Highlands Girls Soccer Ties Simon Kenton

Bluebirds Lose Lead in Second Half

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior defender Jade Rehberger takes and makes a penalty shot earlier in the week.

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The first half belonged to the host Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (10-4-1 overall).

The Bluebirds built a 2-0 lead. It started when senior Chloe Bramble scored her seventh goal of the season on the ninth assist of the season from sophomore Laney Smith.

Smith scored her 14th goal of the season on a shot from 20 yards out off a pass from sophomore Claire Cavacini. Cavacini has three assists and Smith has a team-high 37 points on the season.

But the Lady Pioneers (7-9-1) did not quit. They scored on a corner kick just two minutes into the second half. Simon Kenton tied the game on another corner kick with six minutes left in the game.

"I think that we are playing well. We just need to work on that mental aspect," said Jade Rehberger, Highlands senior defender. "We can't be making mental lapses in the postseason. We need to be in the game for the whole 80 minutes or extra time. It's about preparing for the win or go home mentality."

Simon Kenton had eight shots on goal to seven for Highlands. Senior goalkeeper Meg Gessner had six saves for the Bluebirds.

"I thought we played some of our best soccer in the first half," said Chris Norris, Highlands Head Coach. "We were playing quick. I thought that we played really well. Then in the second half, they made some tactical changes and I think we just got caught in the transition. They were able to work the ball down and got a couple corners. They were very dangerous on those corners. We just couldn't figure out how to get the ball out of danger."

Highlands Volleyball Bests Simon Kenton in Thriller

Bluebirds Earn 22nd Win of Season

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Lauren Buemi (middle) waits for a signal in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team (22-6 overall) bested the Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers (14-8), 3-2 (25-19, 18-25, 25-20, 22-25, 15-9) in a non-region match Tuesday at Russell Bridges Gym.

Highlands had 53 kills, 54 assists, 86 digs, six solo blocks, three assisted blocks and nine aces. Senior Lauren Buemi had 11 kills, one solo block, one assisted block, two digs and three aces. Senior CC Shick had 19 kills, one solo, one assisted block, 11 digs and one ace.

"Unfortunately, we dug ourselves some holes here and there. I think we dropped the ball on some controllable (things) at different points throughout the match," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "But to come back definitively and close the door with a lot of authority in the fifth was really good to see. I don't think this team would ever fold because they're pretty tough and they give me every thing every night. But there wasn't even that mental lapse. They stayed pretty focused and stayed together. That was pretty cool to watch. It was a long night. But they did a good job."

Senior Sophia Sarakatsannis had 12 kills, one solo block, one assisted block, 18 digs, two aces and one assist for Highlands. Senior Avery Cavacini had three kills and three solo blocks. Senior Nicole Ossege had eight kills and four digs.

"I think we were all feeling super prideful and confident," Ossege said. "We were all trusting each other. After we beat (Covington) Holy Cross to win the Cake Classic, Coach (Sallee) said we reached the next level. I think that helped because Simon Kenton is up or down. I feel like (the Lady Pioneers) were up (Tuesday). I think all that carried into the fact we were able to win this game."

Senior setter Madison Opitz had 44 assists and eight digs for the Bluebirds. Junior setter Kenzi Vennefron had five assists and two digs.

Senior Madison Clore led the Bluebirds with 30 digs, three assists and two aces. Senior Honor Valentine had nine digs and one ace.

Highlands Monday Results

Highlands Soccer Teams Record Wins

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior midfielder Lucy New (22) gets in position in the 6-3 Highlands win over St. Henry on Monday.

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The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (15-3-1 overall) helped Head Coach Chad Niedert to his 100th career coaching win with a 4-0 road victory at Cincinnati (Ohio) Winton Woods.

Niedert is in his fifth season at Highlands as the head coach and seventh overall after serving as an assistant in 2015 and 2016. The Bluebirds are 80-22-10 during Niedert's tenure as head coach. 

Niedert led North Oldham to a 20-5-1 mark in 2013. Highlands has won the 36th District Tournament title five straight years and won the 9th Region title in 2018 and 2019 finishing state runner-up in 2018.

Highlands outshot the Warriors (4-5-1) of the Eastern Cincinnati Conference, 17-4 on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Jack Wilson stopped all four Winton Woods shots for the Bluebirds.

"(Winton Woods) came recommended to us from some of our colleagues over there in Ohio," Niedert said. "It was a different kind of game. It was definitely quite physical. They were a very athletic team. We have to learn how to play against really talented players that are different kinds of contributors. I think we did a good job."

The Bluebirds built a 3-0 halftime lead. Senior Jordan Frisk had two goals with junior Caden Schroeder scoring the other one and junior Colin Pieper tallying the assist. Frisk has 14 goals and a team-high nine assists on the season for a team-high 37 points. Schroeder has eight goals and Pieper has eight assists. Pieper has a team-high 38 points.

The Bluebirds added one goal in the second half. Junior Dash Macke passed the ball from the right side and sophomore Tyler Whitney played it in at the far left post. That is Macke's second assist of the season and Whitney's first goal.

