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After almost 70 BGPers have entered their predictions: Highlands sits at almost 80% prediction to win.  That’s huge and very telling with Cooper sitting on the #2 line for 5A.

But you know, I really feel the energy from the school right now with these players.  I think there is a lot of score to settle after how the season ended last year.  The Birds defense I think is much improved from last year and is up for the task for this game.

With Campbell County as the game after this these guys are locked in 110% eating, breathing & thinking about Cooper!

I'm thinking at least a 2TD score difference.

Birds win 31-14

Why would the HHS staff not, at least partially, design an offense around Lorenzen? That young man is close to unstoppable and the ball should be in his hands more often than not. Tough to do from the tight end position, I know, and that is why there needs to be some serious conversation about a QB platoon system.  Both Lorenzen and Litmer could still be on the field for nearly every snap and the potential firepower that could be drawn up in this scenario is fun to think about.  

Is it to far gone in the season (off season included) to make a switch at QB as supporters have posted on BGP? 

If they just stay patient and run the ball I don’t see the offense being stopped really. It obviously will open up the passing lanes.

I have the Birds by a couple of scores here. The defense looked very fast and very aggressive last week.

5 hours ago, En Fuego Hombre said:

Why would the HHS staff not, at least partially, design an offense around Lorenzen? That young man is close to unstoppable and the ball should be in his hands more often than not. Tough to do from the tight end position, I know, and that is why there needs to be some serious conversation about a QB platoon system.  Both Lorenzen and Litmer could still be on the field for nearly every snap and the potential firepower that could be drawn up in this scenario is fun to think about.  

With the size of their OL I'd think running the ball 70 percent of the time ( minimum) would pay big dividends.

Debbie Downer here, but I’m used to the crisp regimentation of the great Highlands teams.  Huddle, break, race to the line and the ball is snapped, pads are popping and legs are churning.   Certainly the Birds are in top shape but watching the game against FD, I don’t remember Highlands ever being this lethargic pre-snap.  Maybe it doesn’t matter but I did expect a much more aggressive disciplined approach.  I’m picking Cooper.

Heckuva start to the season for Cooper, likely starting the season 0-3. 

I like the Birds by 17+ here on Friday night.  

Just now, The Double Deuce said:

Heckuva start to the season for Cooper, likely starting the season 0-3. 

I like the Birds by 17+ here on Friday night.  

I’m a Birds fan and I don’t get this. Cooper lost to Anderson who is the 2nd best team in Ohio. Highlands should have lost to the worst FD in their history. This will probably be a close game. 

13 minutes ago, El Diablo said:

I’m a Birds fan and I don’t get this. Cooper lost to Anderson who is the 2nd best team in Ohio. Highlands should have lost to the worst FD in their history. This will probably be a close game. 

2nd best team in Ohio in Division 2.  Not in Ohio overall.  Just to clarify.  

O'Hara and his new targets aren't fully on the same page yet, and I think Highlands is going to bring a lot of pressure on him on Friday. 

Lorenzen needs the ball in his hands put him at qb and Litmer in the slot and win state.

If Highlands game plans to ground and pound Cooper and put in a good dose of Lorenzen with the ball then I don't see Cooper pulling this one out. I saw Cooper in 7v7 this summer and what stood out to me the most was the amount of passes I saw get dropped that hit receivers in all ten fingers. 7v7 and 11v11 definitely not the same but skill players dropping passes on a consistent basis is not something that Cooper has been use to in recent history. They have depended on dudes making plays when O'Hara puts it on them and I just don't know if they have any of them type of guys on the roster right now. The Anderson game was close for a half but it got out of hand very quickly in the 3rd qtr. If I were Highlands I wouldn't rush to run a no huddle high tempo offense. I'd let your bell cow playmakers control this one a couple yards at a time and trust the process. Old school Highlands football. Cooper's "playmakers" have to make some plays when O'Hara gives them the chance like Cooper is use to or this Cooper team will not have near the success from years past. I see Highlands pulling this one out 21-17. Anyone know the last time Highlands lost to a team 4 times in a row? Even 3 besides Cooper?

I wonder if there is any Stanton Homes advertisements around Longbranch road this year?

With the Anderson game, Cooper had it 8-3 at half before the wheels fell off. That bodes well for the defense, but what does that say about the offense? It would be nice to see some film from that game to compare. Highlands D was top notch against Freddie D.

5 minutes ago, Breds82 said:

With the Anderson game, Cooper had it 8-3 at half before the wheels fell off. That bodes well for the defense, but what does that say about the offense? It would be nice to see some film from that game to compare. Highlands D was top notch against Freddie D.

Highlands D was pretty impressive last week.    However FD seemed pretty one dimensional on offense.    Highlands will face a much stiffer test Friday

7 hours ago, Honey Badger said:

If Highlands game plans to ground and pound Cooper and put in a good dose of Lorenzen with the ball then I don't see Cooper pulling this one out. I saw Cooper in 7v7 this summer and what stood out to me the most was the amount of passes I saw get dropped that hit receivers in all ten fingers. 7v7 and 11v11 definitely not the same but skill players dropping passes on a consistent basis is not something that Cooper has been use to in recent history. They have depended on dudes making plays when O'Hara puts it on them and I just don't know if they have any of them type of guys on the roster right now. The Anderson game was close for a half but it got out of hand very quickly in the 3rd qtr. If I were Highlands I wouldn't rush to run a no huddle high tempo offense. I'd let your bell cow playmakers control this one a couple yards at a time and trust the process. Old school Highlands football. Cooper's "playmakers" have to make some plays when O'Hara gives them the chance like Cooper is use to or this Cooper team will not have near the success from years past. I see Highlands pulling this one out 21-17. Anyone know the last time Highlands lost to a team 4 times in a row? Even 3 besides Cooper?

Highlands lost to Cov Cath 9 times in a row between 2016-2021