You know this makes Ryle and Highlands both numbers 2 or 3. Becouse we all know Simon Kenton is #1. I just had to say it before you know did.

 

We haven't heard from that person tonight, I wonder if someone discovered his real identity true identity.....

Just curious, but why was this game played on a Thursday night?

Hempel 122 yards rushing, 3 td's and 70 yards passing.

 

I posted this after the the Covington Catholic game to start the year.

 

Conner Hempel is such a good running qb and he is deceiving. Some will remember Q Meeks from Boone who graduated in 05 and was a stud runner. Hempel is completely different in that it's not pure speed. His footwork is impressive as gets out of jams. The kid can make some serious chicken salad. Add in that he'll lower his shoulder and he's a serious threat - especially when you get locked in on #34.

 

Conner had some great great runs tonite and was the key to victory for Ryle.

We haven't heard from that person tonight, I wonder if someone discovered his real identity true identity.....

 

Highlands defense looked horrible.

As long as some people seem people seem to be going down the "if Highlands didn't have so many injuries" route, let's also remember that Ryle has suffered quite a few season-ending injuries to some starters this year.

 

Hempel's running is unreal. Best rushing QB in NKY. There were several plays tonight that he carried several Highlands' defenders while gaining extra yardage. A couple other key players for Ryle on offense were Deion Mullins - one of the top RB's in NKY (just has the misfortune of playing for a team that has the best back) - and Caleb Lonkard. Lonkard's catch over the middle in the first quarter was ridiculous. He also rushed the ball out of the wildcat several times for nice yardage. I thought Ryle's offensive play-calling was terrific tonight. I get to hear the coaches up in the box talking about the plays. They know what they're doing. Great game by Mace on defense.

Highlands defense looked horrible.

 

If you'd take off your anti-Ryle blinders for just a millisecond, you might think about giving some credit to Ryle's offense. Seriously, for ONCE - man up.

Ryle played a more physical all night long. The game was stopped several times for injured blue birds. Hopefully both teams get healthy for the playoffs and make NKY proud. Great game tonight!

I'm not being critical' date=' but apart from Towles, where is Highlands running game? Maybe it's b/c the Birds have been so effective with the pass. Gold's reinjury of his shoulder would be a devastating blow to this team.[/quote']

 

Highlands is missing that break a way back this year. Towels is often their most effective runner and he's 6'4 or so. Gold's injury would be devastating, he is the most consistent receiver, hopefully he is ok, he didn't look devastated on the sidelines I think he will be back.

Just curious, but why was this game played on a Thursday night?

 

Not 100% sure but I think that's what the deal with Fox Sports Network was, I know that last years SK vs Ryle game that aired on FSN was also on a Thursday night.

As long as some people seem people seem to be going down the "if Highlands didn't have so many injuries" route, let's also remember that Ryle has suffered quite a few season-ending injuries to some starters this year.

 

Hempel's running is unreal. Best rushing QB in NKY. There were several plays tonight that he carried several Highlands' defenders while gaining extra yardage. A couple other keys players for Ryle were Deion Mullins - one of the top RB's in NKY (just has the misfortune of playing for a team that has the best back) - and Caleb Lonkard. Lonkard's catch over the middle in the first quarter was ridiculous. He also rushed the ball out of the wildcat several times for nice yardage. I thought Ryle's offensive play-calling was terrific tonight. I get to hear the coaches up in the box talking about the plays. They know what they're doing. Great game by Mace on defense.

 

With Quillen, Sullivan, a healthy Huddleston, and Seidl, Hempel get's stuffed. It's that simple. Not making excuses, just giving my opinion. Take nothing away from the Ryle team, everything fell in their favor.

If you'd take off your anti-Ryle blinders for just a millisecond, you might think about giving some credit to Ryle's offense. Seriously, for ONCE - man up.

 

I will pass! Highlands missed to many tackles.

The Ryle coaching staff was fully prepared for this game. I have said for a few years Ryle was on the rise. Ryle matched Highlands at the skill spots man for man and has a bigger line. Ryle just put it all together tonight and came out with the W.

Random thoughts:

 

Ryle needs to scrap the Wildcat.

 

Lonkard's catch was one of the best you'll see.

 

Towles is a great athlete. First time I got to watch him this year. He simply looks the part of a D1 qb. Good arm. Decisions will get better with experience.

 

Deion Mullins is one of the best backs in NKY.

 

HHS looked very limited offensively.

 

HHS receivers dropped too many key passes.

 

Why did Ryle get away from having Hempel under center after they completely dominated HHS on the first drive with that formula?

 

Elliott delivers more blows than any back I've seen in a while.

 

This just in: you can't run wide on Highlands.

 

Lastly, Hempel showed some toughness running that I'd like to see Towles employ.

Don't think you can say one team is clearly better after a 2 point victory, especially since Highlands likely would have made both extra point kicks if the coach had not chosen to go for two. If this game were played again tomorrow on Highlands field, Highlands would win by a larger margin IMO. Regardless, Highlands will have the better chance of winning a state championship than Ryle. For Highlands to have accomplished what they have being a smaller school than Ryle speaks for itself. You can't say one team is better than the other over the whole year unless they were to play a third game this season. How about strength of schedule and quality wins and point differentials against other teams. I would be curious to know all of those things. High school BCS standings anyone Seriously, they have played head to head twice and split. Who is the better team is subjective, unless you want to try to figure out a BCS type formula based on their other games.

With Quillen' date=' Sullivan, a healthy Huddleston, and Seidl, Hempel get's stuffed. It's that simple. Not making excuses, just giving my opinion. Take nothing away from the Ryle team, everything fell in their favor.[/quote']

 

I thought #44 played RB he never touched the ball.