[bo67]

Will they be better. If so. How much better? Enough to win state.

[Woodsman]

I think they will be better but winning a state championship might be a stretch. Anything can happen I guess.

[Woodsman]

Where is my old buddy Cakebattermatters? He normally has remarkable insight into all things football? 🤣

[E's Army]

Highlands is not at the point where they can expect to compete for state titles year in and year out anymore.

[Hatz]

Will they be better. If so. How much better? Enough to win state.

The real question is have they improved enough to compete with Covington Catholic. :Thumbs:

[mantax]

Highlands is not at the point where they can expect to compete for state titles year in and year out anymore.

And you know that how?

[Hatz]

And you know that how?

6-6 record.

Only 2 victories vs winning teams: A 6-5 Oldham County and a 7-5 Campbell County.

A loss to Lex Cath doesn't bode well for the future either.

How many starters do the Birds return?

[mantax]

6-6 record.

Only 2 victories vs winning teams: A 6-5 Oldham County and a 7-5 Campbell County.

A loss to Lex Cath doesn't bode well for the future either.

How many starters do the Birds return?

You really ask that question after you make the statement of a 6-6 record? Figured you knew that based upon your comments. No, rather you are looking to knock a program that likely has pounded your team in the past.

[Poseidon]

While Highlands may not be as strong as they have been in recent seasons, they still are better than a majority of teams in KY. And if not respected and prepared for, will beat you. By the majority statement I mean the whole state, every class. I think they are better than 65 percent at least.

[Hatz]

You really ask that question after you make the statement of a 6-6 record? Figured you knew that based upon your comments. No, rather you are looking to knock a program that likely has pounded your team in the past.

Actually you didn’t answer my question. How many starters return?

You see KHSAA gives a lot of info but not starting lineups for teams not in the finals. I thought it was a simple question for any Birds fan to answer.

As to knocking them, I’m not. I don’t see the enthusiasm from the posters here and hoped someone could lay out a case.

As to your last jab, my alma mater is 1-1 in the state finals against the Birds. Even gave them their largest Finals loss ever.

[mantax]

Actually you didn’t answer my question. How many starters return?

You see KHSAA gives a lot of info but not starting lineups for teams not in the finals. I thought it was a simple question for any Birds fan to answer.

As to knocking them, I’m not. I don’t see the enthusiasm from the posters here and hoped someone could lay out a case.

As to your last jab, my alma mater is 1-1 in the state finals against the Birds. Even gave them their largest Finals loss ever.

They return a ton of "starters" on the defensive side of the ball. QB who started playoff games returns as to several key RB's and WR's.

The biggest question mark for this team will be the Offensive Line.

[Hatz]

They return a ton of "starters" on the defensive side of the ball. QB who started playoff games returns as to several key RB's and WR's.

The biggest question mark for this team will be the Offensive Line.

Not meaning to nitpick and have no doubt that you are correct but do you have an idea of the number in "ton?" 6? 8? 10? :Thumbs:

[Hatz]

They return a ton of "starters" on the defensive side of the ball. QB who started playoff games returns as to several key RB's and WR's.

The biggest question mark for this team will be the Offensive Line.

Went back to look it up.

The HHS defense gave up an average of 30 points per game in the regular season. I know they always play a Grade A schedule but that's a lot of points. Returning a "ton" of starters might not be a place to start in building a case for them as a State Contender in 2018.

[mantax]

I have said several times since Weinrich took over that the defense is not the problem, but gets all of the criticism. To say the offense is inept is an understatement. Way too conservative and predictable especially in the red zone. Also way too many 3 and outs which result in the defense taking more snaps than the offense.

Not sure what to expect to be quite honest, but many of the returnees on defense were sophomores last year.

[Woodsman]

The games that I’ve watched....highlands needs some help on offense and defense.

[mantax]

The games that I’ve watched....highlands needs some help on offense and defense.

Time will tell I guess. That is how I felt watching Covington Catholic over the last 10 or so years. Funny how ONE very good season brings them out of the woodwork.

[Woodsman]

Time will tell I guess. That is how I felt watching Covington Catholic over the last 10 or so years. Funny how ONE very good season brings them out of the woodwork.

Yes after the late 90’s cov cath trended downward and highlands went on a historic run. Cov cath struggled to find the right coach. Highlands obviously benefited. Dale mueller ran an incredible system that drew in all kinds of talent. Then dale retires and the lack of open enrollment takes a toll. It seems highlands is trendin downward. Not saying they won’t get better....but to assume things are heading back to their astronomical success is not likely in my opinion.

[mantax]

Yes after the late 90’s cov cath trended downward and highlands went on a historic run. Cov cath struggled to find the right coach. Highlands obviously benefited. Dale mueller ran an incredible system that drew in all kinds of talent. Then dale retires and the lack of open enrollment takes a toll. It seems highlands is trendin downward. Not saying they won’t get better....but to assume things are heading back to their astronomical success is not likely in my opinion.

