BlueBirdWarrior

Congratulations to Beechwood. Beechwood is the real deal. Stringer was dominant. Just too big and fast. Without Stringer Beechwood is the best team in NKY. With him they are too much. I was really impressed with Beechwood's speed to the ball. They also blocked well at the point of attack. A couple times Highlands looked like they would take Stringer down and he cut back and just outran the crowd. Highlands next opponent is NewCath. I expect a focused, sober week of practice to get ready of the Breds.

Birds have to contain Fieger, be aggressive on the flat passes, and safeties can't let receivers behind them. Highlands has to do a better job not making mental errors (penalties) and putting the ball on the carpet. Highlands has had too many fumbles and interceptions over the first three games. Beechwood's speed allows them to capitalize on turnovers. The key to this game is finding a way to slow down Fieger's running and passing while grinding it out on the ground on offense. If the birds win they do it by keeping BW's offense off the field and keeping the score low. The birds have a few key injuries this week (Hergott and Kendall) and some illness. Other guys have to step up to keep it close.

Rankings in early September don't mean anything to anyone but old men. I don't think about rankings until after Thanksgiving.

Beechwood by 4 touchdowns? Wow. That's strong. Mayfield and the rest of the 1A teams better get ready for 3 years of Beechwood dominance starting next year. I knew Beechwood was great but Trinity couldn't beat HHS freshmen by 4 touchdowns. The birds wheels would really have to fall off tomorrow night to lose by four touchdowns.

I like to pull for SK and enjoy their success. But, you got to keep it real. I am looking forward to seeing them play and beat someone this year that is worthy of respect for a 6A team. It won't happen this week either. SK needs to play a schedule worthy of a 6A team before anyone would put them in the top ten.

Don't be fooled by the small numbers. Beechwood has fewer players but many of the players they have played freshman ball last year. They are very good. HHS will be lucky to get a win this week.

There were 29 healthy players at practice today. The injuries are mounting.

When I uppercased the word BLOCK I meant everybody (the receivers, the backs, the o-line).

This should be the Birds biggest test outside Trinity. For the Birds to win, they will need continue strong defensive line play and tackle after the catch. On offense the Birds will need to get some balance in their passing game and BLOCK. The birds can win this one but it will take a great effort.

Highlands and Beechwood freshmen play on 9/13 at 6:00 pm at Beechwood. Who will win and why?

Dixie's kids played hard to the end. Their defense played hard-nosed to stop HHS running game. The four man front stunted gaps and got good penetration. In a lot of ways they outplayed Highlands tonight.

Unsure about Hergott. He seemed okay after the game. I expect him to be back next week.

Tonight was a squeeker. They have to find another dimension to beat some of the better teams on their schedule.

Ochoa would have been a great addition. With Kendall out, Highlands needs to find another running back that can run the ball hard. Stamper had a nice run tonight. He may be someone that can take some of the load off Doughtery.

Austin Beal for HHS had two interceptions. One for a TD and one to end the game. Highlands Defensive line continues to dominate. Dixie could not run the ball between the tackles. Robinson, Hebel, and Lichtenberg stopped the run. Cody Stamper had an int. and a nice run from scrimmage of about ten yards. I have to believe Dixie's quarterback has a collar bone fracture the way he was holding his arm and he left the stadium shortly after coming off the field. Highlands played just well enough to win. They will have to play better next week at Beechwood.

Highlands wins 14 to 7 in a hard fought game. Beal (HHS) 20 yard interception for touchdown, Doughtery extra point. 7-0 Doughtery (HHS) five yard run for touchdown, Doughtery extra point. 14-0 Ochoa (Dixie) 36 yard touchdown pass from quarterback, extra point good. Dixie's starting quarterback put out of the game and left the stadium in second quarter - seemed serious.

Dixie gave up a lot of rushing yards against Campbell. I see Jared having a big night. I'd also like to see the other backs breaking out.

If HHS hangs on to the football it should be a good night for the birds. I do worry about any game after a bye week.

They have about 55 players. A lot of players going both ways. Against Campbell they ran the balloff tackle and between the tackles with sporadic success against Campbell. Quarterback seems poised and threw a good short game with good accuracy. His only long ball went to a wide open Ochoa. Defensive line was not big but made a lot of penetration with stunts against Campbell. Campbell would gain ten then lose three throughout the game.

6:00 pm at HHS.

Dixie will struggle to stop Highland's running game. I look for Highlands to throw the ball better this week as Dixie has to sell out to stop the run. Dixie will have to get Ochoa more touches this week at wide out. I expect him to have a great game. This is a great warm up for the best game of the year at Beechwood.

Saw about have of Dixie/Campbell Frosh game tonight. Ochoa from last year's FTJFL green team played for Dixie. He had a great game. 70 yrd int. for TD and a long catch to the five to set up a score.

Anybody know how this one ended up. I left with four minutes left Dixie 13 Campbell 0.

I am looking forward to watching Dixie and Campbell Co. tomorrow night at Bob Miller.

The birds played better than the score would indicate in both the Trinity loss and the Lex Cath win. I have to believe the birds win this one.