La Salle's Kief, Ryle's Savage honored with 'That's My Boy' awards

The Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the National Football Foundation held its 59th annual scholar-athlete banquet.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the National Football Foundation held its 59th Annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet, honoring numerous high school football players in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The prestigious "That's My Boy" award for Kentucky went to Ryle's Jacob Savage, while the "That's Our Boy" award for Cincinnati was given to La Salle offensive lineman Max Kief.

Why it matters

These awards recognize the top high school football players in the region who have excelled not only on the field, but also in the classroom and in their communities. The awards highlight the importance of well-rounded student-athletes and the impact they can have both in sports and beyond.

The details

Max Kief, a La Salle offensive lineman, was named the winner of the Southwest Ohio "That's Our Boy" award. Kief was a first-team All-Ohio selection and helped lead a La Salle offense that averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored 30 touchdowns. Off the field, Kief is a National Merit Scholar, a class officer, and a member of the Key Club and Big Brothers program. Jacob Savage of Ryle High School won the Northern Kentucky "That's My Boy" award. Savage was the MaxPreps High School Football Player of the Year in Kentucky, the KHSAA 6A Player of the Year, and the winner of the Paul Hornung Award. He was a two-way star, rushing for 1,222 yards and 24 touchdowns while also recording 112 tackles on defense.

  • The Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the National Football Foundation held its 59th Annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • Max Kief is the fourth La Salle Lancer to win the "That's Our Boy" award, joining Zach Branam (2021), Joe Burger (2012) and Ryan Murphy (1994).
  • Jacob Savage is the sixth Ryle Raider to win the "That's My Boy" award, joining Gabe Savage (2022), Jake Chisholm (2018), Ryan Woolf (2015), Tate Nichols (2010) and Scott Gray (2007).

The players

Max Kief

A La Salle offensive lineman who was named the winner of the Southwest Ohio "That's Our Boy" award. Kief was a first-team All-Ohio selection and helped lead a La Salle offense that averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored 30 touchdowns. Off the field, Kief is a National Merit Scholar, a class officer, and a member of the Key Club and Big Brothers program.

Jacob Savage

A Ryle High School player who won the Northern Kentucky "That's My Boy" award. Savage was the MaxPreps High School Football Player of the Year in Kentucky, the KHSAA 6A Player of the Year, and the winner of the Paul Hornung Award. He was a two-way star, rushing for 1,222 yards and 24 touchdowns while also recording 112 tackles on defense.

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What they’re saying

“Max (Kief) is in our LSI program, maintains a 4.0 GPA and is involved in many extracurricular activities outside of football. On the field, he is a worker and competes at the highest level. As a captain of our team, he led by example and led a very physical and tough offensive line.”

— Pat McLaughlin, La Salle head coach (Cincinnati Enquirer)

“Football is important to me because it is a way for me to test my limits, physicality and mentally, so I can become the most well-rounded person I can be.”

— Max Kief (Cincinnati Enquirer)

“The one thing that stands out is the fire and enthusiasm he has in everything he does. He leads by example and is relentless as a player and student. Jacob's teammates have also honored him by selecting him as a team captain for the past three seasons. He is a positive role model for all the community and at Ryle High School. Indiana is getting more than a player; they are getting a fantastic citizen and person.”

— Mike Engler, Ryle head coach (Cincinnati Enquirer)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These awards highlight the importance of well-rounded student-athletes who excel not only on the field, but also in the classroom and in their communities. The honorees serve as positive role models for their peers and demonstrate the value of balancing athletics with academics and community involvement.