Fort Thomas Matters Sports: 2014

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Highlands goes 1-1 in Holiday Classic

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team split its games in the LaRosa’s Holiday Classic at Conner on Tuesday.

Highlands, NC girls post wins

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds handled the Boyle County Lady Rebels to open the LaRosa’s Holiday Classic at Conner on Monday. Highlands stayed undefeated at 8-0 as a result.

Highlands wins second straight

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Justin Weyer (14) puts up a shot in the season-opening game against St, Henry. Highlands knocked off Todd County Central, 70-58 for its second straight win Sunday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team finished the Coach Bob Classic at South Oldham with two wins Sunday.

Bluebirds earn first win of season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Kenny Ball (40) puts up a shot in a recent game. The Bluebirds won their first game of the season.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team earned its first win Saturday.

Highlands falls to North Oldham

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team fell a few plays short of its first win of the season Friday.

NewCath, Highlands lose Tuesday

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The state’s fourth-ranked Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds faced the second-ranked Ballard Bruins in the Consolation Final on Tuesday.

NewCath wins another in KOB Tournament

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds boys basketball team (5-1) earned another win in the consolation round of the King of the Bluegrass Tournament at Louisville Fairdale on Monday.

NewCath teams record wins Sunday

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbred boys basketball team bounced back from its first loss of the season with a 68-53 win over Bardstown on Sunday.

Highlands handles Bellevue, 67-23

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team took balance to a higher level on Saturday in a sound 67-23 thrashing of the Bellevue Lady Tigers in 36th District action.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Alex Combs (center) puts up a shot while Campbell County's Mackenzie Schwarber (5) and Carson Gray (10) watch. Highlands won 64-51 to move to 6-0 on the season.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Haley Coffey goes in for a shot on Campbell County's Carson Gray (10). Coffey made 8-of-10 free throws on her way to 10 points in the Ladybird victory.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team has done a great job attacking the basket all season.

Trust in each other, coaches leads to 5-0 start for Ladybirds

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highland junior McKenzie Leigh (31) battles for a rebound in a recent win against Dayton while Brianna Adler (right) gets in position. The Ladybirds are beating opponents by an average of 29.4 points in their 5-0 start to the season.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It’s a trait that makes teams successful.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team has it right now and it has led to a fun time on the court in its 5-0 start to the season. That trait is a strong family atmosphere.

NewCath downs Scott

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team won its second game in two days Wednesday.

Hoops Roundup: Thoroughbred girls improve to 4-1

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Parker Harris (10) puts up a jumper in Friday's game against St. Henry. Highlands fell to 0-2 with a 50-30 loss at Dixie Heights on Tuesday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team bounced back from its first loss Saturday in convincing fashion.

Highlands girls stay undefeated

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands point guard Haley Coffey (center) brings the ball up in transition in Saturday's game against South Oldham. Highlands won 67-39 to improve to 5-0 on the season.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team continued to wreak havoc on the opposition with another convincing win Saturday.

Highlands Basketball Roundup: Bluebirds drop opener, Ladybirds handle Grant County

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Mitch Cain (5) puts up a shot in Friday's season opener against St. Henry. The Bluebirds lost 65-55 to the Crusaders.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team opened the season Friday at home with a 65-55 loss to the St. Henry Crusaders (3-2).

Highlands hopes for more improvements

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Parker Harris (10) puts up a shot in the 9th Region quarterfinals against Covington Holmes last year. Harris is one of two returning starters for the Bluebirds.

It was a feeling the squad hopes to see a lot more.

Contributed Photo. Campbell County Head Coach Dave Morris instructs the team during the fall. The 1976 Highlands graduate led Campbell County to its first 10th Region championship in school history this past fall.

It has been a process.

But the plan paid off this year as 1976 Highlands graduate Dave Morris guided the Campbell County Lady Camels soccer team to their best season in school history. Campbell County finished a school-record 18-6-1 to go with 37th District and 10th Region crowns. That marked the first region crown in school history.

NewCath girls move to 3-0

Newport Central Catholic’s girls basketball team won its third game of the season in as many times Wednesday.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands eighth grader Zoie Barth goes up for a lay-up in a recent game at Dayton. Barth scored 12 points in Highlands' win over Bishop Brossart on Tuesday.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team continued its hot start Tuesday winning its home opener to move to 3-0 on the season.

Highlands downed the Bishop Brossart Lady Mustangs, 63-35. Bishop Brossart fell to 1-2 with the loss.

NewCath hoops teams improve to 2-0

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbred basketball teams improved to 2-0 with wins Saturday.

Highlands rallies from down 21 for 23rd state title

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Rocco Pangallo (17) hoists the 2014 Class 4A state championship trophy while Patrick Schoepf (33) and Ben Ellison (44) celebrate.

