Highlands is a tough team to figure out this year. I am sure I am not alone here.

 

Who are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds?

 

BluegrassPreps.com currently has the Birds ranked #6 in 5A. I think that is a couple of spots too low but that is just my opinion.

 

Calpreps has the Birds ranked 7th overall in Kentucky which is impressive. Cantrall ranks the Birds 9th overall and Litkenhous has the Bluebirds ranked 4th overall in Kentucky and all I can say is wow to that one!

 

When I look at game results Highlands has taken care of business against all but one of the NKY teams on their schedule.

 

The three games that stand out to me are Scott County, Lexington Catholic, and of course Covington Catholic.

 

Are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds the team that was destined for a running clock against Scott County until Mother Nature intervened?

 

Are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds the team that beat, but struggled, with the #5 ranked 3A Lexington Catholic Knights?

 

Are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds the team that took the undisputed number one team in Kentucky to the brink the last week before falling 21 to 14 to Covington Catholic?

 

I assume we won't know anymore about Highlands until the 2nd and maybe 3rd round of the 5A playoffs.

 

The Bluebirds really are an enigma this year.

 

So I ask again, who are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds?

Highlands is a tough team to figure out this year. I am sure I am not alone here.

 

Who are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds?

 

BluegrassPreps.com currently has the Birds ranked #6 in 5A. I think that is a couple of spots too low but that is just my opinion.

 

Calpreps has the Birds ranked 7th overall in Kentucky which is impressive. Cantrall ranks the Birds 9th overall and Litkenhous has the Bluebirds ranked 4th overall in Kentucky and all I can say is wow to that one!

 

When I look at game results Highlands has taken care of business against all but one of the NKY teams on their schedule.

 

The three games that stand out to me are Scott County, Lexington Catholic, and of course Covington Catholic.

 

Are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds the team that was destined for a running clock against Scott County until Mother Nature intervened?

 

Are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds the team that beat, but struggled, with the #5 ranked 3A Lexington Catholic Knights?

 

Are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds the team that took the undisputed number one team in Kentucky to the brink the last week before falling 21 to 14 to Covington Catholic?

 

I assume we won't know anymore about Highlands until the 2nd and maybe 3rd round of the 5A playoffs.

 

The Bluebirds really are an enigma this year.

 

So I ask again, who are the 2018 Highlands Bluebirds?

 

They are a team on the rise, getting better by the week. The Scott County game (the earliest) in your highlights is their worst outing- agreed. I still wonder what would have happened if a 2nd half was played. 9 plays on offense doesn't allow your defense to adjust or get off the field for that matter.

 

The Lex Cath game (middle of the season) showed a team getting better on both sides of the ball. Still growing offensively, but coming into their own defensively.

 

The Cov Cath game showed a team on the rise, who can play with anyone. We are starting to see the development of younger players and finally starting to open the offense up a little. The Birds still need to cut down on self-inflicted mistakes, but definitely building for the postseason. I'm interested in seeing how they take care of business against teams they should beat. Good question....

Some teams just improve more than others. I think St.X is a similar enigma. Rough start and then keep getting better. 5A going to have a great playoffs to watch.

Although Weinrich gets a lot heat for platooning, the improvement rate of players is higher if they are just focused on one position. This year it’s working. Southwestern for instance has their QB returning kicks and playing safety. Sure they are getting the best player out on the field. But the development of other players is stifled and he has to spend half the week doing defense stuff. This is the time of year when that platooning system starts to grow teeth.

The offense will need to do way more!

On the Scott County game, I think that is a horrible matchup for Highlands. Highlands is not big on defense and Scott County is a big power running offense. I haven't seen that game but I am guessing that Scott County just ran it down Highlands' throat all night. I think the same thing would happen now just based on personnel in the matchup. To a certain extent you have to throw that game out unless Highlands is facing another team with size, skill and a power rushing attack like Scott County. There aren't many teams like that out there.

On the Scott County game, I think that is a horrible matchup for Highlands. Highlands is not big on defense and Scott County is a big power running offense. I haven't seen that game but I am guessing that Scott County just ran it down Highlands' throat all night. I think the same thing would happen now just based on personnel in the matchup. To a certain extent you have to throw that game out unless Highlands is facing another team with size, skill and a power rushing attack like Scott County. There aren't many teams like that out there.

 

Wouldn’t CCH qualify as a power running team with that line and Casey? I get it that CCH is typically not one dimensional like Scott Co, but I think you could put CCH in the power running category if they wanted to be. That’s what typically makes them so difficult, they can power forward with McGinness or spread you out. Sounds like they went power game in the 2nd half against HHS and HHS held their own!

Wouldn’t CCH qualify as a power running team with that line and Casey? I get it that CCH is typically not one dimensional like Scott Co, but I think you could put CCH in the power running category if they wanted to be. That’s what typically makes them so difficult, they can power forward with McGinness or spread you out. Sounds like they went power game in the 2nd half against HHS and HHS held their own!

 

Welcome aboard @NCBacon

The Birds have been pretty much the same team all year. They are very good defensively. They can give up yards, but are VERY hard to score on, especially in the 2nd half. They make GREAT half time defensive adjustments. They have GREAT special teams and most games dominate the field position battle. When clicking, they have great offensive weapons. They are quiet for a series or two but can strike on a big play at any time. The increased usage of Buten on O is a BIG step in the right direction. If you ever see a backfield package of Buten and Huddy, watch out. I feel sorry for whoever is on the receiving end of that lead blocker.