"It actually felt amazing to be able to help one of my teammates find a shot in that spotlight," Macke said. "To see my friends celebrate after that goal is an accomplishment in and of itself. We have been playing phenomenal lately."

Highlands travels to Cincinnati (Ohio) Wyoming (8-1-1) of the Cincinnati Hills League on Thursday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Soccer, Girls:

Highlands 6, St. Henry 3:

Highlands (10-4 overall) celebrated Senior Night with a 9th Region win over the Crusaders (2-10-3). But the Bluebirds had to pull away with three goals in the game's final 18 minutes to do it.

"It was fantastic. (The seniors) got some playing time," said Chris Norris, Highlands Head Coach. "In the second half, we knew we had to move the ball a little bit faster. It worked out. I think it created a little bit more opportunities for us to get better scoring opportunities so when we were taking our shots, we'd be able to be on frame without having to get by four defenders. I think the girls' mental toughness has improved all season. I think it showed when they got down by a goal. It showed they could fight back."

The Bluebirds have 10 seniors in Meg Gessner, Hailey Parks, Faith Broering, Jade Rehberger, Chloe Bramble, Lucy New, Hailey Barton, Julia Heck, Macy Hedenberg and Lindsay Thompson. New, Thompson and junior Ruby Smith returned to soccer this year for the first time since middle school and are still members of the Highlands Dance Team.

"It was awesome," New said. "The team just has great chemistry. I got lots of minutes. I almost got a goal in there a couple times. But it was great to just be with the team. They're all so supportive and it's just the best team that I could ask for."

St. Henry battled the hosts despite Highlands outshooting the Crusaders, 22-9. Gessner had to make some tough saves in the second half finishing with five and Parks had one. That includes fighting off defenders in the box.

"We just had to work together as a unit always communicating with each other, connecting passes first, looking to go forward and never giving up balls," Gessner said. "It was great. You just have to have the mentality to go into it and always know you're going to get the ball."

Broering scored two goals in the first half for the Bluebirds and added an assist in the second half. She has eight goals and four assists on the season for 20 points.

Highlands took the lead again when Rehberger hit a penalty kick for her third goal of the season. The Bluebirds held the 3-2 lead momentarily as St. Henry quicly tied the game.

"We've rotated two freshmen, a sophomore through our defense trying to figure out what's going to be the right mix," Norris said. "I think losing (junior) Bianca Hemsath hurt us at least on the experience level. I think about that time Macy Hedenberg came back and that's really helped our center backs. That gives us a little bit more time on the outside. It's been a season-long project. I think they've done a fantastic job coming together both mentally and physically out on the field. Giving up three goals was a bit of a bummer. But I think maybe the Senior Night and some nerves of new players starting in some positions may have led to some miscommunications and some easy opportunities for St. Henry."

Sophomore forward Laney Smith had the next two goals. The first one came off a corner from Broering and the second one came on a 20-yard shot off a pass from senior forward Chloe Bramble. Bramble then scored on an assist from sophomore forward Lindsay Stein with seven minutes left in the game when the ball fell through the St. Henry goalkeeper's hands.

"That's something we've been working on all season - following the ball as soon as the ball is hit," Norris said. "I think they finally learned why we do it. It bounced our way and gave us an opportunity to score another goal."

Highlands plays host to Simon Kenton (7-9-1) on Wednesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Golf, Girls:

8th Region Results:

Senior KJ Toole is headed back to the state tournament for the third year in a row for Highlands. She qualified for state finishing fourth in the 8th Region Tournament shooting an 85.

"I'm obviously excited to give myself another shot at (state)," Toole said. "That always feels good. I have a mix of emotions (Monday). My game was not bad. But it wasn't great so I definitely have some things to practice and get in line."

The Bluebirds finished third overall in the 14-team tournament played at Pendleton Hills Country Club in Butler shooting a 420 equaling the 2019 team for the highest finish in region tournament action since Head Coach Mike Lipscomb took over the program in 2018. Owen County won the tournament shooting 348 and Grant County took second shooting 388.

"I really think we started to peek at the end of the year at the right time," Lipscomb said. "Our girls played a very difficult course. The greens were extremely fast. They had some very tough holes where you have to place the ball more. I would say the girls did a very good job of not losing their heads. They kept their focus throughout even though they weren't having their best days."

None of the other four golfers shot below 100. Senior Helen Halbauer shot her personal best. The other three golfers that participated in the tournament return next year in junior Aly Welch, sophomore Bailey Markus and freshman Jenna Richey. The team won the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division II crown last week.

The girls state golf tournament takes place Oct. 4 through 6 at the Bowling Green Country Club. Toole qualified for the second day of the tournament last year shooting an 84 on the par-72 course and 88 on the second day for a two-day total of 172 good for 58th. Toole hopes to go out improving on those scores.

"My putting was looking really solid so I'm hoping to keep up some good putting," Toole said. "I did well with my drives off the tee. I'm just looking really hit those greens on my approach shots. That's a big thing."

Highlands Saturday Results

Volleyball Wins Cake Classic for First Time Since 2017

Contributed Photo. The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team won its annual Cake Classic for the first time since 2017.

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Head Coach Katelyn Sallee mentioned the possibility of facing the Holy Cross Indians for a second time in three days in the annual Cake Classic on Saturday.

