Highlands, NC boys post wins

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team earned its first victory of the year Monday.

Highlands (1-6) knocked off the Chesnee (S.C.) Eagles, 54-38 at the Cumberland Falls Invitational at Corbin. This marked the second opponent of the tournament for Highlands from the Palmetto State.

NC girls win Gateway Classic; NC, Highlands boys fall

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team added a tournament championship to this remarkable season Sunday.

The undefeated 10-0 Thoroughbreds won the Gateway Holiday Classic at Montgomery County with a 63-48 win over the Ashland Kittens (6-3). The three tournament wins came against teams with winning records.

Saturday Hoops Roundup

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team will be playing for the Gateway Holiday Classic championship.

They stayed undefeated at 9-0 and earned the shot with a 58-40 semifinal win over the LaRue County Lady Hawks (6-3). NewCath takes on the defending 16th Region champion Ashland Blazer Kittens (6-2) at 7 p.m. today for the title.

The dynamic post tandem of Nikki Kiernan and Alexus Mayes once again led NewCath. Kiernan had 28 points and nine rebounds and Mayes tallied 18 points and nine rebounds.

Highlands captures eighth straight win

G. Michael Graham Photo. The Highlands Bluebirds get in defensive position in Friday's game at Conner against Boone County. The Bluebirds defeated the Lady Rebels, 52-40 for their eighth straight win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HEBRON – The wins are still not the prettiest.

But the Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team moved to 8-1 with its eighth straight win, 52-40 over the Boone County Lady Rebels (7-4) on Friday. Highlands finished 3-0 in pool play of the State Farm Classic at Conner.

NC Hoops teams earn big wins

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team survived a battle of 7-0 teams Friday.

NewCath downed the Glasgow Lady Scotties, 54-50 to open the Gateway Holiday Classic at Montgomery County. Glasgow had recently recorded a huge win over Louisville power Sacred Heart.

Highlands dominates Moore, 72-41

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team continued to roll along to start the State Farm Classic at Conner on Thursday.

Highlands (6-1) won its sixth in a row dominating the Louisville Moore Lady Mustangs, 72-41. The Bluebirds won this tournament last year.

NC takes fourth in rugged KOB Tournament

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds boys basketball team hoped to come away with third place in the rugged King of the Bluegrass Tournament.

But the Thoroughbreds (5-2) could not hold on to a fourth-quarter lead in the consolation game against the Louisville Pleasure Ridge Park Panthers on Monday in a 78-70 defeat. The Panthers (6-2) outscored the Thoroughbreds, 29-13 in the fourth quarter to pull off the win.

Ballard drops NC, 89-71

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds boys basketball team contained the top-ranked Louisville Ballard Bruin offense in the first half.

The Thoroughbreds built a 43-34 halftime lead as a result. But the Bruins came alive in the second half to score 55 points on their way to an 89-71 win in the King of the Bluegrass semifinals at Louisville Fairdale on Sunday to hand NewCath (5-1) its first loss of the year.

Saturday Basketball Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds recorded another huge win in the King of the Bluegrass Tournament at Louisville Fairdale.

NewCath (5-0) moved on to the tournament semifinals with a 69-53 win over the Fort Myers (Florida) Green Wave on Saturday. That marked the 12th-ranked Thoroughbreds’ second win against an out-of-state opponent in the tournament.

Friday Hoops Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team recorded another convincing victory Friday

The Thoroughbreds (6-0) downed the visiting Montgomery County Lady Indians (4-3), 58-33 pulling away in the third quarter. They led 27-20 at halftime before winning the third quarter by a 21-9 count.

Ansley Davenport led NewCath with 14 points on two three-pointers. She scored nine of her points in that third quarter.

NewCath saw three other double-digit scorers. Posts Nikki Kiernan and Alexus Mayes scored 12 each with Michaela Ware adding 10.

No one scored in double-digits for Montgomery County. Erica Rogers led the way with eight points.

NewCath hits the road to Glasgow on Saturday. The Thoroughbreds face Green County (4-1) at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time as part of the Edmonton State Bank Ladies Showcase.

