DollarBill

I don't understand. How was Highland's able to score 40 points with a one dimensional offense? :confused: They better keep working on that passing game:jump:

So can we go ahead and print the 40-0 t-shirts now. Had the last touchdown not been called back causing Birds to settle for a field goal would there have been a running clock. Can't imagine that has ever happened before in a CovCath-Highlands game.

I would agree that CovCath played probably the toughest schedule of any team in KY this year. It was brutal with 3 GCL south teams (perhaps the toughest high school conference in the country) to go along with a very challenging in state group including St. X. Unfortunately, Coach Rodenberg did you no favors in that respect considering you also were losing almost all of your starters from the year before. I thought Dale and Highlands did one of its best overall scheduling jobs in a number of years with a number of challenging teams (Trotwood-Madison, Lex Cath, Ryle, Lou. Central on the road, Hopkinsville at home --which turned out unfortunately to be having a down year-- plus CovCath and Dixie also both on the road) yet for the most part spaced out so not too many weeks of back to back tough challenges nor many of the GCL/Colerain teams of past years that creating tough odds because of the vast (3 to 1 type) disparity in the size of the schools. Time to get off BGP and get off to the game.

Good question and I don't know the answer but I tend to doubt it particularly if Colonel fans turn out like they did for the first meeting between the teams this year where there were a lot of home fans disquised as empty bleachers (i.e. plenty of empty seats in the home section).

Why compare secondary schedule ratings for teams that have played each other head to head (at CovCath I might add)? Head to head would seem to be the best indicator. Yes, I know the Colonels have Buckley back and that they turned the tables from earlier this year against a Dixie team that played inconsistently all year (although very well at the end of the season). Seems they are asking an awful lot of one guy to turn a 14 point deficit at home into a victory on the road. Unless some combination of turnovers, big special team plays or substantial penalty differentials are one-sided to the Colonels to equalize the game (always a possibility in any football game), I expect the Birds to win this matchup at home by a similar margin to the first game (10-20 points). But no doubt if the teams played 10 times the Colonels would likely win 2 or 3 times. However, since they only play one more time this year the only question that matters is whether tonight is one of those times. I suppose in 8 hours we will know the answer. Should be a great game between two good teams and a fun one to watch.

Exactly. Much different story trying to beat teams with 300-400 boys in a grade (ala St. X and Trinity) than a school with 75-100 (ala Highlands) Congrats to the Simon Kentons Pioneer :lol: on a great season and good luck with their future seasons.

Per Louisville Courier Journal online-- http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/dclassifieds?Dato=20050503&Kategori=PrepSports01&Class=82&Type=CAT2007&Lopenr=505006335&Selected=10&sport=sport1&homeid=school537&awayid=school550&game=game23655 Highlands 6-14 passing for 69 yards with one interception. I see Central only passed the ball 11 times--inability to pass must have been their downfall.:scared: Opponents Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Highlands 0 0 0 21 21 Central 0 7 6 0 13 Team.....First Downs Rushes...Passing Pass Yards Fumbles Punts...Penalties Highlands...13 ........41-181....6-14-1.........69........1-0.....2-41.5...5-25 Central.......7 ..........30-55....5-11-0........155........1-1.....5-34.0...4-45

What a difference an hour (and second halves) makes. They stare at the clock down 13 points in the 4th quarter their perfect season in the balance and gut check time and score 21 unanswered points against a good team (probable 3A championship game team in Highlands class if Highlands played in the class based on the size of its school). Turn downer going into playoffs into one more strength--i.e., knowledge that they can come from behind against a good team even when down more than one touchdown in the second half. They also continue their trend of being a dominating second half team this year (because of depth and conditioning--love two deep defensive line) where they wear teams down down the stretch of games. All while Cov. Cath game turns the other direction--no disrespect there playing best team in state (and much larger school) on the road. Another great night to be a Birds fan. Congratulations, Birds! Great win. :dancingpa

QUOTE=Sweeperboy;2463579]Nope. I hear speed, speed, speed. Did I say big time SPEED. :thumb::banana::dancingpa