That third meeting for the Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team (21-6 overall) carried the most weight in the form of the tournament championship. The Bluebirds came through with a 2-0 victory (25-21, 25-20) beating the Indians (16-5) for the first time this season. 

This also marked the first win in six tries over a team ranked in the top five in the 9th Region. The Bluebirds won the Cake Classic for the first time since 2017.

"It was exciting for them to have the opportunity to play them again so quickly," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "Volleyball is a hard game to have that kind of consistency and that type of control and competitiveness to carry on from the same opponent from one match to the next. To see us sustain the same energy from Thursday and come in clear-minded, focused and engaged was really good. I feel like we're so evenly matched."

Highlands had a .148 hitting percentage in the win connecting for 24 kills on 81 attempts and 12 errors. Senior left CC Shick had eight kills and senior Sophia Sarakatsannis had seven. Senior Nicole Ossege had four.

The Bluebirds had four aces, no blocks, 51 digs and 24 assists. Senior Madison Clore had two aces and nine digs. Senior Honor Valentine and Sarakatsannis had 11 each with Shick digging up 10. Senior setter Madison Opitz had 23 assists.

"We definitely wanted that win (Saturday)," Opitz said. "We worked together and gelled really well. We were excited throughout the whole game."

Valentine said the main person to contain for Holy Cross is sophomore middle hitter Julia Hunt. Her sister is junior setter Maya Hunt.

"For Julia, we really just tried to get some hands on (the ball)," Valentine said. "We took into account that she's going to have big swings and that's going to be okay. But we did as best as we can to try to get into a dig, dig, kill scenario. She's just a well-rounded player. She sees our side of the court and looks for holes."

Highlands finished pool play in the tournament with a 2-0 (25-12, 25-13) win over Walton-Verona an hour before the title game. This marked the second win over the Bearcats this season.

"The thing that I'm most encouraged by is that while on paper, Thursday was a loss," Sallee said. "I think emotionally, we just didn't wear that as hard as we could have. We came back and said we're going to take care of business. We believed we could do it. Instead of coming in hardened and just coming in with a vengeance because that can be short-sighted, I think we came in the mind that said we can beat this team (Holy Cross). We know this team really well. It was a mature way to head into this match."

Highlands had 20 kills and assists, one solo block each from senior Lauren Buemi and Shick, 22 digs and nine aces. Shick had 10 kills and Sarakatsannis had six kills, seven digs and two aces. Opitz had 14 assists, four digs and four aces. Clore had five digs and an ace with Valentine recording two aces.

Highlands plays host to Simon Kenton on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Soccer, Girls:

South Oldham 4, Highlands 0:

The state's second-ranked Lady Dragons (15-1) downed the visiting Bluebirds (9-4). This marked South Oldham's 10th shutout of the season. Their lone loss came 3-0 at home to top-ranked Notre Dame (18-0).

South Oldham had 12 shots compared to nine for Highlands. Senior goalkeeper Hailey Parks had eight saves for the Bluebirds.

Highlands Friday Notebook

Highlands Volleyball Wins Twice in Cake Classic

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands Head Coach Katelyn Sallee (left) watches while senior setter Madison Opitz (center) gets in position in a recent game.

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The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team (19-6 overall) won its two pool play games Friday to open its own Cake Classic quickly bouncing back from the tough loss at Covington Holy Cross on Thursday.

Highlands beat Bishop Brossart, 2-0 (25-9, 25-19) for the second time this season in the first game. Highlands had 25 kills and assists, five aces, one solo block by junior Bailey Houston and 37 digs. Senior Sophia Sarakatsannis had eight digs, one ace and four kills. Senior Nicole Ossege added five kills. Senior CC Shick led Highlands with 10 kills.

"Our (Head) Coach (Katelyn Sallee) mentioned something in our huddle (at Holy Cross). It's been a breakthrough moment for us," Sarakatsannis said. "We had a moment where our mindsets kind of changed so we tried to follow that energy and that love into these past games. When we play different teams with different atmospheres, we know how to handle that."

Junior Kenzi Vennefron had seven digs and senior Madison Clore had six. Vennefron added 12 assists and senior Madison Opitz had nine.

The Bluebirds took down South Oldham, 2-0 (25-17, 25-18). Highlands had 27 kills and assists, six aces, one solo block by senior Avery Cavacini and 38 digs. Clore and Sarakatsannis had 11 digs each and senior Honor Valentine had six.

Vennefron and Clore had two aces each. Sarakatsannis had kills and Shick five. Senior Lauren Buemi added four. Vennefron and Opitz had 13 assists each.

The Bluebirds conclude pool play against Walton-Verona on Saturday at 11 a.m. They will play again at Noon or 1 p.m.

Class 5A, District 5 Results:

The other teams had district openers. Covington Catholic outlasted Cooper, 31-24 in quadruple overtime in Park Hills and Conner knocked off Boone County, 38-7.

Thursday Highlands Results

Boys Soccer Finishes Undefeated in 9th Region Action in Regular Season

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. The Highlands volleyball team came up short at Holy Cross on Thursday.

