Here's some comments I have:

 

For HHS to win, they will need to:

 

1. Keep with their running game, even if the early returns are not impressive. This year, HHS has been able to do very well by sticking with the gameplan, which allows them to progressively wear down the opponent's defense so that the 2-3 yard gains in the first half become 6-7 yard gains in the second half.

2. Limit the penalties and TOs. Very likely, HHS is actually the better team in this game, and if the 'Birds play funbdamentally sound football (i.e. few/no mistakes), it will make it very hard for CCH to pull the upset.

3. Pass SOME (not A LOT, but SOME). If HHS can complete some passes in the game, especially early on, it will be hard for CCH to consistently load up the box to defend HHS' running game. HHS should not look to air it out too much, as their offense is not designed for this, and the chances of making mistakes will greatly increase if they do. A few high-yield passes at the right times will help out the running game/offense a lot.

4. Tackle well on defense/special teams. CCH will struggle if Furnish and Buckley are not able to get some good yardage after initial contact. They are great RBs and will get their fair share of yardage in the game... if HHS limits that yardage after contact by tackling well, it will put much more pressure on CCH's offense.

 

For CCH to win, they will need to:

 

1. Control the line of scrimmage (on both sides), which will set up their running game on offense and limit HHS' running game.

2. Control the time of possession. If HHS wins this important metric, CCH's defense will be in for a long second half. If CCH can dictate the pace/tempo of the game, it will put HHS at a disadvantage.

3. Open up the offense in the game. If CCH's passing game can get in gear early, pressure will be taken off CCH's running backs to carry the full offensive burden.

4. Get a break or two. As I said before, HHS is likely the "better" team, and the game is at HHS. CCH will probably need a couple of plays/calls to break their way, and in HS football, there will probably be some opportunities for this to happen.

I have read all of these posts from the Cov Cath faithful talking about how much better CCH is since they played in the regular season and that Highlands better watch out........Do you think that Highlands went undefeated and didn't get any better??? You are only fooling yourself if you believe that Highlands is not a better team than the one that played in Park Hills several weeks ago.

 

Highlands has not rolled in all of their games since Cov Cath. They had a few times that they were forced to play a little like the first half of Lex-Cath. They also were getting beat quite handily by a bigger, faster, very well-coached Central team 2 weeks ago. But, they and Coach Mueller came back and won. That's what great teams do. Highlands did not give up and they managed to string together some great drives and come away with a victory. As put by someone earlier, CCH a good team, but Highlands is great.

 

The thing that people don't get is that the back up players at HHS could probably start at a lot of other programs in NKY. So depth, strength, speed, and endurance is a key to GREAT programs. That is not a dig on other programs, just a compliment to those unsung heroes that don't get their name in the paper but are a very important part of prepping the team each week by running the opposing teams offense/defense/special teams. Here's to you, Mr. Scout Team player that is getting banged up week in and week out. Been there done that. I respect you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

You tell me what team would not get better after going through that!!!!!

 

 

Easy there stud. I don't recall any CovCath fan saying that Highlands hasn't improved. They've only stated that CovCath has improved, and given that almost all of their starters are first year starters this year, they've probably improved a lot by now. I don't think they've improved enough to beat us, but we'll find that out on Friday if both teams play up to their abilities.

Easy there stud. I don't recall any CovCath fan saying that Highlands hasn't improved. They've only stated that CovCath has improved, and given that almost all of their starters are first year starters this year, they've probably improved a lot by now. I don't think they've improved enough to beat us, but we'll find that out on Friday if both teams play up to their abilities.

 

To build upon this, HHS did not play its best during the regular season game. I would be surprised if HHS doesn't perform much better this time around.

 

Also, there was all that crazy talk about HHS running up the score on CCH and beating them by like 35-40 points before the regular season game. Now that this stupid myth has been dispelled and everyone knows that CCH is a very solid team, I think HHS will be able to focus on their "real" opponent (i.e. a strong CCH squad) this week.

 

It should be a great game!

Easy there stud. I don't recall any CovCath fan saying that Highlands hasn't improved. They've only stated that CovCath has improved, and given that almost all of their starters are first year starters this year, they've probably improved a lot by now. I don't think they've improved enough to beat us, but we'll find that out on Friday if both teams play up to their abilities.

 

Not upset, just passionate about the fact that only one side of the story was being told. I had to say my piece about the Birds and their trials and tribulations this year. I just haven't seen a more solid Highlands team in awhile. They are solid in every facet of the game! Its just amazing that these are just high school kids.

Don't want to get to caught looking ahead, but the winner of this game should enjoy the draw for the next round.

Don't want to get to caught looking ahead, but the winner of this game should enjoy the draw for the next round.

 

Someone does have to advance, correct?

Someone does have to advance, correct?

I believe that is customary.

L/N, Ouch that hurts... I consider the TE a SKILLED lineman!!! Boom or Sweeperboy you need to post and get L/N off my back.

 

From one QB dad to another QB dad all I can say is Mama said there would be days when the mean old lineman would come and try and steal the THUNDERaway from the passing game. :cry:

What the heck. If you got to be boring and run it all the time and still win then I guess its okay my friend. At the end of the day the Birds beat the Blue Boys with or without throwing it. 24-14

I honestly don't care how they do it. I just want a victory. If Bathiany kicks 7 field goals and that's the only offense that goes on the board, so be it. I hope that's not the case. I really am just happy that we will be on the home field and not baking in the sun like the Cov Cath game that Saturday afternoon. GO BIRDS!!!!

What the heck. If you got to be boring and run it all the time and still win then I guess its okay my friend. At the end of the day the Birds beat the Blue Boys with or without throwing it. 24-14

 

Now you're talking. I don't care how we win. I'll take the win via the ground, via the air, or as BigBird says, via Bathiany's foot. And I don't care if we win by a point or by 20 points. At this stage of the game, its just advance baby.

 

By the way, I like the new location of the cannon. Should never have to deal with any KHSAA complaints at that location. Only better spot would be on the visitors sidelines at about the 50 yd marker (but I doubt Elgin would go for that).

By the way, I like the new location of the cannon. Should never have to deal with any KHSAA complaints at that location. Only better spot would be on the visitors sidelines at about the 50 yd marker (but I doubt Elgin would go for that).

On rainy days, they could use those little windows in the gym as gun ports.

 

We thought it would be a lot louder (for us) in the new position. But it was actually the opposite. And I kind of miss seeing Ol' Blue fire off.

Highlands 28

Cov. Catholic 22

 

This will be an absolute battle from start to finish!!

Maybe the 2 best teams in NKY right now.....as usual.

 

 

 

No....Newcath is number two........they shut CCH out....and Newcath is better team now then they were then.

No....Newcath is number two........they shut CCH out....and Newcath is better team now then they were then.

 

Fair point but you cannot discount that CCH is not the same as they were in week 3. Ask Dixie.