NKYPrepSportsFan

Having 5-6 players going both ways can and usually helps with team chemistry too. The locker room won't be divided ... Offense vs Defense. Highlands last four losses have all been to teams that play their studs and other top players on both offense and defense.

Do you think Highlands' offense is capable of generating enough offense to get a running clock? If Highlands puts a running clock on Conner it most likely will be late in the game and the defense and special teams will need to score.

I just found out that the UK marching band is playing before the game, not at halftime.

The University of Kentucky’s marching band will make the trip to Ft. Thomas to play at halftime of this one to help honor Lorenzen.

Any updated injury reports to share? Will Bartleson play?

Highlands was 10-3 last year with one loss to 6A runner-up Scott County and two losses to 5A runner-up CovCath. The general consensus or feeling is that this year's Highlands team is better than last year's team. Though the offense hasn't really performed as well as most would've hoped, the Birds have still been able to put at least 27 points on the board in every game. When the Birds are healthy with Buten (RB) and the sophomore speed receiver Welch (4 TDs), they can and will put points on the board. QB Hollingsworth has been finding a way to make stuff happen with his legs and with his receivers - Ahlfeld, Delagrange, Deshler, and others. The defense has been as good as advertised, except against a loaded Knox Cath team with a handful of legit D1 players (Clemson, Tennessee, OK State / Ohio State, and etc). Highlands head coach Weinrich has to be one of the top defensive minds in the state. He should have the boys in the right spots at the right times and ready to make plays. Personally, I think this will be a very close game that could go either way and could come down to special teams and turnovers. Highlands has traditionally won the special teams part of the game. The Birds' punter (Delagrange #2) has been booming the ball and can flip the field for this Birds defense. And Huddleston is always a threat returning kicks. It's going to be a fun Friday night in Danville watching two top notch teams battle it out.

Special teams were a big factor in this one. Ryle’s punting game was terrible.

While Highlands hasn’t looked too good offensively this year, their defense looks pretty solid. I would be very surprised to see Boyle put a running clock on this defense. And, except for the Knox Cath game, Highlands special teams have been a factor. They have a really good punter (#2 Delagrange) that can flip the field for this Birds defense. Plus, Huddleston is always a threat on KO returns. This should be a battle between two of the top teams and programs in the state.

What was the Ryle freshmen team's record last year? One or two losses?

Ryle's 7th and 8th grade teams are both very good this year too!

Is #2 Coker any relation to Jeff Coker that played at Scott, Class of '91?

I’m curious to see if Highlands will be able to run the ball effectively against Ryle. I know Hollingsworth is dangerous when he takes off. But, I want to see if Highlands can be successful handing the ball off to Buten or Brune.

Does Ryle plays kids both ways?

I don't know much about Ryle's team this year. I know Highlands won 40-3 last year. Why will this one be closer than last year?

I don't doubt that Highlands is the more athletic and skilled team. I just had not heard how much "beef" SK has upfront. Is everyone healthy and ready to go for Highlands? If so, then I suspect that Highlands will win by 25+

What does SK look like upfront? How big are the boys on the OL and the DL?

How effective has Highlands been running the ball this year? Will they be able to run it against SK?

Is the Ryle 7th grade team undefeated? Have they already played Lexington Catholic?

Highlands is 896-241-26.

I agree. If everyone stays healthy, only Boyle will challenge Highlands.

Does anyone know a place to check scores and standings for this league?

Which grade? Opponent?

This was a good, fun read heading into Week 1. Thanks for the preview.

How are things looking in the Norseman Conference this year? Boone, Conner, Cooper, Highlands, LexCath, Ryle. What can we expect from the 7th grade and 8th grade teams?

Is that how you'd rank 5A now too? 1. Scott Co 2. Freddie D 3. CovCath 4. BG 5. SW 6. Pulaski 7. Highlands When do the pre-season polls/rankings come out?