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The Highlands Boys soccer team (14-3-1 overall) needed one more win on Senior Night to conclude the regular season undefeated in 9th Region action.

Tied 1-1 at halftime, the Bluebirds outscored the Dixie Heights Colonels (10-3-1), 3-0 in the second half on their way to a 4-1 victory. Highlands finished the regular season 9-0 in region play.

"We've talked about not taking things for granted," said Chad Niedert, Highlands Head Coach. "They're realizing we do a lot for this program and it means a lot to us. We owed it to the seniors for what they've contributed to the program to make it the night that it was. I think we saw great contributions from our seniors, juniors and two sophomores. The energy was great and we had some great support from the student section. If this is where we pick up in the postseason, we're going to be in great shape going forward."

The Bluebirds have eight seniors on the team. They are Cole Lorenzen, Jordan Frisk, Joel Kendall, Nick Robinson, Sawyer Tate, Thomas Gray-Torsell and Wyatt Thompson.

"Our strongest part of our season so far has been starting the second half," Robinson said. "We started the second half strong and we never really looked back. Normally when we get ahead like that, we just keep pushing until (opponents) pretty much give up. The seniors deserve it."

Highlands had 23 shots including 12 on goal to go with two offsides calls, four fouls and seven corner kicks. Sophomore goalkeeper Jack Wilson had five saves.

Frisk, junior Colin Pieper and sophomore Chad Gesenhues had one goal and one assist each. Lorenzen had the fourth goal. Pieper has a team-high 15 goals and seven assists for a team-high 37 points. Frisk has 12 goals and a team-high nine assists for 33 points. Gesenhues has seven goals and four assists for 18 points and Lorenzen has four goals on the season.

Highlands travels to Cincinnati Winton Woods on Monday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Volleyball:

Covington Holy Cross 3, Highlands 2:

Tied at 15 in the final game, Holy Cross (14-4) scored on a tight call along the sideline and a Highlands hitting error to win the game. The Indians won the first game 25-20 before the Bluebirds won the next two 25-16 and 25-20.

"It was without a doubt I feel like the proudest moment I've had this season watching the girls rally and fight and do every single thing I asked of them," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "It came down to two points. It was just an incredible match. I told them at the end with tears in my eyes and the whole team feeling it, 'When people ask me how the season is going, I very rarely say the record because there are other measurable things that I really point to.' Nights like this, I can proudly say it's going well. I'm super bummed that we didn't get to take the W, but really proud of the team."

But Highlands could not find a rhythm in the fourth game. Holy Cross built a big lead and won 25-20.

"You have to just jump on top of it and get ahead," Sallee said. "You can't give this team an inch. We didn't give them much really. But we didn't close the door. We just had the one little run that we allowed. When you give (that), they're going to make you pay for it."

The Bluebirds had 50 kills, 49 assists, five solo and four assisted blocks, 92 digs and 11 aces. Senior CC Shick had 21 kills, one solo and one assisted block and 10 digs. Senior Sophia Sarakatsannis had 12 kills, 22 digs and three aces. Junior Emma Daly had two solo blocks. Senior Lauren Buemi had five digs, three aces and four kills.

Highlands senior setter Madison Opitz had 42 assists. Senior Honor Valentine and Madison Clore had 20 and 19 digs.

The Bluebirds honored the passing of Clore's grandmother Sandy Clore-Schmaedecke earlier in the week by wearing pink ribbons on their shoes. She'd been battling cancer for months. Clore said not playing Thursday did not cross her mind and Schmaedecke would not want her to do that.

"I'm very thankful she got to watch me. She's a role model for me and I love her very much," Clore said. "I'm going to miss her. I was playing for her (Thursday) and so was the team."

Clore's sister Rylee plays on the freshman team. Rylee Clore thanked her grandmother.

"She was there for me through thick and thin," Rylee Clore said. "She was so inspirational throughout her years. I would just like to say she has been though so much. She has fought and she has shown her strength throughout (the) cancer (battle). I will miss her forever, especially on the court with my teammates. They showed how much we can come together. I just want to say thank you to her."

The Bluebirds play twice in the Cake Classic on Friday. They take on Bishop Brossart at 5:15 p.m. and South Oldham at 6:15 p.m.

Highlands Downs Dixie Heights in Rain

Bluebirds Overcome Colonels, Elements

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. The Highlands girls soccer team beat Dixie Heights, 4-3 in 9th Region play Wednesday.

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The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (9-3 overall) needed a late goal and to overcome a formidable rain storm to record a road 9th Region win Wednesday.

"In the second half, we had a pretty strong head wind that was pushing their punts and goalkeeper clearances pretty far," said Chris Norris, Highlands Head Coach. "The whole goal was to keep it from bouncing. It was slippery. It was a cold, nasty night. But I thought we had enough soccer knowledge and abilities to fight our way through it."

But the Bluebirds overcame the challenge in the rematch of last year's region championship game at the Dixie Heights Colonels (9-6-2) by a 4-3 score. Senior defender Jade Rehberger had three assists in the win and senior goalkeeper Hailey Parks had three saves. Rehberger has a team-high nine assists on the season.

