[nky]

from nky.com

Highlands (11-1) at Johnson Central (10-2)

WHAT: Class 5A regional final; winner will play at Pulaski County or Harlan County in the state semifinals
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today; 257 N. Mayo Trail, Paintsville
WHAT TO WATCH: Can Highlands stop Johnson Central junior standout running back J.J. Jude? The junior set a single-game state rushing record earlier this year and put up 439 yards in last week's win over Covington Catholic. The Bluebirds have contained some pretty good running backs this season - Ryle's Travis Elliott, Beechwood's Cameron Vocke, Withrow's Da'Shawn Farley. With a big performance tonight, Jude could make the leap from mountain hero to statewide phenomenon.
BOTTOM LINE: "We've been thinking about Johnson Central since the day after last year's state championship game," Highlands coach Dale Mueller said. All that preparation was for good reason. Highlands hasn't had many close calls during its run to three straight state titles, but the Bluebirds did play a close game at Johnson Central during the 2008 postseason - escaping with a 35-21 win. Johnson Central, which beat Covington Catholic 41-28 last week, should prove a pretty big hurdle for the Bluebirds. Highlands might be the favorite, but not by much.