We have some of the best coaches around. The adjustments they make as the game goes along are just incredible. Their adjustment to UC's over-pursuit on the rollout was excellent. The change in blocking to give Houliston time to sit in the pocket and pick them apart was impressive as well.

 

Big credit to the Defense in this game. They kept it close until the offense got it going. They spent a lot of time on the field in the first half.

 

Good win for the 'Birds.

 

I may have a new fave avatar, Cips.

Couple observations of game.

 

D-Bob (Houilston) is the real deal and has great pocket presence.

Great job by Coach Turner making adjustments on the line

Kudos to Coach Weinrich for his custom Defensive set starring Thomas "The Missle" Wrobleski last nite:scared:

 

Love the JumBIRDtron and the interaction of the kids. Ryan Green doing the Duggie was classic:thumb:

Little Birdie told me that a few guys on the Coaching staff can break it down as well at times...

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

A lot of the nation now knows why this football team is the deeply talented Highlands Bluebirds.

The Bluebirds took some big punches early on against the feisty University Christian Fighting Christians. But the Bluebirds once again responded with a huge counterpunch scoring 47 straight points to beat the Jacksonville (Fla.) visitors, 47-17 Saturday afternoon in the season-opener for both teams.

“We always say, ‘If we’re down two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, that’s our game,” said Dale Mueller, Highlands Co-Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator. “We’re going to win that game because we’re going to battle until the end. It started off really slow for us but we didn’t miss a beat.”

Both teams entered the game fresh off state championships. The Bluebirds have won six in a row and 22 overall in improving to 88-3 since the start of 2007 and the Fighting Christians won the Florida 2A (second-smallest of eight classes) title last year and seventh overall.

The Fighting Christians had 21 new faces on the roster. But unlike Highlands, they are not a two-platoon team.

“We knew they were eventually going to wear down,” said Ryan Greene, Highlands senior wide receiver. “You could see it in the start of the second quarter.”

UC Head Coach David Penland said he knew depth would be an issue for his team. But he was mostly disappointed in the team’s effort, especially after the Bluebirds pulled away in the third quarter.

“There’s this thing inside your chest that pumps – your heart,” Penland said. “We had some guys that laid down. We’ll learn from this and get better from this. That’s a great football team. We’re a good football team. We just have to get better.”

The start of the game seemed similar to the season-opener last year. Boyle County threw its best jabs at the Bluebirds leading 24-15 at halftime before Highlands came alive and won 52-31. Highlands recovered sooner in this game grabbing a 13-10 halftime despite having the ball just six minutes, 15 seconds of the first half and garnering just 29 yards of total offense with 5:49 left in the half.

Highlands outgained UC, 518-311 in total offense. Senior quarterback Drew Houliston lead the way completing 21-of-30 passes for 373 yards and four touchdowns. Tailback Zach Harris had 115 yards on 12 carries for an average of about 9.6 a carry and three touchdowns for the Bluebirds.

Highlands once again distributed the ball well. Greene and Jensen Feggins led Highlands with five catches each. Green had 73 yards receiving and two touchdowns and Feggins had 65 yards. Brandon Hergott followed with four catches for 96 yards and with Justin Weyer hauling in a 61-yard reception and Evan Allen scoring on a 39-yard catch.

Houliston overcame an interception and lost fumble to lead the Bluebirds to victory. Those turnovers led to 10 points as Preston Clark hit a field goal for UC with three minutes left and Stone Lakey scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 11:55 left in the second.

But the Bluebirds erased the 10-point advantage in the final 5:01 of the half. Harris scored on a 22-yard touchdown run and Greene hauled in an 11-yard touchdown with 44.5 seconds left after Highland had two scores negated by penalties.

“(Houliston) threw an interception and fumbled and didn’t bat an eye,” Mueller said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever coached a guy that has that poise. He’s so tremendous to coach.”

The Highlands offensive line continued to protect Houliston and the skill players well in the second half. The Bluebirds pulled away scoring four touchdowns on all four possessions of the third quarter. Harris had runs of two and 37 yards before Weyer did a d double move and scored his touchdown and Greene scored his second touchdown on a 24-yard reception.

The Bluebirds finished the scoring run with 7:06 left in the fourth quarter. Allen had his 39-yard touchdown score at that point.

