Highlands faces 134th different opponent in school history

G. Michael Graham photo. Highlands defensive lineman Seth Hope (82) pursues Cincinnati Elder quarterback Peyton Ramsey in last Friday's game. The 8-1 Bluebirds play host to the 5-4 Warren Central Dragons on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds football team opened the regular season against a team it had never faced before.

Highlands (8-1 overall) will end the regular season against the 134th different opponent in school history when the 5-4 Warren Central Dragons located in Bowling Green come to Fort Thomas on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

NewCath made progress this year

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic's volleyball team gathers before Wednesday's 9th Region semifinal contest. The Thoroughbreds lost in three to finish the year 17-17 with a 36th District championship.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

UNION – They are not there quite yet.

But the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds volleyball team took a big step this season toward ultimately competing with 9th Region powers Ryle, Notre Dame and St. Henry. The Thoroughbreds improved from 10-20 last year to 17-17 this year and advanced a round further in the region tournament.

They’d won six consecutive 10th Region crowns before moving into the 9th last year. Ryle again beat Newport Central Catholic by a 3-0 score this year Wednesday. But it was the semifinals instead of the first round.

Highlands prepares for top-ranked Bulldogs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team has put together some good soccer during this impressive tournament run.

The Bluebirds (17-7-1) may need to play their greatest game of the year to advance to the state semifinals for just the second time in school history. Highlands faces the top-ranked Lexington Paul Dunbar Bulldogs (23-1-2) at Noon on Saturday at Lexington Henry Clay in the state quarterfinals.

Moving on! Highlands scores another 1-0 victory; NC volleyball beats Beechwood

G. Michael Graham. Highlands forward Chris Garbig (left) chases the ball after West Jessamine's Shawn Murphy (right) in Monday's State tournament first-round contest. The Bluebirds won 1-0 to advance to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2010.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NICHOLASVILLE – It did not take overtime to earn this one.

It took a great pass to the center to their leading goal-scorer for the game’s lone goal and lift the Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team to another 1-0 victory in the firstround of the state tournament over the host West Jessamine Colts on Monday. Highlands finds itself back in the state quarterfinals since a 3-1 loss to Scott three years ago.

9th Boys Soccer Title Game: Highlands edges NCC in barnburner

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands' Noah Sellers (Black jersey) and Newport Central Catholic's Seth Freppon (white jersey) chase the ball in Saturday's 9th Region title game while Jacob Hensley (12) and Jonathan Murrin (8) follow. The Bluebirds won the 9th Region title with the 1-0 overtime victory.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

UNION – The winner of the rubber match of this great boys soccer rivalry moved on to state, pure and simple.

That’s why it was an even more intense, physical game you’d expect between two teams fighting to keep their seasons alive. In the end, the Highlands Bluebirds pulled out the 1-0 overtime win over the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds to claim the 9th Region Championship on Saturday at Ryle.

Highlands senior and tournament most valuable player Mitch Gesenhues scored the game’s lone goal about a minute into overtime. Fellow senior Cole Davis-Roberts booted a free kick into the attacking zone. The ball rolled to the left of the goal where Gesenhues booted it past Newport Central Catholic goalkeeper Paul Grosser setting off a huge Highlands celebration and leaving the NewCath players stunned.

9th Girls Soccer Title Game: Bluebirds fall to Pandas

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands senior Kelsey Etherton (middle) and Kiersten Clukey (right) pursue Notre Dame's Maddie Tierney (left) in Saturday's 9th Region championship game at Dixie Heights. The Pandas claimed their third consecutive region crown in the rubber match between the arch-rivals with the win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

CRESTVIEW HILLS – The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team knew it had to match the intensity and determination of its arch-rivals to move on.

The Bluebirds played hard, but could not figure out the Notre Dame Panada defense or recover from an early momentum swing in a 3-0 9th Region championship loss Saturday at Dixie Heights. Highlands has lost to Notre Dame in its last two region title game appearances.

9th Region Volleyball Bracket Released; Houliston Update

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The 9th Region volleyball pairings were selected Saturday.

Both the Newport Central Catholic and Highlands volleyball teams drew tough quarterfinal opponents. NewCath (16-16) defeated Highlands (13-22) to win the 36th District crown Wednesday by a 3-0 count.

Elder ends another Highlands winning streak

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

CINCINNATI – The Highlands Bluebirds football team has lost some tough ones to the Cincinnati Elder Panthers through the years.

But Friday’s 30-27 defeat at The Pit may be the toughest one to swallow. The vaunted Highlands spread offense received the ball twice down by that score but could not find the end zone like it normally does.

Bluebird Notebook: Highlands holds own in tough environment

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands junior wide receiver Jensen Feggins celebrates after his first touchdown in Friday's game at Cincinnati Elder. Feggins had 10 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns in the 30-27 loss.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It may have been a tough loss for Class 4As top-ranked squad.

But the Highlands Bluebirds proved they can compete with schools in Cincinnati’s vaunted Greater Catholic League South.

Highlands has lost the last two games to the Elder Panthers. But the Bluebirds did win 34-29 at The Pit two years ago. They also beat the St. Xavier Blue Bombers, 12-7 on national television in Fort Thomas in 2009.

NewCath finishes another undefeated district run

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic wide receiver Brandon Gray (2) comes down with a reception in NewCath's recent win over Bishop Brossart. Gray had four catches for 67 yards in Friday's 48-0 Thoroughbred win over Covington Holy Cross.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The score surprised no one.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team dominated the battle of Class 2A’s last three state champions, 48-0 on Friday in Newport over the Covington Holy Cross Indians. The Thoroughbreds moved to 24-0 in Class 2A, District 6 action since 2007 when the Kentucky High School Athletic Association expanded from four to six classes.

Highlands, NewCath meet in rubber match for 9th Region crown

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. Top: Highlands goalkeeper Nathan Tippenhauer catches a shot in Thursday's 9th Region semifinal game against Dixie Heights. Bottom: Newport Central Catholic junior Seth Freppon fires the ball in play on a throw-in during the semifinal contest against Covington Catholic. The Bluebirds and Thoroughbreds will meet in the 9th Region title game at 3 p.m. Saturday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

UNION – In Northern Kentucky, the Twitter hastag #BeatColonels has become extremely popular in years.

Both the Highlands Bluebirds and Newport Central Catholic Colonels boys soccer teams needed to do just that to advance in the 9th Region semifinals on Thursday at Ryle. Highlands beat the Dixie Heights version in the second game. But NewCath (14-4-1) did it with penalty kicks by a 3-1 count over the Covington Catholic version after neither team scored in regulation or the two five-minute overtime periods.

The teams meet Saturday at 5 p.m. back at Ryle for the 9th Region title and the season rubber match. Highlands won the season-opener for both teams, 2-1 on Aug. 20. But NewCath won the 36th District championship by the same score on Oct. 15. Both games took place at Tower Park.

Highlands-Notre Dame to meet for 9th Region Girls Soccer crown; NC volleyball claims 36th District Title

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands junior Taylor Vaughn (center) plays the ball back while Brooklynn Rivers (9) watches. Rivers scored a goal and assisted on the game-winner as the Bluebirds advanced to the 9th Region championship with a 2-1 win over the Ryle Lady Raiders.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

CRESTVIEW HILLS – Recent scores showed how close these two soccer teams matched up in the recent two seasons.

That was the case again as the Highlands Bluebirds edged the Ryle Lady Raiders, 2-1 in sudden death overtime on Wednesday at Dixie Heights in the 9th Region semifinals. Highlands has won three straight postseason games after going 5-7-5 in the regular season against a tough schedule to play for its first region crown in two years.

“We emphasize that no matter what the situation is in the game, don’t get too high and don’t get too low,” said Tommy Kearns, Highlands Head Coach. “We try to stay focused even though it’s very difficult at times, especially in the postseason when it’s win or go home. We were resilient, held on and came home with a win. If you’re in the region final in this area of the state, you’re doing something right.”

Highlands aims for another big win at The Pit

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The annual football district matchup with the Covington Catholic Colonels may be the most circled game on the calendars of the Highlands Bluebirds players and coaches for a long time.

But this year, this Friday’s game at The Pit against the Cincinnati Elder Panthers (6-2) may have been circled almost, if not as many times for a big reason. The Panthers are one of just three teams to beat the undefeated 8-0 Bluebirds during a 95-3 run since the start of 2007. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Highlands, NC advance in 9th Quaterfinals; Volleyball teams win 36th semifinal matches

G. Michael Graham Photo. The Highlands Bluebirds come onto the field for the second half of Tuesday's 9th Region quarterfinals at Ryle. The Bluebirds won 4-0 to advance to Thursday's semifinals back in Union.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Sports Reporter

UNION – Some may have understandably feared the worst entering this 9th Region quarterfinal contest.

Like last year, the Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team lost in the regular season finale to the Ryle Raiders before dropping the 36th District championship to rival Newport Central Catholic.

Highlands, NC win 9th Region quarterfinal games

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands senior Kelsey Etherton (middle in white) and Brooklynn Rivers (far right) come upfield after Etherton's rebound goal in the first half of Monday's 5-1 9th Region quarterfinal win over Beechwood.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The two girls soccer teams may not have scored in the Sept. 12 meeting at Tower Park.

But that changed completely in favor of the home team at the same location Monday. The Highlands Bluebirds (7-7-5) scored 12 minutes into the contest and cruised to a sound 5-1 9th Region quarterfinal victory over the Beechwood Lady Tigers (10-9-3).

“Anytime you get an early goal, it’s great for confidence,” said Tommy Kearns, Highlands Head Coach. “The girls played really well. We created a lot of chances again. The finishing moves were on. Anytime you score five goals, you have a great chance to win.”

9th Region soccer pairings set

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The 9th Region boys and girls soccer tournaments were drawn Sunday.

Both the Highlands and Newport Central Catholic teams are considered to be region contenders. The girls semifinals and title game will take place at Dixie Heights and the boys semifinals and title game will take place at Ryle. The region let district winners host the quarterfinal round this year.

NewCath clinches ninth consecutive district championship

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Cental Catholic offensive linemen Colin Hoover (60), Stephen Brooks (55) and Logan Neff (54) among others provide Jacob Smith (3) and the other skill players solid protection in Saturday's 41-0 win over Bishop Brossart.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

TAYLOR MILL – The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds and Bishop Brossart Mustangs have some great rivalries in many sports.

Football is not one of them mostly because NewCath is deeper and has had a program longer. The Thoroughbreds list about 60 players on their roster and have fielded a team every year since 1945. Brossart has just 21 players on its roster with two currently injured on a team that started varsity play in 2007.

That led to the third Thoroughbred Class 2A, District 6 shellacking in three straight years by a 41-0 count Saturday at Scott High. NewCath beat Brossart, 58-0 at the same location last year and 62-0 in 2011 for a grand total of 161-0 in the three meetings.

Bluebird Notebook: Highlands records 50th win against Holmes; 850th overall

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands sophomore defensive lineman Bo Hebel (55) sacks Covington Holmes quarterback Desean Brumfield (18) while Nathan Merkle (39) closes in. Highlands won the game 71-14 to move to 95-3 since the start of 2007.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds football team has played the Covington Holmes Bulldogs more than anyone in school history.

The Bluebirds improved to 50-20-2 all-time against the Bulldogs. The only teams they’ve beaten more in school history are Dixie Heights (62-8) and Campbell County (51-9).

Highlands puts huge exclamation point on another district crown

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The exclamation point to another undisputed football district championship came with the usual mighty Highlands Bluebird roar Friday.

Class 4A’s top-ranked and undefeated 8-0 Bluebirds continued their domination of Class 4A, District 7 opponents with another convincing 71-14 victory over the Covington Holmes Bulldogs. Highlands outscored its three district opponents, 190-20 and hit the 70-point mark for the second straight game after posting 77 on Harrison County two weeks ago.

Highlands nips NewCath, 2-1 for 36th championship; HHS volleyball loses

G. Michael Graham Photos. Highlands defender Peyton Bankemper (right) and Newport Central Catholic midfielder Michaela Ware (left) chase the ball in Thursday's 36th District championship at Tower Park. Highlands won 2-1 to claim its seventh district title in eight years and 12th overall.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The rivalry game for the 36th District girls soccer championship Thursday at Tower Park once again proved that records can be thrown out the window.

The Highlands Bluebirds had been playing better lately despite their 6-7-5 record and the Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds had not despite sporting a 12-3-4 mark and All “A” State championship. That showed in a 2-1 Highlands victory.

Ryle volleyball dominates NewCath

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The state-ranked Ryle Lady Raiders volleyball team dominated the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds, 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-23) on Wednesday.

NewCath finished the regular season with a 14-16 record. But the host Thoroughbreds still won the top seed in the 36th District Tournament. They take on either Bellevue or Newport at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

HHS Football web site has own unique story

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Joseph Williams had a vision while in medical school at the University of Kentucky.

That vision hit cyberspace in 2005 when he put together http://www.highlands-bluebirds.com. The web site provides detailed information of the winningest football team in Kentucky such as year-by-year records.

NewCath edges Highlands, 2-1 for 36th championship

 

G. Michael Graham. Highlands Jimmy Penrod (left) and Newport Central Catholic's Gualt Nolan chase the ball in Tuesday's 36th District championship game. The Thoroughbreds won 2-1 to claims their third consecutive title.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds boys soccer team may have just two wins against the Highlands Bluebirds since 2004.

But those two wins have come at critical times in consecutive 36th District championship games. The Thoroughbreds won their third straight district title with a 2-1 win over Highlands at Tower Park on Tuesday.

“It was a good atmosphere and hard-fought game,” said Mike McDonald, NewCath Head Coach. “That’s what we expect. They (Bluebirds) are a good team.”

Tuesday Volleyball Roundup

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team dropped to 12-20 following a 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-22) loss at Covington Holy Cross on Tuesday.

Kaitlin Hall led Highlands with nine digs, 14 assists and eight kills. Teammate Kaylan Frisch followed with two blocks.

Most common opponent last obstacle to another Highlands district crown

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands defensive back Andrew Abner (11) tackles Grant County's Grant Carr after a catch in a recent Class 4A, District 7 contest. The Bluebirds look to move to 8-0 on the season against Covington Holmes on Friday at 7 p.m. in Fort Thomas.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Standing in the way of another district title is the most common opponent in school history.

The top-ranked, undefeated Highlands Bluebirds football team (7-0 overall, 2-0 district) has played the Class 4A, District 7 rival Covington Holmes Bulldogs more than any other opponent since the program began in 1915. The two meet at 7 p.m. on Friday at David Cecil Memorial Stadium for the 72nd time.

Monday Volleyball Roundup

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands volleyball team knocked off Covington Holmes, 2-0 (25-9, 25-19) on Monday. The Bluebirds are 12-19 overall.

NewCath claims 15th consecutive Fireman's Bell game

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – The Fireman’s Bell unsurprisingly stayed with the team on the Hill on Friday.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds won their 15th straight meeting over the Class 2A, District 6 in-town rival Newport Wildcats, 42-21. The last time the Wildcats beat the Thoroughbreds came in 1999.

Thursday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

This marked the game things fell apart a year ago for the Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team.

The defending 2011 state runner-up Ryle Raiders came to Tower Park and won 2-0 snapping a four-game Highlands winning streak. The Bluebirds proceeded to lose 1-0 games to Newport Central Catholic and St. Henry in the 36th District championship and 9th Region quarterfinal contests respectively.

Simple approach leads to success of Fort Thomas Youth Football League

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. The Fort Thomas Youth Football League is purely instructional. That keeps kids interested and is a huge reason why the Bluebirds are 94-3 with six straight state championships since the start of 2007.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Youth football leagues around the country may be great or detrimental in the development of high school programs.

The Fort Thomas Youth Football League has been a major asset to the success of the Highlands Bluebirds football team. That’s a big reason why nearly 100 sophomores, juniors and seniors grace the sidelines for the Blue and White on Fridays.

“Ít’s awesome how we have a junior league and how the coaches make each of the kids on the team work hard and they don’t push them to the point where they don’t want to play anymore,” said Kyler Dalton, Highlands junior offensive lineman. “When they get up to freshman year, we’re all really excited to play Highlands football.”

NewCath Wednesday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds volleyball team won its third game in three days, 3-1 (13-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-16) over the visiting Conner Lady Cougars on Wednesday.

NewCath continued its outstanding all-around play. Setter Alyssa Maier had 21 assists and 10 digs with Rachel McDonald recording 13 kills and nine digs. Keyaira Lankheit followed with eight kills with teammates Laura Brannon and Nikki Kiernan adding three aces each.

