21 minutes ago, El Diablo said:

I doubt Highlands is looking over FD in any way. This is a coin flip game. Douglass is a top shelf program. With Douglass’s speed Highlands better be ready. Birds looked a little sleepy at times in all of their scrimmages. I hope they worked that out of their system. 

I doubt it too.

1 hour ago, theguru said:

I doubt it too.

It will undoubtedly an outstanding contest in Fort Thomas at David Cecil Memorial Stadium. The better conditioned team which makes the fewest mistakes will most likely win this opening round contest of evenly matched teams.

1 hour ago, El Diablo said:

I doubt Highlands is looking over FD in any way. This is a coin flip game. Douglass is a top shelf program. With Douglass’s speed Highlands better be ready. Birds looked a little sleepy at times in all of their scrimmages. I hope they worked that out of their system. 

 

1 hour ago, theguru said:

I doubt it too.

No way am I looking past FD.  To tell you the truth I have NO IDEA who they even play next week. Maybe I’ll check later. ?

Douglass 28-21.

I think both teams are going to be talented and fast. I think for game 1 of this season the difference is who makes fewer mistakes. If FD coaches have these young players in position to play a clean game they can pull off an upset. I’ve seen Highlands have some head scratching, “ what are they doing?” early moments the last few seasons. And they usually figure it out by week 3. So I think this one is still close with maybe a kick return or pick-6 from either team being a difference maker. 

Massey ratings have it Highlands 27-26 but they have FD #3 in the state which is too high. I think the Birds get the win.

According to last seasons thread(s) the Birds had issues with getting stupid penalties on defense. As long as they have that cleaned up I don't see them losing this one.

I love my birds….

heart prediction:

FD    28

H      29

brain prediction:

FD    28

H      17

From what I’ve seen Highlands really struggles to run block. The original recipe birds with pulling 160 lb guards has been forgotten. The big beast OLine just hasn’t worked against quality teams. Also is Rio healthy? Haven’t seen him run full speed this year. Hate to be a realist but that’s what I see. Hope my brain is wrong.  

On 8/16/2025 at 10:29 AM, 16thBBall Fan said:

The young Broncos begin their 2025 season with a trip to norther KY to take on one of the top teams in 4A in the Highlands Bluebirds.

The Broncos graduated 29 seniors off of last year's 6A state semifinal team. The only have a total of 8 returning starters with just 3 starters on offense and 5 on offense.

On offense the Broncos will rely very heavily on junior running back Dakari Talbert who rushed for almost 850 yards last season in a very deep backfield he averaged 7.9 yards per carry. Their new quarterback Brady Ross will be looking towards returning TE Terry Cayson. On defense they will be led by returning defensive backs Cionne Conn and Demond Green. The Bronco defense allowed less than 17 points per game last season.

The Broncos very tough schedule especially at the front end with the first 3 games at Highlands and Trinity with a home game vs. Manuel. They also have non-district games vs. Corbin, Boyle Co. and Male. This will be tough, but Coach McPeek hopes it will help make the Broncos better by season's end.

Go Broncos!!

@16thBBall Fan , You mentioned that the Broncos lost a lot of starters from last year, many on offense. Are any of the starters on the O-Line returning? I was able to watch some of the St. X scrimmage, and it looked like the Broncos' O-line struggled, especially the tackles. That might be an opportunity for the Birds' defense to take advantage of. 

Based on what I saw from the scrimmage, I was very impressed with the Broncos' LBs and DBs. The LBs BRING IT, and the DBs are going to be hard to get behind. 

From a Bird's standpoint, I am interested to see how Litmer has progressed over the summer. I keep waiting to see the production match the hype, as it seems the staff has been all in on him since 8th grade. 

Like others have said, I would be shocked and disappointed if the Birds are taking the Broncos lightly. Go Birds! 

I think the 3 back on offense is a RB, WR and RT so only one returning lineman.

I think Highlands grinds out a win here. The Birds are much more established at QB and OL, which I think will be enough to get job done.

Douglass should never be underestimated, but they have more questions and inexperience right now than they've maybe ever had.

Should be a beautiful night for week 1 across NKY, been a while since we’ve had temperatures like this opening week. 

It will indeed be a beautiful night and even more beautiful with a Birds Win. The 14oz Prime Rib at the Greenline has the most amazing Au Jus and tastes even better after a Bluebird victory.

@Fan of Karen must be a nervous wreck at the moment!

6 minutes ago, Woody Hayes said:

It will indeed be a beautiful night and even more beautiful with a Birds Win. The 14oz Prime Rib at the Greenline has the most amazing Au Jus and tastes even better after a Bluebird victory.

@Fan of Karen must be a nervous wreck at the moment!

Woody, did you know that horse meat is a lean source of protein, iron, and vitamins.  It is often described as slightly sweeter and redder than beef, with a distinct flavor.  Some find it to be a healthy alternative to beef, with fewer calories and more protein. 

I am only working a half day today and my first Mint Julep is going down the hatch at 1300. 

Go Bluebirds!