Boys:

Bishop Brossart 51, Highlands 42:

The Bluebirds (0-4) remained winless, but continued to show progress in the home loss to the Mustangs (6-1).

Brendan Buten led the Bluebirds with 22 points. That is the most any Highlands player has scored in a game this year.

Highlands could not contain Bishop Brossart senior post Alex Trentman. He finished with 17.

The Bluebirds do not play again until Dec. 28. Highlands plays three games in the Cumberland Falls Invitational Tournament in Corbin.

Weinrich most qualified to succeed Mueller

G. Michael Graham

This is not a secret in Fort Thomas.

For years, people have been saying Brian Weinrich will succeed Dale Mueller as the Head Coach of the highly-successful Highlands Bluebirds football team one day. That one day could soon become a reality. I have no true say in this, but it does make sense to me for many reasons and keep in mind this is just one man’s opinion.

NewCath wins KOB Tournament opener

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds boys basketball started the King of the Bluegrass Tournament off on the right foot Thursday.

The Thoroughbreds (4-0) defeated the Memphis (Tenn.) Mitchell Tigers, 68-47 at Louisville Fairdale. This marked their first game against a non-Kentucky team this year.

NC Boys hammer Boone County; DH beats Highlands

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic guard Zach Pangallo sets up the offense in Tuesday's game at Boone County. Pangallo scored 17 points to help the Thoroughbreds to the 73-33 9th Region win on Fookes Court.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

FLORENCE – A ton of hype between two undefeated teams accompanied this early boys basketball battle.

It evaporated quickly in a matter of minutes.

Highlands holds off Dixie Heights

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team won its fourth in a row Monday.

The Bluebirds ventured to Crestview Hills and took down the Dixie Heights Lady Colonels, 56-50. Highlands improved to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in 9th Region action and Dixie Heights fell to 2-4. Dixie Heights is coached by former Highlands standout and assistant coach Tara Boothe-Smith.

NC girls take care of Boone County

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic guard Michaela Ware goes in for a lay-up in Saturday's win over Boone County. The Thoroughbreds stayed undefeated at 5-0 with a 58-46 win on The Hill.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – They showed there may not be much opponents can do in the big win Saturday when certain things happen.

The Boone County Lady Rebels basketball team tried to slow down standout post Nikki Kiernan and the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds by throwing two and sometimes three players at her just like last year. That resulted in a 45-37 win at Boone County last year and was also NewCath’s first loss of the season.

But the Thoroughbreds made sure that did not have the same effect this time around. NewCath stayed undefeated at 5-0 with a 58-46 9th Region win over the Lady Rebels (2-2) on The Hill. The two squads have combined to win eight of the last 11 region crowns.

Highlands Saturday Hoops Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team hit the road to Crestwood on Saturday and brought back a 57-47 win over the South Oldham Lady Dragons.

Highlands has won three in a row to move to 3-1 overall and South Oldham fell to 2-1. This marked the first road game of the season for Highlands.

Highlands Boys Hoops Preview: Bluebirds aim to lay down firm foundation

G. Michael Graham Photo. First-year Highlands boys basketball Head Coach Kevin Listerman watches during practice Wednesday. Listerman takes over a team that finished 12-18 last year.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The first year in a coaching era starts with setting the foundation.

New Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball Head Coach Kevin Listerman and staff hope to do that and more this year. Highlands hired Listerman after four-year Head Coach Mike Flynn resigned after the Bluebirds finished 12-18 and lost 48-37 to Newport Central Catholic in the 36th District semifinals last year.

NC girls down Dixie Heights, 57-43

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team moved to 4-0 overall another 9th Region win, 57-43 at the Dixie Heights Lady Colonels on Wednesday.

NewCath moved to 3-0 on the road with the win. Dixie Heights fell to 1-3 with the loss.

Posts Nikki Kiernan and Alexus Mayes once again led NewCath with 14 and 13 points respectively and Loren Zimmerman followed with nine. Mayes nabbed six rebounds with Michaela Ware recording six steals to go with six points.