“We really prepare all year to win late in games,” said Kendall Kramer, Highlands senior offensive lineman. “The first quarter saw two fresh teams. But we both condition really hard to be able to stick it out and play as well in the fourth quarter as we do in the first quarter. As soon as the second quarter came, we kicked it into gear and scored two touchdowns before (halftime). We were ready to go for the second half.”

The Highlands defense held its own the entire game against the UC Wing-T attack. The Fighting Christians ran a lot of traditional and spread Wing-T sets. Penland played at Georgetown College with former Bluebird T.J. Kramer.

“They lined up the way we thought they were going to line up,” Penland said. “They had one set that was different, but we adjusted well to it. If we had a couple more players, we’d have been alright. We had some opportunities in the beginning. Not being able to capitalize on them hurt us.”

The Fighting Christians outgained the Bluebirds, 244-145 in total offense. Tamarius Bowe led the way with 115 yards on 14 carries and Hussein Howe had 91 yards on 17 carries. The three UC quarterbacks combined to complete just 4-of-12 passes for 67 yards.

“There were already guys hurt,” said Kyle Martin, junior defensive back. “We switched the outside linebackers hitting the corner. We (first-team defense) didn’t let them score after the first quarter.”

UC took the first 6:40 of the game off the clock converting several first downs. That included a 3rd-and-20 conversion. But after the first quarter, the Fighting Christians did not score again until Billy Cobb completed a 57-yard touchdown to Ke’shan Pennamon with 4:39 left in the game.

Highlands faced a couple Wing-T teams last year. Scott County ran the traditional set and Boyd County ran the double-slot version. Scott County had some backs with similar speed to Bowe and Howe. But when Highlands garnered a big lead, the Cardinals had to leave their comfort zone and pass the ball like the Fighting Christians did. That was not the strength of either team in those games.

“We did what we were supposed to do,” said Brady Murray, Highlands junior linebacker. “That was the key factor in the game. It’s a matter of reading your keys and doing your job. We were concerned about the buck sweep and pitch.”

Highlands returns to action Friday against Campbell County (1-0). Game time is 7 p.m.

 

FORT THOMAS MATTERS: Highlands gives good showing on national television

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It can be a hard pill to swallow when you’re told you’re out for the entire football season.

The Highlands Bluebirds have endured their fair share of injuries early in the season. But for now, only two will not play this entire season. Senior offensive lineman Johnny Kemplin is out because of back issues and junior running back Josh Watson will miss because of a torn anterior cruciated ligament.

But both still plan to contribute to the team. Kemplin has been filming games.

“Johnny Kemplin is an example of guy that’s out for the good of the team,” said Dale Mueller, Highlands Co-Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator. “We’re a fraternity of guys that are out to help the guys win. They may have injuries, but there still going to do what they can to help the team win.”

Kemplin still hopes to help the Bluebirds celebrate another state championship. They’ve won 22 overall, including a state-record six in a row.

“The worst way to take care of it is to quit or get down,” Kemplin said. “You have to help out in any way you can even if it is just filling up water bottles, getting bags or even filing it so someone can watch it Saturday when we get done lifting. It’s a great way to help the team. If someone has a question on the offensive line, I can help them the best that I can so I can help win state championships down the road.”

Watson scored a couple touchdowns in backup duty as a sophomore. He hopes to come back stronger for his senior year, especially after running backs Jaylen Hayes and Zach Harris graduate.

“You just do whatever you can to help the team,” Watson said. “I need to work my hardest to come back. I study what I’ve done in the past and the play book. I can still get better physically in the weight room.”

The Bluebirds are especially hurting in the defensive secondary. Defensive backs Andrew Abner and Griffin Urlage missed the game because of various injuries. Urlage said he’ll be back for the Campbell County game and Abner said Friday it would be a game-time decision. Abner ended up not playing.

But the defensive backs did not need to defend too many passes. The three UC quarterbacks combined to complete just 4-of-12 passes for 67 yards.

Well-Hydrated:

Game-time temperatures hit 80 degrees. Some players went down because of cramps.

“I had to drink so much water these past couple days I had to go (to the bathroom) so many times,” said Ryan Greene, Highlands senior wide receiver. “We condition and sub a lot so we’re in perfect shape for the kind of style we play. I felt good the whole game.”

