[JustADad]

It was no secret in the Fort that the pool of talented players in the middle school and grade school age teams was drying up the year or so before the coaching change was made. In Mueller's last year, many were already talking about the "dark Years" (in terms of upcoming player talent) ahead. Coach W was able to win one State title because he was fortunate that the cupboard was not completely bare his first 2 years. His second year and 3rd year, talent level was down, but not across the board. Had the platoon system been abandoned early and the best players were allowed to play on both sides of the ball, the Birds could have very well won another title in those 2 years. Beyond that, the level of talent has been way down, especially at the skill positions. Beau Hodge was the last very good QB at Highlands and there have been no standout running backs or receivers in several years. There have been good skill players every year, but none who were game changers. There were some players who could have been offensive stars had they been utilized on that side of the ball. So, both coaching and talent have been the issues for a few years. Hopefully a turnaround can happen but only time will tell.