BOWLING GREEN – What many thought would be a typical Blue and White blowout was not anywhere close to it.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands Bluebirds claimed their state-record 23rd state championship Saturday at Western Kentucky University. They rallied past Owensboro for the 49-42 win.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands Head Coach Brian Weinrich gives hugs after winning the state championship Saturday. Weinrich took over the vaunted Bluebird program in January, 2014 after serving as an assistant the previous 19 years.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

BOWLING GREEN – After the 49-35 loss to Cincinnati Elder on Oct. 24, Bluebird senior quarterback Beau Hoge made a promise to pal and Highlands senior cornerback Andrew “The Cowboy” Abner.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Newport Central Catholic senior Brandon Gray (2) makes a catch in Friday's Class 2A championship against Louisville DeSales. Gray had four catches for 21 yards.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Newport Central Catholic junior defensive linemen Maleek Lawrence (72) and Konner Carmack (74) pursue DeSales quarterback Austin Johnson (left) in Friday's Class 2A title game. DeSales won 26-0.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. NewCath senior Nate Enslen (23) looks for room while DeSales junior Michael Wheatley (35) tries to make the tackle. DeSales claimed its second straight state championship over the Thoroughbreds on Friday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

BOWLING GREEN – Their strength of scheduled helped out a lot in this playoff run.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team hoped it would help out one more time in the Class 2A state championship game rematch against the Louisville DeSales Colts. But that was not the case as DeSales blanked NewCath, 26-0 on Friday at Western Kentucky University’s Feix Field, Houchens/LT Smith Stadium.

Highlands cruises in 36th opener

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey DWCPhoto.com. Highlands guard Haley Coffey (center) goes up for a score in Thursday's 36th District contest at Dayton. Highlands won 82-30 to move to 2-0 on the season.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team avoided a letdown with a convincing 82-30 win over the host Dayton Lady Devils on Thursday.

NewCath meets familiar foe in 2A rematch

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It is no surprise both teams have made it back to the Class 2A title game.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team just hopes for a different result after last year’s 34-26 loss to the Louisville DeSales Colts. That marked the first state championship in school history for the Colts.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior wide receiver Alex Veneman (6) looks to make a move on Lexington Catholic's Davis Rowady (12) in Friday's state semifinal win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

I happened to be talking to Ashley Twehues-Thomas for an upcoming project Tuesday and mentioned the Highlands Bluebirds were playing the Owensboro Red Devils for the Class 4A state championship.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior running back Griffin Urlage (20) looks for yardage in Friday's Class 4A state semifinal win over Lexington Catholic. Highlands plays Owensboro for the crown Saturday at Western Kentucky University.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Blue and White have put in the usual hard work and dedication to make it back to this point.

Now that the Highlands Bluebirds football team has made it back to the Class 4A state championship game, there is just one thing on the minds of the players and coaches.

Redemption.

NewCath opens with win over Cooper

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team started the season on the right track Wednesday.

Highlands beats four-time state champion to open season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey DWCPhoto.com. Highlands guard Zoie Barth makes a move in last year's 9th Region semifinal contest against Notre Dame. Barth scored 10 points in the Ladybirds' season-opening win at Sacred Heart on Tuesday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds started the basketball season off on a great note Tuesday in Louisville.

Bluebirds earn another semifinal victory

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior linebackers Patrick Schoepf (left) and Brady Murray (right) bring down Lexington Catholic wide receiver Andy Thompson (center) in Friday's Class 4A state semifinal game. The Bluebirds won 47-26l

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands wide receiver Alex Veneman (6) makes a tough catch in the first quarter of Friday's Class 4A state semifinal win over Lexington Catholic. The record-setting wide receiver had seven catches for 81 yards and a score.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Many may be tired of seeing them venture to Bowling Green.

But each football team has its own unique story in a town that cares about the players’ success in not just football but many things. The Highlands Bluebirds (12-2 overall) advanced to the state championship for the eighth straight year with a sound 47-26 win over the Lexington Catholic Knights on Friday at David Cecil Memorial Stadium.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands quarterback Beau Hoge (7) makes a move in Friday's Class 4A state semifinal win over Lexington Catholic. Hoge ran for 137 yards, three touchdowns and passed for 206 yards in the 47-26 Bluebird win.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior linebacker Rocco Pangallo (17) pursues Lexington Catholic quarterback Reese Ryan (left) in Friday's Class 4A state semifinal win. Pangallo had two sacks as the Bluebirds moved to 15-1 in state semifinal games since 1995.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior defensive lineman Daniel Kremer (center) sacks LexCath quarterback Reese Ryan while D.J. Mills (42) closes in. Kremer and Mills had two sacks each and Mills added a fumble recovery in the 47-26 Bluebird win. The Knights had 27 rushes for a negative-46 yards with seven quarterback sacks.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds football team just needed to defend its home field to advance back to the Class 4A state championship game.

