[Blau Vogel]

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/h.../19858961/

There were plenty of reasons to think Highlands might suffer a drop off this season after ending a streak of six consecutive titles with a loss to Collins in last year's state championship game. The Bluebirds graduated a lot of talent and legendary coach Dale Mueller retired.

Instead, they did what they always do – plugged new talent in at key positions, developed solid depth across the roster, and first-year head coach Brian Weinrich's staff adjusted to its evolving lineup.

As a result, Highlands (12-2) will have a chance to win its 23rd state championship on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CST when they kick off against Owensboro (12-2) at Houchens Stadium at Western Kentucky University in the KHSAA Class 4A state championship game.

The Bluebirds are tied with Louisville Trinity for the most state titles in Kentucky history with 22. To take over sole possession of first place, they'll need a win and some help from Dixie, which plays Trinity in the 6A state finals at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Weinrich, who coached Highlands to the 2012 state championship win after Mueller's mother died earlier in the week, said preparing for the playoffs and state finals trip has been no different as the head coach than it has been the last 19 years when he was an assistant.

"The coaching staff and administrative staff here is just so awesome," Weinrich said. "We've all pitched in here wherever we could help every single year. It's the same thing this year. We all know what to do and what to expect. It's a pretty smooth week as far as all that type of stuff goes."

At Highlands, preparing for a state title is more of an expectation than a once in a lifetime opportunity. As an aspiring football player growing up in Fort Thomas, playing in the Kentucky high school state championships is a lifelong goal.

There's not much hoopla surrounding the Bluebirds football team this week, a few extra banners or signs hung up around school maybe. The coolest show of support the players receive comes from the elementary school kids, who color in a picture of the Highlands Bluebird logo and list their favorite player on their artwork. A group of "football moms" collect them all and hang them up in the locker room.

"It's really cool," senior linebacker Brady Murray said. "We haven't seen them yet this year, but I'm hoping there are a lot with my name on them."

Murray isn't the only one keeping a tally on how many little kids idolize him as a player.

"The elementary school kids have favorite players, like we all did growing up," Weinrich said. "The high school guys are pretty macho, but you can catch them looking around to see if any little kids have targeted them."

That tradition – little kids growing up and dreaming about winning a state title at the school in Fort Thomas – is perhaps the biggest reason for Highlands' sustained success. And with state championships being the ante just to enter the conversation for greatness at Highlands, the Bluebirds' tradition couldn't be any stronger in their 100th year of football.

That's why Murray, who is a third-year varsity starter, is eager to get back to the state finals and cement his class' legacy, especially after last year's loss.

"This is the best week ever. As a senior going into the state championship, you can't ask for anything more," Murray said. "I feel like there's a little revenge after last year. Going back to the state championship, I want it bad. You don't get that feeling ever again. It's going to be my last game ever."