Forget the years of astronomical success and Highlands has always been successful. Not expecting that type of a run out of anyone in the near future, but too expect more of the same is simply laughable. There have been 2 or 3 year stretches where Highlands has not won state and now is obviously one of those cycles. Remember that just 3 short seasons ago they were one half away from playing in the state title game for what the 10th straight year? I would certainly expect to see a much different Highlands team this year or the coach will be looking for a new job come next football season.

[Woodsman]

Forget the years of astronomical success and Highlands has always been successful. Not expecting that type of a run out of anyone in the near future, but too expect more of the same is simply laughable. There have been 2 or 3 year stretches where Highlands has not won state and now is obviously one of those cycles. Remember that just 3 short seasons ago they were one half away from playing in the state title game for what the 10th straight year? I would certainly expect to see a much different Highlands team this year or the coach will be looking for a new job come next football season.

That’s what I’m saying. Losing dale mueller and temporarily losing open enrollment has been a major setback. No way around that. I have no doubt that highlands will rebound and compete in the future. Just saying it’s not going to be like it was when smiley was running the show. Not going to happen. Almost impossible for it to because dales run was historic and lasted over a decade.

[birdman44]

I would say that IF they play 8 or so of their best players they are equal with Cov Cath.
They don't do that though so they wont get by the Colonels.
If a few kids go both ways they would surprise many: Huddelston, Sisson, both Schwalbachs, Armstrong, and there is D Lineman that is supposed to be really good I forget his name. They need to have players going both ways period but I don't know if they will do it.

They do return a lot on D, the D was young last year and the best 3 to 4 players weren't seniors. Plus there are a lot of sophomores coming up that can contribute.

Grady Cramer obviously should have been the starter last year at QB and this year no one will make that mistake again. No one is talking about him but he will be one of the best QBs in NKY if not the state. He has a beautiful long ball which Highlands hasn't had in a long time. Being "the guy" from day one will bring him a long way.

Highlands also graduated zero RBs which is good. Schwalbach will be great.

The OLine will be the question mark but that is the Highlands question mark every year. They don't need giant fat guys to run that offense. There are 5 regular guys walking the halls of Highlands that will run through a brick wall if asked to that can do what is required to win.

[Woodsman]

I would say that IF they play 8 or so of their best players they are equal with Cov Cath.
They don't do that though so they wont get by the Colonels.
If a few kids go both ways they would surprise many: Huddelston, Sisson, both Schwalbachs, Armstrong, and there is D Lineman that is supposed to be really good I forget his name. They need to have players going both ways period but I don't know if they will do it.

They do return a lot on D, the D was young last year and the best 3 to 4 players weren't seniors. Plus there are a lot of sophomores coming up that can contribute.

Grady Cramer obviously should have been the starter last year at QB and this year no one will make that mistake again. No one is talking about him but he will be one of the best QBs in NKY if not the state. He has a beautiful long ball which Highlands hasn't had in a long time. Being "the guy" from day one will bring him a long way.

Highlands also graduated zero RBs which is good. Schwalbach will be great.

The OLine will be the question mark but that is the Highlands question mark every year. They don't need giant fat guys to run that offense. There are 5 regular guys walking the halls of Highlands that will run through a brick wall if asked to that can do what is required to win.

To say that their talent rivals cov cath is a VERY bold statement. We will find out soon enough I guess.

[birdman44]

To say that their talent rivals cov cath is a VERY bold statement. We will find out soon enough I guess.

I get ya. I feel like Cov Cath might be top heavy on talent, though.
Coldiron, Mayer and McGinness are really super good yes.
But Cov Cath's step down at QB is so, so big. And I believe AJ made those guys look a bit better than they are.

On the Highlands side Huddleston is a freak, I would say as good as Michael Mayer, I know I'll hear about that comment but I've seen them both play and in my heart I think Huddleston is better, but my Bird-goggles might be getting the best of me. Mayer's size and athleticism is freak and is probably better but Huddleston plays big and is ferocious. He just plays so angry almost like his families lives depend on the outcome of the play, you can't teach that.

QB wise Cramer will be a lot better than Cov Cath's guy IMO. He should have started last year 100% probably would have changed the outcome of a couple games.

Cov Cath does have freak talent don't get me wrong. All I'm saying is Highlands could hang with them if they play their studs both ways.

[Woodsman]

I get ya. I feel like Cov Cath might be top heavy on talent, though.
Coldiron, Mayer and McGinness are really super good yes.
But Cov Cath's step down at QB is so, so big. And I believe AJ made those guys look a bit better than they are.

