[Stardust]

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll...311200100/

Highlands found itself in unfamiliar territory late Friday night. Johnson Central had countered the 14 points scored by the Bluebirds in the first six minutes of the Class 5A regional championship game in Fort Thomas with a methodical, clock-grinding 14 points of its own to forge a tie with just over three minutes left in the first half.

The Bluebirds answered that adversity with 28 points in a span of 13 minutes and advanced to next week’s state semifinal with a 42-21 victory against the Golden Eagles.

Highlands, ranked No. 8 in the USA Today national poll and now 13-0, will host either Pulaski County or Letcher County Central next Friday with a trip to Bowling Green for the state championship game on the line. The Bluebirds are seeking a third consecutive state championship and No. 19 overall.

• Photos: Bluebirds 42, Golden Eagles 21


“Our guys picture every week what it’s going to be like if you’re down five points and there’s two minutes left in the game,” said Highlands coach Dale Mueller. “We picture that, we practice for that and they’re ready for it.”

Senior running back Austin Collinsworth led Highlands with 159 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 14 carries, while fellow senior Tyler Fennell added two touchdowns and 46 yards on seven carries. Sophomore quarterback Patrick Towles threw just six passes but completed four of them for 91 yards, including gains of 35 and 36 yards to senior John Drenen.

Towles took over the starting job in the middle of the season after senior Will Bardo went down with an elbow injury. Bardo has returned to the lineup as a running back while Towles has remained the quarterback.

“We try to be the most prolific offense we can be,” said Towles. “We want to score every possession. We want to gain positive yardage every play and gain as much yardage as possible. The O-line was awesome tonight.”

Highlands outgained Johnson Central and its Veer rushing attack, 352-296. The Golden Eagles had won eight straight games, including wins against Scott and Covington Catholic in the first two rounds of the playoffs, entering the regional championship.

This is the second season in a row Highlands has beaten Johnson Central for the regional title. The Bluebirds won 35-21 in Paintsville last season in a game that was tied 7-7 at halftime. In that game, Highlands got a pair of long touchdown passes from quarterback Tony Guidugli and a 73-yard fumble return for a touchdown by defensive tackle Kody Rosenhagen in the third quarter to break open the game.

The rematch was a similarly tight game through the first half before Highlands’ depth and overall talent took control.

Collinsworth was dropped for a 1-yard loss on the first play from scrimmage but came back on second down to break free for a 62-yard touchdown run. Highlands made it 14-0 on its next possession as Fennell went through the left side of the line for a 29-yard scoring run and it appeared to be another run-away for the Bluebirds.

Johnson Central regained its composure, however, and answered Fennell’s touchdown with a 74-yard drive that Nate Dillon capped on the ninth play with a 30-yard touchdown.

The Golden Eagles then stopped Highlands on downs for a defensive breath of life. The Johnson Central offense responded to its defense with a 13-play, 71-yard drive that took up 6:41 of the clock. Dillon, who finished with 130 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries, scored on a 6-yard run to even the score with 3:14 left in the half.

Highlands regained the lead for good on Collinsworth’s 6-yard touchdown run with 1:08 left in the first half. It didn’t take long for the Bluebirds to extend the margin in the third quarter. Johnson Central had possession to open the second half but fumbled on the third play from scrimmage. The ball was recovered by sophomore Josh Quillen of the Highlands at the Johnson Central 29 and five plays later Collinsworth had his third touchdown of the game, this time on a 1-yard run.

Quillen also had an interception in the second half.

“We felt good at the half; it was going pretty much the way we had planned,” said Johnson Central coach Jim Matney. “We knew we’d have a tough time stopping Highlands but we felt good about our chances to move the football. Then we come out and put the ball on the ground. You just can’t do that with our offense.”

Fennell scored on a 12-yard run in the third quarter and Towles added a 13-yard run of his own on the first play of the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Bluebirds.


[Stardust]

Johnson Central 7 7 0 7--21
Highlands 14 7 14 7--42

H – Collinsworth 62 run (Weinel kick)
H – Fennell 29 run (Weinel kick)
JC – Dillon 30 run (Davis kick)
JC –Dillon 6 run (Davis kick)
H – Collinsworth 6 run (Weinel kick)
H – Collinsworth 1 run (Weinel kick)
H – Fennell 12 run (Weinel kick)
H – Towles 13 run (Weinel kick)
JC – Dillon 1 run (Davis kick)

Records: Johnson Central 8-5, Highlands 13-0.

