The gap in the 80s was brought up but didn’t they get a runner up appearance in there? I’m not a Highlands guy obviously but Muellers tenure was on another level, that may never be achieved again. He could sell ketchup popsicles to a woman in white gloves (shout out Tommy Boy). I’ve asked this question before, the current players are potentially the sons of guys who played for Muller at the beginning and early part of his time at the school, would that be fair? If so could us outsiders come to the conclusion that the current fan base/parents don’t actually live in the same reality that most people do when it comes to having that insane amount of success versus the “struggle” it currently is? 

 

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There's no way Coach Sphire is on the hot seat. I can't see the school district wanting to relive the debacle they created during the past hiring process. Two of the top candidates that were NOT considered have gone on to be hired at tradition rich programs.

During my time in HR I always believed in hiring an up and comer. Not someone who's on the back 9 of his/her career.

Lastly, as an HHS fan for over 30 years, I am disappointed in the sideline actions. IMO there's far too many people. It should be limited to coaches, players, trainers and security personnel. Get rid of the folks that buy their way onto the sideline. And for goodness sakes tell the players to stop looking in the stands after every play urging the crowd to cheer. that's should not be your focus. Lineup and play football. 

 

2 hours ago, Breds82 said:

The gap in the 80s was brought up but didn’t they get a runner up appearance in there? I’m not a Highlands guy obviously but Muellers tenure was on another level, that may never be achieved again. He could sell ketchup popsicles to a woman in white gloves (shout out Tommy Boy). I’ve asked this question before, the current players are potentially the sons of guys who played for Muller at the beginning and early part of his time at the school, would that be fair? If so could us outsiders come to the conclusion that the current fan base/parents don’t actually live in the same reality that most people do when it comes to having that insane amount of success versus the “struggle” it currently is? 

Agreed, Dale’s tenure was next level. But prior to Dale they were still averaging a title every 3 years. I get what you’re saying, but I don’t think a lot of Dale’s grand players have hit the team yet. I think the expectations are the same as they were in 1993. Highlands wins championships, and often. It took Duffy 2 years. Dale was in the regional final his first year and lost to eventual champion CovCath by 4 points. Made the finals in year 2 and won in year 3. That’s the expectation, and it existed way before Dale made his hay. 

11 hours ago, Tranquility Base said:

Let's compare this to a home.   Highlands was always a good solid house.   Fans seem to think the house has fallen into disrepair over the last decade.   The house isn't renovated just because the new family moves in.   It takes time.   If you aren't willing to allow for the renovation, move out of the neighborhood.

I’ve never seen a highlands team or culture in worse shape than it was in 1993. Duffy’s act had worn thin, the roster was down to about 25 players, and his sophomore son, Duffer was playing QB over much better players. It was a train wreck. Dale came in and turned it around IMMEDIATELY. The problem with the last decade is that people have simply gotten used to losing. Fans and faculty included, and they use it as an excuse to manage their expectations. Highlands will probably win the remainder of their regular season games, and should. If they don’t make it to the finals, possibly the semis, and Bob is still around for year 4, he needs to make sure others aren’t. This give him more time stuff is soft and doesn’t jive with the history of Highlands Football. 

On 8/29/2023 at 9:54 AM, TheDeuce said:

This is interesting. To me, it has seemed like the Highlands faithful have been satisfied with a change in the overall physicality in the program (size, strength etc.). 

Is your comment directed at this specific game, or the overall position of the program in regards to size and strength?

From a size and team speed perspective they are definitely improved. Even from last year I thought they are much better at corner, for example. Also, Giesler and Benke are studs with the ball in their hands. 

The problem is they have such little margin for error on offense because the coaching staff has zero faith in the QB to read anything out and throw the ball (5 picks in 2 games against CCH when he’s asked to do very little). Benke is a really good high school athlete, but is out of position imo. If they get in 2nd or 3rd and long, they have a very difficult time converting. 

When you can’t throw the ball and are undisciplined, it’s hard to win games vs similarly talented teams. 

15 hours ago, Tranquility Base said:

Let's compare this to a home.   Highlands was always a good solid house.   Fans seem to think the house has fallen into disrepair over the last decade.   The house isn't renovated just because the new family moves in.   It takes time.   If you aren't willing to allow for the renovation, move out of the neighborhood.

This^

16 minutes ago, CCHFC said:

From a size and team speed perspective they are definitely improved. Even from last year I thought they are much better at corner, for example. Also, Giesler and Benke are studs with the ball in their hands. 

The problem is they have such little margin for error on offense because the coaching staff has zero faith in the QB to read anything out and throw the ball (5 picks in 2 games against CCH when he’s asked to do very little). Benke is a really good high school athlete, but is out of position imo. If they get in 2nd or 3rd and long, they have a very difficult time converting. 