Highlands seeks to move in in more ways than one

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands junior Jensen Feggins (16) is shown here after hauling in a 41-yard touchdown pass against Lexington Catholic in the Class 4A state semifinals. Feggins and company are determined to bring the gold back to Fort Thomas next fall.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

This offseason for the Highlands Bluebirds football team will be about more than the usual.

The Bluebirds focused on improving their overall speed and strength as defending state champions the past six years. But they enter this offseason preparing to not only bring back the gold to Fort Thomas, but to also embrace some changes.

NC basketball teams win big

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbred basketball teams overwhelmed host 36th District opponents on Tuesday.

Highlands outlasts Holy Cross in overtime, 43-39

G. Michael Graham Photo. The Highlands Bluebirds go over strategy in Monday's win over Covington Holy Cross. Both teams are 2-1 on the season.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It may take some time for certain aspects to really gel with this young girls basketball team.

But the Highlands Bluebirds took care of the determined Covington Holy Cross Lady Indians, 43-39 on Tuesday in Fort Thomas. Highlands won the overtime battle, 10-6 to pull out the 9th Region win. Both teams are 2-1 on the season.

Mueller's outstanding tenure at Highlands comes to close

G. Michael Graham Photo. Dale Mueller (center) goes over strategy in the scrimmage at Louisville Trinity in August. Mueller retired as Head Coach of the Highlands Bluebirds following a 20-year tenure that included a record of 250-36, 11 state championships and three runner-up finishes. He was 309-67 as a head coach overall in 29 season.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The great tenure came to an end today.

Dale Mueller stepped down as Head Football Coach of the vaunted Highlands Bluebirds today. He finished 309-67 in 29 years as a head coach and 250-36 in 20 seasons at Highlands.

Bluebird Notebook: Seniors go 56-4 in high school

G. Michael Graham Photo. Zach Harris (45) scores his second of three touchdowns in the Class 4A state championship game Saturday at Western Kentucky University.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The 31 seniors of the Highlands Bluebirds football team may have been disappointed to not win four state championships like the previous three did.

But the overall body of work will not be forgotten. Highlands finished 56-4 during that time. Only Belfrey and Mayfield have played as many games in Kentucky during that time.

Stairway to Seven dream falls seven seconds short

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It seems like just a bad nightmare in many ways.

But it did happen.

The Collins Titans shocked the six-time state champion Highlands Bluebirds, 37-34 on Saturday at Western Kentucky University. Collins (13-2) snapped the longest playoff winning streak in state history at 34 in a row with a touchdown with seven seconds left.

NewCath fall short of 2A Repeat

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

BOWLING GREEN – When they look back at this one, it will come down to their drives to end the first half and start the second one.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds did not convert on fourth down on both drives and it hurt them in a 34-26 loss to the Louisville DeSales Colts in the Class 2A state championship Saturday at Western Kentucky University. The Thoroughbreds (10-5) hoped for three championships in four years, but came up short. NewCath graduates 12 seniors from the team.

Highlands dominates Dayton, 69-23

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team earned its first win of the year Thursday.

Highlands (1-1) knocked off the host Dayton Lady Devils, 69-23 to open 36th District action. The teams played for seeding purposes in the postseason.

Highlands led 23-9 after one quarter and 46-15 at halftime. The Bluebirds held the Lady Devils to 30.8 percent (8-of-26) from the field while making 48.3 percent (28-of-58) overall. They also had nine assists to one for the Lady Devils.

NewCath defends 2A crown against DeSales

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Many expected a rematch of last year’s epic Class 2A state championship game in Bowling Green on Saturday.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds downed the Caldwell County Tigers, 30-26 when Tyler Lyon caught a four-yard pass from quarterback Josh Cain with 26 seconds left in the game. Caldwell County received the nod as favorites with the return of the majority of those players including quarterback Elijah Sindelar.

But the rematch will not happen. Murray upset the Tigers, 27-14 in the regional finals on Nov. 22.

Same opponent stands in way of another Highlands state crown

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands wide receiver Alex Veneman makes a move on a screen pass while Beau Hoge knocks Lexington Catholic's Davis Rowady (19) out of the way. The Bluebirds battle Collins for the Class 4A state title on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Western Kentucky University.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The new motto came about Nov. 30 last year.

