In the offseason, hope springs eternal, as all teams turn the page and begin a new chapter.  This 2021 Season starts with 2 high profile 5A squads that don’t normally face each other, much less GAME 1 at the Rafferty’s Bowl at WKU!  The stakes are high to get started on the right foot right out of the gate! 

Highlands leads the all-time series vs Bowling Green 3-1.  Highlands defeated Bowling Green twice in the early 60’s in a regular season home and home series.  But after that, they didn’t meet until roughly 30 years later at the 1995 3A State Championship where Bowling Green won their first State Championship 28-12 at Old Cardinal Stadium.  Purples’ greats QB Sylvester Gray, RB Brian Harpool, TE Derrick Kennedy, and LB’s Cornelius Bluett and Delvin Colton led the way to BG finishing 15-0.  And you can re-watch it if you want Purples fans right here:

(61) 1995 KHSAA 3A State Title Game - Bowling Green vs. Fort Thomas Highlands - YouTube

Highlands would get revenge on a cold, rainy night at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium in the 2007 5A State Championship game 28-7.  Highlands QB #41 and RB #23 and the Highlands OLine did a great job in this game, but I don’t know their names, sorry.  And Highlands ended the 2007 season undefeated also at 15-0.  So to be fair, Highlands fans can watch that one here:

(61) Highlands High School vs Bowling Green High School - YouTube

 

Just a quick recap of last season:  The 2020 Covid season saw different outcomes for these two proud programs with Highlands going 5-6 and ultimately saying goodbye to Head Coach Brian Weinrich, who had served at Highlands for many years.  That initiated a “winding” coaching search, which ended on high ground with the selection of new Highlands Head Coach Bob Sphire, who is a highly respected coach with Kentucky roots who last coached in Georgia.  The Purples surprised many, including myself, by earning their 7^th State Championship defeating old rival Owensboro 17-7 for the Class 5A crown; Coach Mark Spader’s first championship as Head Coach.

The 2021 Season’s new chapter for both teams will undoubtedly be filled with more interesting and entertaining storylines.  My man @Bird Bath will focus on Highlands team below, while I focus on the Purples.

For Bowling Green, they return 6 starters from a very stout defense that was in many ways the reason they won the State Championship last season.  Most notably is their vaunted defensive line anchored by 3 seniors (Jeremiah Lightfoot 6’3” 305, Bradley Gurley 6’3” 255, and Amario Wilson 6’4” 240), who cause a lot of problems for BG’s opponents.  Senior LBs Tyler Moore and Davis Moran provide leadership behind the line and JRs Bert Kibawa and Augustin Nyembo are super athletic playmakers in the secondary for the Purples.

But BG only returns 2 starters from a very solid Championship offense from 2020.  Senior Spencer Newman will likely start at QB for BG and is a sound, steady player, but does not have much varsity experience.  Several players are available to Coach Spader at RB including SR Matrix Halcomb and JR Dillon Manners.  At WR, SR Will Vale returns and should lead the WR group after a solid 2020 campaign.  The offensive line only returns D1 prospect JR Austin Anderson.  But after watching the Scott County scrimmage, the Oline looks to be headed in the right direction, but again experience could be a factor early in the season. 

In many ways, this season for BG begins the exact opposite of last year in that BG already knew what it had on the offensive side of the ball and didn’t know what to expect on the defense.  This year that has flipped due to heavy offensive graduation losses.  The Purples come into this game looking to set the tone for their 5A Title Defense but know Highlands will be well-coached and ready for a battle.  This sets up to be a great opening game for both teams.  Now to Bird Bath:

This is from my man @Bird Bath, who should get credit for an awesome Highlands intro!  

Birds,

The City of Fort Thomas is chirping!  The Birds were very fortunate that a new sheriff has come back to his Kentucky roots.  Bob Sphire has added new traditions to a very proud traditional football town.   Whether that be a sold out dinner at the TD club or a drum roll stroll down the Avenue of Champions as the players enter for a home game.  He brings confidence, discipline and enthusiasm to the program.  What makes this special is the coaching hire comes with his son Hayden who is the new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach.   The improvement on that side of the ball has been phenomenal!  Rome wasn’t built in a day, and all we agree KY football is better when Highlands is relevant.  Coach Sphire brings long days, lunch pails, hickory stick and affectionate terms like Tush Hog and the boys have totally bought in to the transition.

The offense is anchored 3 year starter Senior OT Kaleb Kissee 6’3” 255.  Joining him will be Sr. Ivan Roller G 5’11” 215, Junior C Adam Bowman 6’1 265, Junior 6’2” 275 Wilson Bibb.  The Offensive line play should be an area of strength and have already faced the likes of Louisville Male and now will see a very special defensive line with BG. The litmus test will show early!  Coach Sphire is working hard with the weight program and I see some big boys progressing through the ranks!

