TheConfluence

Updated link: https://fan.hudl.com/_/_/_/organization/_/_/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0NDEzNTc3MQ==

Who's the one-horse?

The 5-2 Conner Cougars roll into Fort Thomas to face the 7-0 Highlands Bluebirds this Thursday at 6:30p. Kickoff: 6:30p, Thursday 10/15/26 at Highlands HS Team Outlooks Conner Cougars (5-2): The Cougars started off hot, winning their first three games before a loss to Lawrenceburg, IN ended their streak. After bouncing back against Cooper, they lost to one-win Covington Catholic, before a victory against Dixie Heights last week. Conner has a big line and athletes all over the field so look for the Cougars to come in and try to spoil the Birds’ undefeated season. Highlands Bluebirds (7-0): The Birds have punched their ticket to the Championship Game, but they’re hungry for that perfect undefeated season. Highlands looked solid against Campbell County last week with QB Jaxston Moeves doing it with his arm and his legs. Moeves accounted for 5 TDs, including one on the ground and 4 TD passes to 4 different receivers (WR Austin Hamblen, WR Gus Bouldin, TE Brady McDowell, RB Noah Brown). When you add in a kick-off return from WR Drew Thompson, it’s evident Highlands has weapons all over the field. If you try to take one away, another playmaker steps up. The Birds have outscored their opponents 226-33 with a defense that only gives up 5.5 ppg and an offense averaging over 37 ppg. Common Opponents: CCH: Birds won 42-0, Cougars lost 22-14 Dixie Heights: Birds won 48-8, Cougars won 20-19 Game Link: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ky/fort-thomas/organization/5235/highlands-high-school/team/48815/boys-freshman-football/schedule?date=2026-10-01T04%3A00%3A00.000Z&range=Month&s=U2NoZWR1bGVFbnRyeVB1YmxpY1N1bW1hcnk2YTY3MzU4YmQ0MGQ2YzNjODUyYzM3ZjQ%3D&ss=2026&shared=true Highlights from Last Week’s Highlands/Campbell County Game: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ky/fort-thomas/organization/5235/highlands-high-school/team/48815/boys-freshman-football/watch?hr=SGlnaGxpZ2h0UmVlbFN1bW1hcnk2YWM5NDE0ZmQ2NGJmZGQ4MWU3YWFhY2Q%3D&ot=TEAM&oi=48815&shared=true

Yes, same for Moeves. They are only allowed 8 quarters a week so Freshman who play Varsity, JV, and Freshman levels are on a pitch count. The freshman team will always get the majority of quarters so the remainder must be split between JV and Varsity. Pretty typical.

He is/does in addition to playing Freshman games. Very similar to Jaxston Moeves at Highlands (backs up Simon, starts JV and Freshman).

He is, but not sure he's better than last year's Twenhofel QB, Ethan Hopkins, who is now a freshman at SK and currently the Varsity back-up. Hopkins is a stud. No offense to the 8th grader. I've seen him play and he'll be special, but he's not at Hopkins' level (running and throwing) yet.

Glad to see the Birds and the Tigers in a rematch. HMS beat Beechwood in the regular season two years ago and lost in the playoffs. That’s haunted the Birds ever since. Both teams will be looking for their own form of revenge.

A little birdie close to the action told me it was no good, but I have little else to go on.

JV Birds 38 - Elder 21

Birds JV 21 - Elder JV 21 Halftime.

Enrollment aside, the number of players on the sideline last night was significantly different. Especially when you consider Highlands dresses a number of Freshman. Elder does not. Elder/HHS JV playing right now and Elder probably has double the number on the sideline. Elder had 71 Freshman dress for their game against the Freshman Birds. Highlands has 38. With that said, it is what it is. No complaining. Just adding context to the conversation. Gotta play the cards you’re dealt.

1:18 left

27-27

Win or lose, Birds proving they belong. Now go win!

24-20 Birds with 5:38 left.