ion. Take nothing away from the Ryle team' date=' r.[/quote']

 

When someone says "taking nothing away" what follows is what they're really taking away.

WOW what a game the atmosphere was unreal! Hemple played great! Awesome football..

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.

 

I still say second best, but you know the guy that I have in mind is a better passer so I'll just let you have that one.

 

Hempel definitely stepped up and played a big game tonight.

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

 

Sorry. That qualifies as making excuses. Ryle was the better team tonight. Period.

Congrats to the Raiders on a well deserved and hard fought win. The Birds are true champions and they certainly came back late with a vengeance after trailing 28-12 in the 4th quarter. Ryle has lost 3 starters for the year and they also had 2 other starters (OG and CB) out for tonight. Plus, Travis got nicked. So, forget the stuff about injuries. That's part of the game. These are 2 fine football teams and HHS will regroup and win 5A in my opinion. Great HS game to watch!

Since I'm not sure if the guy in the Highlands section that was losing his mind is a BGPer I'll go ahead and ask the question he seemed to have all night.

 

What is the rule regarding playing music on the PA while a team is in formation? Too many times tonight the Ryle PA guy was playing music while Highlands was calling signals. While I doubt it had any impact on the play it sure looks bad on Ryle's part. Ixne that, Ryle.

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']

 

Sounds like more of an excuse than an opinion. No team is healthy at this point in the season. Ryle played almost all of the second half without one of the best backs NKY has seen in awhile.

Things to ponder about this game:

 

1. The Elliott fumble inside the 40.

2. Time of possession

3. Seidl goes out and Hempel scores on the next play

4. Highlands running game apart from Towles.

5. Towles loses the handle inches away from tying the game.

6. Highlands is still the best of the best.

7. The score is not indicative of just how tough the Highlands D really is....

8. Injuries to key D players

9. Hindsight; stick to field goals.

10. Highlands has been spanking NKY teams for several years now...It had to end sometime.

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

 

Actually he touched it twice and gained like 6 yrds.

I still say second best, but you know the guy that I have in mind is a better passer so I'll just let you have that one.

 

Hempel definitely stepped up and played a big game tonight.

 

I understand what you're saying and I absolutely think Lawrence is a terrific player and QB. Offensive MVP in NKY. However, he gets far more rushing opportunities than Hempel because SK has no other options. If Hempel got the same opportunties to be practically a one-man rushing show, his numbers would surpass Lawrence.

Sounds like more of an excuse than an opinion. No team is healthy at this point in the season. Ryle played almost all of the second half without one of the best backs NKY has seen in awhile.

 

I know a pretty healthy team!

It will be very interesting to see how HHS and Ryle do in the playoffs this year.

 

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

 

Looked like Towles had the edge for the last 2pt conversion but dropped the ball as he braced for the hit. It's easy for me to say this from my couch but he should have scored there.

I understand what you're saying and I absolutely think Lawrence is a terrific player and QB. Offensive MVP in NKY. However, he gets far more rushing opportunities than Hempel because SK has no other options. If Hempel got the same opportunties to be practically a one-man rushing show, his numbers would surpass Lawrence.

 

Keep dreaming!

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.

 

You are absolutely correct.

 

It wasn't very long ago that Ryle was scrimmaging Mason County, and the Ryle parents in the stands were complaining about how rough the little ole Royals were.

 

Whether tonight's result was a consequence of a bad call early in the game (lame excuse), injuries, Ryle's home field, the moon out of phase, or possibly Ryle implementing and executing a great game plan and being the better team on a given night; the Raiders are indeed on the rise. They have, quite frankly, risen much higher than I ever would have guessed 4 or 5 years ago.:thumb: