Highlands offensive skill players are pretty good. The O Line, sadly, is the worst I have seen them ever maybe. So yeah Highlands cap with normal competition is 2-3 offensive TDs. The D and special teams could score or give them short field though. I’d say if they were to use a couple guys from the D on O it would be a different story (Huddy especially). They are committed to the 2 platoon system though so it is what it is. I’m not trying to hate on the coaching staff, there are definitely benefits to the two platoon system. It makes practice super efficient, players develop more for one job, team is fresh for playoff push. In my opinion though, the couple studs can handle it and it is a requirement to beat Cov Cath/ win state. We’ll see though, it worked well for a long time for the ‘birds. Hopefully they condition more from here out because they looked gassed in the 4th vs Boyle.

Having 5-6 players going both ways can and usually helps with team chemistry too. The locker room won't be divided ... Offense vs Defense.

 

Highlands last four losses have all been to teams that play their studs and other top players on both offense and defense.

Highlands huge. They rebound in a big way against a good, not great, Conner team. Jared gets honored in the way he'd most want...a one-sided Bird victory.

 

Love that UK's band is making the trip. #RIPJared

Does anyone have any injury updates? Should we expect to see Highlands' RB Joe Buten to play this week?

Does anyone have any injury updates? Should we expect to see Highlands' RB Joe Buten to play this week?

 

I’d be surprised to see him.

Do you think Highlands' offense is capable of generating enough offense to get a running clock? If Highlands puts a running clock on Conner it most likely will be late in the game and the defense and special teams will need to score.

 

It depends on how well Conner defenses the Highlands QB. If they can't or don't know how to defend him, I do think it will be a running clock late in the game.

 

You also have to consider Highlands has a pretty good defense so Conner may be continually punting the ball back to the Birds.

 

I expect Highlands to win big in this game.

The U K band will play before the game ,during halftime, and after the game.

I’d be surprised to see him.

 

Why would you be surprised to see him? What exactly is the story here and WHO is holding him out? I am hearing all kinds of things, but let me put it this way, you are only a high schooler once in your life so make the most of it.

ttt

Birds by 3 TDs.

Is this game going to be broadcast on video or audio?

Is this game going to be broadcast on video or audio?

 

It's a home game for the Bluebirds, so I'm assuming that the game will be on the Highlands Filmmaking & Broadcasting channel on YouTube.

Birds by 3 TDs.

 

Conner has been a little erratic through the first half of the season, losing by 24 to Ryle and allowing Lloyd to stay within 12 points. Additionally, the Cougars haven't faced any teams with any real noteworthy passing-proficient offenses, whereas the numbers from Highlands' passing game have almost doubled their run game this season. Conner also definitely leans hard on passing, with more than twice the number of passing yards this season compared to running.

 

I always say that home games in Ft. Thomas are worth at least 1 touchdown in Highlands' favor. Highlands shut Ryle out 27-0 compared to Conner's 34-10 loss to Ryle. Highlands also beat Campbell County 47-0 compared to Conner's 28-0 win over the Camels. The Birds' run vs. pass ratio has leveled out a little more in recent weeks, but I think with the combination of coming into the game angry after being handed a shutout by Boyle County last week and having some big-time motivation because of the UK Marching Band & Jared Lorenzen's number retirement tonight, the conditions are right for a major win by Highlands tonight.

 

I think we may well see Highlands somewhere in the 42 to 49 point range, depending a little bit on what Conner's game plan is. With Conner being as passing-reliant as they have been, I think that puts them in a bind against stronger teams because they don't really seem to have the ground game to be able to control the clock and eat up time with long drives. If Conner can maintain a couple-few scoring drives with some significant running game to control some clock, I think they might be able to hold Highlands back to the 28 to 35 point range. Even then, though, I think Conner is going to be in a really tough spot when it comes to scoring anything more than one, or maybe two touchdowns.

Edited October 4, 20196 yr by Colonels_Wear_Blue

In Ft. Thomas tonight for this one. Haven’t been here in probably 20 years. This is such a unique venue.

In Ft. Thomas tonight for this one. Haven’t been here in probably 20 years. This is such a unique venue.

 

Agree, one of the best to watch a high school football game.