NKY.com

[kywldcat01]

Oh they would, huh? X only scored 7 on HHS didn't they? They had trouble with our run game, what makes you think they wouldn't?

You can't be serious in thinking JC would even play with Cincy St. X.

The difference in the two? X actually plays defense unlike JC.

Sure they only scored 7 on Highlands but they also held the Birds to a season low 12 points.

X would exploit JC big time up front offensively in the run game. Smallest guy on their line is 6'1 250 and they average 6'4 270. They also have big receivers which would give the JC secondary problems.

Highlands 12 St. X 7
Highlands 42 JC 21

You can't compare scores, but there's no comparison between the two games. Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships.

[Mr.Kimball]

Covcath fan? :dontthink

You may want to do a little research there bud...I'm far from a Covcath fan. Anyone who knows me personally knows I follow two teams: Holmes and Highlands.

And wack'em is a "converted Highlands fan."

Like I said before, with our without Collinsworth Highlands still wins this game. JC couldn't put up enough points on the board to beat Highlands. Will Bardo is just as good of a running back as Collinsworth. The proof is in the scores:

Highlands 37 Ryle 14 (WITH AC AND BARDO)
Highlands 31 Ryle 14 (WITHOUT AC....Bardo/Fennell splitting carries at RB)

And do you not realize JC didn't even face the same team that beat X? Let's not forget that Highlands original QB was Bardo and AC was the featured back. JC lost to Highlands with their BACKUP qb. Again, the depth that Highlands has it what separates them from JC.

I stand corrected on the fan base part. I thought I had read at one time your were a CC fan. Sorry for that.

But still what you are impling dont mean diddly squat.


And since you've got a whole lot of "for the records" going on her. For my record, and for the second time, I watched the St. X game on TV. Pay attention, I know who was where.

And depth, for this paticular year, yes could be a major factor. I tend to think it has a lot to do with a boat load of talent.

I think your just one of those guys that is having a little bit of a hard time adjusting to and accepting the fact that our particular brand of play genuinely is a threat to the northern Kentucky power base. It's a plain fact that for the last several years , northern Kentucky is able to only come up with one team per year that can handle us. We may not be there yet, but you for sure cant deny that we are rapidly closing that gap. Perhaps one of these days in the very near future , you aint gonna have one of those bumper crop teams.

[Mr.Kimball]

You can't be serious in thinking JC would even play with Cincy St. X.

The difference in the two? X actually plays defense unlike JC.

Sure they only scored 7 on Highlands but they also held the Birds to a season low 12 points. X would exploit JC big time up front offensively in the run game. Smallest guy on their line is 6'1 250 and they average 6'4 270. They also have big receivers which would give the JC secondary problems.

Highlands 12 St. X 7
Highlands 42 JC 21

You can't compare scores, but there's no comparison between the two games. Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships.

lol.... You obviously dont take the time (or cant remember) what gets posted, do you? If you read what I posted , you would see that that is what I have ranted on and on about. Sheesh!!!!

[Hoot Gibson]

And that is exactly what we did with Tommy Taylor a couple of years ago. I believe he had something like 8 receptions that went for 8 TDs. When he has the personnel in place to do certain things, I dont think Matney has a problem utilizing them. I seem to remember at Sheldon Clark he set state records for passing attempts one season. Most of these Highlands or north Kentucky posters in general that know everything, really dont know enough about either him or his system to even comment on him/it.

I dont think at the high school level you can get to the point that you can have an effective passing game year after year after year. Teams like Highlands, St. X and Trinity may have those resourses, but 98% of high school programs are not able to do that season after season after season. Matney has enough sense to know that you can be very good every year, by doing what he is doing instead of going with a passing system that you can have extreme peaks and valley's with.

