As the curtain slowly closes on the 2005 high school football season, Newport Central Catholic stands alone as the last local school with a chance to bring a state title home to Northern Kentucky. Courtesy of their dominating, 41-14, win over Lexington Christian Academy, the Thoroughbreds advance to host Somerset in the next step on the road to Louisville.

The Thoroughbreds jumped out to a commanding lead, scoring 27 unanswered points in their first four possessions to start the game, handing Coach Bob Schneider his 300th career victory and a regional title.

"I am very happy that the No. 300 came against a good team and in such a big game," said Coach Schneider. "Actually the three hundred is because I have been around a long time."

NewCath stood tall against a Lexington Christian squad that soundly defeated Beechwood last week and entered the contest averaging over 42 points per game, while holding opponents to just 15 points. Behind the rocket arm of senior quarterback Sam Diehl and the hard running of junior tailback Michael Vicars, the Thoroughbreds racked up 445 offensive yards on the evening.

Deihl threw for 284 yards, going 12-of-14, including three touchdown strikes, while rushing for one touchdown of his own. Vicar led all rushers with 123 yards on 11 carries, finding the end zone twice in the first half.

While Lexington Christian keyed on NewCath's leading receiver senior Josh Canafax, it was Bueter who slipped past the Eagles secondary for a 67-yard touchdown reception on the Thoroughbred's opening drive. After Vicars rambled 52 yards on the first play of NewCath's second possession, Diehl and Bueter teamed up for a second score on a 49-yard post play to give NewCath a 20-0 first-quarter lead.

"They (my receivers) were just finding holes in the defense and they did a good job of making plays after the catch," said Diehl. "Both the long touchdown passes to Kevin Bueter were big momentum swingers."

Rising to the occasion was the Thoroughbreds defense, holding Lexington Christian star running back Tyrell Hayden to seven rushing yards in the first half and 55 yards for the game. NewCath's front four also forced Eagle quarterback Garrie Krueger to throw on the run numerous times, as senior defensive back Scott Gesenhues picked off a wobbly first-quarter pass that led to the Thoroughbred's second score.

"Our defense was just nails and it really does carry us," said Bueter. "The confidence we have on defense is amazing, everyone is going to the ball and we are playing good."

After Vicars'15-yard touchdown scamper at the 6:59 mark of the second quarter, Lexington Christian finally tallied a score in the closing moments of the first half on a 9-play, 76-yard drive. However, NewCath answered the score with a touchdown run by Diehl to give the 'Breds a 34-7 halftime lead.

Surprisingly, Lexington Christian stayed with the running game in the second half. Though enjoying more success, their ground game also ate away at the clock, edging the Thoroughbreds closer to the final gun.

Hayden rushed for a 1-yard score on the first play of the fourth quarter, but NewCath slammed the door shut two possessions later, when Diehl connected with junior receiver Phil Horan on an 88-yard touchdown strike that was netted thanks to Horan's elusive sprint down the sidelines.

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