Highlands boys soccer, NC volleyball win

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team continued its run of success with a 3-0 win over the Cooper Jaguars on Senior Night.

Highlands has won to 11 of its last 13 games to improve to 13-5-1 overall. The Bluebirds finished the year 7-2 at Tower Park.

NC volleyball beats Highlands for 16th time in 17 matches

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

There was no secret the juices would be flowing for this volleyball rivalry game.

But the team that settled down and played its game won this one soundly. That turned out to be the visiting Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds, 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-17) over the 36th District rival Highlands Bluebirds (10-19 overall, 3-1 district) on Monday.

This marked the 16th win in the last 17 meetings for NewCath (12-13, 3-0). The lone Highlands win since 2005 came in last year’s district championship.

NewCath dominated the net in the win. Nikki Kiernan recorded a couple blocks in the first game to get the Thoroughbreds on a roll.

Highlands girls soccer earns first win on new surface

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It marked the post-game run they’d been wanting for nearly two years.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team won for the first time since the new turf graced Tower Park in 2012 in a decisive 5-1 win over the Dixie Heights Lady Colonels on Monday. Highlands entered the game 0-8-5 in its first 13 games on the new artificial surface and had not won at Tower Park since beating Bishop Brossart, 3-2 for the 19th District championship on Oct. 13, 2011.

“I thought we played really well,” said Tommy Kearns, Highlands Head Coach. “I think Dixie is a really good team. They have some really talented players and I think we did a really good job containing them.”

Saturday Soccer Roundup

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team tied the host Boyle County Lady Rebels on Saturday, 2-2.

Highlands (4-6-5) recorded its second straight tie and is winless in its last four games. Freshman Kayla Nehus scored both Highlands goals and senior goalkeeper Sarah Owen recorded two saves.

The Bluebirds play host to Dixie Heights on Monday. Game time is 8 p.m.

Highlands throttles another district opponent, 77-0

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds football team has a knack for obliterating laws of averages, especially against district opponents not named Covington Catholic.

The average margin of victory for Highlands against district opponents outside Covington Catholic since the start of 2007 was about 48 points entering Friday’s contest. The Bluebirds bested that average by 29 in a 77-0 victory over the visiting Harrison County Thorobreds in Class 4A, District 7 action at David Cecil Memorial Stadium.

Bluebird Notebook: Younger players wait for time

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands defensive back Grayson Heck (32) leaps over Harrison County kicker Taylor Bolin (14) while Joey Cochran (24), Nathan Merkle (39) and Brady Murray (18) pave the way for a 65-yard fumble return for a touchdown in Friday's 77-0 win over Harrison County. Highlands moved to 7-0 overall and 94-3 since the start of 2007 with the win.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It can be tough to wait sometimes from an egotistical standpoint.

But many talented sophomores and even juniors are finding themselves in that position on the deeply talented Highlands Bluebirds football team. One of them is sophomore backup quarterback Austin Hergott. Hergott could start on many varsity teams around the country.

Hergott did not see action in Friday’s 77-0 win over Harrison County. With Cincinnati Elder on the horizon, Highlands Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Dale Mueller wanted to get junior Beau Hoge some repetition with the skill position players. But Hergott and his teammates still practice hard in case someone goes out with an injury.

“It can be rough (waiting) at times,” Hergott said. “But you have to fight through it and know that you’re going to play for one of the top programs in the whole nation. That’s all worth it your senior year.”

Thursday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team has been celebrating a lot lately.

The Bluebirds won for the 10th time in 12 games Thursday, 3-1 over the Cincinnati LaSalle Lancers. Highlands (12-5-1) finished the year 1-1 against teams from Cincinnati.

Colin Dean, Jordan Jarvis and Vadim Lightner scored the goals for Highlands. Senior goalkeeper Nathan Tippenhauer played the entire game and made 12 saves.

Highlands has two games left this season. The Bluebirds play host to Cooper on Tuesday. Game time is 8 p.m.

Harris captures Eighth Region golf crown

 

Contributed Photo. Highlands junior Parker Harris takes a shot in a recent golf match. Harris won the Eighth Region tournament for the second straight year Monday.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It took another playoff win.