When you can’t throw the ball and are undisciplined, it’s hard to win games vs similarly talented teams. 

Agreed. I’d like to see WAY less 4 wide, and some smash mouth football instead. Play to your strengths. They have some road graders upfront, a stable of backs, and a physical freak at qb. Don’t get cute and don’t over think it. They should have gone deeper into the playoffs last season, and IMO should have beat Scott County. They absolutely let that one get away. So we know they have the potential because this team is better than last. You can have all the talent in the world but you have to give it the best opportunity to win. And I’m not convinced they do or can. I’ve seen nothing in 3 years that says they are willing to adapt. 

I’ve heard Thru the grapevine that they have a freshman coach could be possible for the head varsity job.

Edited September 8, 20233 yr by theguru

18 hours ago, Owen8877 said:

I’ve heard Thru the grapevine that they have a freshman coach could be possible for the head varsity job.

Hearing this coach is disappointed his deposit on new HC office furniture is nonrefundable.

On 8/30/2023 at 11:23 PM, 1959 said:

Agreed, Dale’s tenure was next level. But prior to Dale they were still averaging a title every 3 years. I get what you’re saying, but I don’t think a lot of Dale’s grand players have hit the team yet. I think the expectations are the same as they were in 1993. Highlands wins championships, and often. It took Duffy 2 years. Dale was in the regional final his first year and lost to eventual champion CovCath by 4 points. Made the finals in year 2 and won in year 3. That’s the expectation, and it existed way before Dale made his hay. 

Dale also didn't come into a decimated program like Sphire did in 2020. Alot of rebuilding had to happen from the ground up. The lack of conditioning, the lack of wanting to be a great football player, etc.. the list goes on. The 6 years prior were a total dismantlement of a very successful program. The all times win total where Highlands was 3rd fell to 5th in that time frame. There was a coaching staff after Dale that wasn't bought into keeping the business going and were riding the coat tales of the previous coaches success. They failed to make a name for themselves and continue the success. Dale inherited a good competitive program and added more players to that. A program where losing wasn't an option and wasn't accepted. He was able to build a great program and put the program in a position where greatness was achieved. 2014-2020 went total opposite. Being a true Highlands fan and alumni, it was very disappointing to watch that take place. Now it's being done else where at other schools. 

18 hours ago, Owen8877 said:

I’ve heard Thru the grapevine that they have a freshman coach could be possible for the head varsity job.

Highlands current or last frosh coach? Prior frosh coach would be a strong choice. He did a great job. I’d guess zero chance on any of the current guys. 

Have a little faith people. Highlands will be just fine this year. 5A don’t have any superior teams in it this year so Highlands has a legit shot of winning the 5A championship. This is coming from a CovCath guy. 
 

I wish CCH was in 5A still, they might have a better shot at winning it compared to being in 4A with Boyle who is superior. 

I know Dale Mueller could sell ice to an Eskimo. I could listen to his interviews all day long. His positivity was contagious. Was he a yeller? He seem like his motivation would be by being disappointed by a player not by grabbing you by the face mask or slamming you into a locker.

23 minutes ago, AgainstTheGrain said:

Dale also didn't come into a decimated program like Sphire did in 2020. Alot of rebuilding had to happen from the ground up. The lack of conditioning, the lack of wanting to be a great football player, etc.. the list goes on. The 6 years prior were a total dismantlement of a very successful program. The all times win total where Highlands was 3rd fell to 5th in that time frame. There was a coaching staff after Dale that wasn't bought into keeping the business going and were riding the coat tales of the previous coaches success. They failed to make a name for themselves and continue the success. Dale inherited a good competitive program and added more players to that. A program where losing wasn't an option and wasn't accepted. He was able to build a great program and put the program in a position where greatness was achieved. 2014-2020 went total opposite. Being a true Highlands fan and alumni, it was very disappointing to watch that take place. Now it's being done else where at other schools. 

The cupboard was pretty bare when Dale arrived. Duffy’s last season was a mess, and the roster was down to less than 30 players. 

56 minutes ago, Breds82 said:

I know Dale Mueller could sell ice to an Eskimo. I could listen to his interviews all day long. His positivity was contagious. Was he a yeller? He seem like his motivation would be by being disappointed by a player not by grabbing you by the face mask or slamming you into a locker.

Coach Mueller is one of the most positive and motivating coaches I have ever been around and definitely ever played for; he had a way of critiquing your play so that he built you up to truly believe that you were way better than you actually were in reality... that confidence goes a long way. I would not describe him as a yeller or a screamer but don't get me wrong if you deserved it, he would undress you without thinking twice. He also had this weird ability to tell you "you sucked on that play" and not only would you agree with him but you thought it was your idea.