I suppose I respectfully disagree that Highlands has zero passing game. I agree that they very much rely on a dynamic running game. But there only two games this year (Trotwood Madison and CovCath) were both won with big passing plays significantly playing into those victories (winning touchdown play late in game versus Trotwood and big long passes to Draper against Cov. Cath whose secondary appeared to be suspect at least in that game). As Leatherneck has opined (seems appropriate considering he is an attorney)on this site in the past, Highland's passing stats are more than respectable this year with a 50+% passing percentage and I believe 10+ yard per catch average particularly considering they have been dominate running the ball and generally have not needed to pass to score points (and might be viewed as "running up the score" passing the ball in the second half when they had big leads. I believe it is human nature to try to find some weakness in any strong team's game (the weak link in the chain, chink in the armor -- choose your favorite metaphor) and I can't say there is no concern there but I think the concern is overstated this year based on some weakness there in recent past years that may not be as merited as in the past. Actually, short of them hurting themselves with turnovers or special teams (both areas for which they have been good this year but in any given game can hurt you), I believe they are in great shape for the playoffs and certainly have more strengths and less weaknesses than the other 5A teams I have seen this year (and for the record, I think Dixie and Cov. Cath both have strong, competitive teams this year and I expect that the winner of that game will absolutely give the Birds a battle in the playoffs. This has to be by far the strongest 5A district in the state -- I think Dixie and Cov Cath each could have won most districts in the state and both had to win their last district name to be assured of even making the playoffs--and probably better than most 6A districts for that matter). Just one person's opinion. Now back to check on the status of the game to see if Highlands can pull it out. Actually comeback win might further build their momentum for playoffs (showing they can come from behind more than one touchdown in the second half against a good team if necessary) unlike the post above expressing concern that a loss may cause a loss of momentum or confidence going ito playoffs.

Highlands has wore down most teams with its depth (two deep defensive line) and conditioning to dominate teams in the second half this year (see, for example, Lex Cath, Madison Central games). Guess that trend will be tested coming from behind tonight. Meaningless for playoffs but would be nice to preserve perfect season in tact going into playoffs. Playoffs looking more interesting with very strong finishes by Dixie and Cov Cath. Of course, Highlands took care of business during the season so they only have to play one of them (the winner after they beat on each other next week) at home so they have positioned themselves well. Despite the trend in tonight's games I believe people should be careful not to read too much into one night of games. I suppose it will give a glimmer of hope to their competitors (and fodder for posting on BGP to keep that activity hot) but bottom line the 5A championship still runs through Ft. Thomas and will be very large task for someone to come into Birdstown and beat this Highlands team.

Is Grant Rose (RB) out for Campbell County tonight? Haven't seen him in the backfield. Other RB for CC has made some nice runs on very few carries and looked great on the screen pass that he ran for a long TD. Does CC always pass this much rather than run? I realize they may need to the rest of the way being down by 18.

My understanding is that the three teams toss coins in the air and the odd coin (i.e., the one that does not match the other two tossed) is the winner. I assume if all 3 coins came up the same (heads or tails) they would toss again.

http://news.kypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071026/SPT0402/710260321/1033/NEWS02 The linked (hopefully) article from the Kentucky Post indicates they may be expanding the All A Classic to more schools. Anyone with insight on the likelihood of this being approved? Also, can anybody point me to the high school numbers as to who would be included in the "smallest 125 school classification". Am I correct that generally would include the smallest 3 football classes? Perhaps not as I am not sure how many small nonfootball playing schools are around? Any thoughts?

When and where is the championship game?

While the Birds have many good guards this year I am not sure they have a true point guard. I understand Simpson as a combo guard but how much does he really make the other players on his team better? It seemed to me at times last year that other teams did not respect the shooting of his teammates when he drove to the goal to see if he could take his man and other teams were able to send an extra guy at him. They seem to me to have a collection of good guards who don't necessarily complement each other very well because of the lack of a true point guard although I suppose the return of a good outside shooter in McGraw and the addition of Kowolonek as capable outside shooters on the wings and baseline might make Simpson's drives harder to stop as it will more difficult for teams to collapse back to help with the risk of those two hurting them with open 3s. Stein gives great effort but the lack of a true big man (in height) likely continues to hurt them as well unless there is someone new or who has grown that I am not aware of. Finally, does anyone know if Austin Collinsworth is returning to the hardwood this year? I know he was rehabbing a leg during the season last year.

I would assume to save Hoptown the lodging (and extra meal) expense of putting the entire team up for the night. I would think they drove up that morning and back home after the game. Awful long day for those kids particularly after the way the game went. Am I correct that Highlands will make a trip game west to Hopkinsville next year for a return game (home and away series)?

