The #2 seed out of District 8 coming in from London, Ky travels up I-75 for a matchup against the #1 seed out of Dist 6 and the #1 Ranked in many polls Highlands Bluebirds.

North Laurel has a nice 8-4 record with only having 1 loss to their District foe Southwestern 0-28 in 5A.  Their other 3 losses were all close games against schools in other classes.  Lost 3A Bell Co (7-19), 4A Franklin Co (6-13) and 4A Taylor Co (10-21).  NL is led by Senior Ethan Gregory who has rushed for 1,436 yards with 10 TDs.  Not much of a passing game led by their QB Hunter Morgan for the season has 1242 yds, 14 TDs/4 INTs.

Second year Head Coach Jason Chappell has these Jaguars hitting on all cylinders so far this post season with 2 very impressive wins against Montgomery Co 54-0 and Madison Southern 42-6.

Well the game is set for 7:30pm on Friday night.  Looks like it might be a nice cold evening in the mid/upper 30s after kickoff.  Bundle up! 

We all know what Highlands has to offer with Benke/Giesler/Class and company..... Let's take care of some business!  This will be the first time in the Sphire era that the Birds are in the Quarters, first time since 2018 a Birds team has gotten this far.  Last time they won in this round was back in 2015!  Time to create new history....

Time to load up the Vengabus and Let's Party!!!!  

Like always this game will probably be streamed from the Highlands Broadcasting YouTube channel.  Stay tuned closer to game time.  I am sure a link will be posted on Friday.

Highlands in a first half running clock.

I’ve been trying to make North Laurel happen for around 2 years now and it all comes down to this. 

Do I think the Jags win? No. However, I think North Laurel can grind this game out enough to make the score respectable. The most points NL has given up all year is 28. It would be quite the feat if Highlands is able to running clock them—especially in the first half. 

14 minutes ago, WishboneCity said:

I’ve been trying to make North Laurel happen for around 2 years now and it all comes down to this. 

Do I think the Jags win? No. However, I think North Laurel can grind this game out enough to make the score respectable. The most points NL has given up all year is 28. It would be quite the feat if Highlands is able to running clock them—especially in the first half. 

North Laurel gave up 28 to Southwestern. What I've seen from SW is basically power run. Highlands is better at every single position than SW (based on film) and their scheme is similar. The difference being Highlands can also throw the ball effectively with weapons at receiver.  It will be a win for NL to stay within 28 in the 1st half. If NL can create some turnovers and steal a couple possessions, they might have a shot at keeping it respectable. 

Another Running Clock City game. 

That’s just what @Shake Nlikes to hear!

I think the Birds will be fine in their nest! 

Bird’s just need to go play their game on the field and filter out the hype.  They have given themselves a chance to win all the marbles.  

38 minutes ago, Bake said:

That’s just what @Shake Nlikes to hear!

Clock chimes to my ears!

The only thing even in this world is the number of hours in a day. The difference in winning and losing is what you do with those hours and my Birds are putting in the work.

Friday night was a masterpiece @ DCM and the Pan Seared Branzino @ MARBL was spectacular.

I am seeing a Birds win this Friday and perhaps a little Truffle Mushroom Chicken post game.

Birds keep rollin

3 hours ago, Woody Hayes said:

The only thing even in this world is the number of hours in a day. The difference in winning and losing is what you do with those hours and my Birds are putting in the work.

Friday night was a masterpiece @ DCM and the Pan Seared Branzino @ MARBL was spectacular.

I am seeing a Birds win this Friday and perhaps a little Truffle Mushroom Chicken post game.

TMT.....Too Much Talent for the North Laurel gang. They would be pretty average in NKY.

4 hours ago, Woody Hayes said:

The only thing even in this world is the number of hours in a day. The difference in winning and losing is what you do with those hours and my Birds are putting in the work.

Friday night was a masterpiece @ DCM and the Pan Seared Branzino @ MARBL was spectacular.

I am seeing a Birds win this Friday and perhaps a little Truffle Mushroom Chicken post game.

I'm sure NL is putting in the work as well. From what I'm hearing, NL had an amazing practice today as did the Coaches putting in the extra time on films. This past Friday nights game was won on the defensive side of the ball. 6+/- yards of total offense for Dixie. Yeah, defense wins Championships! That's the first time Highlands D has played that mad and aggressive in years. Well before the new regime was in place.

Friday night will be a test for the Birds. I do think they win. I think the D has another great night! You can count on that NL will not stack the box. You see where that got Dixie last week. 

One other thing that seemed new this past Friday night, Highlands calling Benke to the sideline on every single play call.  I'm sure there was a reason. Oh well, not complaining, seemed like a waste for this armchair!

Go Birds!

Whatever the reason it seemed to work perfectly for Highlands. I’ve seen Highlands twice in person and once on tv (Cooper), if they stay patient and stick to the run I truly can’t see anyone slowing down that attack. Admittedly I know nothing of North Laurel.

 

Highlands in an easy one. Safe travels to all.