CF, Who and when was the last Ohio school with Highlands size enrollment to play Colerain? Any in the last 10 years or so or do they only challenge much smaller schools from other states (or stated another way is Highlands the only small school willing to play teams with one three (Colerain) or four (Cincy St. X) times as many boys recently)?

 

On a separate note, with respect to Highlands playing other Cincinnati schools, Highlands did also beat Cincinnati Withrow this year.

In order to answer this question, you have to understand the playoff system in Ohio. I am not going to get into all the details here but needless to say, it is vastly different than the district system in KY.

 

Basically, you make the playoffs based entirely on a computer based system. Going undefeated and/or winning your league means absolutely nothing....nothing at all. You get points for beating teams, and you get points for your defeated opponents victories. For example, when Highlands traveled to Colerain last year and lost, Colerain got points for that victory. Colerain then continued to get points for every victory Highlands managed both before, and after that Colerain game. Needless to say, that game was instrumental in Colerain securing the #1 seed in the Region 4 playoffs last year.

 

With this in mind, it is important to note that a team does not garner any points for losses....none whatsoever. Therefore, scheduling "up", if you will, is not only not advised, but avoided like the plague. There is absolutely no incentive for a DIII size school, say Columbus St. Francis DeSales for example, to schedule a school like Colerain. If they lose, they get no points and severly dampen their hopes for a playoff spot.

 

The long-winded answer to your question is simply NO. Colerain has never played a Highlands-size school from Ohio. And I doubt it will ever happen.

 

Highlands can play the big boys from Cincy because it means absolutely NOTHING if they lose. It doesn't count as a district loss so it doesn't hinder their ability to make the playoffs. It is a no lose situation for a team like Highlands and it's one of the reasons why I have never been overly "impressed" that they schedule these games. When you have nothing to lose and you are the underdog every time you step on the field, you are playing with house money. And no one is better at playing with house money than Dale Mueller.

 

-CardinalsFan

Touche

 

Uhhhh....no. :laugh:

 

No doubt, losing all those OL certainly didn't help in weeks 1 & 2. Couldn't do anything offensively against St. Xavier in week 1, that's for sure. And I agree, Dale certainly knows how to play the scheduling game, that's what I've been saying. He knew from the get go that they had a much better shot at beating St. X than Colerain. Smart move on his part. :thumb:

 

Congratulations! Something he will be able to tell his grandkids when they are playing for Highlands and they ask Grandpa when was the last time Highlands beat one of the "big boys from across the river". :ylsuper:

 

I didn't say they were ducking us. I said I didn't know. I will find out if that call has ever been made and be sure to report back to you. :eyeonyou:

 

They know their place. Again, there is a reason they are more than willing to play the entire GCL-S over the past decade but they have never matched up against my Cardinals. Why do YOU think that is??

 

Good stuff leatherneck....good stuff indeed.

 

-CardinalsFan

 

The funny thing is, the last time Highlands beat St. X in 1943, that boys grandfather was on that Highlands team.:thumb:

In order to answer this question, you have to understand the playoff system in Ohio. I am not going to get into all the details here but needless to say, it is vastly different than the district system in KY.

 

Basically, you make the playoffs based entirely on a computer based system. Going undefeated and/or winning your league means absolutely nothing....nothing at all. You get points for beating teams, and you get points for your defeated opponents victories. For example, when Highlands traveled to Colerain last year and lost, Colerain got points for that victory. Colerain then continued to get points for every victory Highlands managed both before, and after that Colerain game. Needless to say, that game was instrumental in Colerain securing the #1 seed in the Region 4 playoffs last year.

 

With this in mind, it is important to note that a team does not garner any points for losses....none whatsoever. Therefore, scheduling "up", if you will, is not only not advised, but avoided like the plague. There is absolutely no incentive for a DIII size school, say Columbus St. Francis DeSales for example, to schedule a school like Colerain. If they lose, they get no points and severly dampen their hopes for a playoff spot.

 

The long-winded answer to your question is simply NO. Colerain has never played a Highlands-size school from Ohio. And I doubt it will ever happen.

 

Highlands can play the big boys from Cincy because it means absolutely NOTHING if they lose. It doesn't count as a district loss so it doesn't hinder their ability to make the playoffs. It is a no lose situation for a team like Highlands and it's one of the reasons why I have never been overly "impressed" that they schedule these games. When you have nothing to lose and you are the underdog every time you step on the field, you are playing with house money. And no one is better at playing with house money than Dale Mueller.

 

-CardinalsFan

 

Well, I guess we'll just have to try harder next year to impress you!