Senior midfielder Faith Broering scored her sixth goal of the season to put Highlands up 1-0. Senior forward Macy Hedenberg scored her first goal of the season with three minutes left in the half to put Highlands up 2-1 at halftime.

Sophomore forward Claire Cavacini scored her ninth goal of the season to put Highlands up 3-1 early in the second half. But after Dixie Heights tied the game, senior midfielder Julia Heck scored the game-winning goal with 15 minutes left in the game. It marked the first of the season for Heck.

"I think that when we scored our first goal, we didn't think they were going to come back so fast," said Lindsay Stein, Highlands sophomore forward. "That gave us momentum to push forward and continue trying to score more. We've been working more on our communication and talking on our free kicks. I think it's working well."

Highlands Girls Win NKAC Division II Crown

Highlands Boys Finish Second

Highlands senior KJ Toole shot a 78 to help the Highlands girls golf team win the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division II crown Monday.

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The Highlands Bluebirds girls golf team won its first tournament since Mike Lipscomb became head coach four years ago.

The Bluebirds won the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division II crown Monday at the Kenton County Pioneer Course shooting 368. The par at Pioneer is 70.

"We have been working a lot this season on getting our distances down," Lipscomb said. "The girls have put in a lot of time. Their confident when they pull a certain club that it's going to go a certain distance. They're striking the ball very well."

Highlands senior KJ Toole led the way earning medalist honors with a 78. She won the tournament last year shooting the same score.

"It's definitely nice to have seen the team win a tournament, especially being here for so long and being in the program," Toole said. "I'm really proud of everyone on the team. We had some younger girls step up. It's so satisfying."

The other three Highlands scorers shot personal records. Sophomore Bailey Markus shot 90. Freshman Jenna Richey shot 93 with junior Ali Welch shooting 107.

"Golf is one of those things where some days are really good and then other days are really bad," Welch said. "You never know what's going to happen. But I think the most important thing is your mentality really with anything. If you don't have a good mentality, you're not going to have a good game. I just focus on preparing myself and trying to calm myself down. I told myself it's just for fun and I ended up doing really well, which was a bonus."

The Highlands boys took second at the Willows Golf Course shooting 328 on the par 72 course Tuesday. St. Henry shot 324 to win it.

"We had three of the five kids play well, which gave us a chance to win," said Bert Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "Hopefully on Tuesday, we'll have four of the five or five of the five play well. We're in the mix. The kids understand we have a chance if we play to our potential."

Highlands junior Joel Craft shot 78 to tie for top honors. He lost the playoff for medalist honors.

"I think that we've been putting in a lot of work," Craft said. "We didn't play our best at conference. Obviously, the conditions weren't ideal. But it was still a pretty solid score for the team. I think if we can all take a few shots off our scores, we definitely have a chance at the region."

Junior Jack Schneider shot 80 for Highlands with freshmen Oliver Golden and Hank Shick rounding out the scoring at 82 and 88. Freshman Nate Surrey also golfed shooting 89.

Highlands Tuesday Results

Bluebird Soccer Rolls Past Holmes

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior Carly Cramer (middle) and senior CC Shick (20) get in position in a recent game.

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The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (13-3-1 overall) ventured to Covington on a misty evening.

The Bluebirds took care of business downing the Holmes Bulldogs (5-9), 11-0 ending the game at halftime. Highlands has won five straight.

"We just wanted to make sure we started the game well," said Chad Niedert, Highlands Head Coach. "We wanted to respect the opponent. By respect, we mean like another team, we want to put our best foot forward. We got guys some extra minutes and in different positions."

They outshot the hosts, 25-0 including 18-0 on goal. Sophomore Jack Wilson played the whole game at goalkeeper for the Bluebirds.

Highlands saw 11 different players score. Six in seniors Jordan Frisk, Nick Robinson and juniors Caden Schroeder, Dash Macke, Ashton Foley and Max Shepherd had one goal and one assist each. Frisk has a team-high eight assists. 

Seniors Wyatt Thompson, Thomas Gray-Torsell, Cole Lorenzen and juniors Peyton Helminiak and Colin Pieper had the other goals. Senior Joel Kendall and junior Casey Stiles had one assist each.

"We got a lot of guys in," Stiles said. "We wanted to continue to stay focused no matter the opponent. We had to go out and earn (the win)."

Highlands concludes 9th Region action against Dixie Heights (10-2-1) on Thursday. Game time is 8 p.m.

Volleyball:

Ryle 3, Highlands 0:

Highlands (17-5 overall) could not find a way to beat the Lady Raiders (14-5) at home. The Bluebirds had just a .168 hitting percentage against Ryle recording 29 kills on 95 attempts and 13 errors.

Senior CC Shick had 11 kills for the Bluebirds with seniors Lauren Buemi and Sophia Sarkatsannis following with eight and six respectively.

Highlands had no aces, one solo block from Buemi, 41 digs and 29 assists. Senior setter Madison Opitz had 14 assists and junior setter Kenzi Vennefron had 12. Senior Honor Valentine had 12 digs and senior Madison Clore had nine. Sarakatsannis had seven digs.