Highlands continuously subbed in fresh players. The weather and players going both ways may have had a lot to do with University Christian wearing down in the second quarter.

A good Highlands crowd showed up. But many fans left starting at the end of the third quarter because of the lopsided score and heat.

Settled at quarterback:

Highlands has its order set at quarterback. That order is senior Drew Houliston, junior Beau Hoge and sophomore Austin Hergott. Hoge also plays some wide receiver.

On the other side, University Christian tried three players at quarterback. None threw the ball effectively. That helped Highlands key on the Fighting Chrisitan running attack.

“You don’t really like that when you have a couple quarterbacks in the battle,” Mueller said. “But those are three great quarterbacks. They (UC coaches) came over and said, ‘Wow. Who’s that guy looking at (Austin) Hergott?’ Beau Hoge is a good quarterback, but it’s nice to have a clear number one.”

Facility Improvements:

Many noticed the new and taller scoreboard on the south side of David Cecil Memorial Stadium and the new and wider press box. Highlands recently spent $199,217 on its team last year after spending way less the year before. Booster clubs and nonprofit organizations spent $92,000.

The Highlands Athletic Boosters picked up the tab of $11,500 on the final payment of the field turf that was installed in 2002. The Fort Thomas Education Foundation donated $40,000 for the new scoreboard.

But Mueller also said the community helped Highlands install a $600,000 turf soccer field at Tower Park and add a new basketball and volleyball court at the gym.

“Everything is important in this community,” Mueller said. “This (scoreboard) was for our media department because it is a student-run thing.”

District 7 success:

All four Class 4A, District 7 opponents posted victories over the weekend.

On Friday, Covington Catholic handled Boone County, 48-0 and Covington Holmes downed in-town rival Holy Cross, 48-14 in Ben Nevels debut as head coach. The Indians, led by former Cincinnati Bengal Bruce Kozerski, have struggled going 4-9 since winning the 2A state championship in 2011.

The Harrison County Thoroghbreds knocked off Fleming County, 35-7. Harrison County and second-year Head Coach Jim Carr equaled last year’s win total. The Thoroghbreds finished 1-10 last year.

Pendleton County chose not to partake in district play this year. The Wildcats lost to Carroll County, 44-11 on Friday.

 

Fort Thomas Sports: Injured players still have roles for Bluebirds

Excellent recap/article PsalmsG!

Nice reporting Mike...:thumb:

Highlands and NCC are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Graham providing the quality and quantity of sports coverage that he does!

Highlands and NCC are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Graham providing the quality and quantity of sports coverage that he does!

 

Mike does a great job, keep up the good work. :thumb:

I was like many yesterday.....scratching my head and a little concerned after the two early turnovers by Houliston.

 

However, Drew showed why he is a great QB. He maintained his composure and came back with some excellent completions. He stays in the pocket as good as any QB I have ever seen at this level. Pinpoint accuracy as well on many completions. He has to be loving all the options to throw to out there. Great job Drew and awesome job by the offensive line for getting him tons of time back there.

 

A few things I noticed:

 

Beau Hoge didnt see the field much early in the game when things were competitive. Nick True I dont remember seeing at all....Im sorry but a Div 1 recruit has to be more involved whether it be sealing the end or catching the ball across the middle. I think he was wearing #52 I saw on the sideline but as far as game action...dont remember seeing him.

 

Hated seeing Seth go out early, I was jacked up ready to see him sack some QB's.

 

Defensive standouts I thought were obviously Wrobleski at safety...he took the top off a few times and I thought there might be a decapitation. The sound of him flying in and hitting the back on one play was almost sickening...it was a hollow sound like helmet to helmet. Next thing you see is him running around behind the pile celebrating. Love his enthusiasm out there and aggressiveness. #71 Matt Gall had an oustanding game on the Defensive line as well. Pangallo and Murray did a great job on the outside as well.

 

Jensen Feggins is a stud...Period. That kid can go up and get a ball and then he can run with it fending off tacklers. Great hands, strong kid who should really garner some Div 1 attention this year.

 

Sophomore Kicker Jared Daugherty was putting on a clinic with his booming kickoffs. No better place to show your foot than on ESPNU. I am guessing he will get some major looks as well with his foot.

