Sad to not see Geisler get 20-30 touches and TE Schneider not get a single ball thrown his way. LBs and DBs won’t walk up on you if you use your TE. Use your RB to open up your passing game and vice versa but what do I know.

I don’t have an issue with kids being emotional but the taunting isn’t the Highlands that I remember and when people say it’s everywhere and everyone does it I just think to myself that Highlands isn’t everyone.

CovCath defense made plays and certainly showed resilience when needed and deserved this win.

Some thoughts after re-watching the game, checking out the news coverage and highlight reels, and looking at Cov Cath's stats:

- Cov Cath was playing hard during the first half, but Highlands did have them on their heels - primarily on the part of the Birds defense and their early play upfront. As has been well noted, Highlands wasn't able to carry their momentum through the second half. Pitzer clearly had more time in the pocket after Cov Cath's halftime adjustments up front.

- This game had two really, really good quarterbacks playing, but I felt like Highlands' reluctance to throw downfield was really their biggest weaknesses on offense. I haven't watched enough of Brody Benke to know, but is Benke's arm/accuracy not quite there with downfield balls? Evan Pitzer had a good night. He had the entire Highlands defensive front up in his face and on his back for the whole first half, but he still managed to make several very nice passes, and had a couple of semi-miraculous escapes from sacks that turned into positive yardage. (Our Lady of Victory, pray for us!) His running may not be on the level of Benke's, but he showed last night how well he can both can scramble and throw on the run, and he works out well running in short-yardage situations. With last night's 205 yards passing for Evan, he's coming up close on 500 yards passing already: 36 of 52 (69%) passing for 476 yards and 4 touchdowns. 

- After re-watching the game, I've gotta join the others who've stated previously here that the offensive play calling for Highlands really lacked diversity. Aside from a couple of shots to Carson Class a little bit downfield, they were really hesitant to try to put some air under the ball. And Benke has a tendency to broadcast his passes...even on the short passes, he needs to work on looking off the defense before he commits to his throw. My memory of the classic Duffy and Mueller offenses was always watching the Highlands offense come out and take a deep shot or two to try to score right out of the gate and punch you in the nose...then the Birds were gonna run at you hard with their tailbacks and with a couple of speed-demon slots on sweep plays, then they'd go deep again, or across the middle to a TE, and they could always send their QB up the middle at you. And then they'd do it all again. That just, well, it definitely didn't look that way last night. Honest question, is Hayden Sphire still doing the play calling or Highlands? I realize they don't have Charlie Noon playing for them this year, but I felt like the offense called by the Birds last night was notably less impressive as last year's. Is it still the same guy calling plays for Highlands? Cov Cath's stats show Highlands with 269 yards rushing (125 by Geisler) and only 99 yards passing. That's 73% rushing and 27% passing. Even in the Frisk era, I can't remember and can't really imagine a Highlands offense that was that lopsided towards running that ball.

- Ben Reeves is my dude. By halftime of the Ryle game, the Raiders realized their only option to run the ball was to send it opposite of wherever Reeves was lined up on D. Highlands seemed to come into the game with a similar attack. Ben only ended up with 1 tackle last night because the ball was virtually always headed to the opposite side of the field. And he plays both ways. Absolute baller.

- Owen Leen is such an offensive workhorse, and he reminds me so much of Galen Healey for the Colonels. Even when he was just pounding the ball into the middle of 10 players right at the line of scrimmage, he still pushed through almost every time for positive yardage. That keeps a defense honest and keeps the passing opportunities there.

- Cov Cath had receptions by 6 separate receivers last night, and receptions by 8 separate receivers the week prior. And 9 total receivers with catches in the two games. That kind of passing diversity wins games.

- Last week up in the pressbox against Ryle I heard one of the Cov Cath students helping with the video broadcast make a comment at the end of the game about "we didn't see much of Braylon Miller tonight," and almost completely on cue someone else replied with, "just wait." Last night, I think he probably had more clutch plays than anyone else on the field with his 6 receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Love it.

