'More than we could ask for'; Beechwood football trusts Volker's vision for the season
When Beechwood football coach Noel Rash announced his retirement in February after 17 years and eight state championships, it sent shockwaves through the Northern Kentucky football community.
About one month later, former principal Justin Kaiser and athletic director Ryan Booth introduced Jay Volker as the program's next head coach, ushering in a new era in Fort Mitchell. Volker, who spent two years as the head coach at Talawanda, is quickly adjusting to life south of the Ohio River.
"It's definitely been a whirlwind. You take over a program that's won a state championship six out of the last seven years, you definitely have your work cut out for you," Volker said.
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In meeting Volker, the players weren't sure what to expect after playing their entire careers for Rash. But he has endeared himself to his players by bringing big brother-esque energy and setting a standard in the locker room and on the field.
"The way that he's filled in has been more than we could ask for as players," senior Nick Alexander said.
Beechwood has undergone a series of changes since the conclusion of the 2022 season. In addition to Volker, the Tigers installed a new turf field and have five new divisional opponents in Class 2A. Many are the variables within Beechwood's program, but one thing remains: the state championship expectations.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
"They know the standard we have and the success we have in the past, so they'll be ready to bring it and we'll be ready to handle it," Alexander said of Beechwood's 2023 opponents.
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Beechwood opens the schedule by traveling across the river to face McNicholas. They continue on the road, facing Campbell County and Dixie Heights before Volker's home debut in week four against Simon Kenton. He has friends who went to Beechwood and has heard about the environment in Fort Mitchell. Much like his first game on Aug. 18, Volker will have some nervous energy the first time he takes the field on Beechwood Road.
"I'm really excited for that first Friday here," Volker said.
Volker, who boasts a defensive background from his time at Kings, Moeller and Talawanda, brings the same mindset to Beechwood. The Tigers allowed 7.8 points per game in 2022, winning 14 games by an average margin of victory of 36.4 points.
After losing 22 seniors from last season, including a bevy of offensive playmakers, Volker knows he will have to lean on the defense to carry the team while keeping the Tigers' established culture in mind.
"It's one of those things where, if it's not broke, you don't really need to fix it, but I have to also make it my own and feel comfortable with what I'm calling on Friday nights," Volker said.
Key playmakers for Beechwood this season include junior quarterback Clay Hayden, who can zip passes over the middle or throw a long ball with seemingly little effort. Senior Xavier Campbell led the Tigers with 11 sacks in 2022. James Cusick, Luke Erdman and Shawn Sowder have a chance to make highlight-reel plays in the secondary.
"They're going to fill in great. They've been working their butts off," Hayden said.
The Tigers only have nine seniors this year, but Volker's vision includes building the program's future. He is especially excited about a group of 28 freshmen who can make their mark as varsity starters in the coming years.
As a small school, Beechwood may not have the largest team in the state, but its goal is to be the fastest, the toughest and the best.
Beechwood High School football's 2023 schedule
Aug. 18 at McNicholas, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25 at Campbell County, 7 p.m.
Sep. 1 at Dixie Heights, 7 p.m.
Sep. 8 vs. Simon Kenton, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 15 vs. Covington Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 22 at Gallatin County, 7 p.m.
Sep. 29 vs. Walton-Verona, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 vs. Owen County, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 13 at Carroll County, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 20 vs. Bracken County, 7:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Beechwood football upholds standard of excellence in Volker's debut
