PARK HILLS, Ky. — The Beechwood football team defeated Covington Catholic Friday night for the first time since the 2021 season.
The Tigers defeated host CovCath 42-35 on Friday night. It was Beechwood’s first win over its neighborhood rival since 2021 (27-7 final score at Beechwood). It is the first time Beechwood has won at CovCath since 2014.
Beechwood senior Nathan Pabst scored five touchdowns including three rushing and two receiving in the Tigers' victory. Pabst rushed 27 times for 161 yards and four touchdowns.
"The kid is incredible," Beechwood coach Noel Rash said. "He's just one tough nut. You just cannot crack him. There is so many great aspects to him. You got to remember he's out there playing corner and Eddie (Eviston) is throwing the ball down the field slinging it and he's running 40-yard dashes about every other play. For him to just gut it out and never turn the ball in all this."
Senior quarterback Emmett Queen was 18 of 22 passing for 183 yards and a touchdown. Pabst had four receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown.
"This is such a great atmosphere and great game," Beechwood coach Noel Rash said. "We can never forget why we play this thing. This is all about getting better and figuring out what our weaknesses are, securing them and getting better."
It was a triumphant return Friday night for Rash, who returned to the program this past May after he coached at Conner in 2025. Rash celebrated his 201st career win Friday night.
Beechwood has 21 seniors and Friday night is a moment that class won't soon forget.
"In a 2A school when you've got 21 seniors that's a big, big class and they have earned the right to celebrate and enjoy the heck out of this because they work their tail off to get to this point," Rash said. "And you have to work your tail to beat those guys."
Beechwood entered Friday by outscoring its three opponents 124-3 this season. Beechwood (4-0) is ranked No. 1 in the Class 2A state rankings.
CovCath (3-2) is ranked No. 3 in the Class 4A state poll. The Colonels entered Friday by outscoring its past two opponents by a 98-14 margin.
CovCath running back Kiyan Miller had nine carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Dylan Courtney was 14 of 23 passing for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Jamir Kirtley had four receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Owen Pitzer had a 67-yard touchdown reception.
Friday was the 46th meeting between CovCath and Beechwood in football.
CovCath plays host to Louisville Central Sept. 25. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
Beechwood plays at Owen County on Sept. 25. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
