Bluerunner

I just jumped to the end of this thread. I don't care what the haters say. Congrats to Dale, his coaches and this year's Bluebird team. I believe that national rankings accumulate over the years. No other class at Highlands has the record this senior class does. Good job to all of those associated with the program.

I know Highlands will be very good again. They return 7 defensive starters, quarterback, 2 offensive lineman and a receiver (off the top of my head). Anxious to see what some other teams have coming back.

Not necessarily saying that to be the case. I haven't seen the teams in the west play for the most part. Just saying I thought Johnson Central was the 2nd best team Highlands played.

Watching Highlands play all year I'm not sure about all the teams listed in 5a, but I thought Johnson Central was the 2nd best team Highlands played next to Cincy St. X. They were well coached, hard hitting and disciplined. I would put them at #2 in 5a now that the season is over.

Highlands broadcast just cut out on me too.

I have not seen Hardin play, but would suspect a rather thorough Bluebird victory. The weak schedule Hardin played this year is in part thanks to our watered down 6 class system. Pulaski County would have been the 4th place team in the Northern Kentucky 5A District. Johnson Central was a legit team who ran into a loaded Bluebird team. It's a big deal for John Hardin to get to the finals, too bad they're running into a buzz saw.

:thumb: OLD 4 Class system please. 6 classes in Kentucky is ridiculous.

Johnson Central has a nice, physical team, but this game was never really in doubt. 4 quarters was too much for Johnson Central.

I predict a very physical game. Buckle your chin straps. Birds by 3 tds.

Highlands does not have a weakness on this team. You can't pass or run on them. If you can stop the run they will throw it over the top on you. If you can stop the pass they will run it down your throat. On special teams they cover extremely well (#25 stuck out last night) and they field punts. Johnson Central is in for a long night. *Take care of the ball Birds and no one stays within four scores. Johnson Central will need to score at least 28 points to win. Highlands doesn't give up 28 points to anyone.

I imagine Dixie would have a legit shot against anyone in 5a. They aren't playing anyone tonight. If, if the Bluebirds take care of the football it will be tough for anyone to stay within a couple of scores of them.

Highlands should roll. Dale won't run it up, so the JV and possibly some freshman could get some reps. Reps for these guys on both teams is valuable for next year. The four team playoff system has flaws, but is much better than the old system. I have enjoyed watching Tolles grow as a QB and how the Fennell kid as stepped up. The Birds haven't missed a beat.

Keep your heads up Walton. Walton gets quite a few players back for next year, and the coaching staff will have a year of condtioning implemented for the team. Coach took over the reigns in July. Walton has a bright future. Good luck and congratulations to the Panthers.

Walton can win if they don't put the ball on the ground. 7 turnovers vs. Dayton sums up that loss. Walton is a young team and young program. We'll see if they can respond this week.

I would like to give major props to the Highlands defense. I believe this unit has improved more than any other unit over the course of a season in my recent Bluebird memory. I do not see a weak link on the field. They play their assignments, hit and tackle extremely well. It is becoming a victory in it's own right for the opposing team when they muster a first down. Keep it up Bluebird D.

Bluebirds by 3 or 4 touchdowns. The Bluebird D has improved to be a very, very good D, and the O under Tolles has too many weapons. Tolles can play and his confidence is only getting stronger.

I'll take Walton is this game. Walton's last three games were Carroll County, Bellevue and Beechwood. I believe they've had a good week of practice and realized the last three games didn't kill them. Move forward and win.

Highlands had an open date they could not fill with a Northern Kentucky team and had to schedule Withrow. Simon Kenton had the same open date and scheduled Schroder Padea. I don't know all of the details, but...........

The confidence in Towles is growing and growing. Highlands has lots of weapons and will be tough to stop. The only thing that seems to stop the Bird's offensive drives is themselves.

Trinity and Louisville St X know how many Cincy St X can score.

For a Bluebird victory over St. X I believed they needed to tackle better and hold on to the ball. The tackled as good as I've seen a Highlands team tackle against St. X, but they need to do a better job of handling the football. This is a very good Bluebird team that is undefeated without putting together their best all around game (IMO). I think they realized their potential on defense last Friday and will build on that. I look for Highlands to win by 3 or 4 touchdowns. Dixie can be dangerous if you let them hang around too long.

Great job by the defense last night. I was concerned about the tackling coming in to the game, but they tackled exceptionally well last night. Great schemes by the coaching staff and execution by the players. The D knows just how well they can play now. I was hoping the Birds would use Bardo a little like Tebow last night, and they did. Bardo is a heck of a player. I hope he can come back healthy.

Walton is dealing with several injuries and some disciplinary actions. Bellevue will be a tall order.

The chatter seems to be focused on the vast geographical area St. X draws from, the amount of boys per class and the number of boys on the team. It is 11 vs. 11 at all times this Friday. The Birds need to focus on the immediate task at hand, and if they do, I like their chances.

If the Birds tackle well and don't turn it over they have a chance. I think we will see a few different wrinkles on offense. Highlands has a nice supporting cast to the stars. I think after this game a lot of people will be saying Bardo reminds them of the Gator's QB. Play hard and Go Birds! Mr. Kool-Aid has been on my street, and I need a drink.