 

As you know, you play the hand you're dealt. While the KY playoff system leaves a lot to be desired, I think you will agree that Ohio's does as well.

 

As for scheduling games with top teams, like St. Xavier, Elder, Columbus DeSales, and in some years Colerain, Highlands gets a lot more than the W or L from the game. The preparation during those weeks is intensified, as is the focus for all players on the team. That preparation mirrors what the team will have to do throughout the playoffs to win another state championship, which begins tomorrow night in Ft. Thomas.

 

I look forward to your contributions to the HHS threads, and anticipate lots more these next few weeks, as your time won't be as divided following other teams.

 

The long-winded answer to your question is simply NO. Colerain has never played a Highlands-size school from Ohio. And I doubt it will ever happen.

 

 

Does Colerain duck smaller OH schools? Because all you have to do is look at schools like Desales and Watterson to realize that they will play absolutely anybody.

Touche

 

Uhhhh....no. :laugh:

 

No doubt, losing all those OL certainly didn't help in weeks 1 & 2. Couldn't do anything offensively against St. Xavier in week 1, that's for sure. And I agree, Dale certainly knows how to play the scheduling game, that's what I've been saying. He knew from the get go that they had a much better shot at beating St. X than Colerain. Smart move on his part. :thumb:

 

Congratulations! Something he will be able to tell his grandkids when they are playing for Highlands and they ask Grandpa when was the last time Highlands beat one of the "big boys from across the river". :ylsuper:

 

I didn't say they were ducking us. I said I didn't know. I will find out if that call has ever been made and be sure to report back to you. :eyeonyou:

 

They know their place. Again, there is a reason they are more than willing to play the entire GCL-S over the past decade but they have never matched up against my Cardinals. Why do YOU think that is??

 

Good stuff leatherneck....good stuff indeed.

 

-CardinalsFan

 

Thank you. I appreciate the compliment.

 

One final question: are you as certain that Highlands couldn't beat Colerain this year as you were certain that Highlands couldn't beat Cincy X?

Ouch!

One final question: are you as certain that Highlands couldn't beat Colerain this year as you were certain that Highlands couldn't beat Cincy X?

I have to agree with LN on this one.

 

In the run-up to the Highlands-St. X game this year, CardinalsFan seemed very confident that Highlands would lose. In fact, I seem to remember CF writing that the main issue at hand was whether HHS would be embarrassed. What happened? HHS beat St. X.

 

Also, CF seemed 100% confident that Moeller would beat St. X this past week. He clearly stated that any talk about HHS being Greater Cincy champion would be a moot point once Moeller took care of St. X. What happened? St. X beat Moeller.

 

Now we hear from CF that there's no way HHS could have beaten Colerain this year. So my question is: why should this assertion be believed, given that CF was so wrong about his two previous assertions??? It's true that CF likely knows more about Colerain football than he does about St. X, Moeller, or Highlands football, since Colerain is his favorite team. However, it may also be the case that CF's judgment about Colerain is biased on account of his loyalty to Colerain's team. When everything is taken into account, I think it is unreasonable for someone to assert WITH CONFIDENCE that Colerain would DEFINITELY beat Highlands this year.

 

And one final thing: I don't know what was in Coach Mueller's heart when he chose to play St. X this year (as opposed to playing Colerain), but what is true is that, FOR SURE, St. X is a better team than Colerain this year and, FOR SURE, a Highlands win against St. X this year looks much more impressive than a Highlands win against Colerain would have looked this year. St. X, unlike Colerain, will likely contend for the Ohio state championship this year, as they are arguably the best team in Ohio's best prep football city (Cincy). If Highlands had beaten Colerain this season, I suspect what Highlands fans would be hearing from Cincy prep football fans and Colerain fans (including CF) is that the win wasn't all that impressive, since Colerain was down this year. No one can say that St. X is down this year, especially since they are probably one of the top-two teams in Ohio right now.

I have to agree with LN on this one.

 

In the run-up to the Highlands-St. X game this year, CardinalsFan seemed very confident that Highlands would lose. In fact, I seem to remember CF writing that the main issue at hand was whether HHS would be embarrassed. What happened? HHS beat St. X.

 

Also, CF seemed 100% confident that Moeller would beat St. X this past week. He clearly stated that any talk about HHS being Greater Cincy champion would be a moot point once Moeller took care of St. X. What happened? St. X beat Moeller.

