NKYPrepSportsFan

I agree.

How have Cooper’s special teams performed this year?

So Cooper will run it down Highlands throat and have no problem throwing the ball but win by only 14? So it’s going to be 28-14 or something like that?

Tough to say... Both Dixie and CovCath have had their bye weeks heading into the Highlands game. Giving the Colonels and Coach Eviston an extra week to heal, rest up, and prepare could be dangerous for Highlands. That being said, Highlands does have some athletes that can help the Birds compete with CovCath. Highlands will need to go +2 in turnovers, make something "special" happen on special teams, and make the soph QB beat them. And, Highlands will need to strike early...

Ryle by 10

Realistically, for Highlands to have a chance, I think they'll need to go +2 in turnovers and need some magic on special teams. Highlands' offense just hasn't shown the ability to consistently move the ball against better teams, except for the long pass against mostly blown coverages. And, Highlands' defense has really struggled to stop a team from running the ball. Adjustments will be needed... move another man up into the box... man up and/or mix coverages against the sophomore QB. Make the sophomore QB beat you!

Are both teams healthy? Any significant injuries?

Highlands 37 Conner 7

Strictly from a curiosity perspective, how many boys on this year’s Beechwood Frosh team were also Frosh last year? How many took advantage of the SSYP?

Is Dixie really as big and physical as Ryle upfront? “Carbon copy?” There can no doubt that the extra week helps.

Very nice player... runs hard!

1. Highlands got pushed around upfront against Ryle. Will Dixie be able to push Highlands around the same way? 2. Noon has to stay in the pocket and see the open receivers. And if/when he does decide to scramble, he must keep the ball up and his eyes up and downfield. He's tucking it and trying to do too much on his own. There have been plenty of times in both the McNich and Ryle games when he doesn't see and deliver the ball to the open receiver(s). 3. Highlands has to find a running game. 4. Highlands will have to pressure Landers and not let him throw it deep to their two deep threats. 5. Highlands has to find a way to do more on special teams and gain better field position.

I think Highlands was +4 in turnovers vs Bowling Green. That's a factor. Injuries have been a factor for Highlands too.

Just think they’ll be there by the end of the season... think they’re underachieving now... but you’re absolutely right... Dixie could be 5

Beechwood Ryle Dixie CovCath Cooper

Confirmed. It was 42-6 at the half.

Highlands 56 Simon Kenton 12

There is no doubt that Noon is a gifted athlete that can impact the game. He can look and be very good. I just hope that he doesn't try to do too much against a better team like Ryle. The Birds' offensive line will need to give Noon time to throw and Noon will have to throw it rather than just tuck it and take off. Also, if Ryle decides to come out and just run the ball and maintain possession, it could be a long night for Highlands' defense. I could see Ryle with 60-65% time of possession. The Birds' must get a couple turnovers and win special teams. It's going to be a good game. Highlands by 4.

It certainly does sound like BW is loaded. Quick Question: Does the Ryle Frosh team still have all of the boys that played for their State Championship team when they were 7th graders? That team was absolutely dominant the entire season.

CovCath by 10.

With Beechwood at Ryle and CovCath at Campbell this week, it would be wise to wait until these games are played.

Thanks. But I believe SK is at Highlands this week.

I think you could add Campbell to that list too.

Something in the 42-13 range seems about right to me.

I think it's more about the feeling and the excitement that the Birds have the right person that will finally use the talent that has been in the program and also bring better schemes and game prep. Over the years, Highlands Frosh team has won 8-9 games nearly every year. The varsity team should have been able to consistently win at least 7 games and probably 8-9 games every year too. The talent has been there to compete and to be a very successful and winning program. Has the talent been there to win state? Maybe, who knows? But, now that they have the right Leadership that will emphasize player development on top of everything else that he seems to be doing right, I think we'll find out in the next couple of years.