[Stardust]

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll...912040382/

John Hardin enters tonight's Class 5A state final against Highlands with Kentucky's best run defense. But if you think John Hardin coach Mark Brown isn't concerned about stopping the run, you obviously haven't seen Highlands play.

Brown has.

"It all concerns me," he said this week. "What doesn't concern me?

"They're a great team with a great tradition. They do things right. I've seen the tape. And the thing that sticks out most is how they execute on the line of scrimmage. They're great blockers and that's a big concern. That's where games are won."

The Bulldogs boast one of the state's top defensive lines - a unit that includes all-state nominees William Burford, Stanley Johnson and Matt Linton. Highlands, ranked sixth in the country by USA Today, counters with one of the state's best offensive lines - a unit led by all-state nominees Tyler Grubbs and Hunter Schlosser.

Behind that offensive line, Highlands has rushed for an average of 254 yards per game despite injuries to its two best runners - Will Bardo and Austin Collinsworth. Both will play tonight, and both will bring athleticism that Brown admits is tough to simulate in practice.

"We've seen some teams that run similar offensive sets to them," he said of the Bluebirds, "but we haven't seen anyone who executes them quite like Highlands."

John Hardin has allowed just 558 rushing yards all season - an average of just 39.8 per game.

"They've had a great season," said Highlands coach Dale Mueller. "They've held about four or five teams to negative offensive yards. They've dominated teams. They hardly play anyone both ways, and they're a fast team that plays good football."

John Hardin, one of six teams still undefeated, beat South Oldham, Doss and Oldham County in the first three rounds of the playoffs. The Bulldogs then pulled off a 28-21 upset at Bowling Green to reach the finals.

Brown said he realizes his team will need an even bigger shocker to win the program's first state title.

"Our kids know what they're up against. They know about the national rankings," he said. "But this is the first time our kids have been there, so they're caught up in the moment. They're not too concerned with who they play. They just want to get down there and play.

"But they've watched film and they understand Highlands is a great team. We're going to have to play a great game to beat them."