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## Quarterbacks Face Former Teams in High School Football Rivalry
The annual football game between Beechwood and Covington Catholic high schools in Northern Kentucky is always a big deal. The two schools, one public and one private, have a long history of competition and a combined 25 state championships. But this year’s game on September 19, 2025, had a unique twist: both starting quarterbacks played against their former schools.
Emmett Queen, now at Beechwood, previously attended Covington Catholic. On the other side, Cash Harney, leading Covington Catholic, started his high school career with Beechwood. It’s unusual for players, especially quarterbacks, to switch between these rival schools, making this game a historic event.
Before the game, Queen mentioned his long-time friendships with many Covington Catholic players, adding a personal edge to the competition. Covington Catholic coach Eddie Eviston noted Harney’s calm demeanor, suggesting he wouldn’t be easily rattled by facing his former team.
### How the Quarterbacks Performed
Harney led a strong rushing attack for Covington Catholic, gaining 161 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The team as a whole rushed for an impressive 486 yards. Coach Eviston praised Harney’s athleticism and competitive spirit.
Harney’s teammate, Dylan Gaiser, added to the rushing dominance, highlighting the team’s supportive environment where players push each other to excel. This wasn’t Harney’s first big game against Beechwood; he also played a key role in their 2023 victory. He has described his experience at Covington Catholic positively, appreciating the coaching staff and the connections he’s made.
Beechwood’s Queen, known for his strong arm, threw for 207 yards and one touchdown. Beechwood coach Jay Volker has been impressed with Queen’s leadership qualities, especially considering he only transferred to Beechwood in January. His teammates quickly recognized his impact and named him a captain.
However, Queen faced challenges during the game, especially in the second half when the offensive line struggled. He threw two interceptions, one in the red zone, which Volker attributed to a learning experience against a tough defense.
### Path to State Championship
Both Beechwood and Covington Catholic are consistently strong teams with their eyes set on state championships. Beechwood entered the game as a favorite to win in their class, while Covington Catholic faces a more competitive field in their division.
Queen expressed his goal of winning a state championship with his new team, while Eviston acknowledged the tough competition in their class, emphasizing that any team that makes it to the end will have earned it.
Covington Catholic has often been a hurdle for Beechwood in their championship years, with the Colonels defeating the Tigers on their way to titles in 2006, 2017, and 2019. This rivalry game, with its unique quarterback storyline, adds another chapter to the rich history between these two Northern Kentucky high school football powerhouses.