Highlands Weekend Notes

Highlands Freshman Girls Hoops Player Receives First College Offer

Highlands freshman 6-foot-2-inch post Marissa Green (right) recently received an offer from Morehead State.

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Standing at 6-feet-2-inches, Highlands Bluebirds freshman girls basketball player Marissa Green caught the eyes of the Morehead State University coaching staff at a camp this summer.

That turned into a scholarship offer from the Ohio Valley Conference school. The Head Coach is Cayla Petree. But Highlands Head Coach Jaime Walz-Richey said the hope is that is the first of many more offers.

Green saw action in 15 games last year. She scored 34 points and nabbed 24 rebounds.

"She's put in a lot of work since our season ended in March," Richey said. "She just has to continue to get better. We have to continue to work on her post moves and continue to work on her overall game so she can get to where she wants to be."

Highlands finished 20-7 last year winning a seventh straight 36th District Tournament championship. The Bluebirds lost 54-42 to eventual 9th Region champion Dixie Heights in the region semifinals. Highlands graduated five seniors from that team meaning the team will need the likes of Green, junior point guard Alyssa Harris, sophomore guard Laney Smith and senior center CC Shick to pick up their game.

"We just need to work together to build the team back up and we'll be good," Green said. "We've been in the gym a lot. We'll see improvement. But we need more improvement as the days go by."

Green could form a nice combination in the post with Shick. Green said she's been working on her rebounding and blocking shots.

"If you put the work in, then you'll see the goal achieved," Green said. "I hope to be more explosive. I need to jump more and grab the ball out of the air. You have to get in there and be aggressive."

The first basketball practices begin Oct. 15. The first game listed on the schedule is Dec. 2 against Dixie Heights at 7 p.m.

Sphire, Local Connections at College, Pro Levels:

Cincinnati Bengals Tight End C.J. Uzomah played for Highlands Head Coach Bob Sphire during his time at North Gwinnett. Sphire coached there from 2006 until 2016 after leading Lexington Catholic to the Class AAA state championship in 2005.

Uzomah is in his seventh season for the Bengals after playing college football at Auburn University. He had two catches for 35 yards including a 32-yard reception helping the Bengals to a 27-24 win over Minnesota to open the season.

"Other than injuries which are part of the game, he's done a great job in the NFL," Sphire said. "He did a great job at Auburn and he obviously did a great job for us. That's always exciting to see your guys have success and be solid people in the community, which I know he is."

Sphire served as the head coach at Camden County in southeast Georgia between 2016 and 2020. University of Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Myjai Sanders played for Sphire during that time.

Sanders has one solo and four assisted tackles for the 3-0 Bearcats this season and four quarterback hurries. The nationally-ranked Bearcats defeated Indiana University, 38-24 in Bloomington on Saturday.

Class 5A, District 5 Results:

The district finished 2-2 on Friday. Undefeated 5-0 and defending Class 2A state champion Beechwood knocked off Covington Catholic (2-3), 27-7 in Fort Mitchell.

Conner took down Campbell County, 38-7 on Friday. The Camels are 0-3 against the district. Cooper had its bye week and Boone County (3-2) downed Walton-Verona, 21-13 on the road.

Highlands Saturday Sports Round-Up

Bluebirds Down Generals

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Jordan Frisk makes a move in a recent game.

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The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (12-3-1 overall) concluded an outstanding week with an impressive 3-1 win over the Lexington Lafayette Generals (8-3-2) at Tower Park.

"They've beaten some decent teams," said Chad Niedert, Highlands Head Coach. "In Lexington, you typically don't have an easy night out. We scored early and set the right tone then we just kind of took it from there. I thought that we had a pretty good game overall."

Highlands had 20 shots including 14 on goal to go with nine fouls, one corner kick and one yellow card. Junior goalkeeper Connor Mathis made six saves and sophomore goalkeeper Jack Wilson had two.

Sophomore forward/midfielder Chad Gesenhues put home after junior forward Colin Pieper shot one off the post for the game's lone goal of the first half. That is the sixth assist for Pieper and sixth goal of the year for Gesenhues.

The Bluebirds built a 2-0 advantage in the second half off another rebound. Junior midfielder Caden Schroeder put one off a shot from junior midfielder/forward Casey Stiles. Schroeder has six goals and Stiles tallied his first assist of the season.

But the Generals scored their lone goal with 20 minutes left in the game. Highlands senior forward/midfielder Jordan Frisk. That marked Frisk's 10th goal of the season.

"Usually whenever we get scored on in the game, it doesn't usually phase us," Frisk said. "Early this week, we played (Newport Central Catholic) and let in two early goals. But neither of them really defined the rest of the game. We ended up coming back and playing stronger after the goals."

The Bluebirds travel to Covington Holmes on Tuesday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Soccer, Girls:

Notre Dame 3, Highlands 0:

The Bluebirds (8-3) trailed just 1-0 at halftime in the championship game of the Lady Knights Challenge Cup. They stayed in it until the Pandas (15-0) scored twice in the last 10 minutes of the game. Notre Dame has outscored opponents, 57-2 on the season.

Notre Dame had 14 shots on goal to five for Highlands. Highlands senior goalkeeper Hailey Parks recorded 11 saves.

