The mighty Birds will jump on the bus on Friday and run down I-71 to have a preseason scrimmage with Louisville Male at 7:30pm.

2 Big Time programs that fell flat last year both being ousted in the playoffs in the Quarterfinals.

Based on some circulars I have read these are 2 programs passing thru the night going in opposite directions.

Louisville Male lost a ton of talent from last years squad so I think this could be a painful rebuilding year for Male. Jordan Williams who was QB1 has graduated which puts Leon Melvin (Jr) taking over. They do have their leading rusher coming back in Tyson Kinsey who ran for 358 yds last season. Their team thread on BGP people are predicting only around a .500 finish for this season.

A lot of potential coming out of Fort Thomas circulars regarding the skill positions on this team, this might be the most talented and DEEP the skilled positions have been in YEARS!!!! The biggest question mark (which Coach Sphire has admitted in interviews I have seen) is the OLINE. Can they find the right group of 5 to protect the new QB1 Sophomore phenom Bryce Armstrong. He was a human highlight reel on the plays I saw on social media last season. Reminded me of a Michael Vick type of style, quick on the feet, great arm and accuracy. This kid is going to be FUN to watch these next 3 years. The RB room and WR core is packed with talent, let’s see how OC Hayden Sphire draws up the offense to keep all these players happy.

Should be a fun season, let's get them to dust off the cobwebs during this scrimmage and then the Blue/White scrimmage on 8/14 before the lights officially turn on with a Season Opener at Frederick Douglass on 8/21.

Let’s GO BIRDS!!!!!

Coach Chris Wolfe was the keynote speaker at the Fort Thomas TD Club dinner last week. He was very high on new HC Chase Porter and thinks he will do very well at Male.

Things to look for from a Highlands perspective. On offense, the line won't have any 300 pounders but they will still have length and will be more athletic. As Frank mentioned, finding the right 5-7 guys will be the key. There will also be good size and athleticism at the TE position which will help the rebuilt Oline. This will be a higher tempo offense with a better run/pass mix from the last couple of seasons. May take some time to get going with the early schedule and Bryce Armstrong figuring things out but this Offense should be real good when it matters at the end.

On defense, looking forward to seeing how Lorenzen is used. If paired at times with the Benke twins and on the D line, that could be a real solid group. I would think Lorenzen will also assist at LB. I can see Tayden playing as many as 5-6 positions between Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Also curious to see who the other Safety will be paired with Gabe Williams. That seems to be one of the more competitive positional competitions this Summer.

Sneaky important detail is the Special Teams will be aided by having their snapper, kicker and punter all returning.

Scrimmaging Male first always shows the Birds where they stand in all phases. I love that they get this opportunity. Hoping both teams get a ton of work in and have a healthy night this Friday. Go Birds!

Any stream on this scrimmage?

Highlands by 30 points.

18 hours ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Highlands by 30 points.

Highlands should be good this year… but this still Male we are talking about.

Highlands 28

Male 26

I want to see how the new QB1 is for the Birds.

Birds by 17+

I read in Courier-Journal preview of Male that they return 4 starters on offense and 1 on defense. Coach Porter says talent is there but are inexperienced and untested. He did say right now that the defense is the strength of the team. This scrimmage with Highlands will be a good test for them.

We are not there yet but this is good news, we love Glicod!

Birds up 21-0 Early in 1st quarter. Feldbruegge, lornezen and Harris all with TD receptions from Armstrong. Male fumbled a kickoff as well.

How is the OLine looking?

3 minutes ago, FirstTimeLongTime said:

Birds up 21-0 Early in 1st quarter. Feldbruegge, lornezen and Harris all with TD receptions from Armstrong. Male fumbled a kickoff as well.

Wow and I think most of us expect Highlands to be really good this but what is up with Male?

Colt Kremer rushing TD. 28-0 Birds. Male without a first down yet in 2 drives. 3 minutes left in 1st.

5 minutes ago, El Diablo said:

How is the OLine looking?

Looks good. Running a lot behind right side with Cooper Benke at RT and a lot of 12 and some 13 personnel. Some pre snap penalties but it is early. Pass pro looks good so far.

Gabe Williams with 2 fantastic plays on D. A pass breakup then sniffing out a screen on 4th down to get the ball back for the Birds.