Yes I know that Highlands has great teams year after year after year, but lets also keep in mind that this is not the average Highlands team either. One has to remember that this team is also ranked in the top 10 in the country according to some polls. They are always good, but perhaps not this good. Let's not blame JC's lack of a passing game on something that everybody else has not been able to contend with either. Nobody still has been able to come up with an answer to my question, "what about Saint X" either.I still wonder about the hypothethical question of what would it have been like if Collinsworth was not able to have played in this one like he wasn't a couple of weeks ago? Nobody wants to answer that one as well.

I know that Matney has had effective passing games in the past but I think that he has always focused on having a strong running game when he had the personnel to do so.

I think JC could have a great passing game if it focused more on passing but Matney has shown that he can field one of the top rushing attacks in the state year after year.

Not many teams can employ a strong, balanced offense like Covington Catholic did in 2006 or this year's Highlands team. Most teams at the high school level have to choose between focusing on the run or the pass if they want to be good at either. I think that JC will have a better passing attack next season because they will return a very experienced backfield and Matney will be able to devote more time to shoring up weaknesses.

[kywldcat01]

I stand corrected on the fan base part. I thought I had read at one time your were a CC fan. Sorry for that.

But still what you are impling dont mean diddly squat.

And since you've got a whole lot of "for the records" going on her. I watched the St. X game on TV. I know who was where.

And depth, for this paticular year, yes could be a major factor. I tend to think it has a lot to do with a boat load of talent.

I think your just one of those guys that is having a little bit of a hard time adjusting to and accepting the fact that our particular brand of play genuinely is a threat to the northern Kentucky power base. It's a plain fact that for the last several years , northern Kentucky is able to only come up with one team per year that can handle us. We may not be there yet, but you for sure cant deny that we are rapidly closing that gap.

:please:

What would I have to accept? JC has lost to Highlands 35-21 and 42-21 the past two years. I have nothing to be worried about.

You also failed to mention that Covcath has had two of their worst teams in program history over the past two years that JC has beat them.

I've said time and time again I respect JC and Matney for what they're doing down there, but the bar is Highlands and until you beat Highlands that gap isn't closing any.

I will however credit the Eagles and say that I think they would do very well in nky. I think they'd have trouble with our 6A teams (Sk, Ryle, Conner, Boone Co), but they'd be a top 3 or 4 team year in and year out in nky. I don't think they have superior talent, but they simply have a system that they execute very well.

[Mr.Kimball]

:please:

What would I have to accept? JC has lost to Highlands 35-21 and 42-21 the past two years. I have nothing to be worried about.

You also failed to mention that Covcath has had two of their worst teams in program history over the past two years that JC has beat them.

I've said time and time again I respect JC and Matney for what they're doing down there, but the bar is Highlands and until you beat Highlands that gap isn't closing any.

I will however credit the Eagles and say that I think they would do very well in nky. I think they'd have trouble with our 6A teams (Sk, Ryle, Conner, Boone Co), but they'd be a top 3 or 4 team year in and year out in nky. I don't think they have superior talent, but they simply have a system that they execute very well.

Really? You might otta.

So CovCath was down, so what? Perhaps we're just down this year as well? Ever think of that? We lost a ton of good players last year, but we were still able to come up there and compete with your loaded bumper crop team, for a while anyways.

And here we go with the "for the record" stuff again, so you know Johnson Central annilated Conner two years ago. We have not played the others however.


And that system that they execute so well is what you are criticizing too, isn't it?

[PaintsvilleTigerfan]

why argue over it JC made us very proud the wishbone IMO is the best offense for high school football. this game proves that to me good job JC you will get em next year.

[NCC41]

The notable stat before the game was that the JC defense was giving up over 20 yards a pass reception. Highlands throws the ball only 6 times last night and completes 4 of those passes for over 90 yards. If Collinsworth doesn't play his yards are simply made up with Bardo and Fennell running more or Towles throwing more.
Under their current scheme for JC to beat Highlands, (not just playing close), they have to play perfect on offense. There can be no mistakes.
JC if you have the same offensive scheme next year with no passing threat and no pass defense you will not beat them, it's really that simple.
Strictly playing "smash mouth football" will not win you a state championship, which I'm sure you're playing for.
You have some excellent athletes!
Balance is everything. I think that was demonstrated last night.

[kywldcat01]

Really? You might otta.

