[Stardust]

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BOWLING GREEN – A large banner hung behind the Highlands bench at Friday’s state football finals at L.T. Smith Stadium. In large block letters it read simply: Complete the Mission

The mission, for a group of seniors who will leave the illustrious program as its most accomplished class, was accomplished. And it was accomplished emphatically.

Highlands won its third straight Class 5A state title with a 35-7 victory over John Hardin in front of 6,695 fans.

• Photos: Highlands wins state crown


“It feels great,” said Highlands senior defensive lineman Cameron Dierig. “All through winter weights we said we wanted to be one of the best teams to come through Highlands. Every guy on the team bought into that and that’s what makes it so special.”

The numbers speak for themselves.


The Bluebirds, ranked sixth in the USA Today Super 25 national rankings, became the sixth team in state history to win three straight titles. (Highlands also won three straight between 1998 and 2000.) They finished the season with a 15-0 record, becoming the 12th undefeated team in program history. (Highlands leads the state in that category.) They gave head coach Dale Mueller his eighth state title (tying him with two others as the state leader). They haven’t lost to an in-state opponent in three years, a streak that reached 41 games Friday night.


And they’re bringing a record-tying 19th state title back to Fort Thomas.


“This means a whole lot for all of us,” Mueller said. “These guys are so great, really because they stand on the shoulders of all the guys who have been Highlands football players. Their leadership is going to supply it for other guys.”


Highlands’ current seniors finish their three-year varsity career with a 44-1 record