When: Friday, August 8th 7pm

Where: Highlands High School 

Livestream: TBD

First off, the poll is a little unorthodox due to it being a scrimmage and the format they will play not being a true game format. We will more than likely see the whole program from Varsity all the way down to probably some Freshman playing this evening. Therefore, the poll is basically asking which program do you believe will look more ready to compete in their respective class. It’s a scrimmage so the score in my opinion is about as relevant as an NFL preseason game.

Now onto the game…..

These 2 programs have been on a drought some a lot longer than others but still they are both severely eager to get back to the top of their class sooner than later. It’s finally that time of year when these young men finally strap on all their pads (hopefully including their knee pads) and go hit each other like gladiators.  What a time of year, probably one of the best!

Male comes in after a very disappointing finish in the Quarterfinals last year finishing the season 9-3.  They will be led by their QB1 from last year Jordan Williams who will be a Senior this season.  They will also have their main running back from last year Senior Chayce Burton. 
 

Highlands has been eyeing this year in their crystal ball for a while!  Why because the #s and the talent level between this Senior/Junior class has been huge since FTJFL days.  It’s a Perfect Storm that everyone has had HIGH hopes could finally get them to the Promise Land that they haven’t been to since 2014! Way too long for the Highlands faithful.

There is a huge Highlands thread for 2025 that goes into specifics of the team but for this thread I’ll highlight a few big things to look for:

Rio Litmer: Senior QB, he’s been trying to stake his claim as “the guy” I feel like his whole High School career.  Will he have a breakout season that will appease the fan base. He’s worked his tail off to be in his best shape for this season.  He can beat you with his arm and his legs.

Gabe Williams: a stud athlete that could be a huge factor on either side of the ball. Some claim he will see more action on the defensive side but will he still be utilized by his running skills in the backfield.

Tayden Lorenzen: what can I say about Tayden. This kid has had the eyes of the community ever since he could catch/throw a football. Will the playbook offensively be heavily having him the center of attention. He has been SO much fun to watch grow up!

Aidan Duncan: Here’s a guy that has been hit with the injury bug last year but will be a menace on the football field.  Will he be the main guy in the backfield if Gabe Williams is utilized defensively?

Oline/Dline: this unit is HUGE! Will these guys push around people the way we are hoping to create time for Rio and holes for our RBs. On the flip side will the Dline cause havoc to any running game that is thrown at them this season.

I'm ready for some Football!

What are you looking for from each of these schools to feel confident about the upcoming season from this scrimmage?

Really hope they test out the livestream on this one!

I feel like Highlands will just run over Male. 

2 hours ago, VF111 said:

I feel like Highlands will just run over Male. 

Very few teams can “just run over Male”.

I don’t think Highlands makes that list- even in a scrimmage. 

1 hour ago, MBKT said:

Very few teams can “just run over Male”.

I don’t think Highlands makes that list- even in a scrimmage. 

I would rate Highlands as the #1 "run you over" team in KY. They are not the best team in KY, but in terms of having what it takes just to run you over, I would put them #1. 

They didn’t vs Ryle last year, even though Jack white was averaging over 6 yards a carry going into that game.

3 minutes ago, Breds82 said:

They didn’t vs Ryle last year, even though Jack white was averaging over 6 yards a carry going into that game.

Jack White was a great Highlands RB even though he was slated for NC in Middle Shool!

59 minutes ago, Breds82 said:

They didn’t vs Ryle last year, even though Jack white was averaging over 6 yards a carry going into that game.

Highlands ran the ball 36 times against Ryle and averaged 5.5 yards a carry. I wouldn’t exactly say Ryle stonewalled the Birds. 

17 hours ago, VF111 said:

I feel like Highlands will just run over Male. 

That is extremely unlikely to happen. 

19 minutes ago, TheDeuce said:

That is extremely unlikely to happen. 

They will flatten them.

45 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

They will flatten them.

It's a possibility, I suppose. 

15 minutes ago, TheDeuce said:

It's a possibility, I suppose. 

Lorenzen is a beast on the field.

13 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Lorenzen is a beast on the field.

I agree. 

I feel like Male enters this season with a lot of question marks.  I know the injury bug hit them the back 1/2 of the year last year, but the team that beat St. X in OT and lost to Trinity by 3 was a far cry from the team that ended the year.  Hopefully Chayce Burton is fully healed and ready to have a big season because Male is going to need that from him.  Outside of him, they'll need quite a few kids to step up a level to be considered contenders.  At this point, and it's weird to say, I would consider them to be the 5th best 6A school in Jefferson County this year and probably the 8th or maybe even 9th best 6A team in the state at this point.  I've been wrong plenty of times before, but this is how I see Male entering this year.

17 hours ago, VF111 said:

I would rate Highlands as the #1 "run you over" team in KY. They are not the best team in KY, but in terms of having what it takes just to run you over, I would put them #1. 

If true then why run the ball a lot in a scrimmage, practice what your weak at.  Test your players.