"It was a tough game against a really strong team," said Chris Norris, Highlands Head Coach. "We changed our formation late to get more players upfield. They found a seam and followed up a saved shot. We felt like we needed to do something to put more pressure on them."

Highlands also lost 3-0 to Notre Dame at Tower Park on Aug. 30. The Bluebirds have lost in the Lady Knights Challenge Cup title game the last three years.

Highlands travels to Dixie Heights on Wednesday. Game time is 8 p.m.

Thursday Highlands Results

Bluebirds Shut Out Camels

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior forward/midfielder Ashton Foley (22) pursues the ball in the 5-0 win over Campbell County on Thursday.

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The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team once again made sure the visiting Campbell County Camels did not sneak up and sneak out with a victory.

The Bluebirds (11-3-1 overall) shut out the county rival Camels (5-7-1), 5-0 at Tower Park for their sixth shutout of the season. Highlands and Campbell County did not play each other last year. But the Bluebirds have outscored the Camels, 15-0 in those three meetings since Campbell County beat Highlands, 1-0 on Aug. 29, 2017 at Tower Park in Chad Niedert's first season as head coach of the Bluebirds.

"We've always got a little bit of an axe to grind with them," Niedert said. "We always like to get out and get after them. We thought we played pretty well. We had 23 different guys play. So to dominate the game with possession offensively and defensively and still get a shutout out of it speaks to the type of guys we have here playing and contributing right now, but also the potential we have moving forward."

Junior forward Colin Pieper led the way with a hat trick of three goals and an assist for seven points. Pieper has a team-high 13 goals and five assists on the season for 31 points.

Pieper had an assist on the first goal playing a through ball to senior forward/midfielder Jordan Frisk for Frisk's ninth goal of the season. The Bluebirds never looked back leading 2-0 at halftime after Pieper scored on a free kick from senior defender/midfielder Joel Kendall. That marked Kendall's sixth assist of the season.

"We set goals at the beginning of every game," said Thomas Gray-Torsell, Highlands senior defender. "We want to dominate the first few minutes. If you dominate the first few minutes, it's usually a roll from there to victory. We try not to dwell on the team record or anything. We try to start every game like it's the best team we'll play."

Junior midfielder Caden Schroeder assisted Pieper's second goal for his third assist on the season. Frisk added his team-high seventh assist on the season on Pieper's third goal.

Sophomore forward/midfielder Chad Gesenhues assisted junior midfielder Peyton Helminiak's first goal of the season to make the final score. That is Gesenhues' third assist of the year.

"It was a struggle at first. But we're getting better play up top with Colin and others connecting every (pass)," said Wyatt Thompson, Highlands senior forward. "We're getting better every game with trying to get everyone to score a goal."

Highlands had 29 shots with 16 on goal with seven shots on goal for Campbell County. Junior goalkeeper Connor Mathis had three saves and sophomore goalkeeper Jack Wilson had four.

The Bluebirds had three offsides calls, 11 fouls and six corner kicks. But Highlands did not have any yellow or red cards.

Highlands plays host to the Lexington Lafayette General (8-2-2) on Saturday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Volleyball:

St. Henry 3, Highlands 0:

The home crowd tried to push the Bluebirds (17-4 overall) to a potential monumental victory. But the Crusaders (17-5) proved too much to handle as St. Henry left with a 25-13, 25-13, 25-15 victory.

Highlands put in a tall line-up in the front row trying to counter the talented St. Henry front line including seniors CC Shick, Sophia Sarakatsannis and junior Carly Cramer. The Bluebirds recorded 29 assists and kills with Shick leading the way with 11 and Sarakatsannis had six.

The Bluebirds landed one solo block from senior Lauren Buemi. Buemi had eight kills. Highlands saw senior setter Madison Opitz record 14 assists and junior setter Kenzi Vennefron had 12.

Highlands dug up 41 balls. Senior Honor Valentine led the way with 12 and senior Madison Clore had nine. The Bluebirds landed no aces.

The Bluebirds take on Ryle on Tuesday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Highlands Girls Soccer Victorious Again in LexCath Cup

Bluebirds Back in Tournament Title Game

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior defender Jade Rehberger prepares to take a corner kick in a recent game.

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The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (8-2 overall) finds itself in the title game of the Lexington Catholic Lady Knights Challenge Cup hoping the third time is the charm.

Highlands earned its way back to the title game with a convincing 3-0 win over the Louisville Assumption Rockets (8-4-1) in the second round of the winner's bracket. The Bluebirds have lost in the last two tournament championship games including a 3-2 loss on kicks from the mark against Lexington Lafayette last year.

"I think the first 20 minutes, we definitely had a very prescribed game plan that we were going to use," said Chris Norris, Highlands Head Coach. "I think we executed well to get the 2-0 lead. Then Assumption made some tactical changes, kind of put us on our heels a little bit. Our defense had to reorganize to make sure the passing lanes were shut down."

Highlands will play for that elusive crown on Saturday at 7 p.m. The opponent will be the winner of the late Thursday contest between Notre Dame (13-0) or Louisville DuPont Manual (5-3). This marked the second shut-out of the year for the Bluebirds.