QB will be 2^nd year starter Charlie Noon 6’2” 175 who is run/throw dual threat and has had a full second year 7v7 to move forward in the passing game.  RB will be by committee; probably  Griffin Richter will start but you will see Sam Robinson, Adam Dunn, Dawson Hosea and the return of Cam Giesler.  WR is another area of strength and a ton of competition   Speed is special with one Sr. Jake Welch he opens up the offense and will be a deep threat and a TD maker.  On the other side you have long lanky SR WR Oliver Harris 6’3” 180 and Brody Benke ATH So. 6’4” 200 who both can work over a smaller CB.  Out of the slot you have Clayton Lloyd with deceptive speed and good hands and you have the return of the TE position with the Lightning and Thunder duo with Sr Aidan Halpin 6’1” 195 and Sr. Eli LaFrange 6’2” 220.  The TE sets have returned to the program and with the strength of the receiving crew and opens the middle of the field.  In all transparency, SO Matteo Matteoli and SO Carson Class will shuffle in on the receiving group and will be kids to watch. 

Defense – Coach Dill has always liked the defensive line by committee approach.  I think you will see a rotation but I suspect Kissee, Jr. Carson Schwalbach 6’1 220 and Bibb to anchor with Henry King and Trevaughn Woods in rotation.  The LB should be the strength of the defense you have Eli LaFrange returning as the anchor Mike MLB, Oliver Harris as the Jack ILB, and 2 year starter Sam Robinson as the SAM OLB and Sr. speedster Isaac Surrey as the Will OLB.  You have strength in numbers with that group as Jackson Higgason, Leo Fenik, Noah Hodge, Dalton Roller, Paxton Porter and Mason Welsch will be pushing for playing time.  The secondary may be a work in progress as you have a very young secondary with no Senior starters but I suspect SS Jr. Adam Dunn to lead that unit.  So. Carson Class FS, So. Ty Boler and Jr. Brennan Kelsay to start.  Aiden Nevels, George King, Benke will see action in the defensive secondary as well. 

Special teams should be another area of strength P Brennan Kelsay should help with field position and K (specialist) Davis Burleigh who continues to work hard at kickoffs and field goals that could be prove critical in close games. 

BG is returning 5A champ are the King of the Hill!  This is no small ask but it will again show the program what it must do to get back on top and not rebuild but reload! I know some key contributors are going to rise from the younger ranks and if you are not in agreement please share.  This is a forum to discuss football. 

 So who do you think takes the Rafferty’s Bowl?  What players are you expecting to play well for your team?  What are your keys to the game?  It’s almost time to go sports fans!  Get excited about the new season!  Let's GO sports fans!!!!

I think BG has the better defense which will carry them to victory whether that is by 3 points or more.

Purples will be good enough on defense to win by a couple of scores. I’ll go BG 28 Highlands 14. 

Great write up by both men supporting the Purples and the Birds. 
 

This upcoming season is going to be another long, crazy path to navigate through. 
 

As far as this game, it is important for both squads. Nothing better than high school football. 
 

Lots of questions to be answered for Purples offense. It is first time in many seasons that Purples are a bit unsure of their #1 running back. Along with an unproven QB; Will be interesting. 
 

Can’t wait! I’ll drink the Purple kool-aide out of the gate and take the Purples 27-6 

Got to go with the Purples just because Highlands got the new coach with new schemes and new plays. It always takes a good year or 2 to learn a new playbook. Plus game at Bowling Green and Highlands got to do that 3 hour plus drive. Never any fun. 

1 hour ago, Purple88 said:

This is from my man @Bird Bath, who should get credit for an awesome Highlands intro!  

Birds,

The City of Fort Thomas is chirping!  The Birds were very fortunate that a new sheriff has come back to his Kentucky roots.  Bob Sphire has added new traditions to a very proud traditional football town.   Whether that be a sold out dinner at the TD club or a drum roll stroll down the Avenue of Champions as the players enter for a home game.  He brings confidence, discipline and enthusiasm to the program.  What makes this special is the coaching hire comes with his son Hayden who is the new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach.   The improvement on that side of the ball has been phenomenal!  Rome wasn’t built in a day, and all we agree KY football is better when Highlands is relevant.  Coach Sphire brings long days, lunch pails, hickory stick and affectionate terms like Tush Hog and the boys have totally bought in to the transition.

The offense is anchored 3 year starter Senior OT Kaleb Kissee 6’3” 255.  Joining him will be Sr. Ivan Roller G 5’11” 215, Junior C Adam Bowman 6’1 265, Junior 6’2” 275 Wilson Bibb.  The Offensive line play should be an area of strength and have already faced the likes of Louisville Male and now will see a very special defensive line with BG. The litmus test will show early!  Coach Sphire is working hard with the weight program and I see some big boys progressing through the ranks!