 

Green/Hergott and Weyer were there usual selves catching balls and taking big chunks out of the defense. Weyer catching that long one was a thing of beauty. Drew showed excellent touch and layed it right in there. Justin got some nice airtime on ESPNU as well....poor kid looks like he is 12 yrs old in the face. LOL

 

Zach Harris was a beast...the guy just squares his shoulders and bulldozes people. He showed some excellent bursts of speed as well. He is a winner period.

 

The 2 platoon system definitely won this game for the Birds. UC was coming off the ball in the 4th qtr slower than my 90 yr old grandma could. They literally were just standing up and going through the motions. They had some big big boys though. Kudos to them for coming up and accepting the challenge.

 

Saw a lot of red faces at the 915 after the game...I dont know how you all stayed in those bleachers. I was up in the Taj Mahal with the Foundation Folks and even though its tough to get a full field view....the wings were delicious and it was nice and shady. They do an excellent job up there as always.

I really liked the way Coach Dale was coaching on the side lines during the game. The had some great shots of Coach Dale using the white board. Very impressed.

Nick True has been out for the past 5 weeks with a knee injury. Just started this week in pads. He was in a couple of plays as #52. Will be back for the Campbell Co. game on friday as either #19 or #52.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUOTE=Qryche11;4759398]I was like many yesterday.....scratching my head and a little concerned after the two early turnovers by Houliston.

 

However, Drew showed why he is a great QB. He maintained his composure and came back with some excellent completions. He stays in the pocket as good as any QB I have ever seen at this level. Pinpoint accuracy as well on many completions. He has to be loving all the options to throw to out there. Great job Drew and awesome job by the offensive line for getting him tons of time back there.

 

A few things I noticed:

 

Beau Hoge didnt see the field much early in the game when things were competitive. Nick True I dont remember seeing at all....Im sorry but a Div 1 recruit has to be more involved whether it be sealing the end or catching the ball across the middle. I think he was wearing #52 I saw on the sideline but as far as game action...dont remember seeing him.

 

Hated seeing Seth go out early, I was jacked up ready to see him sack some QB's.

 

Defensive standouts I thought were obviously Wrobleski at safety...he took the top off a few times and I thought there might be a decapitation. The sound of him flying in and hitting the back on one play was almost sickening...it was a hollow sound like helmet to helmet. Next thing you see is him running around behind the pile celebrating. Love his enthusiasm out there and aggressiveness. #71 Matt Gall had an oustanding game on the Defensive line as well. Pangallo and Murray did a great job on the outside as well.

 

Jensen Feggins is a stud...Period. That kid can go up and get a ball and then he can run with it fending off tacklers. Great hands, strong kid who should really garner some Div 1 attention this year.

 

Sophomore Kicker Jared Daugherty was putting on a clinic with his booming kickoffs. No better place to show your foot than on ESPNU. I am guessing he will get some major looks as well with his foot.

 

Green/Hergott and Weyer were there usual selves catching balls and taking big chunks out of the defense. Weyer catching that long one was a thing of beauty. Drew showed excellent touch and layed it right in there. Justin got some nice airtime on ESPNU as well....poor kid looks like he is 12 yrs old in the face. LOL

 

Zach Harris was a beast...the guy just squares his shoulders and bulldozes people. He showed some excellent bursts of speed as well. He is a winner period.

 

The 2 platoon system definitely won this game for the Birds. UC was coming off the ball in the 4th qtr slower than my 90 yr old grandma could. They literally were just standing up and going through the motions. They had some big big boys though. Kudos to them for coming up and accepting the challenge.

 

Saw a lot of red faces at the 915 after the game...I dont know how you all stayed in those bleachers. I was up in the Taj Mahal with the Foundation Folks and even though its tough to get a full field view....the wings were delicious and it was nice and shady. They do an excellent job up there as always.

Nice to see the Zebras basically invisible yesterday. Dont know the crew, but they all arrived together in one car,

Was this the "A" team? If so, they are very good imo.

 

Always nice to see the game about the kids and not the officials. Just sayin...Good Job:thumb:

Not associated with HHS at all, but wow they looked phenomenal from the third quarter and on. That QB looked so poised, and experienced in and out of the pocket. They were moving the ball at will. Proud of our KY boys representing on national TV.

Great game Birds. So proud to be a Highlands Bluebird.

As crazy as it sounds how much does the shade sideline help?