The Raiders (3-0) sail into enemy territory and try to battle the Mighty Bluebirds of Highlands

Kickoff: 6:30pm, Thursday Sep 17th

What a great showdown we have in the NKY Freshman circuit this week.

Highlands has absolutely demolished their first 3 opponents outscoring them 124-8! QB1 Jaxton Moeves under center has these Birds taking care of their opponents like its been some serious business!

Ryle comes into this battle showcasing a similar nice record putting 3 shutouts on their resume outscoring their 3 opponents 94-0!

These teams have two common opponents with Cov Cath & Dixie:

Cov Cath: Birds won 42-0, Ryle won 36-0

Dixie: Birds won 48-8, Ryle won 30-0

Something must break this Thursday, who will end the night with the honor to carry the label of the NKY Top Freshman team mid-season after this rumble in the Fort!

Their will be a Livestream for this game, link to follow in another post

The 3-0 Freshman Ryle Raiders head north to face the 3-0 Highlands Bluebirds at DCM in what could be a preview of the Freshman Championship later this year (Beechwood, SK, Conner in that mix as well). Ryle comes in with impressive shutout victories against Cooper (28-0), CCH (36-0) and Dixie (30-0). Highlands enters with wins against CCH (42-0), Dixie Heights (48-8), and Elder (34-0). All three Highlands games had running clocks early in the second half. A combined score of 218-8 means two high-powered offenses with stingy defenses. Both teams run the ball very well out of the backfield (Noah Brown for the Birds and Wyatt Crisp for Ryle) and from the QB spot (Jaxston Moeves for HHS and Hayden Gavin for the Raiders), but the Birds throw the ball all over the field so I'd give the edge to Highlands in the passing game.

Previous Matchups:

Ryle (Union Raiders) and Highlands did not face each other in 2025 as 8th graders, but did face each other as 7th graders with HMS getting the better of the Union Raiders 13-6 in Union.

Ryle and Highlands scrimmaged earlier this year with Highland's ones and twos outscoring Ryle's, 4-2. HHS scored twice on their first 10-play bundle and were stopped on the goal line trying to punch in a third when their 10 plays ran out. Ryle did not score on their first 10 plays, but did make it down to the goal line before their plays ran out. HHS scored another two TDs on their second 10-play bundle, as did the Raiders. Stating the obvious, scrimmages are not indicative of what to expect in a real game. It should be a good matchup with two incredibly talented teams.

Game Link:

https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ky/fort-thomas/organization/5235/highlands-high-school/team/48815/boys-freshman-football/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0NDQwOTgxOQ%3D%3D

859 Insider Network is also going to broadcast this Frosh game:

https://www.859insidertv.com/?B=4409819

The above link defaults to another game but that link does appear to be correct and even if it defaults improperly you can view the other options (including this game) below once you are on the 859IN site.

I am ready for this one.

1 minute ago, theguru said:

I am ready for this one.

I think it'll be a whole lot closer than the poll suggests.

2 hours ago, TheConfluence said:

I think it'll be a whole lot closer than the poll suggests.

40 to 0? Instead of 60?

13 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

40 to 0? Instead of 60?

Ryle's freshman team is solid. This won't be anything like Varsity tomorrow night. I just hope the Birds don't take them lightly. Considering the blowouts they've had, this is a game they can lose if they go through the motions.

I have been told that gametime pushed back to 7. Anyone?

8 minutes ago, Jack of all Trades said:

I have been told that gametime pushed back to 7. Anyone?

I have no idea but it makes sense, it is pretty toasty out.

15 minutes ago, theguru said:

I have no idea but it makes sense, it is pretty toasty out.

Still 6:30p as far as the parents are aware.

15 mins until k/o.

Raiders won the toss and will defer. Highlands on O first.

Broadcast is live and maybe a minute behind @TheConfluence so we are counting on you.

HHS in traditional Highlands home uniforms and Ryle in all white with black helmets.