The Highlands Bluebirds football team completed the “Race for Seis (Six)” with a state record sixth consecutive state championship, 47-0 over the Collins Titans at Western Kentucky University that night. It was not long after the returning players started talking about adding onto that record with a “Stairway to Seven” theme.

NCC Girls Hoops improves to 2-0

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team scored in the 80s for the second straight game Wednesday.

The Thoroughbreds moved to 2-0 with an 87-59 domination of the St. Henry Lady Crusaders (0-1) on the Hill. They saw five players reach double digits.

Tuesday Basketball Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team fell to the visiting Sacred Heart Valkyries, 59-51 to open the season Tuesday.

Highlands led 12-9 after the first quarter. But Sacred Heart took a 36-31 halftime lead and never looked back.

NC girls thrash Dayton, 81-20

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic girls basketball team opened the season Monday with a convincing win.

The Thoroughbreds downed the host Dayton Lady Devils, 81-20 scoring 60 points in the first half. The two teams played this year for 36th District Tournament seeding purposes.

NewCath senior standout post Nikki Kiernan played in just the first half and scored 17 points. She added nine rebounds and two blocks.

Three other NewCath players reached double-digits. They were Alexus Mayes with 13 points, Lydia Stetler and Imani Lankheit with 10 each.

Dayton did see one player reach double-figures. That was Nicole Schowalter with 10.

NewCath plays host to St. Henry on Wednesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

NCC Boys Hoops Preview: Thoroughbreds once again favored to win 9th Region

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

They have been labeled 9th Region favorites once again.

That’s because the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds have the size and depth to give teams problems in addition to adding some key players. A familiar face in Head Coach Ron Dawn returns to the sidelines this year after Grant Brannen took the same position at Walton-Verona last spring.

Dawn takes over a team that returns three starters from last year’s 30-3 squad that won its fifth straight 36th District Tournament crown. The Thoroughbreds won the All “A” State Tournament and rode an 18-game winning streak into the 9th Region Tournament at the Bank of Kentucky Center on Northern Kentucky University’s campus.

NCC Girls Hoops Preview: Thoroughbreds aim for another great season

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Returning everyone from a year ago often amounts to great things.

But that is only the case if those returning players sharpen their games in the offseason. Second-year Newport Central Thoroughbreds Girls Basketball Head Coach George Stoll and staff hope that proves true this season.

Highlands holds off determined LexCath, 49-35

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

LEXINGTON – The Highlands Bluebirds football team once again forced the running clock.

It may have saved them in the end of a 49-35 Class 4A semifinal victory against the host Lexington Catholic Knights on Friday. Highlands (13-1) won its state-record 34th consecutive playoff game. The Bluebirds have outscored those opponents by 1,142 points for an average of about 33.6 points per game.

Bluebird Notebook: Highlands improves to 14-1 in semifinal games since 1994

G. Michael Graham. Highlands senior defensive back Jackson Bardo (3) escorts junior linebacker Brady Murray (with ball) downfield in the first quarter after Murray recovered a Lexington Catholic fumble. Highlands recovered two fumbles and intercepted one pass in Friday's 49-35 Class 4A semifinal win over the Knights.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

LEXINGTON – This one turned out to be the closest state semifinal win in a while.

During their state record 34-game playoff winning streak, no one had come within 21 points in the state semifinals. In their six consecutive state championship runs, no team had come within three touchdowns of the Highlands Bluebirds in the state semifinals. Highlands had won those six semifinal contests by an average of 29 points.

NewCath eeks out "tooth and nail" semifinal victory

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It turned out to be the “tooth and nail” game that first-year NewCath Head Coach Dan Wagner said it would be.

But when the dust settled, the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds won their 12th straight semifinal contest, 49-48 in double overtime over the visiting Somerset Briar Jumpers on Friday at Newport Stadium. NewCath lost 8-7 to Somerset in its first state semifinal appearance in 1983 and has not lost in any since then.

“(Victory) is what you strive for,” Wagner said. “I can’t take many of these. My heart won’t handle it, but it feels great.”

