Beechwood and Brilz Learning House

Beechwood and Brilz

August 27, 2011 – 12:13 pm

Ive said this before about Beechwoods Noel Rash, and Ill ask it again. Is there a football coach in Northern Kentucky who gets more out of less? According to 2011 team rosters supplied by the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown media staff, Beechwood numbers 43 players. Simon Kenton, a 28-0 loser to the Tigers in Fridays Crosstown Showdown meltdown, lists 75.

Beechwood, as the locals are quite aware, is a small-school powerhouse in Class A, with a total of 11 state championships. Simon Kenton is in the big-school class of 6A and made it to the state final in 2008.

I didnt get a chance to speak with coach Rash immediately following the game because of deadline pressure, but I did catch up with his two-way standout Darrick Brilz, who plays defensive end and tight end for the Tigers. Brilz played most of the game. Shortly afterwards, he didnt appear to be breathing hard when I asked him a few questions about his interception and ensuing touchdown catch that put Beechwood on its way to victory.

On a side note, I happen to catch a touching post-game exchange between Brilz and his father, former Bengals offensive lineman Darrick Brilz, who is an unassuming, very down-to-earth guy for being someone with such a big name in the area.

In the tangle of football players, coaches, fans, parents and media, the elder Brilz, a Beechwood assistant coach, wanted to make sure his son received an award for being named a game MVP. It was the gesture of a loving father. The younger Brilz , who adores his dad, was busy taking questions from the media and gave his father the same look that I once gave one of my parents when I was a teenager the look that says, Gee, dad, do ya hafta bother me with that right now?

The elder Brilz took his cue, and his sons hardware, back to the car where the younger Brilz retrieved it later.

Learning House