NewCath handles mountain state semifinal opponent

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The combination of the visitors’ running game and special teams spelled doom for the hosts on Friday near Pikeville.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds had two punt returns and saw junior running back Jacob Smith run wild in a 43-16 Class 2A semifinal win over the Shelby Valley Wildcats (11-3).

Thoroughbreds reload for another run at state

Allen Ramsey Photo. Newport Central Catholic post Ben Weyer (44) puts up a shot in the 9th Region semifinals against Covington Catholic last year. The Thoroughbreds return three starters from last year's 29-4 team that hopes to grab that elusive 9th Region title.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

They’ve carried the same preseason title the last few years, but have fallen short of it.

NewCath travels long way for state semifinal game

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

History may favor the visitors.

But the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team (7-5) still has to go on a long road trip into the mountains of eastern Kentucky and prove it. The District 6 champion Throughbreds battle the District 8 champion Shelby Valley Wildcats (11-2) from in the Class 2A semifinals on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Shelby Valley is located near Pikeville. The schools are approximately 200 miles and four hours apart.

Carly Hill at her signing day.

Submitted Photos. Highlands senior Carly Hill dives in a meet last year. Hill owns the school's 1-meter diving record with 507.8 points and won the individual state crown last year. She recently signed with the University of Louisville.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Carly Hill has had an impressive career for years diving for the Highlands Ladybirds.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior quarterback Beau Hoge (7) eludes Covington Catholic senior defensive back Sam Kathman (22) in Friday's region title game. The Bluebirds face the Lexington Catholic Knights at 6 p.m. Friday in the Class 4A state semifinals.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It may be Black Friday, but it’s also been a Blue and White Friday the previous seven years in Fort Thomas.

The Highlands Bluebirds (11-2 overall) have won seven consecutive state semifinal contests and are seeking another against the same opponent they’ve beaten in the last three in Class 4A in the Lexington Catholic Knights (10-3). Game time is 6 p.m.

Highlands escapes CovCath again

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior wide receiver Mitch Cain (16) makes a catch and holds on while CovCath's Sam Kathman (22) tackles him and Ben Zumdick (6) coverges. Highlands won 37-34 to advance to its eighth straight semifinal game.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Some fans may have thought it would not be a good game.

Thus, they did not brave the 28-degree weather to see another Class 4A, Region 4 championship game between the Highlands Bluebirds and Covington Catholic Colonels on Friday at Cecil Memorial Stadium. But the ones that did saw the Bluebirds survive a 37-34 scare.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior wide receiver Eric Miller (15) finds a crease for a touchdown against Covington Catholic defenders Ben Zumdick (6) and Drew Demarsh (28) in Friday's Class 4A, Region 4 championship game. The Bluebirds won 37-34 for their 13th straight win over the Colonels.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior linebacker Brady Murray (18) holds onto Covington Catholic quarterback Adam Wagner (19) in Friday's region title game. The Bluebirds advanced to the state semifinals for the eighth straight year.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds football team feels fortunate because it held off the pesky Covington Catholic Colonels, 37-34 on Friday.

Thoroughbred football wins another district rematch

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It came down to beating their in-town rivals another time to earn a trip into the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

Where did Mitch Jones sign to play college baseball?

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Coming off a wonderful season, the Highlands Bluebirds baseball team expects some seniors to sign to play at the next level.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior linebacker Patrick Schoepf (33) takes down an Ashland ball carrier in the second round of the playoffs on Friday. Highlands faces Covington Catholic for the fourth straight year in the region finals at 7:30 p.m.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The teams own a combined 28 state championships.

But while the Covington Catholic Colonels remain the biggest threat to their Kentucky football dominance, many argue it has not been a rivalry lately. That’s because the Highlands Bluebirds find themselves on the positive side of the longest winning streak in series history.

How can NC record another win against Newport?

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It has a spine-tingling feeling of three years ago.

What local records has a Highlands wide receiver broken and where did Hoge verbally commit over the weekend?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands wide receiver Alex Veneman (6) hauls in a touchdown pass a few weeks ago against Covington Holmes. Veneman broke the Northern Kentucky record for the most receptions and receiving yards in a season in the Highlands win over Ashland on Friday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The senior tandem of quarterback Beau Hoge and Alex Veneman for the Highlands Bluebirds football team (10-2) have tormented defenses all season.

How did Highlands hold off the hungry visitors Friday?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior wide receiver Cashel Coughlin (89) looks for room after a catch in Friday's game against Ashland. The Bluebirds won 30-15 to advance to the region finals.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Many received their wish.

