Mike Engler needs seven wins to reach 100 career victories at Ryle, and he didn't even realize it until he sat down to write his season preview.

"Honestly, I didn't realize that until I was writing up the (season preview) the other day," the 12th-year head coach told the NKY Tribune. "It would be a nice accomplishment to get this year. In the regular season, it would be even better."

Engler's 93-55 record includes three region titles and a state runner-up trophy. Now the milestone chase frames a significant rebuild at Borland Stadium in Union. As we reported July 29, the Raiders lost most of their starters from a 10-4 squad that reached the Class 6A state semifinals before falling to South Warren, 36-20.

Gone is Jacob Savage.

The two-way star is now at Indiana, and starting quarterback Nathan Verax and the top two pass receivers also graduated from an offense that averaged 362 yards per game.

Sophomore QB, Division I lineman anchor the reload

Sophomore Brody Smith takes over at quarterback after seeing action in four varsity games last season, entering when the Raiders held big leads and a running clock was in effect. Engler praised Smith's ability to put the ball in places where receivers can catch it, calling it "really good."

The offensive line returns serious size. Junior tackle Max Parsons (6-4, 265) holds Division I offers from Akron, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn, and Miami of Ohio. A Harvard camp scout noted his 80-inch wingspan and footwork that kept him balanced during pass-protection drills. Senior tackle Elliott Lageman (6-4, 330) and senior guard Max Neumann (6-1, 280) round out the returning front, with senior wide receiver Cruze Sauley the lone skill-position starter back.

Veteran defense leads the way

Five defensive starters return, all seniors except junior safety Grant Foley. Safety Evan Kincaid led the team with seven interceptions in 2025. Linebacker Andrew Smith posted 58 tackles, Foley had 57, and cornerback Xavier Collins added 52. Defensive end Jesse Nunn completes the group.

Engler noted that many players gained varsity reps last season when nine victories ended with a running clock. The Raiders won their three district seeding games by margins of 54, 26, and 28 points, claiming the Class 6A District 6 title for a third straight year.

Schedule and what's next

Ryle opens at home against Covington Catholic on Friday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m., then travels to Conner on Aug. 28 and Cooper on Sept. 4. District play opens Friday, Oct. 9, against Campbell County at home, followed by Great Crossing and a trip to Simon Kenton.

If the Raiders match last year's 3-3 non-district mark, Engler would hit 96 wins heading into district play. A perfect regular season gets him to 103. Either way, the countdown starts Aug. 21 under the lights at Borland.