But once again, Highlands junior Parker Harris stood up to the challenge to win the Eighth Region golf tournament for the second straight year at A.J. Jolly Golf Course in Alexandria on Monday. Harris and Bourbon County’s Sawyer Crossfield made an even-par 71 through 18 holes.

After both parring on the first hole, Crossfield bogeyed the next par-four hole. Harris clinched the victory with a chip and putt.

Boys Soccer: Highlands pulls off huge win

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team pulled off a huge victory Wednesday.

Highlands edged a former district rival in the Bishop Brossart Mustangs, 2-1 to move to 11-5-1 on the year. The Bluebirds have won three in a row and 10 of their last 13 contests.

Devin Dupont scored the lone goal for Highlands on five shots on goal. The other Bluebird goal came on a Bishop Brossart own goal.

Nick Breslin made 10 saves in net for Highlands. The Mustangs took 11 shots on goal.

The Mustangs (14-3) won the All “A” State Tournament in Elizabethtown over the weekend. But they’ve lost both games since beating Kentucky Country Day, 3-0 Sunday for the crown. St. Henry beat Bishop Brossart by the same score Tuesday.

Highlands concludes a run of three games in three days with a game against Cincinnati LaSalle tonight. Game time is 8 p.m. at Tower Park.

Highlands seeks another district victory

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands wide receivers Evan Allen (83) and Justin Weyer (4) celebrate after Allen's first-quarter touchdown against Covington Catholic on Saturday. The undefeated Bluebirds look to move to 20-0 against non-CovCath district opponents on Friday against 2-4 Harrison County. Game time is 7 p.m. in Fort Thomas.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It is not a forgone conclusion because it still has to be proven on the field.

But generally once the Highlands Bluebirds football team takes care of the Covington Catholic Colonels, it cruises to a district crown. The undefeated 6-0 Bluebirds hope to take another step toward their 17th one in the last 18 years on against the Harrison County Thorobreds (2-4) on Friday. The Class 4A, District 7 contest takes place at David Cecil Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.

Highlands owns an overall record of 93-3 since the start of 2007. That includes an astounding record of 87-1 against Kentucky opponents and 19-0 against district opponents that are not CovCath including the playoffs. The average margin of victory for Highlands against non-CovCath district opponents during that time is about 48 points.

Points have especially come in bunches against the Thorobreds. The Bluebirds beat Harrison County, 68-0 two years ago in Fort Thomas and 69-10 last year in Cynthiana. Those totals are the most an opponent has scored on the Thorobreds in school history.

Tuesday Sports Briefs

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands junior setter Kaitlin Hall (31) hands a flower to her mother before Thursday's game against Dixie Heights. The Bluebirds won to move to 9-18 overall.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team celebrated Parents Night with a 3-1 (25-14, 25-11, 23-25, 25-9) victory over the Dixie Heights Lady Colonels on Tuesday.

The players gave flowers to their parents before the game. Highlands improved to 9-18 again playing without junior standout middle blocker Jessica Ginter.

Sophomore Kaylan Frisch led Highlands with seven kills and five blocks with junior setter Kaitlin Hall recording 27 assists and five aces. Senior Abby Schweitzer added three digs.

Highlands travels to Bellevue on Thursday for a 36th District contest. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

NewCath edges Highlands, 2-1 in 36th District battle

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic goalkeeper Meg Martin (black) dives on the ball in Monday's game while several Highlands players surround her. Martin made two saves in NewCath's 2-1 victory.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It was a case of the well-traveled against the well-rested.

In the rivalry game between the two Northern Kentucky 36th District girls soccer rivals, the well-traveled Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds downed the Highlands Bluebirds, 2-1 at Tower Park on Monday. NewCath has won two in a row in the series.

The Lady Breds downed the Bluebirds, 2-0 in last year’s 36th District title game. That ended Highlands’ run of six consecutive district championships.

“We (seniors) keep telling (teammates) not to get a big head,” said Sam Bunzel, NewCath senior midfielder. “You have to go in strong and refocus on what we’ve been practicing. You can’t let down.”

NewCath (12-1-2) has not lost since a 1-0 defeat at Ryle on Aug. 26. The Lady Breds played for the fifth time in six days also winning the All “A” State championship and tieing Dixie Heights, 1-1.