Wow....embarrassing to say the least. Especially after the devastating injury to Abner that just occurred.

 

What's the early word? I wasn't there but devastating to me is knee or foot related?

4.6 is very average, especially in Ohio for a skill player of his caliber believe it or not.

 

Interesting read

 

Comparing NFL and high school 40-yard dash times: A horrifying revelation - SBNation.com

Yes it did. But, anyone likely could have scored in those goal line runs. Maybe just maybe spread the wealth? This by a coach that doesn't call his team to take a knee on the last play.

15/20 for 191 yards and 1 TD.

 

Left off the 1...

Yes it did. But, anyone likely could have scored in those goal line runs. Maybe just maybe spread the wealth? This by a coach that doesn't call his team to take a knee on the last play.

 

Again, why. If you have a good running qb, why not run him w a lead blocker or 2. Now defense has to play 11 v 11.

I'd keep the ball in Ramsey's hand as much as possible.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds football team just can’t seem to find ways to beat the Cincinnati Elder Panthers consistently.

They dropped to 1-7 all-time against Elder (6-3) with a 49-35 defeat in Fort Thomas. Their lone win against the Panthers came three years ago on Oct. 21, 2011 at The Pit, 34-29.

Donovan McCoy, playing for the injured Patrick Towles, quarterbacked the Bluebirds to victory. McCoy threw the game-winning touchdown pass to David Christian as the Bluebirds went 15-0 in their last undefeated season.

While the Panthers have won all but one of the eight meetings between the schools just a drive over the Ohio River from each other, the games have been within 14 points in all but the 1999 meeting. Elder won that one, 35-14.

Highlands Injury Notes:

Highlands seniors Josh Watson and Andrew Abner appear done for the season. Watson reinjured his right leg against Elder and Abner was hurt on the second-to-last play of the game. Trainers wrapped up Abner’s leg heavily and took him inside. Watson missed all of last season because of a torn Anterior Cruciated Ligament.

Linebacker Conner Welsch also did not play Friday and senior tight end Jack Telek is still questionable after he tore his ACL in a scrimmage against Louisville Trinity.

Lack of yellow flags:

The officials did not threw any penalty flags in the first half even though Elder appeared to commit a couple late hits and numerous holding penalties.

The first one came in the first couple of minutes when the Panthers committed a personal foul penalty. The Panthers had four for 27 yards compared to none for the Bluebirds.

Playoff Picture:

Unlike the previous few years, the Bluebirds do not know who their first-round 4A playoff opponent will because of what happened in the District 8-4A race.

The Green County Musketeers ventured to Boyd County and won 18-17 on Friday. That left those two and Rowan County (1-8) tied for third in the district standings with 1-3 records. But the Musketeers (3-6) will travel to Covington Catholic in the first round because of overall wins

Highlands has played Boyd County (2-7) for the previous three seasons. The Bluebirds have beaten the Lions a combined 189-27 during that time.

The Bluebirds may still face the Lions a fourth straight year. The Lions can wrap up that chance with a win over Tolisa (West Virginia) on Friday or a Rowan County loss at Montgomery County.

The Johnson Central Golden Eagles won 8-4A with a 42-7 win over Ashland Blazer (5-4) on Friday. The Golden Eagles could wrap up another undefeated regular season with a win at home against defending Class 3A champion Belfry (8-1).

Johnson Central will play host to Harrison County (0-9) in the first round. Ashland plays host to Covington Holmes (2-7).

Class 4A Notes:

The Lexington Catholic Knights (6-3) continued to roll on Friday. They beat Marion County to wrap up an undefeated run through District 5-4A.

Boyle County (8-1) and Owensboro (8-1) also won Friday and remain state contenders. Owensboro downed Hopkins County Central, 56-7 and Boyle County rolled over Mercer County, 51-0.

Rallying for Brady:

Highlands fans did an “orange out” in the stands for freshman Brady Walz. He was diagnosed with leukemia in May.

Walz has huge family connections in Fort Thomas. His uncle is University of Louisville womens’ basketball coach Jeff Walz and his aunt is Highlands girls basketball Head Coach Jaime Walz-Richey. Walz’ grandfather Roger quarterbacked the Bluebirds to back-to-back state championships in 1960 and 1961.

 

FORT THOMAS MATTERS: Who might the Bluebirds play in the first round of 4A playoffs?

Highlands defense was lacking a pass rush. Why the d-coordinator didn't put any blitz packages in or cover Ramsey 1 on 1. He had all day to throw the ball then discovered he could run it to. HHS D-coordinator better get his defense figured out because they were exposed last night. Now with Abner out they are really exposed. Looks like Grfffin Urlage might need to pick up the slack big time on both sides of the ball.

Highlands defense was lacking a pass rush. Why the d-coordinator didn't put any blitz packages in or cover Ramsey 1 on 1. He had all day to throw the ball then discovered he could run it to. HHS D-coordinator better get his defense figured out because they were exposed last night. Now with Abner out they are really exposed. Looks like Grfffin Urlage might need to pick up the slack big time on both sides of the ball.

 

With Watson going out and I don't see Urlage moving over to defense anytime soon.

Any word on the HHs JV game?

Highlands defense was lacking a pass rush. Why the d-coordinator didn't put any blitz packages in or cover Ramsey 1 on 1. He had all day to throw the ball then discovered he could run it to. HHS D-coordinator better get his defense figured out because they were exposed last night. Now with Abner out they are really exposed. Looks like Grfffin Urlage might need to pick up the slack big time on both sides of the ball.

 

Exposed against a gcl team, yes I agree. But does anyone the rest of the way have the tools to do what Elder did??? There are no Elders or CC's in KY 4a. Not saying they win state...just saying that because Elder can do something doesn't mean others can execute that same formula.

Sending prayers to Watson and Abner. Hope for a full recovery for both!

Exposed against a gcl team, yes I agree. But does anyone the rest of the way have the tools to do what Elder did??? There are no Elders or CC's in KY 4a. Not saying they win state...just saying that because Elder can do something doesn't mean others can execute that same formula.

Might be a different game if Covcath stays alive. Without Abner who going to deliver that "statement maker hit". Covcath might be the only one since the competition is so weak around the state. You do make a point. I was just disappointed in the defense play calling last night. No adjustments were made.

Might be a different game if Covcath stays alive. Without Abner who going to deliver that "statement maker hit". Covcath might be the only one since the competition is so weak around the state. You do make a point. I was just disappointed in the defense play calling last night. No adjustments were made.

 

No adjustments? 35 points scored in the first half and just 14 in the second.

Injuries make me so bitter. Does that end the Abner era at HHS for a decade?