Highlands hosts Ryle on Friday, August 27 for a showdown of the two top-ranked teams in Northern Kentucky. Last year Highlands and Ryle played twice, with HHS winning both contests. The two programs play each other twice again this year, with the second game being played at Ryle during the last week of the regular season.

 

Highlands enters the game 1-0 after beating Louisville DuPont Manual 45-14. Ryle enters 1-0 also, after beating Covington Catholic 61-7.

 

Who wins? Let's hear it!

I think this is going to be a very good game. HHS has had their way with all teams in NKY for quite some time but I honestly think this may be the game that ends their winning streak. HHS is the favorite and they will be ready for anything Ryle brings to the table but IF Ryle can control the clock and limit turnovers they have a chance. Everyone knows Ryle will attempt to pound the skin, and I'm sure Elliott will produce but it will take a total team effort to come away with a win on the road. I look forward to this one. First vote, I'm taking the Raiders, anyone with me? 7pm or 730pm?

I think this is going to be a very good game. HHS has had their way with all teams in NKY for quite some time but I honestly think this may be the game that ends their winning streak. HHS is the favorite and they will be ready for anything Ryle brings to the table but IF Ryle can control the clock and limit turnovers they have a chance. Everyone knows Ryle will attempt to pound the skin, and I'm sure Elliott will produce but it will take a total team effort to come away with a win on the road. I look forward to this one. First vote, I'm taking the Raiders, anyone with me? 7pm or 730pm?

 

If Elliott thinks he's gonna run over these Birds, he's going to be disappointed friday night. For all the confidence you have in predicting a win next friday against the Birds, you sure have alot of "if's" in your post. If "if's and but's" were candy and nuts, everday would be Christmas. Tougher game than Manual agreed, but this year's Birds are out to prove all doubters and they have a team with little to no "if's and buts".

Who wins and why?

I think this will be a very close game. I predict the Birds win do to coaching. Mueller is by far the better coach. Warner makes way to many mistakes during a game.. JMO

Many people have predicted Ryle to be the team to end the Bird's win streak so this should be a good one. I don't care if Cov Cath has improved this year or not. To hang 61 on them is impressive as all get out. The Birds will score their points and with the kicking game and defense I saw last night I think the Birds win this one unless last night's performance goes to their heads. I don't think that will happen.

Bird's in a close one.

If Ryle were to beat Highlands this year, and I put that is questionable, I wonder if playing them the first time would give them the better opportunity or the second time? I think the first time, because I think Dale and his staff will make any adjustments necessary the next time they play. If Ryle is to beat Highlands, this first battle will be the chance. I don't believe it will happen though. Highlands is very tough mentally.

I think this will be a very close game. I predict the Birds win do to coaching. Mueller is by far the better coach. Warner makes way to many mistakes during a game.. JMO

 

Two things stand our for me from the first game last year. First, the opening kick off was sent directly to Collinsworth. That had to be planned, and was meant to make a statement. It wasn't returned for anything huge as I recall, but it did set the tone from a game planning point of view, IMHO.

 

The second is the fake punt that gave Highlands good field position and led to an early score. Again, a statement call, showing confidence in the team to take care of business.

 

So, given those two examples, and more I am sure, I fully expect some risk-taking in play calling from the Ryle coaching staff this week.

Two things stand our for me from the first game last year. First, the opening kick off was sent directly to Collinsworth. That had to be planned, and was meant to make a statement. It wasn't returned for anything huge as I recall, but it did set the tone from a game planning point of view, IMHO.

 

The second is the fake punt that gave Highlands good field position and led to an early score. Again, a statement call, showing confidence in the team to take care of business.

 

So, given those two examples, and more I am sure, I fully expect some risk-taking in play calling from the Ryle coaching staff this week.

 

Like a halfback pass by the second team QB on the first play of the game?

Are these two generally considered the two best in NKY? If so, who are the next best, and how far behind these two are they?

Are these two generally considered the two best in NKY? If so, who are the next best, and how far behind these two are they?[/quote

 

I would say yes...Simon Kenton is probably the next best team after these two..

True, after SK it's anybody's guess from what's been posted on here.

I think Highlands wins 35 to 7 after watching the Dixie/Ryle scrimmage Highlands will have there way with Ryle! Ryle does not have much of a passing game. Ryle's O-Line doesn't look as good as lastyear and missing Tate the big TE is really going to hurt them. Towles should have a nice passing game against Ryle's defense.

Ryle is getting no love in the poll despite the big win over CCH. Current poll tally is 26-4 in favor of Highlands. I would guess most expect Highlands to win but also expect a battle. If you started a poll asking if Highlands will win by more than 2 TD's I think it would be a much closer poll.