- Cam Geisler is a MAN now. Dude has to have added on like at least 15 pounds of pure muscle since last season. And damn does he ever have breakaway speed! 125 yards rushing on (I believe) 12 carries with and 2 touchdowns. That's averaging over 10 yards per carry and a touchdown 1 out of every 6 runs. That's a game, right there.

- Dalton Roller is a hell of a brick wall on defense. I love seeing the familiar family names on the roster for Highlands, too. There's a Roller, Abner, Lorenzen, and a pair of Fennells all on there right now.

- Only adding this one because I was really taken aback when I saw the clip on X. I've watched it a couple more times and I'm still pretty surprised by it, honestly. Totally understand what Coach Sphire is getting at in the segment they show of his pre-game talk to the team, but man, that speech just totally fizzled out on an awfully somber note. And I just....well, I guess I'd say that I can certainly think of some more excited teams (and coaches) I've seen heading out of the locker room to start a big rivalry game.
 

 

I'm going with the poor or lack of offensive play calling for Highlands. They did almost zero to try and play long ball. Also as almost every one noted the lack of discipline from the top down was as bright as a full moon. You get an unsportsmanlike from the coaching staff, 5 or 6 personal fouls, one that allowed CC to go for 2 from the 1 1/2 yard line to tie the game right at half, that changed the momentum of the game. In my best Jerry Seinfeld voice "And whats the deal with all the trash talking from Highlands"? They are much improved from the previous coaches days but the cockiness and arrogance that was on display last night was cringe worthy. Year 3 of  Sphire and company and the discipline issue has not been addressed, seemingly being encouraged to be undisciplined. Say what you will and you cannot live in the past but Muellers teams were absolutely far more disciplined in games like this. Also CC has one of the best DCs in the state so that helps.

It is been a hot minute since I have been to a game or posted. For the Birds, discipline is a must. The penalties must stop or we have water you can deliver. Name captains, don’t revolve them each game and they should nip it in the rear. Why oh why do you not reward Geisler with more touches? Open up the middle of the field drag TE. Stop with bubble screens. At least attempt to throw down field.

Walking on the field, stop. If you are on a special team, block. Act like you have received some playing time. A crap load of work needs to be done on that unit.

The good trenches and defense were bringing it. Impressed with line play and as mentioned. Shout out to Roller, and Wallace #16 had a monster game. Great growth in 2 year boys very proud.

EE made adjustments at half.  Running under route and QB did a fantastic job in the pocket under pressure. I know some are not going to like this but for all the praise on one future SEC baller did not see it. Has a lot to improve on but it only one game sample. I was really impressed on WR’s and the fact that a little less talented but very hard working team approach. Resilient in the 2nd half. Congrats on your win and go win 4A.

Extremely disappointed. The lack of discipline is frustrating. You are HHS, be better than that. 

The last couple of years the Birds WR/TE core has been described as an "embarrassment of riches"; and  rightfully so. That room is incredibly talented. I can count on one had how many times the ball was thrown across the line of scrimmage last night. With the run game that the Birds were getting with Giesler and Benke, drawing LBs and Ss to the LOS, how on earth do you not utilize play action or really any variety of play calling to get the ball to guys like Class, Matteoli, Hinegardner, Schneider, Surrey, etc. down the field. The playbook last night was power/counter, QB power/draw, zone read (throwing a lot of bubbles), and screen passes. That is it. 

I truly believe that HHS is still the more talented team. The players were not put in a position to be winners last night and EE, like a good coach, took advantage of it. Disappointing. I will be interested to see how certain people spin this to be "someone else's fault" rather than looking in the mirror. 

.

I thought it was clear the coaching staff had 0 trust in Benke to throw anything but screens in fear of turning it over and also because him/Giesler are so difficult to defend running it. 

I also was very surprised when they brought it Litmer after the turnover, especially when they’ve been going for 7 yards a pop running it. Just keep doing that when you’re inside the 20 and don’t get cute against a good team. 

Now that I’ve slept on it…

 Congrats the the Blue Colonels, much deserved victory.   Stuck with the game plan and it paid off.  Kudos.

My thoughts  from Ft Thomas…

1.  Geisler was gashing CC early.  Seemed the Birds went away from that too early and didn’t go back to it til late.  If you can run it up the guy for 8+ yards every time, then I’m doing it until they stop it.

