If you compare them to HHS this year then yes. On a national level, no. Still the same NKY football. Would like to see another NKY program, while HHS is finally down, take the leap to being able to compete with good Cincinnati teams and national teams.
I remember dale had a problem with players trying to wear other colors. The players weren't even allowed to wear pink during October. Maybe the cleats mean something signifcant to the player and asked the coaches if he could wear them.