Highlands Weekend Results

Highlands Boys Soccer Posts Huge Victory

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior Jordan Frisk (28) goes after the ball while senior Carter Smith (15) watches in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (8-3-2 overall) earned a huge win entering the post-season beating the Louisville Trinity Shamrocks, 3-0 on Saturday at Tower Park.

Highlands had been playing Trinity (6-4-1) on an annual basis since 2014. But the Bluebirds had not managed to beat the Shamrocks until Saturday. 

"We've been on the upswing lately. We knew this was going to be a challenge," said Chad Niedert, Highlands Head Coach. "They've had some losses lately. But when you play the teams they play every game, they're going to take some bumps even if they're just slightly down. We knew we had to stick to the game we've been playing. We knew we'd be sending messages at the right time with a statement win. That's exactly what we got out of it."

Trinity came to Fort Thomas two years ago when Highlands finished state runner-up and led 1-0 in the first half. But lightning caused the cancellation of the game.

Senior Brayden Gillman led the Bluebirds with two goals for four points. Gillman has five goals and a team-high six assists on the season for 16 points.

"This momentum is huge for us going into the post-season," Gillman said. "I think it really shows how we figured out how to adapt to tough circumstances and came out on top. I am thrilled with the all-around effort from the guys and it's proof of how much effort we put in at training."

Highlands had seven shots with four on goal to two shots and one on goal for Trinity. Sophomore goalkeeper Connor Mathis made one save for the Bluebirds.

Gillman's first goal came with six minutes left in the first half to put Highlands up 1-0. Hank Cook had an assist.

The Bluebirds led 2-0 with 30:48 left in the first half when Gillman scored again on a free kick. The final Highlands goal came with 27:35 left in the game when sophomore Colin Pieper scored on a Cook assist. Pieper has three goals and Cook two assists on the season.

Highlands plays Newport Central Catholic (8-4-1) in the 36th District championship at Tower Park on Tuesday. Game time is 5:30 p.m.

Cross Country:

NKAC Meet Results:

The Highlands Bluebirds placed well in the meet at Idlewild Park in Burlington.

The Highlands boys and girls both placed second in the large school division. The Highlands girls scored 57 points finishing behind Ryle's 49 points. Senior Maggie Schroeder won the race in 19 minutes, 19.96 seconds for the Bluebirds.

The Highlands boys scored 74 points behind Conner's 15. Senior Will Griffith again led the Bluebirds finishing sixth in 17:20.

Highlands has a tri-meet Tuesday at Highland Park against Beechwood and Simon Kenton. It is two miles.