District 7-4A opponents aim to close gap with Bluebirds, Colonels

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The finishing order may not change much in Class 4A, District 7 based on recent history.

The Highlands Bluebirds and Covington Catholic Colonels have dominated district opponents for many years and could do so again this year. The Bluebirds have won district championships 16 of the past 17 seasons. The only year that did not happen was 2006. Since then, the Bluebirds are 20-0 in district play.

The only thing that has changed from the previous two years is Pendleton County opted not to participate in district action the next two seasons. The Wildcats will be ineligible for postseason play as a result.

Covington Catholic Colonels (9-4):

Even though the Bluebirds have beaten their biggest rivals in Northern Kentucky nine straight times, the Colonels always pose a threat.

Many see the Bluebirds as a hurdle the Colonels have had a hard time jumping over. But Head Coach Dave Wirth does not see it that way.

“That is usually fodder for fans to talk about,” Wirth said. “Coaches and players are more focused on what’s to come. The only game that matters in any great rivalry is the next game. So to us, there is no ‘mountain.’ That’s merely public perception and talk that we insulate ourselves from pretty well.”

Highlands beat CovCath by 14 and 15 point in the regular season and playoffs respectively last year. During the Kentucky record six consecutive state championship run, Highlands has beaten CovCath twice in 2007, 2011 and last year. CovCath did the same when it won its last state championship in 2006.

The Colonels gave up an average of just less than 12 points a game last year defensively. Many of those contributors on defense return such as senior linebacker Sam Burchell. Burchell, however, will miss a few games because of injuries to open the season as reported by another media outlet. Burchell led the team last year with 97 tackles.

“Our defense aims to improve every year regardless of who’s returning and where,” Wirth said. “We’ve improved in our speed and quickness as well as in our understanding of where we need to be. We’ve also improved the various position-specific skills, namely block defeats.”

Standout quarterback Blake Bir took his talents to the University of Dayton and wide receiver Ethan Egbers also graduated. But the Colonels do return running backs Luke Bir and Sam Dressman. Junior Adam Wagner takes over at quarterback with Senior Nick Kathman anchoring the offensive line.

Luke Bir had 72 carries for 555 yards rushing and six touchdowns last year to lead the team. Dressman hopes to have a better year after battling injuries last year.

“Blake Bir and Ethan Egbers were great players and we will miss then,” Wirth said. “But we believe we will be even harder to defend this year. We should be able to throw the ball at about the same level we have been, but should have a more dominant run game this year with a very large, athletic offensive and two returning starters in the backfield. Not to mention that (Wagner) is about the toughest and fastest kid on our team, which adds to the run threat.”

Covington Holmes Bulldogs (6-5):

Holmes has some nice athletes and a new head coach in Ben Nevels. Nevels previously served as an assistant.

The key for the Bulldogs is to fill up the glaring holes. Solid teams tore up the Holmes secondary last year.

But the Bulldogs can build around senior wingback/defensive back Jonathon Scruggs. Fellow senior running back Bruce Scruggs also returns as well as junior offensive lineman Breandan Johnson to protect them.

Harrison County Thorobreds (1-10):

The Thorobreds experienced some adversity last year. Head Coach Jim Carr and staff challenged the team last year and many seniors ended up quitting leaving Harrison County with just 37 players toward the middle of the season. Of the 37, 21 were freshmen. But entering his second season at the helm, Carr said the numbers are almost double from last year.

“We are stronger and better-conditioned after a good winter workout season,” Carr said. “Our experience, maturity, and overall attitude is better than last year. We are working hard to get the team to understand that dedication, hard work and commitment are the main ingredients in fielding a championship-caliber team.”

The Thorobreds employed Split and I-formation sets offensively last year. Seniors Zach Royce and Deshon Talbott return to anchor the backfield and junior quarterback Robbie Stroub also returns. Talbott led Harrison County rushing for 376 yards on 47 carries and four touchdowns last year. Defensively, Royce will play linebacker with Talbott and Stroub playing in the secondary.

Opponents outscored Harrison County, 473-125 last year. The Thorobred defense yielded about 342 yards a game last year. Teams ran for 2,554 yards for an average of about 232 per contest last year.

The Thorobreds lost in the first round of the 4A playoffs again last year. Johnson Central dominated Harrison County, 68-14.