[Rocky Top]

We're only 4 weeks away from this big game,so lets get this started now.
Who wins and why.

[Jack Lambert]

Its early,but i'll bight.I'll take Boyle 21 to 17.

[bac2369]

Highlands by 2 tds.

[Jack Lambert]

I think if these two teams had played over the last two seasons it would have been a toss up,and i'll tell you why they both had one common opponent over the last two seasons Johnson Central.In 2009 Boyle beat JC 49 to 7,Highlands beat JC 42 to 21.In 2010 Boyle beat JC 36 TO 29.Highlands beat JC 21 to 14.I dont think there is a gap between these two programs like alot of people think there is.I think over the past three seasons these two teams have been pretty even.

[birdman44]

tied at half time...highlands pulls away

Highlands 38 - 27

Too much Towles, even with Cox busting over 100yds and at least 2TDs

I def think Boyle could win if they get 1 or 2 key turnovers though.

looking forward to it.

[Jack Lambert]

I agree,I dont see a blowout by either team.who ever has the least turnovers should win,but i don't think it will be a high scoring game either.both teams traditionally play great defense,and i dont think that will change.

[BoyleCounty]

I'll take the Rebels in a dandy. Less than a 5 point victory.

[mrb5150]

Highlands by 3 tds just because it's the first game of the year for Highlands later on it would be 4 or 5 tds this team is for real Boyle has a good team but not good enough to keep this game close Elder will be the only close game the Birds will have this year just my opinion.

[Rocky Top]

I have all the respect for Highlands,a great team year in and year out,but can not go against my Rebels, Boyle Co.by a FG.

[rick2517]

Boyle County by a touchdown

[RunItUpTheGut]

Boyle wins by penalty kicks 5-4.

Lol, seriously, ill take Boyle 28-21

[Stardust]

Highlands 28 - 20

[Hoot Gibson]

Highlands by 21. Boyle has some rebuilding to do and may very well eliminate Highlands from the playoffs this season, but I just don't see the Rebels overcoming the Birds' edge in experience in the opening game of the season.

[Sports Xpress]

Does anyone know of any other Central KY scrimmages happening? Looking to book myself to check one out. What's Bourbon County and Paris doing as far as scrimmages? Harrison Co? Nicholas Co? Lexington schools?

[Jack Lambert]

By looking at the number of players both teams lost last year,Highlands lost as many starters as Boyle did.besides these programs dont rebuild they reload.

[NCC41]

One thing in the Birds favor is going to be the heat in August and the fact they're going to run Boyle's Defensive Backs 60 yards downfield on almost every play. What makes it worse is that their QB can easily throw it that far. For Boyle's sake I hope they're deep at the corner position.

For Boyle County fans, are they really adding stands for this game? I've read that in several different places.

[rebel 4 life]

We're only 4 weeks away from this big game,so lets get this started now.
Who wins and why.

the rebels forces towles in to makeing a late 4th quarter pick and the rebels kick the game winning fg to win 27-24

[Wise one]

This will be one great game. The only problem I have with the game is that I will not be there to see it (family commitments in Baltimore).

That should work in Highlands favor. The last time they played, for the 2004 State Championship, I had to go to Canton Ohio, missing the game and Highlands won. In fact, I missed both games between these teams in 2004 and Highlands won both. I did witness the 2003 Championship game where Boyle County won.

Seriously:

Factors to consider and questions to answer:

1. This being the first game, weather conditions and conditioning will have a lot to do with the winner. Even with the best of conditioned players, the heat of mid-August will wear them down. IF Boyle County has players going both directions, then Highlands will win it going away when the Boyle County players get tired. Something tells me that because of 5 and 6 below, this will not happen.

2. Can Boyle County stop the potent passing attack of the Bluebirds. Remember that the Bluebirds are lead by returning QB Patrick Towles who recently participated in the Elite 11 QB competition in California and is coached by a former NFL player. He has some very good receivers on the team. The receivers are also being coached by a former NFL player.

3. IF Boyle County can execute a ball control game similar to what Ryle did last October, they can shut down the comments in 2 above. However, from what I have read, they may not have the personnel to execute that type of game plan. Boyle County is replacing their starting QB, their second and third leading rushers from last season. Ryle ran that ball control game in week 10. Can Boyle County do it in game one? Does Highlands have a counter plan in case Boyle County gives it a try?

4. Can Highlands stop Boyle County's rushing attack? Returner Devon Cox rushed for over 1500 yards last year, but the other leading rushers have graduated, who does Boyle County have to step forward? Will they be ready for game one? The Highlands D also lost key starters, but has many experienced replacements. Will they be ready for game one?

5. Who wants the game more? Both are defending State Champions, Boyle County has won two straight 4A titles and Highlands has won four straight 5A crowns. Boyle County's Seniors have not lost a game since they were freshmen and Highlands' Seniors have only lost one game in that time. There is a lot of PRIDE on the line in this game for a season opener.