So any report on what happened at the game?

I expect Beechwood to win this in a close, hard fought low-scoring game. I was impressed with CovCath's effort and defense against Highlands but also believe the physicalness and emotion of a game like that takes it toll on them (along with some injuries that hurt them) while Beechwood has been on cruise control against lesser competition for the past few and upcoming weeks so they have the opportunity to come in a more rested and ready for this neighborhood showdown (and no subsequent meaningful challenges in their district) although they will have to gear back up to this level of intensity and competition. In the end, not quite enough offense for CovCath against a good Beechwood defense and Beechwood gets a couple of big plays out of their QB and/or perhaps Bankemper (RB) to win. In fact, it wouldn't be surprising for this to be somewhat like the Dixie/Beechwood game in that respect. Beechwood uses this one to gauge its status and prepare itself for the later rounds of its playoff romp this year. CovCath probably needs this one if it hopes to get 3 wins against its brutal schedule this year and a win over its neighborhood rivals would salvage something for them for the year.

Nice win for the Bluebirds. I was impressed (but not surprised) by the great effort by CovCath. They were just a couple of plays from making this a very interesting game. The Simons recovery and run for a first down on the bad snap on the field goal attempt was big as mentioned above as were the two Austin Collinsworth interceptions (particularly the one to stop a touchdown or at least field goal by the Colonels before the end of the first half). He downed that in the end zone. Had he looked up it appeared that he had quite a bit of room in front of him up the sideline--would have been interesting had he run it out. Also, huge catches by Draper on long balls thown up for grabs. Good coaching by Highlands to run the no huddle hurry up running game in the 4th quarter against a CovCath defense that just became exhausted in the heat. That sealed the game. Some special team matters (bad punt off the side of the foot and long kickoff return for CovCath late in game) cause for some concern but more palatable to correct those after a win.

Interesting cross state showdown. Some risk for Bluebirds of a post CovCath game emotional let down but I think Dale keeps them focused for a strong win. Very hard for any team to make the 4 or 5 hour bus ride and compete against a team of Highland's caliber on their home field and just looking at Hopkinville's record and scores so far this year it does not appear to be one of the better Hopkinsville years thus far but perhaps the folks from the west who have seen them play might chime in with respect to any injuries, youth or other things that may have factored into their season thus far and a little more about what their strengths are this year. I expect to hear the canon booming and the Hoptown boys to still be hearing that ringing in their ears on a very long bus ride home. Hopefully, other than a tough game the Ft. Thomas folks show them good hospitality on their trip.:thumb:

Exactly LN. That's no disrespect to NCC which obviously is off to a good start, has a good team and is an excellent program. NCC will just be outmanned and outnumbered by a quality, big school program in Ryle that is playing at home and will wear NCC team especially in the second half if NCC is playing many guys both ways. I also agree that Ryle wishes to stake its claim that it is the clear second best team in NKY after Highlands and it likely would love to have a second chance at the Birds after its second half performance against them in the season opener to prove it matches up much better with HHS than the score in the first game reflected.

No question Coach Lickert did a great job at Dayton and I wish him nothing but success with his new program at Holmes (except against Highlands) but your suggestion that his team that lost to Dayton (who I give credit to for having a great start to their year) will man up and have any reasonable chance against Highlands two weeks later seems a bit farfetched to me no disrespect intended to Holmes, Coach Lickert (or Dayton for that matter). Perhaps in a few years he can build the program up to have a sporting chance in this contest and that would be great for Holmes and the district competitiveness. Despite my comments above I agree you have to be careful not to look ahead past any opponent but I am confident the coaches and players will not do that this week and that the starters get most of the night off (most or all of the second half) and the Highlands JV gets an early start of preparation for their game the next morning against the Holmes JV.

I agree with Ram Attack. One advantage Highlands had coming into the game was a lot of players who have had the privilege to play in that type of venue and game the past few years (as well as coaches experienced in dealing with these situations and preparing their team for it). I give Highlands credit for taking good advantage of that experience to jump out to the quick early two touchdown lead before the Rams got settled down. I also appreciate Ram Attack coming back to the site to make classy posts after the game to give some of the Trotwood perspective on the game. That should be one of the good aspects of a site like this. Thanks RA and good luck to your Rams the rest of the way this season.

Should be a great game followed with great interest by many from across the state.