NewCath prepares for another test vs. Somerset

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

In many ways, it seems automatic, especially since 2000.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team wins a region crown and finds itself playing for a state championship two weeks later. That has happened eight times since 2000 and 11 times following their 12 overall regional championships.

The defending Class 2A champion Thoroughbreds (9-4 overall) would love to make it 12 straight times in 13 state semifinal appearances and extend their eight-game winning streak. But they need to prove themselves to the most common state semifinal opponent in the 8-4 Somerset Briar Jumpers on Friday at 7 p.m at Newport Stadium.

Highlands hopes for more Knights out

G. Michael Graham. Highlands defenders Nathan Merkle (39) and Braden Hicks (9) pursue on defense in Friday's 28-13 win over Covington Catholic. The Bluebirds travel to Lexington Catholic on Friday for a 7:30 p.m. Class 4A semifinal contest.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Now that they’ve beaten their arch-rivals for the second time this year, many around Kentucky have basically anointed another state championship to the Highlands Bluebirds.

That is understandable considering the winner of the Covington Catholic Colonel-Highlands playoff game has finished as state champions or state runner-up 10 times since 1994 when Dale Mueller became Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator. The Bluebirds hope to make it seven straight state championships overall and seven straight championships the same year following a playoff win over the Colonels. Highlands beat CovCath for the third straight year, 28-13 in the regional championship game in Fort Thomas on Friday.

HHS Girls Hoops Preview: Bluebirds working for success similar to last year

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It had been a while since they made it to the successful postseason level of last year’s team.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team finished 26-8 last year. That included its first 36th District championship since 2008 and a spot in the 9th Region title game at the Bank of Kentucky Center at Northern Kentucky University. Highlands beat opponents by an average of about 56-46.

Highlands goes conservative in regional championship win

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Another Blue and White victory gave those who say it is not a rivalry anymore another piece of evidence.

But the Highlands Bluebirds football team left their home field for the final time in 2013 knowing it was one of the toughest victories this season. In a similar battle to last year’s Class 4A, Region 4 title game, the Bluebirds knocked off the Covington Catholic Colonels (10-3) by a similar 28-13 score. Highlands improved to 12-1 overall and 99-4 since the start of 2007.

Bluebird Notebook: CovCath games closer than many think



G. Michael Graham. Highlands defensive back Griffin Urlage (20) knocks away a Ben Dressman pass during Friday's Class 4A regional championship game against Covington Catholic. The Bluebirds beat the Colonels for the 11th straight time, 28-13.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

One can have an opinion either way as to whether it is still a rivalry or not.

Many say it is not because the Highlands Bluebirds have won 11 in a row over the Covington Catholic Colonels dating back to a 25-15 Colonel victory in Park Hills on Nov. 11, 2006 when current Cincinnati Moeller Head Coach John Rodenberg roamed the sidelines. Among those that say it is not is former Highlands and current University of Kentucky quarterback Patrick Towles. Towles tweeted “No” to former Highlands teammates Blake Newman tweeted, “If you win 11 straight, is it really still a rivalry?” Highlands and CovCath have won a combined 29 state championships.

NewCath downs GCHS for another region crown

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

For the second straight year, it came down to the experience against a first appearance with experience winning out.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds had to use a 21-0 run in the third quarter to do it. But they managed to pull away from the hungry 10-3 Gallatin County Wildcats on Friday in Warsaw by a 34-12 count.

Highlands prepare for another important battle against CovCath

G. Michael Graham. Highlands wide receiver Justin Weyer (4) heads to the end zone in Friday's 56-6 second-round playoff win over Ashland while Ryan Greene (80) and Beau Hoge (7) block. Highlands takes on Covington Catholic on Friday at 7 p.m. in the regional finals for the fourth time since 2007.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Imagine being the fastest dog on the planet.

You train like crazy all year to stay at the top.

Now imagine many other dogs also wanting to take your title away from you. No matter what they do, they can’t beat you.

Highlands tames Tomcats again, 56-6

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It may be a case of playoff rewind from last year in its third year playing in Class 4A.

But the Highlands Bluebirds football team is once again dominating those same opponents. Top-ranked 11-1 Highlands did basically what it wanted the entire game in a 56-6 second-round victory over the Ashland Tomcats on Friday at David Cecil Memorial Field.

