22 hours ago, FrankNicodemus said:

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

I absolutely get what you are saying, about the focus of the Highlands players and having a score to settle. However, to be fair the same things were being said last year by Highlands faithful going into the games, about being focused and having a score to settle after losing in the Semi-finals the year before too. Yet still didn't help them win either game last year. 

This should be another great game between these two teams, and could go either way. As this has become a nice rivalry, and should have both teams motivated about going out and proving something. Cooper probably motivated to go out and try to show they are still better, even after losing some great skilled guys from last year. While Highlands is motivated after losing 3 in a row to Cooper, and getting their State Championship dreams ended two years in a row by Cooper. Should be another fun matchup. 

14 hours ago, 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.  

Definitely a very tough schedule for Cooper to start this season. I still think Cooper can win this game, and should be a good game. However, even if they were to fall short in this one. Cooper as you mentioned could end up with a few losses to start this year, and yet still be right in the mix in regards to playing for a state title in 5A when all is said and done. 

13 hours ago, Honey Badger said:

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

Out of touch?  Interpret please.

Highlands was one penalty, due to miscommunication, away from winning the regular season matchup last year. 

5 minutes ago, Oldercoach said:

Out of touch?  Interpret please.

8 minutes ago, Oldercoach said:

Out of touch?  Interpret please.

 

3 minutes ago, theguru said:

Thanks @theguru I didn't know the fastest way to get him up to date lol.

@Oldercoach If you take some time, actually a lot of time it would take, and look through this guy's daily blogs I guess you would call it you will see he is quite the character. I will go ahead and save you some time and let you know he is very very very very rich, would never lie and has a smoking hot wife, per himself.

@Oldercoach and he made @theguru make the best and most perfect timed Ron Burgundy quote ever. I'm still laughing from that. Can you repost that Guru?

4 minutes ago, Honey Badger said:

@Oldercoach and he made @theguru make the best and most perfect timed Ron Burgundy quote ever. I'm still laughing from that. Can you repost that Guru?

It is there in the same thread if anyone wants to go back.  I would much rather focus on the Highlands/Cooper game and not Mr. Stanton. 

The biggest question mark for me in this game is Highlands pass defense, especially the back end.  Were not tested much last week, but showed some vulnerability in scrimmages.  Of course, if you apply a good pass rush that can help mitigate some things.  Something to keep an eye on.

5 minutes ago, Jack of all Trades said:

The biggest question mark for me in this game is Highlands pass defense, especially the back end.  Were not tested much last week, but showed some vulnerability in scrimmages.  Of course, if you apply a good pass rush that can help mitigate some things.  Something to keep an eye on.

Definitely would say it's the biggest question mark for both. Is Highlands vulnerable in the secondary and can Cooper have guys make plays if the opportunity presents itself. I have to see Cooper guys make some plays down field before I am sold on them and that was my biggest determining factor in picking Highlands. I believe in Highlands physicality more than I believe in Cooper's ability to stretch it down the field right now at this point in the year. Not saying Cooper's not going to figure it out at some point.

18 hours ago, Honey Badger said:

Definitely would say it's the biggest question mark for both. Is Highlands vulnerable in the secondary and can Cooper have guys make plays if the opportunity presents itself. I have to see Cooper guys make some plays down field before I am sold on them and that was my biggest determining factor in picking Highlands. I believe in Highlands physicality more than I believe in Cooper's ability to stretch it down the field right now at this point in the year. Not saying Cooper's not going to figure it out at some point.

After reading everyone’s analysis I think my picking Cooper was a mistake.  Just too much lost to go against the Bird’s this early. 

14 minutes ago, Oldercoach said:

After reading everyone’s analysis I think my picking Cooper was a mistake.  Just too much lost to go against the Bird’s this early. 

Interesting. Cooper returns most of their offensive line correct? So it’s the offense pass catching that could be an issue?

I think this game is close. 

I hope Highlands goes for 2 after all touchdowns…

H 28

C 26

As much as I’d like to see Cooper win, Highlands is too much for them this year and especially next year.  Cooper lost too many good players from last year to compete with teams like Highlands this year and especially next year.

The positive is that 5A is down from last year and with Highlands dropping to 4A should be a walk for Cooper until the state semi’s.

Birds 46

Jags 17