On the Highlands side Huddleston is a freak, I would say as good as Michael Mayer, I know I'll hear about that comment but I've seen them both play and in my heart I think Huddleston is better, but my Bird-goggles might be getting the best of me. Mayer's size and athleticism is freak and is probably better but Huddleston plays big and is ferocious. He just plays so angry almost like his families lives depend on the outcome of the play, you can't teach that.

QB wise Cramer will be a lot better than Cov Cath's guy IMO. He should have started last year 100% probably would have changed the outcome of a couple games.

Cov Cath does have freak talent don't get me wrong. All I'm saying is Highlands could hang with them if they play their studs both ways.

I like your sentiment and your optimism....but to suggest anyone is remotely as good or better than Michael Mayer is silly in my estimation. I think the majority of college scouts agree with me.

[birdman44]

I like your sentiment and your optimism....but to suggest anyone is remotely as good or better than Michael Mayer is silly in my estimation. I think the majority of college scouts agree with me.

I remember Zeke Pike was way more interesting to scouts than Patrick Towels. Scouts get really excited about size and starting as sophomores. Huddy was very impressive as a sophomore, M. Mayer did as well. I am sure some scouts are interested in Huddy. Comparing two very good sophomores isn't silly at all. There is a long path in front of both kids.

[Woodsman]

I remember Zeke Pike was way more interesting to scouts than Patrick Towels. Scouts get really excited about size and starting as sophomores. Huddy was very impressive as a sophomore, M. Mayer did as well. I am sure some scouts are interested in Huddy. Comparing two very good sophomores isn't silly at all. There is a long path in front of both kids.

Long path.....but yours simply defies logic. I don’t have a dog in the fight but your assertion is outlandish. Good luck birds. You will defintiely need it.

[The Truth Sayer]

I get ya. I feel like Cov Cath might be top heavy on talent, though.
Coldiron, Mayer and McGinness are really super good yes.
But Cov Cath's step down at QB is so, so big. And I believe AJ made those guys look a bit better than they are.

On the Highlands side Huddleston is a freak, I would say as good as Michael Mayer, I know I'll hear about that comment but I've seen them both play and in my heart I think Huddleston is better, but my Bird-goggles might be getting the best of me. Mayer's size and athleticism is freak and is probably better but Huddleston plays big and is ferocious. He just plays so angry almost like his families lives depend on the outcome of the play, you can't teach that.

QB wise Cramer will be a lot better than Cov Cath's guy IMO. He should have started last year 100% probably would have changed the outcome of a couple games.

Cov Cath does have freak talent don't get me wrong. All I'm saying is Highlands could hang with them if they play their studs both ways.

Are you on AMBIEN like Roseanne? If so, I guess we can give you a re-do.
Unfortunately, this is the type of comment that makes everyone outside of Highlands, HATE Highlands. Everyone has the right to their opinion, but MAN, when you post comments like this, it makes everyone in the Highalnds camp look/sound like morons. Please think before you post. May want to clean off those Bird Goggles because they are making you crazy! Also, we better beat Cov Cath before we start throwing butt-darts at them.:please:

Chuck Martin, Head Coach Miami (OH) University, recently told a group of parents and players this, "You are here to be evaluated and it comes down to one thing, genetics! I constantly hear from high school coaches, 'this kid is tough, he is a hard worker, he is smart, he can hit, etc....' I don't care about any of that, if he doesn't have the genetics to do what we need him to do on this level, I don't want them. I can find 500 kids that work hard, are smart and can hit."
Probably why Michael has numerous High Level offers already. His genetics are incredible and he can play.

[birdman44]

Long path.....but yours simply defies logic. I don’t have a dog in the fight but your assertion is outlandish. Good luck birds. You will defintiely need it.

Well good thing they let them play the games, with your logic everything is written is stone. The two kids had very similar numbers as sophomores.

[Woodsman]

Well good thing they let them play the games, with your logic everything is written is stone. The two kids had very similar numbers as sophomores.

Yeah stats are what they are basing his recruitment off of. Come now. We are still in the real world right?

[birdman44]

Yeah stats are what they are basing his recruitment off of. Come now. We are still in the real world right?

Dude that's what I said, his recruitment is based off size. giant kids get recruited hard. So I'm figuring out you haven't seen Huddy play yet. He is a beast. Mayer is a human right?

[Woodsman]

Dude that's what I said, his recruitment is based off size. giant kids get recruited hard. So I'm figuring out you haven't seen Huddy play yet. He is a beast. Mayer is a human right?

And Im figuring you haven’t seen Mayer play. I’ve seen Huddy play 4 varsity games. The kid is a great player. He’s not Michael Mayer nor will he be. If you think Mayer is being recruited on size alone....conversation over because you clearly don’t understand how it works. Regardless, let’s get back to highlands. What coaching changes have been made in the off season? What will appease the highlands faithful this year?