1-1 (beat 3A Union 25-16; lost to 4A Calloway 28-6)

Beechwood 0-1 (lost 31-20 to 2A Newport Central Catholic)

Crittenden County is 2-3 this season against teams with a winning record

Beechwood is 4-1 this season against teams with a winning record

Stay tuned for updates: postings & podcasts from Beechwood later this afternoon

Reminder about Rocket bus route today

The Rocket football team's chartered bus will be making two passes through town Thursday before it leaves for Beechwood and the state semifinal game.

The bus will go through town from south to north starting at just after 11 a.m. It will turn around on the north side of town and drive back through the city on Main Street. Fans, merchants and people living along the route are encouraged to be next to the street for a Big Blue Sendoff !

Health Quest Wellness Center - Rocket Report

Wednesday Rocket Report with Rocket head coach Al Starnes

Sponsored by Health Quest Wellness Center in Marion, Ky.

Dr. Johnny Newcom, chiropractor / Tracye Newcom, dietician

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More about Beechwood coach Noel Rash

Want to know more about third-year Beechwood coach Noel Rash.

Here's a link to a HACKS High School Sports Magazine article that will answer many of your questions about the coach and the Tigers' program.

Rockets team bus going through town Thursday

The Rocket football team's chartered bus will be making two passes through town Thursday before it leaves for Beechwood and the state semifinal game.

The bus will go through town from south to north starting at just after 11 a.m. It will turn around on the north side of town and drive back through the city on Main Street. Fans, merchants and people living along the route are encouraged to be next to the street for a Big Blue Sendoff !

Beechwood High Tigers' roster & stats

Click on the link below for a comprehensive Beechwood roster (minus most of its freshmen). The roster includes season statistics, too.

Beechwood Tiger Roster & Individual Statistics

Click here to go directly to Northern Kentucky Sports Web site, which features lots of information about Beechwood and its opponents.

Stay tuned today for podcasts and further updates.

Rocket news & nuggets

ROCKET TEAM NOTES

The 2008 Rockets have scored the most points ever in a single season. Here are the top three scoring teams in school history:
430 2008
427 2005
426 2004

Rodney Robertson's Career Statistics     
Rushing Attempts 2nd 449
Rushing Yards 4th 2,802
Rushing TDs 4th 34
Receiving Receptions T-6th 40
Receiving Yards 10th 523
Receiving TDs T-3rd 9
Scoring: Total Points 2nd 268

Total Career Touchdowns: 2nd 44

BEECHWOOD TEAM NOTES:

Since 2007, the Tigers are 13-0 in their last 13 home games.   
Offense averaging 42 points per game / Defense allowing 9 points per game

Health Quest Wellness Center - Rocket Report

Tuesday Rocket Report with Beechwood coach Noel Rash

Sponsored by Health Quest Wellness Center, Marion, Ky.

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Beechwood's schedule at a glance

							Opponent's
Beechwood's							Class	Final
Opponents			Beechwood		Opponent			Record
Dixie Heights			29	-	6	W	5A	6 - 4
Lloyd Memorial			34	-	12	W	2A	6 - 6
Dayton			51	-	0	W	1A	2 - 9
Bishop Brossart			56	-	0	W	1A	0 - 10
Ludlow			61	-	6	W	1A	5 - 7
Covington Catholic			35	-	21	W	5A	5 - 7
Prestonsburg			43	-	14	W	2A	11 - 2
Holy Cross (Covington)			28	-	7	W	2A	4 - 8
Bellevue			48	-	0	W	1A	7 - 4
Newport Central Catholic			20	-	31	L	2A	12 - 1
Trimble County - PLAYOFFS			42	-	6	W	1A	4 - 7
Ludlow - PLAYOFFS			54	-	0	W	1A	5 - 7
Frankfort - PLAYOFFS			42	-	14	W	1A	11 - 2

Rocket scoring quarter by quarter

Crittenden County is outscoring its opponents…
158 - 44 in the first quarter
128 - 53 in the second quarter
104 - 28 in the third quarter
40 - 90 in the fourth quarter
286 - 97 in the first half     

Of the 90 fourth-quarter points, only 14 have been scored while Crittenden was behind (Lone Oak - 7, Caldwell Co. 7).

Game by Game recap of last 6 years

Can't enough numbers? 

Check out the Game by Game chart of the past 6 seasons prepared by team historian and statistician Andy Hunt.

Click here to view chart.

WMJL-Radio on air at 6 p.m. Game Day

The Rocket radio broadcast team of Zac Greenwell and Wompie Stewart will bring fans back home a live play-by-play broadcast of the Crittenden County vs. Beechwood Class A semifinal. Turn your radio dial to WMJL-FM 102.7 Friday night.

Stewart and Greenwell were both members of the last Rocket football team to play in the state championship game and they will bring their insight to this year's matchup.

Kickoff is 6:30 p.m., Central Time. The pre-game show starts at 6 p.m.

ALSO, be sure to vote in our Class A championship poll at left.

Rocket fan bus scheduled for Friday

UPDATE

Tickets to ride the chartered Rocket Fan Bus are $30 each. To reserve a seat, call Crittenden County High School at 965-2248 and ask for Carol Perry.

The bus will leave Crittenden County High School at 11:30 a.m., Friday. It will return home following the game at Beechwood. 

School will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m., so fans may attend the game.

Health Quest Wellness Center - Rocket Report

Monday Rocket Report with coaches Al Starnes and Vince Clark

Sponsored by Health Quest Wellness Center

Click here to view list of recent podcats

Game at Beechwoood by the Numbers

Beechwood High School is located right off I-71 and I-75 in Fort Mitchell, Ky., which is the Greater Cincinnati Area. Click here for map.

From Marion, it is about 300 miles.

Game time is 7:30 p.m., Eastern Time (that's 6:30 central).

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for students.

Game time temperatures will be around 28 degrees.

Many of the CCHS  fans attending the event are staying at the Draw Bridge Inn Hotel, which is about three miles from the stadium.

The Rocket football team is staying at the Marriott Courtyard Inn in Florence, Ky.

The team is expected to go up Thursday and practice on Beechwood's sports turf field Thursday night.

The team will stay overnight Thursday, play the game Friday then return by bus to Marion immediately after the game.

Here's a link to KY Preps, a chat room about high school football. There's a link for the Crittenden - Mayfield game.