 

Now we hear from CF that there's no way HHS could have beaten Colerain this year. So my question is: why should this assertion be believed, given that CF was so wrong about his two previous assertions??? It's true that CF likely knows more about Colerain football than he does about St. X, Moeller, or Highlands football, since Colerain is his favorite team. However, it may also be the case that CF's judgment about Colerain is biased on account of his loyalty to Colerain's team. When everything is taken into account, I think it is unreasonable for someone to assert WITH CONFIDENCE that Colerain would DEFINITELY beat Highlands this year.

 

And one final thing: I don't know what was in Coach Mueller's heart when he chose to play St. X this year (as opposed to playing Colerain), but what is true is that, FOR SURE, St. X is a better team than Colerain this year and, FOR SURE, a Highlands win against St. X this year looks much more impressive than a Highlands win against Colerain would have looked this year. St. X, unlike Colerain, will likely contend for the Ohio state championship this year, as they are arguably the best team in Ohio's best prep football city (Cincy). If Highlands had beaten Colerain this season, I suspect what Highlands fans would be hearing from Cincy prep football fans and Colerain fans (including CF) is that the win wasn't all that impressive, since Colerain was down this year. No one can say that St. X is down this year, especially since they are probably one of the top-two teams in Ohio right now.

 

 

Pardon the expresssion but that sounded like a cannon blast that just crossed the river ........Game over:isurrender:

Well, I guess we'll just have to try harder next year to impress you!

 

As you know, you play the hand you're dealt. While the KY playoff system leaves a lot to be desired, I think you will agree that Ohio's does as well.

 

As for scheduling games with top teams, like St. Xavier, Elder, Columbus DeSales, and in some years Colerain, Highlands gets a lot more than the W or L from the game. The preparation during those weeks is intensified, as is the focus for all players on the team. That preparation mirrors what the team will have to do throughout the playoffs to win another state championship, which begins tomorrow night in Ft. Thomas.

 

I look forward to your contributions to the HHS threads, and anticipate lots more these next few weeks, as your time won't be as divided following other teams.

You don't have to try an impress me. The 18 or 19 or however many state titles do just a fine job impressing me. The history, dedication and support are also second to none at Highlands. I realize that.

 

I don't think Ohio's playoff system is bad, nor do I think KY's is bad, other than the fact that there are 3 classes too many. I have no problem letting practically everyone in. For me, the playoffs aren't about picking teams that can only win the title. They SHOULD be about allowing as many kids as possible the chance to feel the excitement of the post-season.

 

I agree with everything you say above in regards to what the benefits are to Highlands for scheduling Cincy schools the way they do. But it has nothing to do with my original point, which still stands btw, that there is little to nothing to lose by scheduling the Cincy Giants and so many great things to gain.

 

My time is divided. I still have my Yappi obligations. :walk:

 

-CardinalsFan

Does Colerain duck smaller OH schools? Because all you have to do is look at schools like Desales and Watterson to realize that they will play absolutely anybody.

We don't duck anyone, anywhere, anytime. We will literally play anybody, anywhere. We have to. Colerain has the same stigma as the GCL schools in that no one wants to play us and risk (a) losing and/or (b) injury.

 

I can't speak for Watterson or DeSales. I can't imagine a scenario where they would ever agree to play Colerain.

 

-CardinalsFan

Thank you. I appreciate the compliment.

 

One final question: are you as certain that Highlands couldn't beat Colerain this year as you were certain that Highlands couldn't beat Cincy X?

More so.

 

:thumb:

 

-CF

I have to agree with LN on this one.

 

In the run-up to the Highlands-St. X game this year, CardinalsFan seemed very confident that Highlands would lose. In fact, I seem to remember CF writing that the main issue at hand was whether HHS would be embarrassed. What happened? HHS beat St. X.

 

Also, CF seemed 100% confident that Moeller would beat St. X this past week. He clearly stated that any talk about HHS being Greater Cincy champion would be a moot point once Moeller took care of St. X. What happened? St. X beat Moeller.

 

Now we hear from CF that there's no way HHS could have beaten Colerain this year. So my question is: why should this assertion be believed, given that CF was so wrong about his two previous assertions??? It's true that CF likely knows more about Colerain football than he does about St. X, Moeller, or Highlands football, since Colerain is his favorite team. However, it may also be the case that CF's judgment about Colerain is biased on account of his loyalty to Colerain's team. When everything is taken into account, I think it is unreasonable for someone to assert WITH CONFIDENCE that Colerain would DEFINITELY beat Highlands this year.

