[Stardust]

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll...111250325/

oday's Class 2A football state semifinal pitting Holy Cross against Somerset at 7:30 p.m. at Newport Stadium is a happening for Holy Cross and its supporters.

"The teachers are just as fired up about it as the students and a lot of alumni are coming back for the game," Holy Cross athletic director Anne Julian said. "Everybody's making plans on Facebook and it's been hard to keep the kids off the computers."

The buzz surrounding the team amplified following the Indians' stunning 24-21 quarterfinal victory over defending state champion Newport Central Catholic. Holy Cross (10-3) is in the semifinals for the first time. Somerset (9-4) toppled a pair of powers, Lexington Christian and Danville, in the regional rounds.

"They're a pretty good team," Indians coach Bruce Kozerski said of the Briar Jumpers. "But we're going to play our game."

Kozerski, a former Bengals offensive lineman, said the response this week from former Holy Cross players, coaches and students has been so overwhelming that he's actually learning how to text.

"I'm becoming text-literate because I've been returning a lot of messages congratulating us," Kozerski said. "But, like I've been telling the team, last week's win doesn't mean much if we don't win this week."

Quarterback Kyle Fuller, a hero last week with 303 passing yards, is approaching 4,000 yards from scrimmage and 50 total touchdowns. He's passed for 2,534 and 31 TDs and rushed for 1,238 and 16 scores.

"It's been a team-wide effort," the coach said. "It's been a step in the right direction. I can't tell you how much school pride I see."

Holy Cross has become such a force during Kozerski's eight seasons as coach that it's easy to forget the Indians have been playing football for just 14 years.

Kozerski took over the team after John Wysong stepped down following the 2003 season to coach the freshmen. Wysong died of a heart attack at school in May 2004. Kozerski was at Wysong's side when he collapsed.

"I was on my way into school that morning and John was standing on the front steps and leaning against the wall," Kozerski said. "I think about him all the time."

Together, the two men initiated the football program at Holy Cross in 1998.

"He was a very big believer, and he believed in Holy Cross football. How proud he would be of this team," Kozerski said.

Today's winner will play either Glasgow or Murray in next week's championship at Houchens Industries-L. T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green.

"My kids have been focused all year," Kozerski said. "I think they'll be ready to go."