2021 36 Blitz: Lexington Catholic Knights

LEXINGTON, Ky (WTVQ) – To be the best, you have to beat the best or at least play them. Last season, that’s exactly what Lexington Catholic did. In an instant classic, the Knights beat reigning 5A champs and at the time undefeated Covington Catholic. Also after getting blown out by Boyle County earlier in the season, Lex Cath fell to district foe rebels 49-41 in the first round of the playoffs.

“We beat Cov Cath, but losing in the playoffs is what really matters so we’re chasing Boyle County again this year,” says senior QB Jack Gohmann. “We haven’t beat them for the past couple of year but last yaer is last year and this year is this year. We got a really good senior class and I think we got a really good chance to beat them this year.”

Head Coach Nigel Smith hopes its lessons learned in those games that will propel the knights to not just compete in those big games.

“Getting the guys in the mental mode of knowing that we in play in big games here,” says Head Coach Nigel Smith. “We don’t just play in em, we expect to win em. And that’s the mindset that we’ve got to take every single day. Knowing that those moments are going to come up soon.”

The Knights are challenging themselves again this year. Three of their first five opponents either played in a state title game or won a state title over the last two seasons. Covington Catholic and Boyle are in that mix.

“I think we’ll be ready,” said senior offensive and defensive lineman Jake Nash. “Obviously those teams are really good and they’ll be coming ready to fight, but so are we. We’re out here getting ready so I think we be prepared for sure.”

Fortunately for the Knights when they do begin that tough schedule, they will be led by a battle-tested core of seniors led by senior quarterback Jack Gohmann.

“Well we’re hoping that he turns in to the player and leader that we all expect him to be,” says Coach Smith. “He’s shown real flashes at times. Now he’s got that year of experience under his belt. And I think he and the rest of the group that senior class, they’re ready to take step forward and know it’s their time.”

“Yea last year was my first year starting and honestly I had some nerves,” says Gohmann. “First time seeing the varsity level football. And you get used to it and used to and this year there’s nothing new to expect so I think I think i’m going to have a really good senior year and I think the team around me is going to play well and we’re all going to have a really good year.”

A big reason Gohmann has confidence in himself? The hog mollies up front.

“I have five senior offensive linemen up front who are going to give me as much time as I need,” says Gohmann. “Blake Busson he’s received for 1,000 yards before he’s back as a senior. You’ve got a lot of young guys. Tanner Pedroche he’s going to be a sophomore, great target. And a lot of upcoming guys who are gonna be really good for us.”

Not only are the individuals on the line veterans, but they have played together as a unit for multiple seasons.

“A lot of us, three of us have played on varsity, started since we were sophomores,” said Nash. “We’ve got a couple other guys that are really experienced. Coach Bailey is a offensive line coach. Coach Kelly is a good defensive line coach. We’ll definitely be ready in the trenches this year.”