2.  The personal fouls….how many years is this gonna be a thing?!? If the coaches accept it, the kids will do it.  Make an example of someone.  5+ personal fouls in a game is unacceptable and while it may not have cost them the game, it played a huge part.

3.  I’ve said it before on here, Littmer has a BIG future..but it’s still a FUTURE, he should not be learning and getting “seasoned” in a game and spot like that. Not fair to him or everyone else on the team.  Get him reps in blowouts, etc… why THERE?!?

My 3rd grade reading teacher would tell me that the theme of all of these things is  “coaching”.

I’m sure this has all been said but I’m thinking it too….

1 hour ago, throwback32 said:

3.  I’ve said it before on here, Littmer has a BIG future..but it’s still a FUTURE, he should not be learning and getting “seasoned” in a game and spot like that. Not fair to him or everyone else on the team.  Get him reps in blowouts, etc… why THERE?!?

This was the turning point in the game IMO. As I’ve stated previously, the 2 headed QB creates a lot of second guessing opportunities. And this is a BIG one. If Highlands punches it in there, they’re up 21-14 and have all the momentum. I will say I was glad to see Benke come back out after the pick 6. Pulling him there would have been devastating and created a lot of potential problems. Hoping they build off of this one and continue to improve. 
 

* And the jawing, pointing, and self love has to stop. It’s embarrassing. 

Heard last night at the game from a parent with a son on the team, that the offensive coordinator for Highlands (the head coaches son), thinks he’s in line to be the head coach when his father retires. I found that laughable after watching him coach the offense. Zero chance that happens. 

31 minutes ago, Royal Blue said:

Heard last night at the game from a parent with a son on the team, that the offensive coordinator for Highlands (the head coaches son), thinks he’s in line to be the head coach when his father retires. I found that laughable after watching him coach the offense. Zero chance that happens. 

Yeah…..those situations always turn out well. ?

 

32 minutes ago, Royal Blue said:

Heard last night at the game from a parent with a son on the team, that the offensive coordinator for Highlands (the head coaches son), thinks he’s in line to be the head coach when his father retires. I found that laughable after watching him coach the offense. Zero chance that happens. 

That has always been the rumor, right?

Just now, theguru said:

That has always been the rumor, right?

Yes, for the last 3 years.  But my man has LOTS to learn before that can even be considered.  Both on and off the field….

53 minutes ago, Royal Blue said:

Heard last night at the game from a parent with a son on the team, that the offensive coordinator for Highlands (the head coaches son), thinks he’s in line to be the head coach when his father retires. I found that laughable after watching him coach the offense. Zero chance that happens. 

Will his dad even be allowed to retire?

38 minutes ago, theguru said:

That has always been the rumor, right?

First I’d heard it. But apparently it’s widely talked about. I don’t personally know the coach or his son. They could be the nicest guys around.
 

My thoughts and opinions are strictly based on what I’m seeing happen on the field. As a long time supporter, there are some things I like. The renewed commitment  to the off season, player enthusiasm, and a willingness to commit to football. But there’s a few things  standing out that need to change quickly.
 

They are easily correctable. Imo the talent level of the players aren’t what cost Highlands that game. Unfortunately there’s no rematch, but if there was, I’d pick Highlands. They were the more talented roster and physically superior team on both sides of the ball. 

Just now, Royal Blue said:

First I’d heard it. But apparently it’s widely talked about. I don’t personally know the coach or his son. They could be the nicest guys around.
 

My thoughts and opinions are strictly based on what I’m seeing happen on the field. As a long time supporter, there are some things I like. The renewed commitment  to the off season, player enthusiasm, and a willingness to commit to football. But there’s a few things  standing out that need to change quickly.
 

They are easily correctable. Imo the talent level of the players aren’t what cost Highlands that game. Unfortunately there’s no rematch, but if there was, I’d pick Highlands. They were the more talented roster and physically superior team on both sides of the ball. 

I know Coach Sphire and think very highly of him.  He has always gone out of his way to make me feel important.