So CovCath was down, so what? Perhaps we're just down this year as well? Ever think of that? We lost a ton of good players last year, but we were still able to come up there and compete with your loaded bumper crop team, for a while anyways.

And here we go with the "for the record" stuff again, so you know Johnson Central annilated Conner two years ago. We have not played the others however.


And that system that they execute so well is what you are criticizing too, isn't it?

Until JC can knock off the Birds I have nothing to worry about. If you're satisfied with losing in the region championship game every year, then yea I guess you can say JC is closing gap.

You're going to play the "JC was down this year" card, eh? Last year was one of JC's best teams in program history and they still couldn't overcome Highlands.

That Conner team that you "annilated" two years ago was 1-9 so what's your point? Everyone beat them bad that year. Heck, Holmes beat them 34-6 and they were a 4-6 team.

I never criticized their system but stated that they'll never beat a team like Highlands being one dimensional.

[kywldcat01]

The notable stat before the game was that the JC defense was giving up over 20 yards a pass reception. Highlands throws the ball only 6 times last night and completes 4 of those passes for over 90 yards. If Collinsworth doesn't play his yards are simply made up with Bardo and Fennell running more or Towles throwing more.
Under their current scheme for JC to beat Highlands, (not just playing close), they have to play perfect on offense. There can be no mistakes.
JC if you have the same offensive scheme next year with no passing threat and no pass defense you will not beat them, it's really that simple.
Strictly playing "smashed mouth football" will not win you a state championship, which I'm sure you're playing for.
You have some excellent athletes!
Balance is everything. I think that was demonstrated last night.

I agree 100%.

Look at some of the great rushing Boone Co teams that were upended in the state semi's and finals because they had no balance offensively and simply played smash mouth football. They had a future NFL star in Shaun Alexander and still couldn't get the job done doing that.

[Can you dig it?]

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll...311200100/

Highlands found itself in unfamiliar territory late Friday night. Johnson Central had countered the 14 points scored by the Bluebirds in the first six minutes of the Class 5A regional championship game in Fort Thomas with a methodical, clock-grinding 14 points of its own to forge a tie with just over three minutes left in the first half.

The Bluebirds answered that adversity with 28 points in a span of 13 minutes and advanced to next week’s state semifinal with a 42-21 victory against the Golden Eagles.

Highlands, ranked No. 8 in the USA Today national poll and now 13-0, will host either Pulaski County or Letcher County Central next Friday with a trip to Bowling Green for the state championship game on the line. The Bluebirds are seeking a third consecutive state championship and No. 19 overall.

• Photos: Bluebirds 42, Golden Eagles 21


“Our guys picture every week what it’s going to be like if you’re down five points and there’s two minutes left in the game,” said Highlands coach Dale Mueller. “We picture that, we practice for that and they’re ready for it.”

Senior running back Austin Collinsworth led Highlands with 159 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 14 carries, while fellow senior Tyler Fennell added two touchdowns and 46 yards on seven carries. Sophomore quarterback Patrick Towles threw just six passes but completed four of them for 91 yards, including gains of 35 and 36 yards to senior John Drenen.

Towles took over the starting job in the middle of the season after senior Will Bardo went down with an elbow injury. Bardo has returned to the lineup as a running back while Towles has remained the quarterback.

“We try to be the most prolific offense we can be,” said Towles. “We want to score every possession. We want to gain positive yardage every play and gain as much yardage as possible. The O-line was awesome tonight.”

Highlands outgained Johnson Central and its Veer rushing attack, 352-296. The Golden Eagles had won eight straight games, including wins against Scott and Covington Catholic in the first two rounds of the playoffs, entering the regional championship.

This is the second season in a row Highlands has beaten Johnson Central for the regional title. The Bluebirds won 35-21 in Paintsville last season in a game that was tied 7-7 at halftime. In that game, Highlands got a pair of long touchdown passes from quarterback Tony Guidugli and a 73-yard fumble return for a touchdown by defensive tackle Kody Rosenhagen in the third quarter to break open the game.

The rematch was a similarly tight game through the first half before Highlands’ depth and overall talent took control.

Collinsworth was dropped for a 1-yard loss on the first play from scrimmage but came back on second down to break free for a 62-yard touchdown run. Highlands made it 14-0 on its next possession as Fennell went through the left side of the line for a 29-yard scoring run and it appeared to be another run-away for the Bluebirds.

