For the past four weeks, I have written about our Mustangs being the superior entity, and that our opponents would have trouble competing with us for 48 minutes.  This week that shoe seems to be on the other foot, as NCC has had the upper hand with us over the past five renewals of this competition.  Last year’s 41-14 loss was as close as we have come in the history of this series.

Granted, it seems that this year’s encounter features teams more similar in talent and ability than at any time during the life of the series.  We both have similar records, NCC sits at 7-4, while our Mustangs are 6-5.  We will concede that NCC has played a tougher schedule with Conner, Beechwood, Raceland, Lloyd, and a win over Campbell County all appearing on the Breds 2025 Dance Card, which in itself makes the Breds favorites to advance to the third round.  We have both handled our common opponents, Bellevue and Trimble County.  Louie Collopy and Kaleb Cole are no longer running roughshod over NCC opponents, but quarterback Emmanuel Miles remains under center and Eddie Bivins now serves as this team’s “greased pig.” Miles has thrown for 1239 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Bivins has carried the ball 120 times for 1,013 yards and 18 touchdowns.  Spaulding counters with 1829 yards and 16 touchdowns.  The running game edge goes to NCC.

Herein lies the challenge.  Last year’s elephant in the room was our inability to get our defense off of the field, which took its toll, rendering us unable to go 15 rounds with the Breds.  If we have a favorable hole card this year, it is our defense, albeit being rather depleted due to injury.  Our passing game seemingly gets better each week, as Landon Spaulding continues to gain confidence. 

This game will play out this Friday night at 7pm at Covington Catholic High School.  If you can’t make it to Park Hills, tune in to Brian and Joe at 6:40pm.