The Highlands Bluebirds football team (10-2 overall) will have another home playoff game Friday when the District 7-4A rival Covington Catholic Colonels (8-4) come to town for the fourth straight year for the Region 4 championship. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior defensive back Cody Stamper (23) and linebacker Conner Welsch (5) tackle Ashland's Jalon Taylor (24) in Friday's second-round playoff game. The Bluebirds won 30-15

Allen Ramsey Photo. The Highlands offensive line including Carson Haas (61) sets up in Friday's game against Ashland.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Like many teams they are facing this year, the Highlands Bluebirds and Ashland Blazer Tomcats may not play again for a while.

The Bluebirds move to Class 5A next year and the Tomcats stay in 4A. The Bluebirds beat the Tomcats, 30-15 in the closest second-round playoff match-up in Fort Thomas in the past three seasons. The Bluebirds dominated the Tomcats last year (56-6) and in 2012 (52-13).

How did NC respond to the huge Lloyd swings?

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The visitors came out with some things unseen on tape.

But once the hosts figured them out, they rolled to another second-round Class 2A victory on Friday. The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team (6-5 overall) managed the challenge of beating the Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts, 39-17 a second time this season.

How will the NC girls hoops team be different this year?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Newport Central Catholic senior Michaela Ware (11) scores the game-winning lay-up against Notre Dame in the 9th Region title game last year. Ware is one of two returning starters for the Thoroughbreds.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – There is no doubt about the void left in the paint for the defending 9th Region champions.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands running back Ben Brach (23) takes the ball right in Friday's game against Boyd County. The Bluebirds battle the Ashland Tomcats in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs on Friday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds football team welcomes challenges to Cecil Memorial Stadium anytime, especially during the playoffs.

Who does NC face in a playoff rematch?

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It is not necessarily a preferred path.

But the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (5-5) face the task of beating a District 6-2A for the second time this season to move on in the second round of the playoffs. They take on the Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts (8-2) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Newport Stadium.

What will it take for the Highlands basketball team to succeed this year?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior McKenzie Leight (31) sets up for a free-throw attempt in the 9th Region semifinals against Notre Dame last year. Leigh averaged 8.7 points and 6.6 rebounds for Highlands last year. Leigh is one of all five starters and 12-of-13 players returning from last year's 23-8 team.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The prospects for a big season exist.

Like veteran Head Coach Jaime Walz-Richey would say, it’s a matter of daily improvement and understanding certain qualities that make teams successful.

Richey became the Head Coach in 2002. The Ladybirds have gone 225-133 since then including three district championships and a 9th Region runner-up finish two years ago.

G. Michael Graham Photo. The Highlands Ladybirds cross country team three-peated for the third time in school history winning the Class AA state championship on Saturday at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

LEXINGTON – They hoped to bring home both crowns this year.

The Highlands Ladybirds cross country team three-peated as Class AA state champions. But the Bluebirds finished third for the second straight year at the Kentucky Horse Park.

When did Highlands hit running clock against Boyd County?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior linebacker Rocco Pangallo (17) hits Boyd County running back Christian Braly (21) in Friday's 44-7 win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

This one always has to come first in the playoffs every year.

But also like those years, the Highlands Bluebirds football team took nothing for granted and handled the overmatched Boyd County Lions, 44-7 on Friday at Cecil Memorial Stadium. District champion and top-seeded Highlands typically demolishes the fourth-seeded team from the other district in this round on its way to long runs in the playoffs.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior running back Nick Kendall (center) breaks free for a 44-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of Highlands' 44-7 win over Boyd County to open the Class 4A playoffs on Friday.

Allen Ramsey. Highlands senior wide receiver Alex Veneman (center) catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Boyd County Lions on Friday. Veneman had seven catches for 167 yards and three touchdowns in the Bluebird win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It may have been old news manhandling another overmatched first-round playoff opponent.

But should Class 4A’s top-ranked Highlands Bluebirds football team (9-2) earn three more playoff games like it has the previous seven seasons, the Bluebirds will not face the same five opponents in the same rounds like the past two seasons. The defending 4A state champion Collins Titans slipped to 4-7 this season and lost 49-43 at Louisville Western on Friday. Collins ended Highlands’ six-year state championship run with a 37-34 win in the final seconds in the 4A title game last year.

Did NewCath post another shutout on the season?

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The odds heavily favored the hosts like they have in many first-round playoff meetings since 2000.

Who are the first-round mismatches for Highlands, NC?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior running back Nick Kendall (8) breaks free for a long gain in a recent game against Warren Central on Friday. The Bluebirds play host to Boyd County to open the Class 4A playoffs on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It looks like the typical first-round mismatches for the top-seeded Highlands Bluebirds (8-2) and Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (4-5) football teams.

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