The Bluebirds enter year 3 of the Bob Sphire era at HHS. The Birds have made some good progress getting the program back to where fans expect it to be but still had an early playoff exit. A very talented roster returns for the 2023 season but the Birds lost lot of leadership and experience with last year's class that will be very difficult to replace. I am really interested to see who steps into the leadership roles! 

With the exception of Noon and Hosea, I believe that all the offensive starters at the skill positions return for 2023 and the rising classes provide some serious talents as well. However, there are two big holes to fill on the OL with two senior leaders moving on. 

Defensively is where you will see a lot of question marks for the Birds and opportunities for rising youngsters to make major contributions in 2023. By my count, the Birds lose 8 starters on defense.  

Birds will also lose record setting kicker Davis Burleigh. I am not sure who, if anyone, is in line to replace Burleigh. Maybe some others can fill us in there. 

Here is to hoping the Birds take a big step in 2023! Go Birds! 

So much of a team's success is dependent upon their opponents talent level at a given time. Reclassification will be interesting if Cov Cath drops down, and Frederick Douglass and Scott County move up. Makes the post season a little easier for the Birds. Cooper could be pretty good but the rest of the proposed district should be easy for them. You go to post season not as beat up and also accustomed to success.

Will Benke remain at quarterback or do they put the keys in Litmer’s hands?  Biggest shoes to fill on defense are those of Dunn imo.  

1 hour ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Will Benke remain at quarterback or do they put the keys in Litmer’s hands?  Biggest shoes to fill on defense are those of Dunn imo.  

QB is very interesting for the Birds. You got Benke, Bottom, Haas, Litmer. Pretty wild race. Pretty sure they each could play well at other positions after the starter is decided. Benke could be a monster TE. I still think he’s the best option at QB though. 

5 hours ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Will Benke remain at quarterback or do they put the keys in Litmer’s hands?  Biggest shoes to fill on defense are those of Dunn imo.  

If they went with Benke last year, I’m not sure why they would change that next year. Also has Litmer fully recovered from thr broken wrist he suffered at the end of the year in a JV game?

3 hours ago, futurecoach said:

If they went with Benke last year, I’m not sure why they would change that next year. Also has Litmer fully recovered from thr broken wrist he suffered at the end of the year in a JV game?

Well Benke played at end of season 2 years ago and they moved he and Noon to play Haas.  Thus the reason for my question.

Put as much speed as you can find on defense and the defense will be fine. I’d roll with with the same QB. Need a solid RB that can get you a few yards even when the opponent knows you’re running it. Also need a RB that is a threat to go to the house on any play. 

Anyone seen a schedule or a roster?  Sweep?

8 minutes ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Anyone seen a schedule or a roster?  Sweep?

District: Cooper, Conner, Boone, Dixie, Scott

Congrats to the Birds, starting the year with 5 W’s under the belt.

3 minutes ago, TheConch said:

District: Cooper, Conner, Boone, Dixie, Scott

Congrats to the Birds, starting the year with 5 W’s under the belt.

Okay, I will bite, I expect Cooper to be very good. 

18 minutes ago, theguru said:

Okay, I will bite, I expect Cooper to be very good. 

They’d be the only one I’d worry about. 

23 minutes ago, TheConch said:

District: Cooper, Conner, Boone, Dixie, Scott

Congrats to the Birds, starting the year with 5 W’s under the belt.

Where is Covington Catholic? Oh they’re dropping down. I did hear Highlands vs Covington Catholic is still being played. Week 2 is what I’m told. 

1 minute ago, BirdDaddy said:

Where is Covington Catholic? Oh they’re dropping down. I did hear Highlands vs Covington Catholic is still being played. Week 2 is what I’m told. 

Yes, it will be played. Will be week 2 or 3.

4 minutes ago, BirdDaddy said:

Where is Covington Catholic? Oh they’re dropping down. I did hear Highlands vs Covington Catholic is still being played. Week 2 is what I’m told. 

I think they are trying to win a state championship, where is Highlands?

2 minutes ago, theguru said:

I think they are trying to win a state championship, where is Highlands?

7v7 tournament?!