Highlands (11-1) meets Johnson Central in the regional finals next week in Paintsville. Hart couldn’t see any reason why the Bluebirds shouldn’t win their 18th state title.

 

“They’re solid as can be on defense, they can run the ball, they can throw the ball,” Hart said. “They’ve got good team speed and they’re physical. I don’t know what else you’re looking for.”

 

LINK

Highlands (11-1) meets Johnson Central in the regional finals next week in Paintsville. Hart couldn’t see any reason why the Bluebirds shouldn’t win their 18th state title.

 

“They’re solid as can be on defense, they can run the ball, they can throw the ball,” Hart said. “They’ve got good team speed and they’re physical. I don’t know what else you’re looking for.”

 

LINK

 

Since not many of us have seen HHS in person, I think it's hard to agree or disagree. The only thing HHS and JCHS have in common this year is that both teams walloped both Ashland and Covington Catholic and both teams squeaked by Bryan Station.

 

With HHS's tradition and talent, they'll always be a tough out. Hopefully, the Golden Eagles will be able to provide a suitable foil with the ball-control and hard-hitting defense. Hard to know what to expect until Friday night.

Since not many of us have seen HHS in person, I think it's hard to agree or disagree. The only thing HHS and JCHS have in common this year is that both teams walloped both Ashland and Covington Catholic and both teams squeaked by Bryan Station.

 

Very true. I'll add that I hope last night's HHS squad shows up instead of the one that faced Bryan Station. BS was as game as they come, but Highlands seemed to be missing on several cylinders that night. No missing last night. Roller's injury will hurt the Birds a lot, but they have capable reserves for him on both offense and defense.

Highlands (11-1) meets Johnson Central in the regional finals next week in Paintsville. Hart couldn’t see any reason why the Bluebirds shouldn’t win their 18th state title.

 

“They’re solid as can be on defense, they can run the ball, they can throw the ball,” Hart said. “They’ve got good team speed and they’re physical. I don’t know what else you’re looking for.”

 

LINK

 

It is hard to agrue with this logic and the numbers, but games must be played on the field. Very tough test for JC, probably the biggest game in school football history. Look for Matney to shore up the weakness that have been mentioned on this site, but still a big order. The Eagles will show up to play and will compete.

 

One predcition I can make is the winner of this game will be State Champ!

Very true. I'll add that I hope last night's HHS squad shows up instead of the one that faced Bryan Station. BS was as game as they come, but Highlands seemed to be missing on several cylinders that night. No missing last night. Roller's injury will hurt the Birds a lot, but they have capable reserves for him on both offense and defense.

 

It will be a factor, but not one that the Birds won't fill in a weeks time. You are right, they are deep and should be fine.

Highlands will show Johnson Central that they are still a LOOOONNNGGG WAY away from winning a state title.

Highlands (11-1) meets Johnson Central in the regional finals next week in Paintsville. Hart couldn’t see any reason why the Bluebirds shouldn’t win their 18th state title.

 

“They’re solid as can be on defense, they can run the ball, they can throw the ball,” Hart said. “They’ve got good team speed and they’re physical. I don’t know what else you’re looking for.”

 

LINK

 

Good question Ru. Could you open the question up to as to whether anyone from JC or Ashland agrees with Coach Hart since Ashland has now played both teams? If not, perhaps a new thread.

 

Good seeing you and Pat last night. What game did you decide to cover this week? If you decide to change your mind about not going to the HHS/JC game, we can find you a seat on the bus if you want to head to Paintsville. Think of the bus ride as a one of our post game parties before the game. :thumb:

Sure, does anyone from Ashland agree with Coach Hart?

 

Also everyone, even if you haven't seen HHS you still can have an opinion on JC having no chance against Highlands.

 

Not sure on the game yet LN. Maybe Boone/Simon, I want to see Miles Simpson play.

I havent seen HHS play this year but I have seen them many times over the years. What Coach Hart said about them this year could be said EVERY year. Big, strong, fast, and athletic, with solid defense and great skill people. You could say something like this every time I have seen them. Outstanding HS football program!!

I am a JC fan that agrees Highlands should win the state title with little trouble. The JC program has taken a huge step IMO this season in earning respect across the state. You cant build a program that is respected and well known state wide in a single season. Making the the semi-finals a few years ago was a big step but to me the win last week may have been the biggest step in that direction JC has ever took. A win or close game against Highlands would be huge but all but one team in each class ends the season out matched or out played for one game, this should be JC's week for that. I see Highlands winning by 3 or 4 TDs but JC's program will keep marching in the right direction.

I think it is a way for Coach to take pressure off of his team. But he knows the game has to be played and his players will give HHS their best shot.

Coach Hart is in trouble now. All those "Mountain Football" fans who feel they don't get respect can't even get respect from one of their own coaches (please note the sarcrasm). It looks like Coach is trying to motivate his team with his own bulletin board worthy quotes.

Seems like a prime example of the old saying "some things are better left unsaid"...

Highlands rolls, but I don't think they're a shoe-in for the state title.

I am a JC fan that agrees Highlands should win the state title with little trouble. The JC program has taken a huge step IMO this season in earning respect across the state. You cant build a program that is respected and well known state wide in a single season. Making the the semi-finals a few years ago was a big step but to me the win last week may have been the biggest step in that direction JC has ever took. A win or close game against Highlands would be huge but all but one team in each class ends the season out matched or out played for one game, this should be JC's week for that. I see Highlands winning by 3 or 4 TDs but JC's program will keep marching in the right direction.

 

I could not agree with this more. Johnson Central is not the only team in 5A that wouldn't be given a chance against Highlands by fans across the state. I think the mere fact that we can even draw the attention of Highlands fans now makes a huge statement for how far this program has come in the last five years. Beating Covington Catholic, especially in the fashion we did, was a profound expression of how legitimate this program has become. That's not some run-of-the-mill mountain team; that's a private school program with state championship trophies in the case. Just because we don't win a state championship does not make us a bad team, nor one to be lightly dismissed. The second-best team in the state isn't always the one that loses in the state finals.

Edited November 23, 200817 yr by Black Eagle
typo corrections.