Johnson Central regained its composure, however, and answered Fennell’s touchdown with a 74-yard drive that Nate Dillon capped on the ninth play with a 30-yard touchdown.

The Golden Eagles then stopped Highlands on downs for a defensive breath of life. The Johnson Central offense responded to its defense with a 13-play, 71-yard drive that took up 6:41 of the clock. Dillon, who finished with 130 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries, scored on a 6-yard run to even the score with 3:14 left in the half.

Highlands regained the lead for good on Collinsworth’s 6-yard touchdown run with 1:08 left in the first half. It didn’t take long for the Bluebirds to extend the margin in the third quarter. Johnson Central had possession to open the second half but fumbled on the third play from scrimmage. The ball was recovered by sophomore Josh Quillen of the Highlands at the Johnson Central 29 and five plays later Collinsworth had his third touchdown of the game, this time on a 1-yard run.

Quillen also had an interception in the second half.

“We felt good at the half; it was going pretty much the way we had planned,” said Johnson Central coach Jim Matney. “We knew we’d have a tough time stopping Highlands but we felt good about our chances to move the football. Then we come out and put the ball on the ground. You just can’t do that with our offense.”

Fennell scored on a 12-yard run in the third quarter and Towles added a 13-yard run of his own on the first play of the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Bluebirds.


I was talking to Kody at the game last night. He's like a lucky Buddha against JC.

[whackem'n'stackem']

I think the subject of class was addressed prior to the game with the way that the Highlands administration treated WSIP radio and their announcers. Removing them from the pressbox and not supplying them with player information was very disrespectful.

There is very little dispute that JC and it's coaching staff play dirty football. It looked, at times, last night that Highlands wasn't playing Johnson Central but more like the Mean Machine in the movie "The Longest Yard."

[Eagle_Fan442]

"there's one on every block" even in Ft. Thomas.

There was more than "one" on the block at Ft.Thomas last night lol...

[Mr.Kimball]

Until JC can knock off the Birds I have nothing to worry about. If you're satisfied with losing in the region championship game every year, then yea I guess you can say JC is closing gap.

You're going to play the "JC was down this year" card, eh? Last year was one of JC's best teams in program history and they still couldn't overcome Highlands.

That Conner team that you "annilated" two years ago was 1-9 so what's your point? Everyone beat them bad that year. Heck, Holmes beat them 34-6 and they were a 4-6 team.

I never criticized their system but stated that they'll never beat a team like Highlands being one dimensional.

Hey, once again try and keep up with me here.. Your having a little trouble with this stuff, huh? (perhaps your just one dimensional?...lol) You are the one that brought Conner into the discussion and said we might have trouble playing with them. There was no gloat on this end. Just stating the facts on the little tidbit that you brought to the table. lol

And why are you having so much trouble getting it into your noggin that nobody else no matter how dimensional is able to beat Highlands this year either. Comprende? Your point is absolutely mute. Sheeesh!!!!

[whackem'n'stackem']

For the record, JC didn't play a nationally ranked team last night. They played a banged up Highlands team that is hobbling towards another State title. The Eagles only scored 7 in my book. Highlands gave you guys 14 with a stupid play and 2nd team defense. I'll give JC credit for 1.5 qtrs but the game is played for 4qtrs. When the 2nd half started it was like Highlands was playing Scott again.

[whackem'n'stackem']

There was more than "one" on the block at Ft.Thomas last night lol...

You're right. As you look at the stands, focus on the right side.....lot's of em'

[brown_ind1977]

Ok , I have read enough garbage on here to choke a horse. great game highland the better team won. This game could have went either way if JC holds on to the ball, but we didn't . I will tell you this, This is a down year for us. with the loss of 4 line man a great coach, and one of the best athletes in Welch.I predict JCHS to win there first state championship next year. As far as the fans at Fort Thomas that I spoke with, you guys are nothing but a class act. good luck to you and your son. Football is a game of what if.

I am proud of you EAGLES, and what you have over come this season
NEXT YEAR AT THE NEST!

[Stardust]

let's keep the topic on last nights game

[Mr.Kimball]

I agree 100%.

