Covington Catholic Routs Ashland 57-28
Kiyan Miller's three rushing touchdowns and a punt return fueled the Class 4A second-round win.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Football
Covington Catholic defeated Ashland 57-28 in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs on Friday, November 13, 2026. The Colonels built a 22-point halftime lead behind rushing and quick-strike passing plays.
Why it matters
The win advances Covington Catholic to a state quarterfinal next week at Boyle County, extending its postseason run for a program now 8-4 on the season. For Kentucky high school football fans, the result underscores how quickly a team can turn a close matchup into a lopsided one when its special teams and ground game connect.
Dylan Courtney completed 6 of 8 passes for 151 yards, and Mav Ashby rushed for 62 yards and scored twice for Covington Catholic. Ashland, now 10-2 on the season, managed 28 points in a game its opponent controlled from the opening drive.
The players
Covington Catholic High School
A Catholic high school in Covington, Kentucky, whose football program competes in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association's Class 4A playoffs.
Ashland High School
A public high school in Ashland, Kentucky, whose football team was eliminated in the Class 4A second round after a 10-2 season.
The details
Covington Catholic opened with a seven-play scoring drive that ended in a 9-yard Miller run. Brandon Smith caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from Courtney, and Jamir Kirtley scored on a 45-yard punt return.
Timeline
Friday, November 13, 2026: Covington Catholic defeats Ashland 57-28 in the Class 4A second round.
Week of November 16, 2026: Covington Catholic travels to Boyle County for the state quarterfinal.
Season Trajectory
The win moves Covington Catholic deeper into the KHSAA Class 4A bracket, with a state quarterfinal at Boyle County next week that keeps its season alive. Ashland's exit closes a 10-2 campaign that had positioned the Tigers among the region's stronger teams.
The result keeps Covington Catholic in the Class 4A bracket, so fans following the team can expect a state quarterfinal at Boyle County next week. Fantasy and betting interest in Kiyan Miller and Justin Hughes will track the playoff schedule as the bracket narrows.
The takeaway
Covington Catholic's balanced attack, with a ground game and a punt return that scored early, shows how a playoff team can build an insurmountable lead before halftime. Readers following Kentucky high school football should track the state quarterfinal next week, when the bracket's remaining teams will be decided.
What happens next
Covington Catholic travels to Boyle County next week for the state quarterfinal.
Further reading
For more Kentucky high school playoff coverage, explore Kentucky Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Independent Online.
