OldCamelNewBird

I'm so pumped about this game that I'm playing ACDC and head-banging!! :ylsuper::banana::ylsuper:

I will write a prediction, but it is almost pointless because this game always has an off-the-wall turn that no one expects. Especially in an one-and-out playoff format like this, these boys know that this is the last one if they lose. Not only are they playing for the last game, but the seniors are playing to go out with a win against their rival. Emotions play a huge part in this game. Highlands - 21 Covington Catholic - 7 Good luck guys, go out with a BOOM! Keep that ring in mind.

I am guessing that the clock will be running in the 4th. HHS - 55 Scott - 0

An extra week of preparation A decent Madison Central team A snowballing Highlands team A hard hitting "Red-Dog" defense + A high scoring bunch of birds ----------------------------------------- = Highlands- 42 Madison Central- 10

He was all over the field in the first half. He returned punts and kicks, to begin with, he does a lot at WR, but I also saw him a couple of times take a direct snap from the center and take off with it. On defense, he is a blitzing machine... He came from everywhere rushing our quarterback and got us a few times. He is a big boy (about 6'2" from where I was sitting, possibly 170?) and he will cause trouble for anybody in some way or another. I'd love to have him chasing down some passes from our quarterback. It also doesn't hurt to be able to run an honest 4.5ish in full pads. As for LCH's QB, he seemed to also be about 6'2" with a very solid arm. He threw a beautiful long ball about 40 yards without even trying. If the recievers wouldn't have missed a couple of balls right in the "bread-basket" across the middle, he would have had much better numbers. The most underrated player on the field for LCH was their runningback, Israel? He ran through some tackles as well as pulled away from a couple of defensive lineman (running away from HHS' linemen is a lot tougher than it sounds). He seemed to get the bulk of the carries as well as the majority of the rushing yards.

In the first half, I was really worried about this one. Lex looked tough and was continually stopping Highlands' offense from moving the ball. Then Highlands actually started throwing some quick passes and began moving the ball. This allowed the run to open a little bit and they gradually started breaking through tackles. Either Lexington got tired, or Highlands just gelled as the game continued into the 2nd half. They looked tough. I was really impressed by the strength of Zach Hurtt as he ran through defenders and Cecil's running and passing ability when he had some decent blocking. Obviously Conners is impressive, but what's new? On another note, Israel was an animal in there at runningback. He would juke and cut right around a few Highlands defenders. There were just too many there for him to break away. "Guy" was also a big factor in the first half, but seemed to be a non-factor in the second half. One last point I wanted to make was that this game could have been a lot different if the Lexington recievers wouldn't have dropped 3 or 4 balls across the middle on quick slants. There were a few times where they were wide open and just flat out missed it. Highlands would have kept the lead, but it would have been much closer of a score.

Having relatives who went to Lex. Cath. and living in Ft. Thomas, I definately have the upmost respect for the Knights. They always have a solid offensive line and a few killer speed guys to go with it. Not to mention that they always seem to come through, late in games. But as far as this matchup, I have a hard time imagining Lex. getting within 7 points of Highlands. The birds are just too good this season and honestly are on track to go undefeated. My final prediction is: Highlands- 24 Lex. Cath.- 10

My guess is: Highlands 42 Hopkinsville 14 Highlands just has too many studs to keep this game any closer. From my thinking, Hopkinsville might score 1 TD on the first team late in the first half or something, but the 2nd one will come after HHS has pulled their starters.

I will definately agree with you on the returning punts part. We need some desperate help with that!! But as for the returning kicks, that is one of our very strong points. You never know when we are going to break one for a touchdown.

After hearing this, you are now on my "respectable people" list.

That is true. I think we were still upset about 00'. We shouldn't bring that up though, that gives me the shivvers.:madman:

Shouldn't we wait till Dixie wins one first? After all, it has been since 02' since that happened.

Look, I know Dale likes to throw that out there every season, but I'm not him. I truely believe this offensive line is one of the best since Rob Smith was blasting people all over the place. I am not saying any other position, I am saying the offensive line, specifically. Now, I do think this group of linebackers are pretty special too, but not as good as the 04' linebackers (and the rest of the defense , but that might be a little bias, ).

If Trotwood couldn't complete a long TD on HHS, I have a tough time believing that Dixie could. I do believe a few longer balls will be completed, but I doubt Dixie will complete a "home run" ball. A problem I have been thinking about is the quickness of Highlands's interior, on both sides of the ball. In the past, Dixie linemen have either been way to big and slow or way too small. I believe this could cause some major problems for Dixie in this match-up. This is one of the best group of O-linemen and Linebackers that Highlands has brought through their system (stregth, speed, and quickness). IMO, I don't think Dixie will be able to keep up with them the whole game.

Welcome to the dark side... :fire:

We will be set for the next 4 years at QB... It's a good time to be a Highlands fan! :ylsuper:

I'm thinking Highlands 35 & Dixie 14

If you would have seen the difference between Cecil and Tony during the Ryle game, you'd understand. Cecil is at a whole other level than Tony, IMO. Cecil is a dual threat QB at its finest. You never know if he is going to run or pass and he will beat you in one way or another. Tony has not fully developed his skills yet, but will be more than prepared for next season. But as of this season, Cecil is the man. As a die-hard Highlands football fan/state champ, I am getting tired of people (especially the paper last week) starting up a big stink about the QB's again (especially since Tony only completed one pass and there was a huge article on the front page), this is the last thing the team needs to be distracted about. I am glad Tony is there to give Cecil a breather since he is playing defense now, it will really help the team out. But watch them on the field, there is no debate.

:lol: :laugh: You are very right about that.

I know you are trying to keep this honest, but lets be serious here. This year's Holmes team is pretty similar to any team Highlands has played the first round of the playoffs in the last few years. If we can score over 40 points on a good Ryle team, just think of the damage we will inflict on a below average Holmes.

This will not be a good game. If it is anything different, I will be thoroughly suprised. Holmes just isn't at the same level as Highlands and probably won't be for a long time. You have to remember, Holmes did just lose to Dayton. The score on friday will depend on how long Highlands leaves their first (or second) string in OR it will depend on how early there is a running clock. My prediction: Highlands- 56 Holmes- 0

No, I can think of a few teams that were better (98, 00, 01, 04). I don't mean for it to sound like we have a bad team at all, but the first 3 had better offenses and 04 had a better defense. With that said, I believe this team is very balanced between O and D. They are very solid on both sides of the ball. If they lose a game the rest of the season, I would be extremely suprised.

I'd say that's pretty fast. I remember Nick Scott from Highlands back in 05' say he ran an 11 flat and thought that was pretty fast. Of course, he was a defensive end.

That is one of the coolest statements I have ever heard. I feel like heading out to the front lines after that. I like the way you speak.