QB will be 2^nd year starter Charlie Noon 6’2” 175 who is run/throw dual threat and has had a full second year 7v7 to move forward in the passing game.  RB will be by committee; probably  Griffin Richter will start but you will see Sam Robinson, Adam Dunn, Dawson Hosea and the return of Cam Giesler.  WR is another area of strength and a ton of competition   Speed is special with one Sr. Jake Welch he opens up the offense and will be a deep threat and a TD maker.  On the other side you have long lanky SR WR Oliver Harris 6’3” 180 and Brody Benke ATH So. 6’4” 200 who both can work over a smaller CB.  Out of the slot you have Clayton Lloyd with deceptive speed and good hands and you have the return of the TE position with the Lightning and Thunder duo with Sr Aidan Halpin 6’1” 195 and Sr. Eli LaFrange 6’2” 220.  The TE sets have returned to the program and with the strength of the receiving crew and opens the middle of the field.  In all transparency, SO Matteo Matteoli and SO Carson Class will shuffle in on the receiving group and will be kids to watch. 

Defense – Coach Dill has always liked the defensive line by committee approach.  I think you will see a rotation but I suspect Kissee, Jr. Carson Schwalbach 6’1 220 and Bibb to anchor with Henry King and Trevaughn Woods in rotation.  The LB should be the strength of the defense you have Eli LaFrange returning as the anchor Mike MLB, Oliver Harris as the Jack ILB, and 2 year starter Sam Robinson as the SAM OLB and Sr. speedster Isaac Surrey as the Will OLB.  You have strength in numbers with that group as Jackson Higgason, Leo Fenik, Noah Hodge, Dalton Roller, Paxton Porter and Mason Welsch will be pushing for playing time.  The secondary may be a work in progress as you have a very young secondary with no Senior starters but I suspect SS Jr. Adam Dunn to lead that unit.  So. Carson Class FS, So. Ty Boler and Jr. Brennan Kelsay to start.  Aiden Nevels, George King, Benke will see action in the defensive secondary as well. 

Special teams should be another area of strength P Brennan Kelsay should help with field position and K (specialist) Davis Burleigh who continues to work hard at kickoffs and field goals that could be prove critical in close games. 

BG is returning 5A champ are the King of the Hill!  This is no small ask but it will again show the program what it must do to get back on top and not rebuild but reload! I know some key contributors are going to rise from the younger ranks and if you are not in agreement please share.  This is a forum to discuss football. 

 So who do you think takes the Rafferty’s Bowl?  What players are you expecting to play well for your team?  What are your keys to the game?  It’s almost time to go sports fans!  Get excited about the new season!  Let's GO sports fans!!!!

Thanks @Bird Bath!

Great write ups!  @Purple88, how will losing Bridger Knee to a school in Tennessee hurt the defense?  They are all great on the D-line, and Knee was exceptional as well.

54 minutes ago, Brown said:

Great write ups!  @Purple88, how will losing Bridger Knee to a school in Tennessee hurt the defense?  They are all great on the D-line, and Knee was exceptional as well.

Good Question!  Bridger Knee chose to move to Baylor Academy in Chatanooga, TN.  He was and is a D1 athlete who has signed with Army.  His loss hurts; no question or way around it.  In depth alone it is a blow.  However, it does allow for other guys to have a spot to step up and prove they can play as well.  BG has some guys that have done that.  Amario Wilson is the one who stepped into Knee's starting roll and he is a terrific player.  Additional depth is needed to sustain a game and a season so others will be needed to step up now and certainly next year.  So that's the way I look at it and wish Bridger the best in TN.

I believe the Purple’s offense is going to surprise some people, and the defense will continue to prove why they’re regarded as one of the best in the state.  

BG 36

H 6

1 hour ago, Brown said:

Great write ups!  @Purple88, how will losing Bridger Knee to a school in Tennessee hurt the defense?  They are all great on the D-line, and Knee was exceptional as well.

Apparently didn't hurt them in scrimmage with Male since held Male to one td in 2 quarters.

I'll echo the sentiments about BG's defense. That side of the ball is usually a step ahead of the offense early in the season, but maybe more like two or three steps when the opposing offense is in year one. For that reason alone, I'll take the Purples. 

Sphire isn't wasting any time in finding out what kind of team he has. Win or lose, this trip will be a major building block for the Bluebirds this season. 

Bowling green will roll, I would be surprised if this game ended close.

BG-36 

H-6

In 2009, The Birds upset a Nationally ranked Cincinnati St X 12-7.  Fantastic night at the stadium remember Bardo and Collinsworth like yesterday.  This came after both Louisville teams StX and Trinity lost to them convincingly!  Any team that holds Male to two TD in a scrimmage has my attention. This is going to be a difficult ask for a young team and with a giant and reigning champ.  I am going with my Birds 12-7 in honor of that game.  In any event I hope it is competitive and we learn.  As Bob Sphire states it is a game with many seasons.  If nothing else a great test out of the gate!

Highlands still has a lot to figure out. I think they are closer than some anticipate, but just not quite there yet. A long road trip, and a great Purple's Defense wins this for BG. This game will most likely say more about Highlands and their progression, than BG. Wouldn't surprise me if BG runs away with it, also would not be surprised if Highlands finds a way to keep it close.

Bowling Green 28

Highlands 17