Look at some of the great rushing Boone Co teams that were upended in the state semi's and finals because they had no balance offensively and simply played smash mouth football. They had a future NFL star in Shaun Alexander and still couldn't get the job done doing that.

Maybe his supporting cast just wasn't all that great either. Ever think of that?



Tim Couch was the most prolific passer in the history of high school football at the time too. Leslie Co. didn't make it either, huh?

[sstack]

Highlands wins this game with or without AC. IF he isn't carrying the rock, you have Bardo or Fennell back there. Bardo is just as elusive and fast as Collinsworth, while also being bigger at 6'4.

That's the difference between Highlands and a team like JC....Highlands has the depth and talent to make up for a loss like that.

And for the record, Collinsworth could have played the weeks he was out with the injury. He initially was hurt in the first half of a game but finished with the injury. The only reason he was kept out the next two weeks was as a precaution. AC was medically cleared to play.

I believe if you look at their track times, Bardo is faster than AC.

[Eagle_Fan442]

For the record, JC didn't play a nationally ranked team last night. They played a banged up Highlands team that is hobbling towards another State title. The Eagles only scored 7 in my book. Highlands gave you guys 14 with a stupid play and 2nd team defense. I'll give JC credit for 1.5 qtrs but the game is played for 4qtrs. When the 2nd half started it was like Highlands was playing Scott again.

Looks like excuses are being made from Highlands fans..not JC's

[sstack]

Your pretty lame with this stuff, aren't you? That says they won without him against Ryle, and that's all that says. How does any of that imply they would have won without him against JC? JC has had Dillion out as well against certain teams for most of the season and still won. That's not a very good arguement your trying to make here.

Oh they would, huh? X only scored 7 on HHS didn't they? They had trouble with our run game, what makes you think they wouldn't?

Why don't you put them on your schedule next year and find out?

[sstack]

Really? You might otta.

So CovCath was down, so what? Perhaps we're just down this year as well? Ever think of that? We lost a ton of good players last year, but we were still able to come up there and compete with your loaded bumper crop team, for a while anyways.

And here we go with the "for the record" stuff again, so you know Johnson Central annilated Conner two years ago. We have not played the others however.


And that system that they execute so well is what you are criticizing too, isn't it?

I do not believe Conner has been considered a threat since 1983.

[Mr.Kimball]

For the record, JC didn't play a nationally ranked team last night. They played a banged up Highlands team that is hobbling towards another State title. The Eagles only scored 7 in my book. Highlands gave you guys 14 with a stupid play and 2nd team defense. I'll give JC credit for 1.5 qtrs but the game is played for 4qtrs. When the 2nd half started it was like Highlands was playing Scott again.

Banged up?? Did you not read Dale's comment's in the newspaper interview? He said they were finally healthy now. Come on now, I figure he ought to know better than anyone. Dont you think?!!!!


If that's the way you want to look at it, JC gave you the first one in the 3rd quarter. The fumble was off the hip of Bratton. It wasn't forced, and dont try to imply that it was.

All of this stuff is what happens in football games. You have to take advantage of the other teams miscues. It happs in every game that is played. Unfortunately JC made more than Highlands, which developed into a huge disaster for them. You cant do that against great teams.

[Mr.Kimball]

I do not believe Conner has been considered a threat since 1983.

Do none of you guys ever read everything that gets posted? I NEVER SAID THEY WERE. Your little buddy was trying to imply that they were. I mearly pointed out that we had no trouble with them. You and Wildcat, please try to keep up here.

[Mr.Kimball]

Looks like excuses are being made from Highlands fans..not JC's

This is Dale Muller's quote to the Kentucky Post.

"We're fresh now. We're 100% healthy", said Muller. "We're clicking. We're going to look to get better next week.''


What say you Wackem?

[Eagle_Fan442]

Regardless of the class of some fans and posters. Bottom line is JC is knockin on Highlands door.

[Mr.Kimball]

This is Dale Muller's quote to the Kentucky Post.

"We're fresh now. We're 100% healthy", said Muller. "We're clicking. We're going to look to get better next week.''


What say you Wackem?

To repeat your wise words from Thursday.


I'm waiting!!!!