When KHSAA did its first re-alignment of the 6-class system Highlands found itself in a position to stay in its natural position in the 4A Class after playing up in the 5A Class in the original setup to keep local rivalries on the schedule. This brought two program who had met sporadically under the four class system together - the Fort Thomas Highlands Bluebirds and the Lexington Catholic Knights. Prior to the 2011 season realignment Lexington Catholic had lost three straight Region Championship games to in-district Boyle County. Based on that rough track record, most assumed that the Knights would be fortunate to occasionally meet up with the perennial champion Bluebirds. But in 2011 the Knights started a run in their Region that would set up 4 years of critical games between the two programs. With the new realignment coming in 2015 the two programs will again separate. Thus, 2014 likely represents the last dance of these two teams. And for the Knights, the 2014 semi-final will be the last chance to challenge the great Bluebird program.

 

In 2011 the Knights defeated Boyle County earn their first region championship since their 2007 state championship run. They hosted a Bluebird team lead by outstanding quarterback and current University of Kentucky starter Patrick Towles. The Bluebirds won 42-21 on their way to their 24^th state championship – which they had won the previous four years as well. In 2012 the two teams met in Fort Thomas on bitterly cold and windy night. But the Bluebirds took advantage of defensive stop near mid-field and subsequent quick score right before halftime and rode that momentum to a 61 to 28 victory. And from there the Bluebirds went on the win their 25^th state championship.

 

Last year, two early turnovers by the Knights and new running clock rule lead to 36 to 0 score with 8 minutes left in the second quarter. The Knights fought furiously with the clock running continuously and closed to within one TD at 42-35. But the Bluebirds recovered the pursuing on-sides kick and returned it to the Knights 12 and scored. That ended the comeback and Bluebirds secured a third consecutive victory with a 49 to 35 result.

 

This year both teams survived their perspective regional championships against traditional in-district rivals. Highlands defeated Covington Catholic 37 to 34. The Knights defeated Boyle County 40 to 35. These victories result in the fourth straight years the teams will come together in late November to earn a spot in the finals in Bowling Green. Once again the Bluebirds will be the favorite playing at home. But both teams will have something to prove. The Bluebirds string of state championships was broken in 2013 in the closing moments by a surprising Collins team. The Knights know this is their last chance to earn a victory against the Bluebirds after 3 straight loses and get back to the state finals.

 

Under new coach Mark Perry the Knights offensive is not much different than previous years. Slanted toward the ‘air-raid’ style under the leadership of senior Reese Ryan. Ryan has completed 84% of his passes in the playoffs (36-43) for 639 yards, 11 TDs and no interceptions. His receiving corps, all first time starters this season, include JJ Ogbogu, Andy Thompson, Jordon Hatton and Donavan Morris. The Knights also have a top running back this year in junior Jaylen Jones. Running behind a mostly veteran offensive line that includes big senior Cameron Baily, juniors Noah Tubridy and Colin Carpenter Jones has rushed for over 1,600 yards this season and could set a new school records for yards in a season.

 

Defensively, the Knights are led by senior Chase Boling. Boling went to full time linebacker after splitting duties as both a lineman and linebacker previously. Boling has come back from a mid-season injury with a vengeance and leads the Knights in tackles with over 100 and has 2 interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries. Flanking Boling in the outside linebacker spots are speedy and hard hitting seniors Cody Mitchell and Braxton Couch. Senior Dominic Castlen anchors the defensive line and is hard to block one on one. Junior Andy Hickey plays a one man safety spot on most plays. The cornerbacks include hard hitting senior Joey Griggs and interception specialist junior Davis Rowady. Rowady had 6 interceptions last season last season, including 3 against Russell County in the playoffs and has added two more this season.

 

The seniors of each of these teams have played the match each of their years. Like their region/district rivalries they now know each other. Even though both programs are under new leadership this year both have played respective seasons similar to previous years with similar results. For the outcome to be different the Knights will have to do the usually things – avoid mistakes, turnovers, errors and penalties. As shown in the previous meetings and especially last year, the Bluebirds take advantage of every self-inflicted wound during a game. The other key factor will be defense – a solid pre-game plan and the Knights must make critical in game adjustments. The last two years the Highlands punter has been less active than the Maytag repair man – never having to the punt the ball. This may be the last dance between these two programs – at least in post season. For the Knight seniors it’s also the last chance to get by a three-year roadblock to the title game.

Nice summary BGC. Appreciate the info!

Excellent post BGC. 2 outstanding program battle it out again for the 4th straight year. Good luck to both.