CoachMulvi

Reading is hard. 5A. Its right there for ya.

Tell me you didn't watch Highlands play early or late with one post. Highlands lost to CovCath in August by a score of 21-35. If you watched the game, it was hardly domination. That game gave Highlands an identity as a running football team that also took advantage of teams stacking the box with quick passes. Highlands was a much better team in October/November. Its unfortunate for Highlands that their district play started with Cooper because that was their biggest competition in the district. Dixie was no slouch either, but they didn't match up well with Highlands at all. The back end of Highlands schedule allowed for them to stay healthy, but also cost them any adversity, that's what cost them in the end. The last time they had to sweat was the sept 22nd game vs Cooper and even then they were a pick 6 away from winning that game by 4 tds. Did Cooper have to hang on for dear life? Yes. Was Highlands better than any team BG has played in 5A this year. By far, yes.

Its 1.5 hour drive. Stopping for dinner is an hour. Give 30 minutes to load/unload. That puts them at UK at 6 pm at the absolute latest. I don't think they can take the field until after 7 pm.

They played a 3-4 in game 1 vs highlands.

Both Southwestern and Highlands dedicated 2 guys to AA and Isaiah Johnson to stop the deep pass threat. BG has played a cover 2 shell in a 4-2-5 defense. The question will be what do they do when cooper goes 2 x2. Do they roll a safety down and go cover 3 or do they play cover 2 and leave one slot uncovered, or cover 2 and widen an ILB out to help away from the olb. I'm interested to see how they adjust.

He's a great leader and a great kid as well. One of those guys you will remember as a great teammate for the rest of your life and a the kind of kid you want all of your players to be. Plays with a motor, works his tail off, and will do anything for the team to make them better.

The old Highlands ego.

Support was there, but we prefer to let the team's play speak. Those close to the program knew the defense was up to the challenge. BG brings a different challenge. Excited to see the Jags rise to the occasion one more time.

I wonder why that is. Seems weird that all that talent can reside in Ft Thomas so consistently, more so than a private Catholic school where they can pull from all over. Hmmm. Old money must attract stud athletes into the area. Crazy. Anyway, circled or not, Cooper will be back next year. Looking forward to that game, but not yet. Still have another game this season.

So you and your brothers don't talk. Got it.

Here is some perspective: Highlands graduates 25 seniors, Cooper Graduates 12 seniors, 3 of which play on Offense and Defense, and 1 kicker. Cooper returns 8 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense.

I've been around message boards and high school football for the better part of the last 2 decades. There is always a guy that says stuff to try to get under people's skin. The fact of the matter is, the coaching staffs of both teams understood that both teams had studs and they game planned to give their guys the best chance they could. Highlands game planned to run away from Alexander and double team the front side. They did it most of the night. If they thought their guys were better, why double team the front side? Either they didn't think they could block the cooper front 1 on 1 or they wanted to get movement. They succeeded some plays, but the majority of the game, they got no movement and the running lanes were clogged. Their adjustment in the second half was to try to bounce it to the outside where Cooper had an OLB setting the edge and then a safety filling from the defensive backfield. Again, they were able to seal the edge a couple times, but those plays were quickly corrected by the Cooper staff and players and the birds were again relegated to doing what they don't do best. That's what a good defensive coordinator does, take away what they do best and force them to adapt. Highlands did the same thing to Cooper. They double teamed the outside receivers most of the night, forcing them to run the ball, throw to the slot guys or rb out of the backfield, or throw into double coverage. The problem with that is Alexander is 240 lbs and athletic.....not many dbs want a part of that even if its 2 on 1. There isn't anyone in the stadium that didn't think #4 was on another level if they're being honest. I'll go to my grave thinking that that game is a rout if Cooper doesn't field that punt inside their five yardline in the second quarter. That play is what made the game interesting. In the end, it didn't hurt and the I'd imagine its a mistake that will never be repeated. They're 15-18 year old kids out there playing, and I love to see them learn, grow, and challenge themselves week in and week out. Football at this level is an absolute grind and the game we all got to watch Friday was a testament to 2 great programs playing great football. Congratulations to both programs and good luck to Cooper in the State Championship.

If you don't understand the game, maybe just ask somebody next to you to help explain it.

When Cooper players entered the field, there was a whole group of 60+ year old Highlands fans booing the Cooper players. Smh.

Anybody believe me that the Cooper defense got a couple piece back that would make a difference? Hope y'all enjoy you steak and cake at home next week.

Couple reasons for that, but it doesn't really matter. Jags won last week to earn the chance for redemption vs the Birds. Can't wait to watch it.

Y'all think Highlands is bad, go over to the Ohio HS message board and look at the Massillon guys. LOL.

Highlands the team and coaching staff? Not a chance. Highlands the fans? Absolutely. When Highlands came to Cooper, there were a group of about 10 loudmouth fans (with at least one air horn in the group) that would address the cooper crowd more than cheer for their own team. Other than that, I didn't see anything out of the ordinary out of their group. I don't see Highlands going straight man to man this time. And that will open up some room for the run for cooper. On the other side, I think Cooper is going to have to force Highlands to beat them with the pass. If Cooper isn't able to stop the run this time, Highlands won't make the same mistake they made in September.

Here is the way I see it. Semifinals and finals at the very least should be neutral locations with ample seating and parking. Every team still practicing in the state deserves to have the same conditions. In Ohio all rounds past the 2nd round are at neutral sites.

What position do you think he projects to in college? He's not a college QB, IMO. TE?

Turnovers and inability to run the ball in short yardage situations. The game was 10-7 Cooper going into the 4th quarter if my memory serves me. Cooper had the ball 1st and goal two different times and only came away with 3 points. It was early in the season, and easily the worst game the Jags played all year.

North Laurel gave up 28 to Southwestern. What I've seen from SW is basically power run. Highlands is better at every single position than SW (based on film) and their scheme is similar. The difference being Highlands can also throw the ball effectively with weapons at receiver. It will be a win for NL to stay within 28 in the 1st half. If NL can create some turnovers and steal a couple possessions, they might have a shot at keeping it respectable.

Wasn't a TD. He was tackled on the Cooper 45.

After what Dixie did to Woodford, and what Cooper did to Scott Co, I'm gonna go ahead and say that Dixie beats Scott Co easily as well. Everybody wants to talk about NKY football being weak, results speak a lil louder.

Scott Co holder was for a mouthpiece I believe. Stripes wanted to be seen tonight, for sure.