Now that 2007 is officially over, with HHS going 15-0 and winning 5A, let's begin comparing this year's squad to previous HHS championship teams.

 

In comparing this team to HHS' last title team (2004), I'd had to say that 2007 is all-around better, since HHS' offensive line, quarterback play, and rushing attack are much better than their 2004 counterparts. The 2004 HHS defense might have been a tad better, but not by much, and again, I think that overall 2007 is better than 2004.

 

How does this team compare to HHS in 1998 (Lorenzen/Smith's senior years), 1999, and 2000 (teams with Guidugli, Hamblen, Scott, and Grover), among other championship squads???

Well Dale said he "would have to consider this the best Highlands team ever". Heard it on Channel 9 news tonight.

Now that 2007 is officially over, with HHS going 15-0 and winning 5A, let's begin comparing this year's squad to previous HHS championship teams.

 

In comparing this team to HHS' last title team (2004), I'd had to say that 2007 is all-around better, since HHS' offensive line, quarterback play, and rushing attack are much better than their 2004 counterparts. The 2004 HHS defense might have been a tad better, but not by much, and again, I think that overall 2007 is better than 2004.

 

How does this team compare to HHS in 1998 (Lorenzen/Smith's senior years), 1999, and 2000 (teams with Guidugli, Hamblen, Scott, and Grover), among other championship squads???

 

With all respect my friend, does this really accomplish anything? Its really impossible to say if the 1968 team was better or the 2004 or the 1982 or the etc, etc, etc. Lets just enjoy the championship and not start the bickering amongst Highlands fans over this sort of subject.

Last week, after the win over Lincoln, Derek Smith was overheard telling one Birds Senior that this 2007 team will be compared to the best Highlands teams. And, in his opinion,they may very well be the best ever.

 

Just being mentioned as one of the best ever is a great compliment to this group!

It's so unfair to compare teams like that.

 

If you had to though, this team is closer to the 81 & 82 team than teams of the past 10 years. No jawdropping division one type talent, but simply talented high school football players. And those type of teams is what built the HHS tradition. Tough, hardworking, determined players that played as a team and brought a very businesslike demeanor to the game.

 

I'll say this though, the next few years could be very interesting.

Is it unfair to compare teams? Of course, but what the heck.

 

Here's my take.

 

Most would consider the 98 Lorenzen/Smith team as one of the best teams ever but I actually thought it was unfortunate that they never got that one big out of state test that so many other Highlands teams were fortunate enough to get. Because I think they would have done quite well. You could argue that the season openeing win over Male (who went on to win Class AAAA) was proof enough that this team was the best ever.

 

Now this Highlands team also had the misfortune of not playing in that big out of state contest too. Trotwood was a very good team but their failure in the Ohio postseason shows that they were not a truly supreme team. It would have been so much fun to see Highlands take on a Colerain or Cincy St.X this year or even a Trinity or St.X because again I think they would have performed quite well.

 

So basically through schedule quirks I would rate both teams equal and I would throw the 99 and 00 teams in as well because of the schedule they both played.

I don't follow Highlands that closely but from an outsiders view, I would say the '98 team was much more dominate than this years version. They destroyed teams whereas this years team won solidly. Congratulations on another great championship.

I think the key to this discussion is the word "team". I would aggree with those that think this was one of the best "teams" at HHS. I am partial to the 1982 squad also. Both these groups were solid at all aspects of the game.

For my money, I think the '98 Highlands team may be the best Tri-state High School team ever.

With all respect my friend, does this really accomplish anything? Its really impossible to say if the 1968 team was better or the 2004 or the 1982 or the etc, etc, etc. Lets just enjoy the championship and not start the bickering amongst Highlands fans over this sort of subject.

 

I agree, every team was great in their own way. Comparing doesn't get you anywhere. Lets all who put on the jersey be proud of our tradition that we all left there.

Its sad that it can be only speculation. We can debate things like this til we're blue in the face. The only way we'd ever know is if each these teams lined up and played each other. So no one will ever know. I do know when comparing them, each team had special traits. There were things that one Highlands team was stronger at than another, but they made it up with a stronger characteristic in other areas. I think the only thing that I look at is, "Did they play 15 games? And was that 15th game a victory?" Thats the question that validates how good a Highlands team is. It's a special fraternity of men at Highlands and now we have inducted the 17th class!!

Its sad that it can be only speculation. We can debate things like this til we're blue in the face. The only way we'd ever know is if each these teams lined up and played each other. So no one will ever know. I do know when comparing them, each team had special traits. There were things that one Highlands team was stronger at than another, but they made it up with a stronger characteristic in other areas. I think the only thing that I look at is, "Did they play 15 games? And was that 15th game a victory?" Thats the question that validates how good a Highlands team is. It's a special fraternity of men at Highlands and now we have inducted the 17th class!!

Good post gamer.

Remember that each team had its greatness and dominance during its own era in time. It is unfare and silly to compare. Each team at HHS has put its own block in the wall that sets the standard for the next team or generation. Simple as that. You can look at the greatness of Chuck Kyle and the Burt boys of the 60's all the way to todays team. 17 stae titles speak for the program and its strength. Family and tradition have been what is the greatest team of all for the BIRDS.

Man the best player I've seen Highlands have in my 4 years of highschool football is #4 I forget his name, he was a small runningback, very fast and hard to take down.

Remember that each team had its greatness and dominance during its own era in time. It is unfare and silly to compare. Each team at HHS has put its own block in the wall that sets the standard for the next team or generation. Simple as that. You can look at the greatness of Chuck Kyle and the Burt boys of the 60's all the way to todays team. 17 stae titles speak for the program and its strength. Family and tradition have been what is the greatest team of all for the BIRDS.

 

I think Dale has it right with his statement that this team's "greatness" is only because they "stand on the shoulders of the teams before them".

 

THE TRADITION LIVES ON !!!