9 hours ago, NkyGuy22 said:

Offensively expect John to step up and play a big role, Chase Jacob’s as well. Gabe Williams will be a game changer at running back due to his ability to break the long run. Cale Harris I expect to be the ultimate utility knife, and of course Tayden Lorenzen to stake his claim as one of the best players in the state. With this brutal schedule, don’t be surprised to see a few more L’s in the regular season than we are use to seeing BUT I don’t see to many teams in the state being as battle tested as this squad heading into playoff time. 

Defensively expect the Benke twins to have MONSTER years.

11 hours ago, Bengal Boy said:

With this schedule this team could lose 3-4 games but still be a state title contender.  4A is probably got more teams at the top who could compete for a championship than any other class in the state.  There are probably 6-8 teams in 4A who are really good football teams.  With that said I still think the 4A state champ will come out of NKY next season.  Cov Cath or Highlands will win the championship next season.

4A is so top heavy. Contenders are (not in order) Highlands, Cov Cath, Johnson Central, Ashland, Franklin Co, Boyle Co, Corbin, PT. 
 

By my count that’s 8 teams that can realistically compete for a state championship. 

WOW what a schedule.  I am excited for what this has the potential to be.

7 hours ago, NkyGuy22 said:

Defensively expect the Benke twins to have MONSTER years

How is their size compared to Brody?  I've heard they're almost the same height but not as thick?

Some time in the weight room will remedy that if that's the case.

3 minutes ago, RedHawk said:

How is their size compared to Brody?  I've heard they're almost the same height but not as thick?

Some time in the weight room will remedy that if that's the case.

I would say they are every bit of 6’5 with even more room to grow. And the Benke family is really bought in. I would say they will put on weight no problem

21 hours ago, FrankNicodemus said:

To answer both of your questions:

Q1:  longest drought prior to current one = 1982 Title to the 1989 Title was the longest drought

Q2: The natives are already restless!  I thought we were going to finally break the streak 2 seasons ago, but with that not happening, this will be the best Highlands team that could do it IMO since the 2014 team.  As you can see 4A will be no joke though....so these kids better be focused day in and day out starting like 3 months ago!

I thought you said the last two teams were legitimate contenders Frank.

1 minute ago, 9068 said:

I thought you said the last two teams were legitimate contenders Frank.

How do you define contender? 

On 1/13/2025 at 10:36 AM, FirstTimeLongTime said:

Some are saying this may be the toughest schedule in Highlands history:

8/22 - Douglass , 8/29 - at Cooper, 9/5 - Campbell Co., 9/12 - at Boyle, 9/19 - Ryle, 9/26 - at Harrison Co., 10/3 - Cov Cath, 10/10 - at Elder, 10/17 - at Mason Co., 10/24 - Scott Co.

Holmes has opted out of district play. That game was replaced with Elder. 

Link to Schedule:

https://www.highlandsathletics.com/Events?for=e06bb248-052e-4062-9c1e-d9c63d09fb17&academicYear=2025

Add Aiden Duncan (SR) to the running back room . He had a great summer , off-season last year and played really well in the Male scrimmage. Unfortunately he experienced a season ending injury in week 1. I'd expect to hear his name quite a bit this year. 

A big strong experienced group up front led by Louisville commit Max Merz, experienced talented QB returning, lots of talented experienced skill guys, lots of young really talented guys stepping up for their junior and senior seasons and the Lorenzen kid is a future power four kid who will be a difference maker on both sides of the ball.  Looks like all the ingredients for a successful year.  On paper they should be as good or better than anyone in 4A.  I really like this team.

3 hours ago, Bengal Boy said:

 I really like this team.

The Coach Cal kiss of death... 

5 hours ago, 9068 said:

I thought you said the last two teams were legitimate contenders Frank.

And? 

I don't see a game on Highlands' schedule they can't win.

Elder was hardly a world-beater last year,

Boyle and Cooper both will be good but both lost a lot more than Highlands did,

Cov Cath is always a coin flip,

Douglas likes to lean on folks and I doubt anyone is leaning on Highlands next year,

Scott Co. is going to have to prove they are back,

Ryle is stacked but beatable. 

IMO Highlands HAS to beat Boyle, Cov. Cath and Cooper. Boyle and Cov. Cath for control of the top half of 4A, Cooper for pride reasons. 

 

Last year I said Highlands was a year away, but in 2025 they would go undefeated and win State. After seeing that schedule I take back the undefeated comment, as I think they will lose a couple, but I still think they will win state. 

On 1/13/2025 at 10:36 AM, FirstTimeLongTime said:

Some are saying this may be the toughest schedule in Highlands history:

Aug 22 vs. Frederick Douglass
Aug 29 at Cooper
Sep 5 vs. Campbell County
Sep 12 at Boyle County
Sep 19 vs. Ryle
Sep 26 at Harrison County (District)
Oct 3 vs. Covington Catholic (District)
Oct 10 at Elder (OH)
Oct 17 at Mason County (District)
Oct 24 vs. Scott County
Oct 31 - BYE

Holmes has opted out of district play. That game was replaced with Elder. 

Link to Schedule:

https://www.highlandsathletics.com/Events?for=e06bb248-052e-4062-9c1e-d9c63d09fb17&academicYear=2025

Elder is playing Highlands, CovCath and Louisville St X this year.

10 hours ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Elder is playing Highlands, CovCath and Louisville St X this year.

What does this say about the feelings towards the RPI in regards to playing Out of State competition?  

For the last several years with the RPI system, I have heard so many people disgruntled b/c the system doesn't take into consideration the level of Out of State competitions.  A win against Elder wouldn't be weighted any greater than a win against a winless terrible Out of State team.  I guess a loss has the same effect.

Therefore, is this just a trend where the ADs of these Ky schools just threw out the need for a quality RPI supported opponent, and said I want to play the best to be the best regardless of the ramification of the RPI benefit?  Do I have this right?  I'm not a RPI expert....