By Perry Swack
Brother Thomas More Page Stadium – September 11, 2020 – 6:30pm
2019 Records
Bowling Green – 9-4 (lost to Covington Catholic – 28-0 – in the state semifinals of the Class 5A Playoffs
Logan County – 8-5 (lost to Male – 33-7 – in the region championship of the Class 6A Playoffs
2019 Meeting
St. Xavier defeated Bowling Green, 28-14, in Bowling Green last season. The Tigers were led by running back Logan Davis’ 118 yards and two scores, while quarterback Douglas Bodhaine completed 20 of 29 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Four turnovers kept the Purples from coming back to knock off the Tigers. Then-junior wideout Dezmond Wilson highlighted BG’s day with ten catches for 78 yards.
Last 5 Matchups
2019 – St. Xavier 28 @ Bowling Green 14
2018 – Bowling Green 24 @ St. Xavier 21 (overtime)
2017 – St. Xavier 30 @ Bowling Green 19
2016 – St. Xavier 10 @ Bowling Green 31
2015 – Bowling Green 19 @ St. Xavier 45
Preview
For the first time since 2006, Bowling Green and St. Xavier will square off in the season’s opening week. The perennial heavyweights have played each other in each of the last nine seasons, with the Purples taking six of those meetings. However, the Tigers – now coached by longtime Purple headman Kevin Wallace – will look to win its third game in four tries when it hosts Bowling Green on Friday night. Although neither team has benefited from an extensive preseason, the Purples have fewer question remarks when it comes to returners.
Third-year coach Mark Spader returns sizable talent on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Purples will feature senior quarterback Conner Cooper, senior running back Javy Bunton, senior wide receiver Dezmond Wilson, and senior tight end Jordan Dingle. Cooper threw for nearly 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Bunton totaled over 1,000 all-purpose yards. Wilson and Dingle combined for over 70 catches for more than 900 yards and ten scores. On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Rece Jones and his 158 tackles (in 2019) will return.
As for St. Xavier, the Tigers have to replace a lot of their skill players on offense but return a bulk of their offensive line, including Navy commit Evan Brown. Star wide receiver Mekhi Smith was expected to take over at quarterback in 2020. However, Giles Pooler – a transfer from Colorado – was declared eligible last month by the KHSAA, allowing Smith to return to the WR corps. At 6-foot-4, Pooler will give Coach Wallace a big, left-handed option under center.
Prediction
Bowling Green 34, St. Xavier 30
I predict that the road team will win for the fourth-consecutive time in this series. The experience that Bowling Green returns – coupled with the short preseason – gives the Purples the edge. I expect Cooper to have a big day at quarterback, at least 80 rushing yards from Bunton, and for Dingle and Wilson to each score a touchdown.
Next Week
Bowling Green travels to Pleasure Ridge Park on September 18
St. Xavier will play Trinity at Cardinal Stadium on September 25
