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.

Highlands turns attention to Boyd County

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands defenders like Patrick Schoepf (33) and Daniel Kremer (22) converge on the ball in Friday's 71-69 win over Warren Central. The Bluebirds open the playoffs Friday against the Boyd County Lions for the third year in a row.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It is normally about daily improvement each and every game and practice.

But the shift changes to taking down the Boyd County Lions this week for the Highlands Bluebirds football team. That’s when you know the playoffs have arrived because a loss means the season is over.

NewCath rallies for big win over Beechwood

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team received the test it expected from the rival Beechwood Tigers on Saturday and passed it.

The Thoroughbreds won their fifth in a row and second straight in the great series, 34-31 on a John Caudill 25-yard field goal with 12.4 seconds left in the game. Caudill made all four extra-point attempts and 2-of-3 field-goal tries.

Both teams are 6-4 overall. The loss snapped a three-game Beechwood winning streak. The Tigers still lead the all-time series, 23-14.

Highlands girls cross country wins region meet, boys just miss repeat

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Both the Highlands cross country teams expected to repeat as Class 2A, Region 4 champions.

One did and one just missed out. The Highlands girls ran away from field scoring 27 points outdistancing second-place Scott with 51 points. Highlands came into the season as heavy favorites to repeat as state champions.

Highlands soccer falls 3-1 against top-ranked team

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands defenders Alex Shepherd (left) and Jimmy Penrod (right) go upfield along with Lexington Paul Dunbar's Riley Calhoun (middle) and teammate Mitch Gesenhues (15) in Saturday's state quarterfinal game at Lexington Henry Clay. Highlands lost 3-1 in its third appearance in school history in the state quarterfinals.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

LEXINGTON – They had nothing to lose at this point.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team came into this state quarterfinal game as the underdog to the top-ranked Lexington Paul Lawrence Dunbar Bulldogs. The Bluebirds gave a great effort in a 3-1 loss Saturday at Henry Clay on a turf field. Dunbar controlled the ball most of the game earning 16 shots on goal to three for Highlands.

Highlands holds on in offensive shootout, 71-69

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Highlands Bluebirds Head Football Coach/Offensive Coordinator Dale Mueller jokingly blamed it on the day after Halloween.

It only made sense after the Highlands Bluebirds won Friday’s season finale, 71-69 over the Warren Central Dragons at Cecil Memorial Stadium. They concluded the regular season at 9-1 in the first-ever meeting against 5-5 Warren Central.

Bluebird Notebook: Highlands not only Kentucky team having problems scheduling nearby non-district teams

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands quarterback Beau Hoge (7) sets up to throw deep in Friday's 71-69 win over Warren Central. Hoge completed 19-of-31 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns in the victory.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

When it comes to making a football schedule, Highlands Bluebird Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Dale Mueller is not alone when it comes to wanting to play more local teams from Northern Kentucky.

The Bluebirds will have to make trips to Lexington Bryan Station, Campbell County and Warren Central next year for non-district action after they came to Fort Thomas this year. Warren Central will be the longest trip of the three at about 3.5 hours. University Christian (Fla.) will come back to Fort Thomas after opening the season there this year. Highlands edged Warren Central, 71-69 to conclude the regular season on Friday.

NC, Beechwood tangle in annual battle

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It is a rivalry game that gets the juices flowing in the final warm-up for the playoffs.

The Class 2A Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds and Class 1A Beechwood Tigers meet Saturday at Noon in Fort Mitchell in their annual battle between two state championship contenders. The Tigers lead the all-time series 23-13.