Be careful with this line of thought. Many things have to line up to win state championships - the right players, working hard, in the right system, w/o too many injuries, playing the right in-season schedule to get ready, a little bit of luck along the way, etc, etc, etc.

 

While I agree that accomplishing a three-peat in a 6 division system isn't quite as big of an accomplishment as in a 4 division system, it would still be a major, major accomplishment.

 

If anyone can do it, Highlands can. Look at what they overcame this season to win the championship: returning only 2 starters from the previous season's state championship winning offense, the preseason loss of probably the best RB in NKY (and one of the best football players in general), the loss of their starting TE and OLB in the 2nd or 3rd round of the playoffs, being down to Bryan Station w/ less than 3 minutes to play in the first round of the playoffs, the father of a player being severely maimed right in front of their eyes as they're leaving for the state finals, and then two fumbles deep in their own territory in that state final game. While I don't want to jinx anything, I'd be very surprised if they face that many obstacles in '09.

 

I agree, the way they overcame adversity and filled in the holes was just incredible. Losing a Mr. Football candidate before the season starts can sometimes damage the psyche but Fennell/Crawford/Head filled in very nicely. Lets not forget they had to go without Jared Frank, a very good DL for several games.

As I remember, they also had a young man die suddenly during the offseason, which is a tremendous emotional hit on a close group of kids. Highlands just has an incredible system of success in place that starts at the peewee level. They expect to win a state championship every year. I'm sure they will be favored to 3-peat but it will not be an easy road. I agree that the Birds are crazy to schedule Ryle twice, even though Ryle did give them one of their better games this past year. It makes no sense for either team. Ryle's coach must think they can beat the Birds one of these years if they get enough shots at them. Good luck.

As I remember, they also had a young man die suddenly during the offseason, which is a tremendous emotional hit on a close group of kids. Highlands just has an incredible system of success in place that starts at the peewee level. They expect to win a state championship every year. I'm sure they will be favored to 3-peat but it will not be an easy road. I agree that the Birds are crazy to schedule Ryle twice, even though Ryle did give them one of their better games this past year. It makes no sense for either team. Ryle's coach must think they can beat the Birds one of these years if they get enough shots at them. Good luck.

 

They take whoever will play them and they must be a formidable team. Ryle will be an even better team next season with 4 skilled offensive players getting a ton of Varsity experience this season. Do I want to see it twice? Heck no !!! I hope they find another team to fill that 2nd game.

I still have a problem with Highlands playing Beechwood. Nothing positive can come from playing a class A school. Might be good for attendance, I don't know. But for the game itself, if Highlands wins, they should win. If Highlands loses, it would be hard to recover.

I can see Highlands Repeating...No disrespect to Highlands but I think it would be harder for a 3peat if it were still a 4 class system...Six classes I don't see anyone competing with them in 5 A...

I can see Highlands Repeating...No disrespect to Highlands but I think it would be harder for a 3peat if it were still a 4 class system...Six classes I don't see anyone competing with them in 5 A...

 

Why would it be harder for them to repeat in a four class system???

Why would it be harder for them to repeat in a four class system???

 

Less chlorine in the talent pool.

Less chlorine in the talent pool.

 

6 class system or 4 class system I really can't see much of a difference for Highlands. They are already playing up two classes and would not play X or T even in the four class system. I can see this affecting other schools but not Highlands.

^ Agreed

A 4A class system would hurt the other schools that might have to be 4A. HHS would be 3A and wouldn't have a huge adjustment to make. They would be playing the same teams. With next years team I think a 3 peat is in the making. Not a given but odds on favorite.

Why would it be harder for them to repeat in a four class system???

 

One is because there are some very good Current 4A schools that could play with Highlands Such as Bell Co. and Boyle Co...

 

Those Schools IMO were better than any other 5A school that Highlands faced...

 

So if Highlands were 3A again in a 4A Class system I think the road would be harder for a state title...

 

Once again zero knock on Highlands...I am a Bluebirds fan...:thumb:

In all honesty does anyone think the Birds won't repeat? The classes are not going to change so next year does anyone think they can't do it? Just curious.

One is because there are some very good Current 4A schools that could play with Highlands Such as Bell Co. and Boyle Co...

 

Those Schools IMO were better than any other 5A school that Highlands faced...

 

So if Highlands were 3A again in a 4A Class system I think the road would be harder for a state title...

 

Once again zero knock on Highlands...I am a Bluebirds fan...:thumb:

 

I agree with that. You can also throw in Lex Cath. Though Highlands has beaten them the last 2 years. They are a formidable opponent.

This is true. I am a Highlands fan and I think it is totally ridiculous. That and scheduling Beechwood. No matter how good Beechwood is, you cannot gain anything by scheduling a class A school. Having said that, Highlands should 3-peat.

 

Come on now...this thread is about a 3 peat, most Highlands fans are trying to say they are better than Trinity and St. X and you are worried about a little old class A school?

Come on now...this thread is about a 3 peat, most Highlands fans are trying to say they are better than Trinity and St. X and you are worried about a little old class A school?

 

Most???? I haven't seen any!