The St. Henry Crusaders went 2-9 in their first varsity football season last fall. They made the Class 2A playoffs anyway, and now they're coming back with nearly everyone.
Head coach Tim Odom's 2026 squad returns 10 starters on offense and nine on defense, according to the team's media packet reported by the NKY Tribune. That experience marks a sharp turn from 2025, when St. Henry fielded a roster of mostly freshmen and sophomores after accelerating its varsity timeline a year ahead of schedule.
"We had to win two games to get in," Odom said of last year's playoff berth. "We feel pretty confident that we can improve on that this year in district play."
Seven of the Crusaders' nine losses in 2025 came by double-digit margins, including a 54-0 first-round playoff loss to Breathitt County. The program treated the season as a foundation year, and the returning talent reflects it.
Key players to watch
Senior free safety Andrew Stewart leads the defense after recording 37 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season. He'll also line up at slot receiver. Odom praised Stewart's leadership and grit, calling him a natural fit for the program's identity.
Senior Zach Cline, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound offensive guard and defensive tackle, anchors both lines. Odom described him as one of the program's most improved players and called him "very physical" in the trenches.
Junior Ivan Viveros takes over as the full-time starting quarterback after four players shared the position in 2025. Junior Jackson Auer, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound tight end and linebacker, is a player Odom believes could become one of St. Henry's first top-tier college recruits. Juniors Lucas Pate (running back/linebacker) and Quincy Thom (receiver/cornerback) round out the returning core.
A loaded district
St. Henry competes in Class 2A, District 5 alongside Beechwood, Bracken County, Gallatin County, Owen County and Walton-Verona. Beechwood, under head coach Noel Rash, enters 2026 pursuing another state title.
The coaching staff has turned over for the third straight year. Odom's current staff includes his father, Bobby Odom, and his son, Jake Odom. The head coach said he's "having the time of my life" coaching alongside both of them.
Schedule
The Crusaders open Aug. 21 at Holy Cross at 7 p.m. The home opener is Aug. 28 against Boone County. District play begins Sept. 25 at Gallatin County. St. Henry hosts Beechwood on Oct. 9.