 

And one final thing: I don't know what was in Coach Mueller's heart when he chose to play St. X this year (as opposed to playing Colerain), but what is true is that, FOR SURE, St. X is a better team than Colerain this year and, FOR SURE, a Highlands win against St. X this year looks much more impressive than a Highlands win against Colerain would have looked this year. St. X, unlike Colerain, will likely contend for the Ohio state championship this year, as they are arguably the best team in Ohio's best prep football city (Cincy). If Highlands had beaten Colerain this season, I suspect what Highlands fans would be hearing from Cincy prep football fans and Colerain fans (including CF) is that the win wasn't all that impressive, since Colerain was down this year. No one can say that St. X is down this year, especially since they are probably one of the top-two teams in Ohio right now.

As always, great points jbwill2. BTW, did you really get moderated on Yappi?? Do you know how hard that is to do over there? You must have unleashed after years of playing nice over here on BGP. But I digress....

 

Let me address your comments.

 

1) Yes, I thought St. X would beat Highlands. So did 95% of all people who had an opinion on the game in the week leading up to it. I am not going to apologize for that. Nothing had happened in history or this season which would have given anyone any indication that game would anything other than a Bomber victory. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Even the Highland blow-hards on this site said they were only picking the Bluebirds because of loyalty in the team, Nothing else.

 

In fact, I am certain that if I asked you 10 minutes before kickoff to bet a paycheck on either team straight up to win, you'd be putting your money on the Bombers. Tell me I'm wrong and I'll show you a flat out liar.

 

2) I was never 100% confident that Moeller was going to beat St. Xavier. I made a call...sue me. I thought Moeller had finally turned the corner and found some offensive consistency. Just goes to show how good a team like St. Xavier can be when they really focus on a meaningful game. That game was for the GCL and City championships as well as the #1 seed in the playoffs. When the lights came on, the Bombers were ready and took care of business.

 

3) As for my Cardinals, if you had history on Yappi, you would realize that I routinely get beaten on by my fellow Cardinal fans because I am significantly harder on Colerain than anyone else. I expect too much, honestly, and I am trying to get better at that. Bottom-line, I am not biased...far from it. And despite the fact that Colerain finished "only" 8-2 and missed the playoffs, I would still bet that paycheck on Colerain beating Highlands this year, if that game had happened...no doubt.

 

Finally, to address this comment:

And one final thing: I don't know what was in Coach Mueller's heart when he chose to play St. X this year (as opposed to playing Colerain), but what is true is that, FOR SURE, St. X is a better team than Colerain this year and, FOR SURE, a Highlands win against St. X this year looks much more impressive than a Highlands win against Colerain would have looked this year. St. X, unlike Colerain, will likely contend for the Ohio state championship this year, as they are arguably the best team in Ohio's best prep football city (Cincy). If Highlands had beaten Colerain this season, I suspect what Highlands fans would be hearing from Cincy prep football fans and Colerain fans (including CF) is that the win wasn't all that impressive, since Colerain was down this year. No one can say that St. X is down this year, especially since they are probably one of the top-two teams in Ohio right now.

Couldn't agree more. Every single thing you said there is 100% accurate IMHO. Well said, indeed.

 

-CardinalsFan

Pardon the expresssion but that sounded like a cannon blast that just crossed the river ........Game over:isurrender:

Child...please! :laugh:

 

-CF

More so.

 

:thumb:

 

-CF

 

 

More certain than the prediction in the below post by you?

 

"I've been saying this for two weeks. Elder is going to get beat by X and it might not be close. Like I said, there are probably 10 teams better than Elder within a 500 mile radius of Cincy. St. Xavier is definitely one of them.

 

The Bombers are playing at a different level right now. The completely destroyed Trinity last nights. All reserve and 2nd teamers in the second half.

 

Best of luck on the rest of your season X and T. And Don't worry, the Bluebirds are going to get their's next week, you won't be in the boat alone.

 

-CardinalsFan"

 

The Birds didn't quite "get their's" when they played X.

 

Based on your prediction record, I wouldn't be telling any one how they should bet their paycheck if I were you. :sssh:

 

All in fun, CF, all in fun.

 

Oh, and I guess I'm one of those Highlands "blow hards" you are referring to, because after watching X vs Cathedral, Colerain, Lou X and Trinity on tape, I was telling people (including the Ru if you'd like to check) before the game that Highlands would win. Because of Highlands speed and quickness throughout the team, but particularly on the O and D lines, we would exploit matchup problems for X. And unlike prior years when we played Colerain and the GCL teams, we could truly two platoon so the depth issue wouldn't come into play this year.

 

I guess we score it: Highlands blow hard-1; Colerain know it all-0. :banana:

Child...please! :laugh:

 

-CF

 

No..No..No!!!!!! Kiss the Baby!!!! It's over :dancingpa