Now that 3A is all wrapped up for 2005, let's do some comparing. Last year (2004), Highlands won 3A, while LexCath just won 3A for 2005. Here are some things to consider:

 

1. Both teams finished with identical 14-1 records (on the field, at least). HHS lost a fairly close early-season game to Cincinnati Elder, while LC lost a close early-season game to Louisville Saint Xavier.

 

2. Both teams had close calls in the playoffs. HHS beat Bell County by 5 in the state semifinal game, while LC was down by double-digits to CCH, and had to hold off a late surge by CCH to win in round 2.

 

3. Both teams had considerable Division-I talent, senior leadership, solid coaching, depth, and great team speed.

 

4. Both teams knocked out the defending state champion in the playoffs, en route to winning their respective titles (HHS beat Boyle County in 2004, while LexCath beat HHS in 2005).

 

5. In terms of differences, 2004 Highlands was known for their outstanding defensive play, while 2005 LexCath was an offensive juggernaut.

 

Considering all this, what would a mythical game between 2004 HHS and 2005 LC be like? Who would win, and why???

I'll go first.

 

First off, I think the game could go either way. The big issue, in my opinion, would be whether LexCath could manage to score some TDs early and get HHS down by a couple scores. If they could, then LexCath would win, because HHS' offense in 2004 was not built for high-scoring. If HHS had to pass more, then mistakes would start happening (like INTs), and it would snowball.

 

IF Highlands could keep the score close throughout (or better yet, be up), then HHS would win the game. Highlands could continue to play fairly conservatively on offense, and win the field position battle in the process. With how good HHS' LBs and DBs were last year (even without considering Mitchell), HHS would have forced some TOs, just as they did against Boyle County in last year's finals.

 

If they played 10 games, I'd say that HHS would win 6-7 of them. In a one-game situation, who knows???

 

I'm especially interested in the guru's opinion on this, since he doesn't have a dog in the fight and saw both teams play.

I saw them both more than once... I would pick the Birds.. I'm sure opinions will vary.....

Sorry guys, Highlands defense was too good last year to compare. You want to compare this year vs last year. Highlands held a very talented and deep Lex-Cath offense to just 16 points built with mainly a sophmore unit. Sorry this years HHS defense was not nearly as good as last years. Yeah sure the 2005 squad was seasoned by playoff time and i would of like to seen the 2004 team play Elder late in the year. Totally different ballgame!!!!! Lex-Cath offense was definately more talented than Highlands of coarse but their Defense doesn't even compare. Defense wins Championships

6. Both teams finished their championship season on the KHSAA's naughty list.

6. Both teams finished their championship season on the KHSAA's naughty list.

:lol: :lol:

I love these off season threads when they don't concern my team. :lol:

 

BoomGoesThe Cannon, Highlands has never beaten Elder do you really think last years team would have turned the tide? Was last years team better than the teams from the late nineties?

I love these off season threads when they don't concern my team. :lol:

 

BoomGoesThe Cannon, Highlands has never beaten Elder do you really think last years team would have turned the tide? Was last years team better than the teams from the late nineties?

Not to speak for Boom, but the defense was head and shoulders above the 90's teams.

Not to speak for Boom, but the defense was head and shoulders above the 90's teams.

Not my question.

6. Both teams finished their championship season on the KHSAA's naughty list.

 

Hey, to play with the best, you got to be like the best.

To be honest, I think that the game would have turned out much like the Highlands vs. Boyle games in 2004. Boyle had a great offense, with many different weapons, who loved to score points. But they didn't seem to score many in that state game. But if you agree with the comontator, Brandon Smith just didn't have his best game...

 

...once again, it is hard to have a good game with 6 turnovers...

but their Defense doesn't even compare. Defense wins Championships

 

Your right Defenses win Championships, that is why the Knights are champs, their D dominated Highlands all night in a 17-0 win where Burke was apparently limping and appeared hurt most of the game from every account I heard. Than they held strong in the second half against Rockcastle to end up rolling over them. Finally 2 Defensive TDs and four total turnovers forced really crushed Bowling Green whose D was considered the best in state. I think you shortchange the Knight's D some.

Your right Defenses win Championships, that is why the Knights are champs, their D dominated Highlands all night in a 17-0 win where Burke was apparently limping and appeared hurt most of the game from every account I heard. Than they held strong in the second half against Rockcastle to end up rolling over them. Finally 2 Defensive TDs and four total turnovers forced really crushed Bowling Green whose D was considered the best in state. I think you shortchange the Knight's D some.

Sounds like Lex-Cath made some adjustments against Rockcastle at halftime. Something Highlands didn't do against Lex-Cath. You don't return the second half kickoff to the eleven and not score at home. It just doesn't happen!!! How many times did Cecil start from the shotgun and was given a chance to throw the ball. If he was the same talent as Jared and Gino, then why not let the kid open it up a little bit. I'm not shortchanging the Knight's D any way, shape or form, they played a great game against Highlands. It just Highlands had enough firepower to score in that game and didn't. Congrats to Bob and staff for such a great season

Sounds like Lex-Cath made some adjustments against Rockcastle at halftime. Something Highlands didn't do against Lex-Cath. You don't return the second half kickoff to the eleven and not score at home. It just doesn't happen!!! How many times did Cecil start from the shotgun and was given a chance to throw the ball. If he was the same talent as Jared and Gino, then why not let the kid open it up a little bit. I'm not shortchanging the Knight's D any way, shape or form, they played a great game against Highlands. It just Highlands had enough firepower to score in that game and didn't. Congrats to Bob and staff for such a great season

:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

...once again, it is hard to have a good game with 6 turnovers...

I'd say Bowling Green feels your pain.