CINCINNATI — The first week of the 2023 high school football season is in the books — and now it's time to vote for your player of the week!
VOTE BELOW for WCPO's player of the week:
- Milford RB Nathan Webster had 16 carries for 103 yards and three touchdowns as the Eagles defeated host Edgewood
- Covington Catholic QB Evan Pitzer was 21-for-28 for 285 yards and a touchdown. He also had six carries for 63 yards and a touchdown.
- Moeller RB Jordan Marshall scored four touchdowns, including a 75-yard run, in the Crusaders' loss to visiting Ben Davis.
- Harrison RB Cole Koops had 17 carries for 141 yards and three touchdowns in the Wildcats' win.
- Cincinnati Country Day QB Parker Corbin had 210 yards rushing and three touchdowns in a 30-0 win over Summit Country Day.
The season kicked off Thursday with a Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown between Lloyd Memorial and Newport Central Catholic. Lloyd Memorial won 24-7. Withrow also routed Walnut Hills 42-0 on Thursday, while Dohn Community fell 28-16 to Thurgood Marshall in Dayton. Aiken beat Shroder 12-6.
Friday night's schedule included the WCPO 9 Football Friday Game of the Week, Lakota West at St. Xavier. The rivalry is often a defensive battle, and Friday's game was no different. Lakota West freshman QB Jackson Smith had three picks as the Bombers' defense made the difference, shutting out the Firebirds 10-0.
Moeller RB Jordan Marshall had all four of his team's touchdowns — including a 75-yard run during the first drive of the game — while hosting Indianapolis juggernaut Ben Davis, but Big Moe couldn't get the win, falling 49-28.
Purcell Marian celebrated its brand new stadium, named after the legend Roger Staubach. The 81-year-old threw out a ceremonial first pass in his jersey from the 50s to celebrate the honor. His pass went to Levi Smiley, who also caught the first touchdown in the new stadium.
Staubach said before the game he was nervous about jinxing the team, but he had nothing to worry about as the Cavaliers beat Deer Park 32-20.
Down 17 at the half, Oak Hills reached into its bag of tricks and tried to fight back against host Turpin and new head coach Bryan Walker. The Spartans, though, held on to win 31-24.
In a cross-state matchup, Beechwood and new head coach Jay Volker came into town to take on McNicholas. While they may have a new coach, it's the same Beechwood. The Tigers won 31-14.
Over in Indiana, East Central continued to ride on the momentum it had from last year's state championship. The Trojans won big against Lawrenceburg, 42-7.
Covington Catholic QB Evan Pitzer and Kentucky Wildcat commit Willie Rodriguez led the Colonels to a 37-22 win over Ryle.
The Campbell County Camels had a great start to their season, routing Scott 56-6.
Also in Kentucky, Walton Verona beat host Bishop Brossart 27-14.
Find all of tonight's scores below.
