I think it is time for a song!

 

1 minute ago, futurecoach said:

There is something very much there. It doesn’t take away anything from the team and success this year. It’s great seeing the community excited again, you all have a great and very passionate fan base. I was simply pointing out the comments on the team buying in, and how having buy in is very important. Which like or not you and the Highlands faithful would have made it very hard for players to have bought in to the previous staff the last few years, and how you all probably didn’t even realize you were part of the problem. Which your response to this proves that. That is all. 

So the 23 State Championship trophies isn’t the ultimate motivation for kids at Highlands to be the best and say to themselves  I want to be part of this? But yet get distracted by social media.
 

The reason this team is 3-0 right now and BTW has basically the same roster as last year is because of the LEADERSHIP and ACCOUNTABILITY.

4 minutes ago, Sweeperboy said:

So the 23 State Championship trophies isn’t the ultimate motivation for kids at Highlands to be the best and say to themselves  I want to be part of this? But yet get distracted by social media.
 

The reason this team is 3-0 right now and BTW has basically the same roster as last year is because of the LEADERSHIP and ACCOUNTABILITY.

And easier to completely buy in to all of that, because didn’t have everyone telling them how bad or wrong their coaches were. So makes it very easy to completely buy in to all of that, since wouldn’t have everyone saying how wrong their coach was.  

14 minutes ago, theguru said:

It is tough to follow a legend.

But to your point, the Internet definitely changes things, the world moves much faster now. 

Agreed. 

10 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

There is something very much there. It doesn’t take away anything from the team and success this year. It’s great seeing the community excited again, you all have a great and very passionate fan base. I was simply pointing out the comments on the team buying in, and how having buy in is very important. Which like or not you and the Highlands faithful would have made it very hard for players to have bought in to the previous staff the last few years, and how you all probably didn’t even realize you were part of the problem. Which your response to this proves that. That is all. 

You nailed it with the “buying in” comment. Look at this year, only 3 weeks into a new era at Highlands and the “email” parent is already at it wanting change. Unhappy because little Bobbie isn’t 1st team or on 1st team bus just because he’s a junior. The new staff....don’t give a rats behind of who you are or think you are. There are several underclass men starting for Highlands because they are the best chance to succeed. But when the “email king” continues to try and destroy/stop something positive, yeah that’s not buying in. Especially his kid. Kid wants daddy/mommy to fix it. Maybe time for them to buy in or look elsewhere. Let’s hope no emails are in the inbox of the principal this week. 
 

Highlands has turned the page on the last chapter. I say we all do the same and move on and let the new staff groom these kids the way they feel will make them successful on the field. 
 

Go Birds! Beat McNick!!! #1March

10 minutes ago, TEDFROMVILLAHILLS said:

You nailed it with the “buying in” comment. Look at this year, only 3 weeks into a new era at Highlands and the “email” parent is already at it wanting change. Unhappy because little Bobbie isn’t 1st team or on 1st team bus just because he’s a junior. The new staff....don’t give a rats behind of who you are or think you are. There are several underclass men starting for Highlands because they are the best chance to succeed. But when the “email king” continues to try and destroy/stop something positive, yeah that’s not buying in. Especially his kid. Kid wants daddy/mommy to fix it. Maybe time for them to buy in or look elsewhere. Let’s hope no emails are in the inbox of the principal this week. 
 

Highlands has turned the page on the last chapter. I say we all do the same and move on and let the new staff groom these kids the way they feel will make them successful on the field. 
 

Go Birds! Beat McNick!!! #1March

I am sure we are going to have a McNick/Bird thread, but is McNick any good?

22 minutes ago, TEDFROMVILLAHILLS said:

You nailed it with the “buying in” comment. Look at this year, only 3 weeks into a new era at Highlands and the “email” parent is already at it wanting change. Unhappy because little Bobbie isn’t 1st team or on 1st team bus just because he’s a junior. The new staff....don’t give a rats behind of who you are or think you are. There are several underclass men starting for Highlands because they are the best chance to succeed. But when the “email king” continues to try and destroy/stop something positive, yeah that’s not buying in. Especially his kid. Kid wants daddy/mommy to fix it. Maybe time for them to buy in or look elsewhere. Let’s hope no emails are in the inbox of the principal this week. 
 

