Friday, August 25, 2000
Nie ready to lead Beechwood offense
Plenty of talent returns from Class A champs
By Mark Schmetzer
Enquirer contributor
Waiting their turn is as much of a tradition for Beechwood football seniors as the prom and graduation.
“It's been that way because we always end up playing a lot of seniors,” said coach Mike Yeagle, who starts his 10th year at Beechwood with a 116-12 career record.
This year is no different. The Tigers, who are ranked No. 2 behind Highlands in the Enquirer's preseason coaches poll, have just three starters back from last year's 13-2 team. Only one, quarterback/linebacker Mike Nie, played both ways.
Nie completed 50 of 95 passes for 861 yards and seven touchdowns on offense and intercepted three passes on defense last season.
“Mike Nie is not only one of the best football players in Northern Kentucky, but he's also one of the best all-around athletes,” Yeagle said.
Beechwood has other talented players returning, including senior tailback/linebacker Nick Sketch, who gained 879 yards and scored nine touchdowns on 145 carries last season.
He gained 361 yards in Beechwood's five playoff games, including 79 with a touchdown in the 45-22 win over Hancock County in the state final. He also caught seven passes for 90 yards last year and led the team with in kickoff and punt returns.
“Nick Sketch got better every game last year,” Yeagle said.
Yeagle is more concerned about the players whose only previous experience has come on special teams and in practice against the senior starters.
“So many of these kids have never played,” he said. “There's a difference between just being on the team and actually playing. That's one advantage to going so long in the playoffs. You get to practice more.”
The Tigers begin play Saturday at home against Inez Sheldon Clark in the Champions Bowl at Beechwood.
Yeagle judged Beechwood's two scrimmages against Highlands and Conner as “OK.” The Tigers came out of the encounters healthy, which is a plus.
“I hate to single one kid out,” he said. "Overall, I'm pleased. We have a lot of speed and a lot of hungry players. I guess we'll find out where we're at Saturday.”
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