I know we have great players coming back such as Kendal, Austin Beal,and Robinson. But we are also moving up in rank which concerns me,

5A next year will be very entertaining. I'm very curious how things will turn out. Pulaski Co. is no fluke as they return just about everyone from this years State Championship team. Reminds me a lot of Bowling Green in 2012-2013. Both returned the core group of players.

 

I actually think 5A will be one of the strongest classes in the state next year. 6A will still have the super district, but 5A next year has teams capable of winning it spread all throughout the state. I wish Highlands and Cov Cath the best of luck.

 

The first game of the year next year against Cooper should be a good test for you all. Cooper won their regional title this year and fell to Pulaski Co. in the semi final game, so this could be a good measuring stick for you all seeing how Cooper returns the majority of their starters minus their QB next year.

You said that already.... :idunno:

 

I'm sorry lol

I know we have great players coming back such as Kendal, Austin Beal,and Robinson. But we are also moving up in rank which concerns me,

 

You are close to the bolded but pay attention...

 

At Highlands it is called "Next Man UP" :thumb:

Haha. It's called a nail biter year

You are close to the bolded but pay attention...

 

At Highlands it is called "Next Man UP" :thumb:

Highlands has been blessed the last decade w/excellent play at QB position, I think this is the position that they lose a lot at the next several years. Hope I am wrong and someone steps up, but at this point I see it being a problem.

Here is what my take is and it is based on what I have read on here and seen at games.

 

The Birds return a formidable group on the line anchored by Sr's 6'2 300lb Bo Hebel, 6'4 230lb Carson Haas, 6' 270 lb Tyler Robinson and possibly 6'2 235lb Evan Richardson. The Center position looks to be up for grabs, Trey King the current JV Center is an extremely smart kid who could step up and fill that role. He needs to put on some much needed weight but is a tall kid.

 

Offensively the Birds will likely continue to throw the ball a lot with Recievers Chandler New, Mitchell Cain and Eric Miller returning. Also look out for soph to be Braden Posey. He is very fast and has great hands, he could contend for some throws next year. The 3 vets combined for a lot of catches this season. Austin Hergott should be the frontrunner for the QB spot but he will need to improve his accuracy. He is the prototypical QB at 6'4 215lbs, hopefully he can work hard in the offseason and lead the Birds next season. Running Back Nick Kendall should get most of the carries but Grant Murray if he can return at full strength from the knee injury could be a similar back that Griffin Urlage was this year. Jared Pulsfort should also contend for carries next year.

 

On the defensive side will need to replace virtually all of the Defensive line in the event they move Richardson to Offensive Line. Maybe I am wrong but I believe he started on Defense. Bradley Greene gained some nice experience at DB this season as a soph so he should return there. Austin Beal as well at the Corner. Jared Daugherty I would assume will anchor the LB position. Several losses on this side of the ball will call for some kids to step in and fill the shoes.

 

Clearly there is some doubt going into next season if you look at the current JV and Frosh win/loss records this season. I believe the JV was 1-5 vs a tough schedule with their lone win being over CovCath and the Freshman were 3-5 against local competition. You can never count out the Birds though, they will maintain the top ranking position until someone proves they can knock them off.

 

They say the body is still warm and the paint is still wet on the trophy but lets be honest.....there are kids coming back next season who cant wait to get in that weight room this week and come up with their next slogan for 2015.

 

Obviously folks closer to the program can probably throw out there some more names of kids who will contend for spots. I can assure you that they will need to put in a ton of work to replace this year's team and notables like Hoge, Urlage, Murray, Pangallo, Vennaman, Bunning, Mills, etc.

Highlands has been blessed the last decade w/excellent play at QB position, I think this is the position that they lose a lot at the next several years. Hope I am wrong and someone steps up, but at this point I see it being a problem.

 

Physically, Hergott fits the mold for a Highlands quaterback. With the string of QB skills through the system of late, he has big shoes to fill, but he does have a strong arm. Down the pipe, Schuellman (sp?) doesn't quite have the arm strength or physical prowess, but he was accurate for the freshman squad and made some good decisions. Time will tell.

Edited December 8, 201411 yr by BubbyKY
forgot quote

Physically, Hergott fits the mold for a Highlands quaterback. With the string of QB skills through the system of late, he has big shoes to fill, but he does have a strong arm. Down the pipe, Schuellman (sp?) doesn't quite have the arm strength or physical prowess, but he was accurate for the freshman squad and made some good decisions. Time will tell.

