They definitely have much to prove this next season. There are heads on the chopping block and a community that is not used to what they have experienced these past 2 seasons. Call it what you want but there is a lot of pressure on this team to win next season. Time will tell if they can respond and get back to the Highlands way.

How do we know it’s a different team? It is January. I expect them to be much more talented this year, but they seem to be returning about as much off last year’s roster as the teams that were WAY better than them in 5A last year. Until they show they can finish a game they should have won (like SK) with this current regime, there has to be some skepticism.

 

Skepticism is fine, but it doesn’t change what the goal/expectations are.

Has the 2018 schedule been released? If not, when can we expect to see it?

Someone sent me this, thanks!

 

In the months leading up to the '98 football season (the "best ever" year with Lorenzen, Smith and company) the big question was O Line. Zero starters on O Line were returning. The guys we were trying to replace were All State Scott Kuhnhein and Phil Scherer who went on to play D1 football. The guys that ended up as starters did not look like an O Line, skinny, small so on and so on. I believe only 2 got in the 800 lb club. Despite this Highlands broke like every offensive record that year and won state.

 

All you need is a guy that can do his job, attack, and get nasty. That's been the Highlands way since like 1961. They don't need to all be 6'-7" 385 lbs. The guys that can block this team to a state championship are walking around in the halls. Every time I hear "but what about the Oline??" I think about that team and how size truly does not beat speed, strength and attitude at the high school level.

 

Having followed the team thru this period until now I love to get reminders - thanks.

 

I too recall that the HHS O Line back then was smaller but stronger and more athletic. The D Line I recall that many teams had were big and slow and not very fit. Today is apples and oranges. Larger schools now have many O Line guys that are big, strong and athletic. So I believe size is an issue in today's game with larger schools. Just one of the things the O Line will need to scheme against.

Someone sent me this, thanks!

 

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Thanks for posting. That’s a great help

I think the Birds can get to 7-3 if they are firing on all cylinders. There are 3 games on there that will be very tough to win in the regular season.

I, for one, am excited about this next year with all of the returning starters and guys that got good time and exposure last year.

 

I'd love to see Huddy play all over the place...TE, FB, RB, WR, PR, KR, LB. He is an absolute animal and has the mentality to match his athleticism. To only play him on one side of the ball would be a travesty.

 

I feel pretty much the same with Ahfeld. He's a younger kid that has a ton of potential and can really make an impact.

 

The linebacker core is looking great, returning a bunch of kids that got significant playing time - including M. Schwalbach.

 

The secondary is returning as well, but I'd love to see them move Armstrong into the safety position. Kid is all heart and hits like a kid with 75 more pounds on him and he's not afraid to mix it up. He would make for some big hits coming down to fill the alley. Although, Ahfeld could do this as well and leave Armstrong at corner, due to his cover skills.

 

I'm crazy excited about Cramer though. He truthfully should have started last year. Good size, great poise and decision making as well - with a cannon to boot. King, Huddy, Ahfeld, King are all good sized WR that have good hands and athleticism. Schwalbach will rush for 1,000+ this year too.

 

I look for 7-3 or 8-2 next year. Go Birds!

I think the Birds can get to 7-3 if they are firing on all cylinders. There are 3 games on there that will be very tough to win in the regular season.

 

Who do they lose to?

Who do they lose to?

 

Not SK!

Someone sent me this, thanks!

 

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Very glaring omissions!!! In the past, this list always, always included the 5 tentative playoff games. Who put this out? AD?

 

But hey, why get ahead of ourselves.

 

Just sayin!!!

Very glaring omissions!!! In the past, this list always, always included the 5 tentative playoff games. Who put this out? AD?

 

But hey, why get ahead of ourselves.

 

Just sayin!!!

 

Goals...

I'd like to see Carlos, South, Hergott and Buten get some playing time this year. Those boys work hard and are definitely winners.

I'd like to see Carlos, South, Hergott and Buten get some playing time this year. Those boys work hard and are definitely winners.

 

I think they’ll get a chance to see some time and have a solid impact. Especially Buten at RB.. this is the biggest difference from this past year to next year. Last year 10-12 sophomores were NEEDED to step up and become varsity starters/leaders. This coming year, the guys mentioned above will be able to fill in, have an impact, and help the team when needed. They will be able to be the icing on the cake, not the main ingredients. Big difference.

So, I'm guessing it's official HHS is moving back up to 5A? Has anyone heard anything different?