Highlands has turned the page on the last chapter. I say we all do the same and move on and let the new staff groom these kids the way they feel will make them successful on the field. 
 

Go Birds! Beat McNick!!! #1March

My favorite thing you brought to light was the use of underclassman. Age is no longer a factor and amen to that! I was criticized by some on here a few months ago when I said that there would be A LOT of underclassmen making an impact on this team, especially in the sophomore class. It is awesome to see a staff not care about who you are or what grade you are in; if you can play then you play. Just win, baby win! 

40 minutes ago, theguru said:

I am sure we are going to have a McNick/Bird thread, but is McNick any good?

Honestly not sure. They are 3-0 with a lot of confidence so that right there is half the battle. Sure they are not your big school GCL powerhouse but will be a formidable opponent I’m sure. Highlands is still getting back on their feet. Long way to go!

11 hours ago, theguru said:

I am sure we are going to have a McNick/Bird thread, but is McNick any good?

Per Yappi they are ranked #2 in Ohio Division IV.

8 hours ago, Kenny Powers said:

My favorite thing you brought to light was the use of underclassman. Age is no longer a factor and amen to that! I was criticized by some on here a few months ago when I said that there would be A LOT of underclassmen making an impact on this team, especially in the sophomore class. It is awesome to see a staff not care about who you are or what grade you are in; if you can play then you play. Just win, baby win! 

Might have been me lol!  I am a stronger believer now!  I do believe this years Senior class has strong leaders and I was never worried about them.  Those that lead has shown that on the field!  For the email parent crap, you will not find a better two than those hired.  My Son loves them and would reclassify 10 times to have an opportunity for more than 1 year!

Bear Bryant's Three Rules for coaching: 1) Surround yourself with people who can't live without football. 2) Recognize winners. They come In all forms. 3) Have a plan for everything."
 

It is very simple.  Bring excitement, care, treat people right, and Bob is a man of few words but when grown boys care enough to catch the spit from your mouth you are making a difference.  In Sphire’s we trust!

 

 

Here is the type of things happening under the new LEADERSHIP at Highlands.

Not going to mention who wrote it but it speaks volumes…

 

“Let me tell you about Coach Bob Sphire. Last night I emceed the Highlands Middle School Kick-Off Party before the first Highlands home football game for my 8th year. Every year we are blessed with incredible performances from the HMS cheer squad, HMS dance team, JV dance team, and the HHS marching band. Never before has a representative from the varsity football team spoke at the party…until last night. Coach Sphire wanted to talk, and opened the show. I gave him the mic and said, “All you.” He took the mic and immediately yelled, “Let me hear you Highlands Middle School!!!” The kids went crazy. He then told the students that he wanted to hear them loud at the game, and to cheer on the team to beat purple and gold. Kids went even more crazy. He then asked, “Where are my middle school football players?” Omg. Omg! The HMS football players lost their minds!! In true middle school fashion, the middle school football players started screaming, fist pumping, and jumping on each other’s backs. Coach Sphire proceeded to tell them how great they looked at summer football camps and how much he looked forward to coaching them at varsity. The boys’ reaction was so insane and loud, I could barely hear myself think. He then ended his speech with the chant “1March…Go Birds!!” All the kids chanted back with him. Let me repeat that. He chanted with the middle schoolers! Louder and louder and louder. Wow. It was awesome. Coach Sphire handed me the mic, waved to the kids, and walked back up to the field. 5 minutes. He only spoke for 5 minutes. What an impact. What a coach. ?? #GoBirds #1March “

 

14 hours ago, theguru said:

I am sure we are going to have a McNick/Bird thread, but is McNick any good?

I think they'll be a well coached, well disciplined squad.  I don't think they're particularly big or loaded with athletes, but should still be a good game.  Looks like they're up to #8 in Ohio Division IV rankings.  They are 3-0 but their opponents are a combined 0-9 (in fairness Highlands' opponents are a combined 3-6).  CHCA has yet to score a point this season.    

GCL opponents have been historically tough on Northern Kentucky Schools.  

On 9/5/2021 at 5:49 PM, Bluebird said:

GCL opponents have been historically tough on Northern Kentucky Schools.  

Agree.