I'll take Highlands, they will likely be too much on defense.

The Bears apparently like to run, just look at their stats, six players with over 200 yards rushing is quite impressive but their passing game sort of looks like Boone County type statistics. I'm sure the community is stoked about this semi-final game and they will come out in full force but with or without Towles I don't think this game will be close. I see something similar to the Bell County score, 35-0.

So if you want to use that as the logic, consider what you're inferring:

 

According to Riherds, Bell County Beat:

 

Sep 17, 10 Johnson Central home 42 - 18 (W)

Oct 29, 10 Harlan County away 35 - 0 (W)

 

 

We saw last night that Highlands is 7 points better than JC. So using Bell Co. as the common demoinator, Bell beat JC by 24 points and HC by 35.

 

So using your suggested theory, JC is 11 points better than HC.

 

So you could say that Highlands should be 18 points better

 

In all seriousness, I'm not sure it would be safe to predict such a blowout. Larkey has been there, done that with HHS.

 

So there's no way Highlands is better than Bell Co. After friday they won't be better than HC.

Larkey may have, but I can assure you HC has never seen a program like Highlands. When it comes to playoffs and State Championships, how should I say this? , well Highlands has been there and done that. LOL Go Birds 20n10

 

Wasn't questioning Highlands past accomplishments, just stating a fact that Tom Larkey has been here before. No, HC isn't HHS, and probably never will be. Fortunately for HC, HHS's rich tradition alone will not produce the W friday night. However, scheme,execution,heart and desire will. Having followed Larkey and Mueller for years, I know those attributes 1ill always apply to teams led by these men. That's why I expect a good football game on friday.

 

I don't have a dog in the fight, just calling what I see!!

Looking forward to seeing Harlan County for the first time friday! Does anyone have the address of the football field? Thanks in advance!

When you get to Harlan coming off 119 from Pineville the traffic lights are numbered. Go to light 12 and turn right. You can't miss it from there.

I believe Harlan Co. will be more physical up front. If Highlands crowds the line, HC has two backs that can take it to the house.

I believe Harlan Co. will be more physical up front. If Highlands crowds the line, HC has two backs that can take it to the house.

 

Not sure how to take that statement. What do you mean by that? Not to sound too dumb, but, isn't that would HHS would do if they were getting manhandled on the line?

I can almost guarantee that Harlan Co. has not seen the overall team speed HHS has on defense..They will have 5 or 6 guys on every tackle..The Birds definately swarm on "D".

I find that hard to believe. When he was at the Rock, that was a pretty darn good team. I think they may have won it all that year or the next. They had one of the best backs in the state, Reagan, at the time and a couple of really good lineman on both sides of the ball. The team played very well together as well, so I do not think he has that much more talent, IMO. Go BIRDS 20n10

 

I hate to tell you but those 2 Rockastle teams (2001, 2002) were both smoked by Boyle in the Finals (49-14, 21-0). :thumb:

Not sure how to take that statement. What do you mean by that? Not to sound too dumb, but, isn't that would HHS would do if they were getting manhandled on the line?

 

I'm pretty sure he /she is talking " smashmouth " football !

I believe Harlan Co. will be more physical up front. If Highlands crowds the line, HC has two backs that can take it to the house.

 

Look at the rushing totals of the HHS vs Johnson Central game . Do you have any backs comparable to JJ Jude ? If you don't and running is the strength of your offense , you might want to be a little concerned !

Edited November 21, 201015 yr by Birdsfan

I believe Harlan Co. will be more physical up front. If Highlands crowds the line, HC has two backs that can take it to the house.

 

It's football ,they are supposed to be physical ! Check out Highlands schedule , they have played physical teams in the past , do you see any cupcakes on their schedule ?

As to the bolded part above, these boys have heard that all year. In fact, it is true, but thankfully, this year's Highlands team doesn't have to play past champions, but stand on their shoulders. So, the question isn't if they are as good as the last three championship teams, but are they good enough to beat the remaining competition in 5A. Harlan County, John Hardin and Christian County are all that are left, and the Birds only have to beat two out of the three. I like our chances. Following a 3.5 hour bus ride home last night, and getting to bed well past 2am, the team was back at it today in preparation for next week's game. They will be ready!

 

I have watched the conversation threads since Harlan County opened a few years ago, and have kept up with the progress of your team. It is exciting to see so many things come together in a short time to land the Bears in the State Semi-Finals. Congrats on getting there. I am looking forward to the trip, and seeing your team in action.

 

Well said BG... Highlands should win this game big if they stay focused which I believe they will. With or without Patrick Highlands wins but if Highlands has to play McCoy to give Patrick some rest they are going to have to use him as a QB and that means he not only runs with the ball but he may have to air it out as well. Teams will load the box with him in the game playing run only so he must have the opportunity to throw the ball and keep the defense aware of pass or run.

Larkey may have, but I can assure you HC has never seen a program like Highlands. When it comes to playoffs and State Championships, how should I say this? , well Highlands has been there and done that. LOL Go Birds 20n10

 

Larkey has done it, but against a mediocre Highlands team that swept the district, but finished the season 7-3 with losses to Henry Clay, Male and Dixie Heights. (And eventually Rockcastle County.) This is not the same animal. It might be wounded, but I'm thinking the final might be closer to the 2000 game @ Rockcastle than the 2002 game.