6. Does the fact that Boyle County is playing at home have any bearing on the outcome? You can bet it does.


My prediction is: Highlands wins in a close one 21-20.

[Jack Lambert]

Coach French from Boyle does not like playing any of his players both ways.the only ones that play both ways are the players that are to talented to keep off the field.you will see a few Boyle players play both ways,but not that many.Chuck Smith played alot more players both ways when he was at Boyle.Boyle does have the numbers to do this over the last 3 seasons they have dressed around a 100 players each year.

[jackal405]

In my opinion, the game will come down to how much time Towles has to throw. With his blind side replacing 3 starters, and one heck of a DT trying to prove that he belongs in division 1 next year going against said o-line Towles will not have a lot of time to get rid of it. If BC can get it done with 3 up front, then a 3-3-5 will shut down the passing, and Towles will be on his back before someone gets open. I know, a lot of ifs, ands, and buts. I personally feel better about stopping the Highlands offense now that I do later in the season after the O-line gels. My other question will be moving the ball on offense for BC. Winning a 7 on 7 tournament is great, but that is not game conditions. Overall, not the high scoring game a lot of people expect.

Final score: Boyle 24, Highlands 21 in front of one of the largest crowds to watch a game @ BC.

[BoyleCounty]

Who is the starting running back for Highland's? How much playing time did he see last year?

[Poseidon]

I look for this to be a defensive game, due to it being so early in the season. Should be a great atmosphere.
I will say 3 point either way, and I know BC has a very good kicker.

[BoyleCounty]

I look for this to be a defensive game, due to it being so early in the season. Should be a great atmosphere.
I will say 3 point either way, and I know BC has a very good kicker.

He is very overlooked. Probably the most consistent kicker in the state. Didn't have to use him much last year except for extra points, and well, we all know he owns that record for consecutive made.

[mandan]

Boyle with the edge because they're home.

[birdman44]

Who is the starting running back for Highland's? How much playing time did he see last year?

Senior to be Jake True is a pretty solid running back that has been a back up for a couple years. He is great between the tackles and has a LB body.
Seidl was a sophmore last year and would gobble up 100+ when he would get mop-up duty last year. He is very shifty, hard to find during the play, and can turn nothing into something. He is a great compliment/change of pace to True. They will get the job done, especially when the LBs and DBs are spread all over the place in respect for Towles. The question is the OLine.

[Jack Lambert]

If Boyle's run defense is what it normally is,and i believe it will be.im not worried about Highlands running the ball with much success.if you're gonna beat Boyle it will be thru the air.in saying this you will have to have a balanced offense to beat them thru the air.if you cant run enough to keep them honest they will drop to a 3 man line,and put extra men in coverege.its gonna be interesting to find out where both teams stand after this game.i expect it to come down to the last few minutes of the 4th quarter to decide the winner.

[tradition]

If Boyle's run defense is what it normally is,and i believe it will be.im not worried about Highlands running the ball with much success.if you're gonna beat Boyle it will be thru the air.in saying this you will have to have a balanced offense to beat them thru the air.if you cant run enough to keep them honest they will drop to a 3 man line,and put extra men in coverege.its gonna be interesting to find out where both teams stand after this game.i expect it to come down to the last few minutes of the 4th quarter to decide the winner.

With Highlands, they will run the ball, throw the ball, and at any given time Towels will take off with the ball. In other words, Highlands will mix it up. It can be hard to prepare for because they are good in all areas.

As for the Highlands Offense, I'm not worried. I remember in '09 the comment was made after the first Highlands game of the season ( against Louisville Manual) that it was the worst Highlands offensive line ever. Well , we all know how that year turned out.:eyeroll:

Oline usually is a little behind the first game or two. But I have complete confidence in the Oline every year at Highlands.

[MVP2]

I'm taking Highlands.

[64black&gold]

Coach French from Boyle does not like playing any of his players both ways.the only ones that play both ways are the players that are to talented to keep off the field.you will see a few Boyle players play both ways,but not that many.Chuck Smith played alot more players both ways when he was at Boyle.Boyle does have the numbers to do this over the last 3 seasons they have dressed around a 100 players each year.

Actually it's mostly players who play DL or OL that he tries every way possible to keep from playing both ways. LB's DB's and the like are ok. Boyle did dress 103 or so year before last but only about 80 last year and will probably in the mid 70's this year. Have heard the are trying every way possible from keeping Kendrick and Yeager from playing OL and DL. They think they have found the OL guys they need to keep that from happening. I hope they are right. I think we won vs. Bell in 2009 because no linemen played both ways. Were always fresh. Makes a diff.

[birdman44]

I have complete confidence in the Oline every year at Highlands.

Highlands OLine usually does rise to the call no matter how much has graduated from the previous year. in '98 no OLinemen returned and we broke just about every offensive state record. A Mr Lorenzen and Mr Smith had something to do with it though.

Sounds familiar, with Towles and Sheehan going to UK.
But the OLine is returning a couple guys.