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.
The Bluebirds own an overall record of 49-20-2 against the Bulldogs. A win would mark the 17th district championship in the last 18 years for Highlands. Highlands beat Covington Holmes, 57-28 in Covington last year.
Highlands has gone 20-0 against district opponents not named Covington Catholic including the playoffs during their 94-3 run since the start of 2007. The Bluebirds have outscored those opponents by an average of just more than 49 points during that time including a 77-0 win on Oct. 4 over Harrison County. Highlands enters the game off its bye week.
“Last week was great for us in the middle of the season,” said Dale Mueller, Highlands Head Coach. “We did a lot of ones against ones, team drills, man on man and seven-on-seven drills. It was geared to improve our own team skills.”
Holmes (5-2) enters the game off a 14-7 against that same rebuilding Harrison County squad. Aside from that, Holmes’ other four wins have come against 1A and 2A opponents. The Bulldogs have a first-year Head Coach in Ben Nevels.
Highlands brings its vaunted Spread offense that averages 50.4 points, just more than seven touchdowns and 437.4 yards per contest into the game, including 339.9 through the air. Senior quarterback Drew Houliston has completed 119-of-167 passes for 2,103 yards, 28 touchdowns and just one interception. Nine different Highlands wide receivers have at least seven catches and a touchdown led by Jensen Feggins with 26 catches for 487 yards and seven scores.
The Highlands offensive line has blocked well all year paving the way for other skill position players like Zach Harris. Harris leads the team with 463 yards rushing on 63 attempts and 11 touchdowns for an average of 7.3 a carry. Harris also has 19 catches for 322 yards and seven touchdowns.
“We work on the team chemistry in spring and summer drills,” said Connor Bleser, Highlands senior offensive lineman/tight end. “It’s about repetition. We keep going over the B (hike) count. That’s why we’re so disciplined.”
Holmes struggled against a spread offense in a 40-14 loss to Scott on Aug. 30. The Eagles rushed for 379 yards and six touchdowns on 52 carries in that game. Josh Castleman led Scott with 108 yards on 19 touches with a touchdown.
The Bluebird 3-4 defense has allowed an average of 18 points and 312.1 yards per contest. Teams have gone on long and sustained drives at certain points of the season.
But the Bluebirds have improved in recent games allowing a mere touchdown to Covington Catholic in district play. They shut out Harrison County with players like Thomas Wrobleski, Seth Hope and Jackson Bardo.
“We have a great group of players and coaches,” said Brian Weinrich, Highlands Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator. “Everyone is sold on improving each day, each drill and each (repetition). Game planning is great. But the guys must be able to execute the plans. We feel improving on a daily basis is more important than specific schemes.”
Holmes also runs a Spread offense. Senior Holmes running back Jonathan Scruggs leads the Bulldogs with 1,004 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.
“(Containment) is pretty much everything,” said Tyler Robinson, Highlands sophomore defensive lineman. “Beating the (offensive) linemen to the gaps is what it is (about). We work on our footwork every day. We make sure (opponents) don’t get outside us.”
Senior linebacker Joey Cochran leads Highlands with six tackles for a loss. Junior defensive back Griffin Urlage leads the Bluebirds with two interceptions. Highlands has intercepted five passes and recovered eight fumbles defensively.
The Bluebirds conclude the season on the road at Cincinnati Elder (5-2) and at home against Warren Central (4-3). Elder handed the Bluebirds their lone loss last year.
No comments:
Post a Comment