It's been exactly one year to the day since Ryle defeated Highlands 28-26 to close out the 2010 regular season. If you recall, HHS attempted a two-point conversion toward the end of the game to tie up the score and came up just short of the goal line. That game snapped Highlands' 37-game win streak. It also ended a run of HHS wins against KY competition dating back to the second week of the 2006 playoffs. In addition, it cost Highlands the top spot in the NKY coaches' poll for the first time since (I believe) the end of the 2006 season.

 

Highlands then went on to win all five playoff games and capture the Class 5A state title. Highlands has since won all nine of its regular season games played so far this year.

 

With all this in mind, my question is: What effect (if any) did this loss have on Highlands?

 

I remember that several HHS fans were concerned Highlands was not going to win state last year. Did this loss right before the playoffs help to focus the team and make them "hungrier" during the playoffs?

 

On the flip side, were there any negatives to HHS losing? If (and it's a big if, since a Highlands win over Ryle last year may have changed how future events played out) HHS had won that game and everything following the game had stayed the same, Highlands would now have a 52-game win streak, a number that would have surpassed Trinity's state record of 50. Highlands would also have the NATION'S longest current win streak. Also, I do wonder if Highlands not being given more national consideration this year (despite having one of the best QBs in the nation, one of the nation's highest scoring offenses and a perfect record thus far) has a lot to do with that late-season loss to Ryle in 2010.

 

What does everyone think?

Congrats to the Bluebirds on their current 14 game win streak. Another state championship looks to be in their future.

Highlands just got by a 2-6 Elder team. You now think they deserve national consideration?? Highlands is a great program in the state of KY. Did you see what happened in the scrimmage against T this season? They are not on their level. If Highlands had scheduled and beat Cincy X or Moeller or Colerain, I may feel differently. But based on this seasons schedule, the national recognition will not come. IMO

The one thing that I took away from that Ryle loss was this: it made me question Pat Towles toughness. On that extra point, I thought he could have (and should have) tried to blast through the Ryle player to score, instead of going for the pylon. PT was much bigger than the defender. This "lack of toughness" was in the back of my mind all offseason.

 

All that said, PT has dispelled all of those thoughts this year. He has shown that he's not afraid to try and run people over if that's what it takes.

 

jbwill2, all of the possible scenarios you throw out are quite true, and could have enhanced HHS's national standing this year. As time goes on though, I just see that Ryle loss as a tiny bump along the road of success that the Bluebirds have been riding the last five years.

I've said for almost a year that Ryle should have been included on the championship ring order form. I am convinced that the loss woke the team up and led directly to their coming out at JC with the win. Anyone remember the fog the team seemed to be in from the Dixie game until after the loss?