Dixie Heights at Highlands Predictions/Updates

[FrankNicodemus]

Well we have another week of a District rivalry game.  Dixie comes into the Fort licking their chops to try to make a big statement.  Dixie absolutely got manhandled in 2023 by the Birds giving up a combined 91 points and 844 yards rushing in their 2 losses last year.  The Birds ran a combined 90 times to passing only 21 times in those 2 meetings.

With the Birds running game still their strength I see the Birds hoping to follow suit in 2024 with the same game plan that worked in 2023.  Although, I saw Litmer probably have his best passing game earlier today I wouldn't be surprised if you see him slinging it a little more to keep up the momentum of having a good game today.

The Birds sitting on the season with a 4-2 record, needs to have a good home win with execution in all 3 phases of the game.  Dixie should be somewhat of a challenge.  If I am not mistaken when I followed their games this year Dixie really were in a lot of their losses until late with SK, Beechwood and Cov Cath.  This is not a pushover easy win in any means.

Dixie finally got their first win against a KY opponent today beating Boone County convincingly 44-12, they do have 1 other win against Hughes High School over in Cincinnati 66-19.  Their 3 losses so far came from the hands of SK, Beechwood and Cov Cath.

Dixie is a run heavy offense letting Armani Gregg slice up the defense so far this season.  Can the Birds Defense stop the run and make Mason Fields beat you thru the air??  I think that is why it is so important for the Birds to get up early to make Dixie have to throw the ball to keep pace.

Weather forecast is back to a nice late summer night with a high of 81 forecasted on Friday....another beautiful night for a Friday night football showdown.

Who you have??

You know who I have "DA BIRDS!!!"

Let's GO!!!!

[En Fuego Hombre]

IMO, Highlands needs to have a dominating showing in this game. Otherwise, there will be serious question marks as to whether or not they will make any sort of run in the playoffs.  If Dixie can shut down the Highlands run game, or at least keep it limited, forcing the Birds to throw the ball, this one could be interesting. 

[9068]

Birds by a bunch.

[Jack of all Trades]

7 hours ago, En Fuego Hombre said:

IMO, Highlands needs to have a dominating showing in this game. Otherwise, there will be serious question marks as to whether or not they will make any sort of run in the playoffs.  If Dixie can shut down the Highlands run game, or at least keep it limited, forcing the Birds to throw the ball, this one could be interesting. 

Little confused here on the dominating win.  A win is a win.  I said after the Male scrimmage that this team has the weapons to compete and I still believe that.  I have little faith in the defensive scheme being able I win games against quality opponents.  Offensively they do some good things, but they never seem to find a rhythm.  Things to work on over next few weeks.

[Oldercoach]

Birds by 3 TDs.  Time to reload and begin the journey toward the playoffs.  

[En Fuego Hombre]

20 hours ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Little confused here on the dominating win.  A win is a win.  I said after the Male scrimmage that this team has the weapons to compete and I still believe that.  I have little faith in the defensive scheme being able I win games against quality opponents.  Offensively they do some good things, but they never seem to find a rhythm.  Things to work on over next few weeks.

My thoughts are that against a team like Dixie, Highlands needs to come out and prove that their program is at another level by having a dominating performance.  failing that, they cannot be considered a serious threat to make a deep playoff run.  I share your concerns on the defensive side of the ball.  I like the skill level and talent on offense, but I have doubts about the play calling by the OC.

[Woody Hayes]

21 hours ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Little confused here on the dominating win.  A win is a win.  I said after the Male scrimmage that this team has the weapons to compete and I still believe that.  I have little faith in the defensive scheme being able I win games against quality opponents.  Offensively they do some good things, but they never seem to find a rhythm.  Things to work on over next few weeks.

🤔, The Defense gave up 24 points to one of the best offenses in the state and one of them was an opening Kick Off return. Good point!

[1963 BIRDS]

 

With Cooper having a great QB and WR's, there is no reason to only rush three D linemen.  I rush 4 D lineman every play and blitz once in a while. You just can't let a QB of his talent have all day to scope the field.  This loss is on the coaches. Proud of the Bluebird players!!!

[FirstTimeLongTime]

Back to the Dixie game. Watching the 1st half of Dixie vs. Cov Cath definitely catches your attention. Gregg runs extremely hard and they mix him in some as wildcat QB. #26 is a good receiving option from the WR or RB spot. I do think they will score some points. 

The Birds should be able to run the ball. Other teams have been successful with RPOs. I suspect we will see some more of that from the HHS offense. I do think we can pass on Dixie as well. We have missed opportunities in the passing game this season. I would like to see some balance and consistency in the offense the next 4 games so we have confidence doing whatever we need to do in the playoffs. 

I do think this game will be close at halftime. Birds pull away in the 2nd half. 35-14 final.

[Jack of all Trades]

5 hours ago, Woody Hayes said:

🤔, The Defense gave up 24 points to one of the best offenses in the state and one of them was an opening Kick Off return. Good point!

Did you forget about the long TD run at end of first half that luckily turned into a touchback because of hustle by Surrey?  Also several long passes completed, a few for touchdowns and several that were near misses.  Some good plays by DB’s on several passes, but this defense as run cannot set the edge on run plays not defend the deep pass.  That results from the scheme being run.

[Woody Hayes]

The scheme gave up 17 points against the top rated offense in the state but I understand some people are just “glass empty” people! 

[NKY-guy]

2 hours ago, Woody Hayes said:

The scheme gave up 17 points against the top rated offense in the state but I understand some people are just “glass empty” people! 

Agreed !! The Birds are 10 points away from being undefeated, while loosing 26 seniors last year. At least 6 sophomores are seeing the field consistently on Friday nights , there’s a lot to be excited about right now (as these guys are getting better game by game) and in the near future. 

[Brennan_Bucher]

The best way to watch the game this Friday is on the FT Film and Broadcast YouTube! Linked below, we will be live around 6:40.

 

 

[Hoopoop]

3 hours ago, NKY-guy said:

Agreed !! The Birds are 10 points away from being undefeated, while loosing 26 seniors last year. At least 6 sophomores are seeing the field consistently on Friday nights , there’s a lot to be excited about right now (as these guys are getting better game by game) and in the near future. 

I know of 3 getting consistent playing time. Who are the 6?

[Jack of all Trades]

46 minutes ago, Hoopoop said:

I know of 3 getting consistent playing time. Who are the 6?

Likely same three I am thinking of.  Twins saw some action on Saturday and the punter is a sophomore.