Bluebird Notebook: Tough schedule pays off

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands junior Patrick Schoepf (33) hones in on Ashland running back Josh Vaughn (32) in Friday's game. The Bluebirds beat the Tomcats, 56-6 in the second round of the playoffs.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It may have been rough traveling some.

But the tough schedule for Highlands is paying off. The Bluebirds are 11-1 and headed to the third round of the playoffs for the seventh straight year.

The regular season schedule saw Highlands play nine teams with winning records in 2012. Some of those teams will be playing for regional championships next weekend.

NewCath records fifth second-round shutout since 2004

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team can easily add this clause to the old saying, “Winning is contagious.”

Shutting out second-round Class 2A playoff opponents is also contagious.

The Thoroughbreds did that for the third straight year and fifth time since 2004 with a 36-0 blanking of the Walton-Verona Bearcats on Friday at Newport Stadium. The 8-4 Thoroughbreds advanced to their 14th consecutive regional title game as a result.

Guidugli settles in at Central Michigan

Contributed Photo. Gino Guidugli, a 2001 Highlands graduate and former record-setting University of Cincinnati Bearcat quarterback, is in his first year as Running Backs Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Central Michigan University.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The calls still come in for him to play quarterback, particularly from the arena football leagues.

But for now, Gino Guidugli is content to help bring the NCAA Division I Central Michigan Chippewas back to the top of the Mid-American Conference. Guidugli is in his first season as the Running Backs Coach and Recruiting Coordinator in Mount Pleasant.

Highlands hopes to keep marching on in playoffs

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands senior defensive backs Alex Shadle (5) and Jackson Bardo (3) celebrate after Shadle returned an interception for a touchdown in Friday's 70-6 win over Boyd County. The Bluebirds take on Ashland Blazer at 7:30 p.m. in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs on Friday in Fort Thomas.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The fact may not be too relevant to the current players and coaches.

But it still remains. The Highlands Bluebirds football team has not lost to the Ashland Blazer Tomcats since 1954. That happens to be the year that Highlands Head Coach Dale Mueller was born.

While that may not be a mental advantage, the recent Blue and White domination of Kentucky teams may be. Highlands leads the overall series 19-5-1 including a 52-13 decision in Fort Thomas in the second round of last year’s playoffs.

Throughbreds handle Rebels to open 2A title defense

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters

NEWPORT – The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team did not figure to have much trouble with the visitors to open the Class 2A playoffs.

That proved to be the case in a 47-14 rout of the Owen County Rebels on Saturday afternoon at Newport Stadium. The defending 2A state champions have not lost in the first or second round of the playoffs since 1999.

The Thoroughbreds led 47-0 at halftime and enforced the running clock in the second quarter. The teams agreed to play eight-minute quarters with the running clock in the second half. NewCath (7-4) has won six in a row.

Ladybird cross country claims back-to-back state title; Bluebirds finish third

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands cross country teams had high expectations coming into the season.

The Ladybirds hoped to repeat as Class AA state champions and did just that on Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington with 76 points. This marks the eighth crown for them. They won three consecutive state championships between 2002 and 2004.

Bluebirds declaw Lions again to open playoffs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Nothing came unexpected in this one.

The Highlands Bluebirds football earned another top seed in the playoffs with its 17th district championship in 18 years and that again came with the usual first-round thumping of a visiting fourth-seeded opponent. The Class 4A, District 7 champion Bluebirds destroyed the Boyd County Lions of District 8 for the third straight year, 70-6 on Friday to open the playoffs.

Bluebird Notebook: Many Younger players earn playoff experience

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands sophomore running back Nicholas Kendall (with ball) breaks free on a 94-yard touchdown run in Friday's 70-6 first-round Class 4A playoff win over Boyd County. Kendall ran for 156 yards on five carries and two touchdowns in the win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Many younger Highlands players experienced the playoffs for the first time in Friday’s 70-6 thrashing of Boyd County in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

The Bluebirds led 56-0 at halftime. That helps Highlands build up experience for the future as many played in the second half.