10 hours ago, Purple88 said:

On to football!  With gameday now just 2 days away, I thought we could steer to some of the Keys of the game for both teams:

 

Highlands -

1. My man @Bird Bath reported one of the strengths of this Highlands club was their offensive line.  That position group with be going up against likely the best position group for BG (their defensive line).  Who wins this battle will likely have a leg up in this game.  For Highlands to win, their offensive line must shine!

2.  Highlands offensive skill guys - QB Noon; WR  Welch, TE Group; RB Group will have opportunities to make plays in this game.  When that opportunity presents itself, Highlands must make those plays.

3.  Highlands defense needs to put and keep pressure on the BG offense.  BG's offense is inexperienced.  Highland should blitz, fake blitz, and generally make the BG QB uncomfortable all night.  Look to be aggressive and create turnover opportunities.  

 

Bowling Green - 

1.  The BG defense returns the core of a strong unit that looks to continue being one of the better defenses in the state.  They played well in last Friday's scrimmage with a very good Male offensive unit.  Should BG win the toss, look for them to go on defense first and try to go 3 and out to set the tone for this game!

2.  Yes, the BG offense is inexperienced as mentioned above, but QB Spencer Newman has played in this Rafferty's Bowl game before back in 2019.  However, it seems fitting to get his feet wet with some easy bubble screen passes, hand offs, etc. to get him in the game before trying more challenging plays.  But after this inoculation period, be creative in your play calling.

3.  Win the kicking game.  Last week BG surrendered an over the punters head snap that resulted in a Male TD.  Let that be the last poor special teams play of the season.

 

X Factor- Turnovers - This is a softball I know, but is really true for an emotional, momentum ebbing and flowing game.

Predication - While I think Highlands is coming to win this game, I just think BG is in a better position with more known position groups to ultimately get the job done for the Purples:

BG 24

Highlands 10

Did not know BG scrimmaged Male. If they played well that’s a bad sign for Highlands. Male dominated Highlands. 

Seniors for HHS had their senior talks last night. So glad Coach Sphire brought this tradition back. Coach Mueller used to do this right before the first playoff game each year as the next day could be your last day wearing Highlands on your chest and it was an opportunity to say whatever you wanted about your time with the program and to pass some thoughts onto the younger players in the program; usually a very emotional night. I like Coach Sphire's spin on it doing it before the first game too. Go Birds! 

23 hours ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Is Highlands at full strength for this game?  Will Giesler be in uniform?  

Cam will not be playing. He has not been cleared to play varsity yet. Not sure about any other injuries or holdouts. 

30 minutes ago, Kenny Powers said:

Seniors for HHS had their senior talks last night. So glad Coach Sphire brought this tradition back. Coach Mueller used to do this right before the first playoff game each year as the next day could be your last day wearing Highlands on your chest and it was an opportunity to say whatever you wanted about your time with the program and to pass some thoughts onto the younger players in the program; usually a very emotional night. I like Coach Sphire's spin on it doing it before the first game too. Go Birds! 

Very nice!   It was done right with a bonfire ? .  I truly like everything about this.  Talks stay in the program and can be emotional.  I will share my Son had a very serious injury that impacted him greatly in his 8th and 9th grade year.  He has come along way to have a prominent role this year.  What warms the heart ❤️ is that a few young Sophomores immediately reached out and took his message to ?.  Truth with hard work and determination and not seeing the field early you can do something special.  More importantly the brotherhood and doing it with and because of your teammates will be memories of a lifetime!

First practice on the new turf for Purples yesterday!

Preparing for the Rafferty's Bowl Saturday!

7 minutes ago, Purple88 said:

First practice on the new turf for Purples yesterday!

Preparing for the Rafferty's Bowl Saturday!

Home Field looks nice!

Gary Fields is Bowling Green's School District Superintendent for all the Highlands Fans.  And he does so much for BGHS and is a key supporter of BGHS athletics, not just football!  Thought you would appreciate this!

On 8/14/2021 at 3:57 PM, bluecolonels95 said:

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. 

BG will win this one.  Home town advantage, returning varsity experience, and The birds being to "new" with the new staff philosophies..

The Birds will definitely be a much improved team this year with better schemes and better talent utilization on both sides of the ball.  That being said, BG in week 1 is a true challenge for a program that is rebuilding.  Hell, BG in week 1 is a true challenge for 99% of the teams in the Bluegrass.  

I expect this to be a low scoring, close game with a margin in the 4 - 8 range.  

Just to reiterate:
 

My pick was 28-7 BG

CalPreps 28-7 BG

Troy's Top Thirty (Triple T) has it 92-79 for the Birds

Game time? Looking for a link, the one I got said it was dangerous. Might be talking about the Purples.

18 minutes ago, 1963 BIRDS said:

Game time? Looking for a link, the one I got said it was dangerous. Might be talking about the Purples.

Game Time is 5:00 pm Central and 6:00 pm Eastern. 

2 minutes ago, Purple88 said:

Game Time is 5:00 pm Central and 6:00 pm Eastern. 

Thanks!!

5 minutes ago, 1963 BIRDS said:

Thanks!!

What is the best link to watch this game live?  Thanks in advance!

57 minutes ago, 1963 BIRDS said:

What is the best link to watch this game live?  Thanks in advance!

Stfanclub.com