Highlands defense holds up in victory

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

LOUISVILLE – The Louisville Western Warriors wanted to attack the Highlands Bluebirds between the tackles in their I-formation offensive attack.

Western did gain 279 yards on 44 carries for an average of just more than 6.3 a carry. The ball-control strategy kept the ball in its hands for 28 minutes, 39 seconds of the game’s 48 minutes. But the Bluebird defense held its ground on third and fourth-down conversions in the 51-23 victory here Friday.

“(The Warriors) have some good players,” said Dale Mueller, Highlands head coach. “That No. 2 (Cory Durham) for them is a great back. He just made some really good plays. We have to get better at (defending the run), but we’ll be ready next game.”

Western converted just 1-of-11 on third-down and went 0-for-4 on fourth-down. The Warriors only scored once in five trips to the Red Zone (area between the opponent’s 20 and goal line).

“We had some really big stops that helped us pull the game out,” said Seth Hope, Highlands defensive lineman. “We just need to get our assignments right. We could play a little more aggressive. But overall I think we did well.”

On the other side, Highlands scored on all five trips to the Red Zone. The Bluebirds converted 8-of-14 third-down chances and went 0-for-2 on fourth down.

Western saw two running backs run for more than 100 in the contest. Durham ran for 147 yards on 18 carries for an average of just more than 8.1 a carry and teammate Dion Sutton ran for 123 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown for an average of just more than 7.6 a carry.

They only scored once on the Bluebird defense. Their other two touchdowns came on kickoff returns. They returned nine Highlands kickoffs for 278 yards for an average of just more than 30.8 per return.

The first touchdown came with 7:41 left in the second quarter. Adrian Williams-Rolston scored from 70 yards away after a Western safety. The Warriors did not convert the conversion run and trailed 10-8 at that point.

“Our end guys need to fold better (on kickoffs),” said Brady Murray, Highlands linebacker. “We also need to contain better and squeeze (lanes) off.”

The second one came after another Highlands touchdown with 9:44 left in the game. Joe Foster scored on an 85-yard return and Durham converted the run. The Bluebirds led 44-23 at that point.

Better on Extra-Point Attempts:

The Bluebirds converted all six extra-point attempts and its lone field-goal try. Luke Brockett has handled both duties in the last two games.

“We have to execute in games when it matters,” Brockett said. “It is important to know what we have to do in practice. Every day, we get our repetitions in.”

Highlands missed three PATs against Scott County. The Bluebirds also missed some tries against Boyle County. Highlands did not convert on one two-point try against Western.

The Streaks are still alive:

The Bluebirds improved to 76-2 since the start of 2007 with the win. Highlands also won its 23rd straight game.

Solid averages:

The Bluebirds came into the game averaging 56 points a game tied for fifth in Kentucky. They still average just more than 54.3 points per contest.

Highlands also came into the contest averaging 535 yards and eight touchdowns a game. The Bluebirds had seven touchdowns and 467 yards of total offense. They still average 7.67 touchdowns and just more than 512.3 yards per contest.

Highlands returns home Friday to take on Mason County (1-3). The Homecoming game starts at 7:30 p.m.