 

Agreed, Schoellman could be a nice future option but next year's team is Hergott's for all intents and purposes. Good skills and body for a QB but from what I saw he will need to gain better accuracy and that should get better as he prepares in the offseason.

 

Here is what my take is and it is based on what I have read on here and seen at games.

 

The Birds return a formidable group on the line anchored by Sr's 6'2 300lb Bo Hebel, 6'4 230lb Carson Haas, 6' 270 lb Tyler Robinson and possibly 6'2 235lb Evan Richardson. The Center position looks to be up for grabs, Trey King the current JV Center is an extremely smart kid who could step up and fill that role. He needs to put on some much needed weight but is a tall kid.

 

Offensively the Birds will likely continue to throw the ball a lot with Recievers Chandler New, Mitchell Cain and Eric Miller returning. Also look out for soph to be Braden Posey. He is very fast and has great hands, he could contend for some throws next year. The 3 vets combined for a lot of catches this season. Austin Hergott should be the frontrunner for the QB spot but he will need to improve his accuracy. He is the prototypical QB at 6'4 215lbs, hopefully he can work hard in the offseason and lead the Birds next season. Running Back Nick Kendall should get most of the carries but Grant Murray if he can return at full strength from the knee injury could be a similar back that Griffin Urlage was this year. Jared Pulsfort should also contend for carries next year.

 

On the defensive side will need to replace virtually all of the Defensive line in the event they move Richardson to Offensive Line. Maybe I am wrong but I believe he started on Defense. Bradley Greene gained some nice experience at DB this season as a soph so he should return there. Austin Beal as well at the Corner. Jared Daugherty I would assume will anchor the LB position. Several losses on this side of the ball will call for some kids to step in and fill the shoes.

 

Clearly there is some doubt going into next season if you look at the current JV and Frosh win/loss records this season. I believe the JV was 1-5 vs a tough schedule with their lone win being over CovCath and the Freshman were 3-5 against local competition. You can never count out the Birds though, they will maintain the top ranking position until someone proves they can knock them off.

 

They say the body is still warm and the paint is still wet on the trophy but lets be honest.....there are kids coming back next season who cant wait to get in that weight room this week and come up with their next slogan for 2015.

 

Obviously folks closer to the program can probably throw out there some more names of kids who will contend for spots. I can assure you that they will need to put in a ton of work to replace this year's team and notables like Hoge, Urlage, Murray, Pangallo, Vennaman, Bunning, Mills, etc.

 

After the talk Rocco Pangallo gave to upcoming classes last night at the State Celebration I'm sure they're fired up and already working their tails off today.

I agree with the Austin Hergott , and also Nick. Nick is a awesome player as was shown this year.

Owensboro does return alot - but loses the QB. The 2 huge lineman return for Owensboro, as does Barret #6, James the FB and alot of the defense...all linebackers, all but 1 defensive lineman and 2 of the secondary. The QB will be the main issue, but the backup I've seen is pretty athletic.

 

Did the backup get many opportunities for varsity minutes this year? That would help a ton in addition to JV games.

These type of threads get better every year. Highlands #1 appears to be looking out for someone to post his kids name somewhere, so why don't you tell us what to expect next year.

 

I will give you a little help to start.

 

Offense will return Hebel, Richardson and Haas. A pretty solid group of lineman to build around and no the center position is not open. QB will be Austin Hergott unless someone comes from out of nowhere. Kid needs to work on mechanics, trust his abilities and play with confidence and he will be just fine. As mentioned, Cain, New and Miller all saw significant time at receiver and were more than successful this year. Kendall returns in the backfield and who besides that is a good question. I would expect Pulsfort and possibly Grant Murray moving to defensive side of the ball.

 

Defense will return Richardson at DL along with Chard. LB's returning will be Dressman, Dougherty, Ziegler and Welsch. All saw time this year, some more than others. DB's returning will be Beal, Greene, Perez, Johnson and Stamper. Obviously some younger kids could fill in if they work hard in the offseason.

 

Special teams have everything returning except for Veneman.

Graves will be down next year. The years after 2015 look very promising though. You don't just replace Cody Crider.

Are there 2 Richardsons? I was pretty sure Evan Richardson played C the entire season.

Are there 2 Richardsons? I was pretty sure Evan Richardson played C the entire season.

 

That would be correct.