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Before last year's Class 4-A state championship game against perennial power Highlands, Collins High School football coach Jerry Lucas had his team watch the movie "Miracle" in hopes of finding inspiration.

The film tells the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that upset the powerhouse Soviet Union on its way to the gold medal.

The movie did little for Collins, however, as Highlands won 47-0 to become the first team in Kentucky history to win six straight state titles.

A year later, Collins will face Highlands again in Saturday's 4-A final at Houchens Industries/L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. EST.

Lucas knows most observers consider the Bluebirds (13-1), who are No. 1 in The Courier-Journal's Litkenhous Ratings, heavy favorites over his No. 7 Titans (12-2). But he doesn't think his team needs a Hollywood miracle to win this time.

"What Highlands has accomplished over the last seven years can't be ignored," Lucas said. "But why not look at it as a great challenge? We think we have everything it takes to compete and win a state championship."

Collins has accomplished plenty in its four years of existence, sporting a 45-11 record with three regional titles. But the Bluebirds are among the bluebloods of Kentucky high school football, leading the all-time victory list (855) and tied with Trinity for the most state titles (22).

Lucas said there was an obvious difference between the teams during pregame warm*ups last year, and it showed in the first half. Quarterback Lawson Page was sacked four times in the first two quarters, and Highlands led 33-0 at halftime.

"There's an awe factor ... when you make your first finals," Lucas said. "Our kids are out there looking at the Jumbotron and doing what normal kids do. On the other end, (Highlands) was going to work because they expected to be there."

Collins senior DeAndre Farris expects his team to handle things differently this time.

"Last year one of our goals was just to make that game and play in that game," he said. "This year we kind of expected to be here. We want to come in and win the whole thing."

If Collins is to keep up with Highlands' high-scoring attack -- the Bluebirds average 51.8 points per game and have reached 70 four times -- Farris must be a big factor.

Farris, who has committed to Western Kentucky, is the team's top receiver (61 catches, 982 yards, 16 touchdowns) and No. 2 rusher (643 yards, 13 TDs). Page has passed for 3,036 yards and 37 TDs, and Nathan Sames has 55 catches for 930 yards and 12 scores.

Lucas said the key for the offense is limiting negative plays.

"And we can't turn the ball over ... because teams like Highlands will capitalize on it," he said. "There's nothing wrong with punting and playing field position sometimes."

Highlands has lost stellar quarterbacks to graduation the past two years -- Patrick Towles in 2011 and Donovan McCoy last year -- but Drew Houliston has stepped in admirably. The senior has passed for 3,660 yards and 48 touchdowns and has completed 69.7 percent of his passes (212 of 304).

"I really feel like the past two years Drew could have been our starting quarterback and been first-team All-State," coach Dale Mueller said. "It stinks a little bit for him because he wasn't able to play quarterback ... but he's just done a brilliant job this year."

Zach Harris (1,000 rushing yards, 21 TDs) is a third-year starter at running back, and Jenson Feggins (48 catches, 1,040 yards, 15 TDs) has emerged as a big-time receiver. Offensive lineman Nick True (WKU commitment) and defensive end Seth Hope (Cornell) are All-State-caliber.

"Their offensive line is very impressive," Lucas said. "I think Zach Harris is the guy who makes them go. ... The way he runs and the way they block for him sets up the passing game. And that line gives (Houliston) all day long to throw the ball."

Farris said he and his teammates are well aware of Highlands' strengths but won't be so awestruck this time around.

"They have a tremendous team, and it does feel a little different when you're playing them because you know it's Highlands," Farris said. "At the same time, you know in the back of your mind that you just have to come out and make plays."

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