Arion Roach, from Waggener High, is the Protein-packed Performer of the Week @minguabeefjerky, @bigassfans, @WHS_Wildcats_FB, @KyHighFootball, @khsaafootball

’27 QB,SS had an all-state performance in spite of his team’s struggles in ’24

Arion Roach had an uncharacteristic performance in ’24 for a team which finished the year 0-10. The 6’1,” 195 pound sophomore with the 4.65-second, 40-yard speed, 475-pound squat, and quarter-ton deadlift, found a way to markedly contribute to all three phases of his team’s output. He was the leading passer, leading rusher, second leading scorer, who scored nine (9)-times on special teams totaling 18-points there, forced six (6) fumbles on defense, recovering one, and contributing both tackles for loss and registering stops. He did it all. Roach is a ’27 prospect and if he is any indication of the type talent on Waggener’s roster, the Wildcats are in for much brighter days.

HB Lyon, Chief of Scouting, “KPGFootball”

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Ronnie Mingua began experimenting with making beef jerky back in the 1990s. He shared his efforts with neighbors and friends, soon realizing he had come up with something different and superior to all other beef jerkies on the market. From these humble beginnings, Mingua Beef Jerky got its start.  

Today, the Mingua Beef Jerky Company still prides itself on using its old-fashioned, all-natural recipes which offer outstanding products to customers across the nation. The recipes are a family tradition, passed down from generation to generation.     

Our recipes and our quality ingredients, hand-cut from solid pieces of beef, are never chopped or formed like other brands, making our products superior and one of a kind. That would make our products similar to this week’s Protein-packed Performer, Arion Roach, ’27 QB/SS from Waggener High in St. Matthews, Kentucky (Louisville). 

Saint Matthews, KY: When you get a look at the production which came from Arion Roach, a ’27 QB/SS from Waggener High, you get a much different picture of how 2024 came off than the 0-10 you find posted for the team’s record. Most of the time, no one on the roster of 4A’s lowest RPI has much of a season statistically.

Arion Roach’s ’24 season went vastly different statistically from what one would have expected. Roach completed 73 of 163 passes, 1,168-yards and 12-TDs. Roach carried the football 166-carries for 844-yards and 6-TDs.

Roach, only a sophomore starting on a 4A team competing in the commonwealth’s largest city, was second on the team in scoring with 54-points and he doesn’t get to claim ay of the points generated fro his 12-TD passes. Roach’s point total did include nine (9)-two pointers on special teams.

Roach played defense too. That is something a high school coach won’t do every day, deploy defensively a player who comprises so much of the team’s offensive output. Roach registered 28-tackles, three (3)-TFLs, six (6)-FFs, and a-FR.  

Six forced fumbles; that almost had to lead the KHSAA in that category. So the guy who throws seven picks, goes over and defense and gets six of those possessions right back by forcing a fumble. That is very good work if you can get it.

Roach is a specimen physically. Remember he is only a sophomore/rising junior in 2025 when I tell you he bench presses 245-pounds, reps the high school rep weight on the bench (185) ten times, squats 475-pounds, and deadlifts a quarter ton (500-pounds).

That sort of justifies and corroborates the 4.65-second, 40 yard dash time, doesn’t it? We will answer for you…yes, it does!

Roach is built like a linebacker, mobile and athletic enough to cover the back third. At 6’1,” 195-pounds, this kid is kind of a tank, but one which can flat move.

There will be colleges all over this kid. Take our word for it.

Then again, what do we know?

Join us next week as we return to honor another weekly prize winner. Until then, pop some Mingua Beef Jerky in your mouth and savor the quality and flavor which sets it apart from the competition. Remember, our product is superior and one of a kind; just like Waggener High’s Arion Roach.  

This is Friday Night Fletch reporting for Kentucky Prep Gridiron and reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE. Don’t forget to SAVOR THE FLAVOR!