This marked the second win over the Rockets. The Bluebirds downed host Assumption, 4-2 on Aug. 21.

Assumption had 18 shots on goal to seven. But senior goalkeeper Meg Gessner stopped all 11 shots in the first half and senior goalkeeper Hailey Parks stopped all seven in the second half.

"They were taking a lot of shots. But most of their shots were coming from 30 yards out-plus," Norris said. "So a lot of their shots were on target. But they weren't necessarily dangerous. I thought we were handle everything they were throwing at us for the most part. I thought the girls really stepped up and did a fantastic job."

Highlands won a good number of balls near midfield allowing the midfielders to pass the ball to the forwards. Assumption had 10 fouls to seven for Highlands. The Bluebirds committed the game's long yellow card.

"I felt like we did a lot better than we have been," said Ava Meyer, Highlands sophomore midfielder. "But I still feel like we need to work on a lot of the 50/50 balls in the middle. You just have to think that you want the ball more than (opponents) and that you need to get the first ball in the air, not the second ball."

The first goal came 11 minutes into the first half. Sophomore forward Laney Smith scored her 10th goal of the season.

The second goal came with 24 minutes left in the first half to put Highlands up 2-0 at halftime. Senior forward Chloe Bramble found senior defender Jade Rehberger on a cross. Rehberger has two goals and Bramble six assists on the season.

The Bluebirds added another goal just 100 seconds into the second half to make the final score when Smith scored her second goal of the game and 11th on the season. Smith also has team-highs of seven assists and 29 points on the season.

Since last winning the cup crown in 2006, Highlands has gone back to the title game four times. The Bluebirds also made the championship game in 2013 and 2016.

Tuesday Highlands Round-Up

Highlands Soccer, Volleyball Win District Games

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior goalkeeper Connor Mathis gets in position in a recent game.

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The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (10-3-1 overall) outlasted the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (5-7-1), 4-2 at Morscher Field for its 11th straight win in the rivalry.

Highlands led 3-2 at halftime. The Bluebirds had 35 shots with 21 on goal compared to nine shots on goal for NewCath. Highlands had 11 fouls, one corner kick and four offsides calls.

"We were a little flat starting," said Chad Niedert, Highlands Head Coach. "NC scored both goals quickly. When you are playing on a grass field, it is a pretty small field. Goals are going to be scored. Our guys did a good job pushing through. In the second half frankly, (NewCath) was not super threatening. We had every bit of confidence at that point we were going to see the game out. We don't expect these games to be pretty. But we do expect the guys to get the results and that's exactly what we did."

The two Highlands goalkeepers again split halves. Junior Connor Mathis is had four saves in the first half and sophomore Jack Wilson had three in the second half.

Highlands junior forward Colin Pieper led the way scoring two goals and adding two assists for six points. Pieper has a team-high 10 goals and four assists for a team-high 24 points.

"Every time we play NC, it is always a tough battle, especially on their field," Pieper said. "Coming into the game, everyone was real excited. Emotions were high. But we did well to contain ourselves and play calm under pressure."

Senior forward/midfielder Jordan Frisk had one goal and an assist for three points. He has eight goals and a team-high six assists on the year for 14 points.

Junior midfielder Caden Schroeder had the other goal and sophomore forward/midfielder Chad Gesenhues had an assist. Schroeder has five goals and Gesenhues two assists on the season.

The Bluebirds play host to Campbell County on Thursday. Game time is 8 p.m.

Volleyball:

Highlands 3, Newport 0:

The Bluebirds (17-3) moved to 2-0 in 36th District play with the convincing road win.

"We like playing in that gym. But it often is quiet," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "It is good practice for us to stay in control with what we need to do and not count on anybody. We slowly did that in the first set. But in the second and third set, we were able to establish our own side of the net."

Highlands had 15 aces in the win to go with 30 assists and kills, two solo blocks from senior Lauren Buemi and 44 digs. Senior defensive specialist Madison Clore had 13 digs, four aces and three assists. Buemi and senior CC Shick led Highlands with nine kills each. Senior Sophia Sarakatsannis had eight digs and three aces.

The Bluebirds used both setters in the win as all 16 players saw action. Junior Kenzi Vennefron had 15 assists and four digs and senior Madison Opitz had 12 assists and six digs.

"We came in with high energy," said Emma Daly, Highlands junior of the team's depth. "It is definitely different. But we made the most of our opportunities." 

Highlands Girls Soccer Downs Lexington Catholic

Bluebirds Open LexCath Tournament with Biggest Win of Season

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands sophomore Claire Cavacini (5) and Lindsey Stein (13) go after the ball in a recent game.

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It may not have played a factor in this game.

But it's not been lost in the fact these two teams have met in the state tournament at Tower Park the last two seasons. Lexington Catholic ended the Highlands season in the first round last year in kicks from the mark on the way to a state runner-up finish. The Bluebirds beat the Lady Knights in the state quarterfinals on the way to a similar finish in 2019, also on kicks from the mark.

Highlands (7-2 overall) came away with this battle by a 2-1 score in the first round of the Lady Knights Cup Challenge. The Bluebirds take on Assumption (8-3-1) for the second time this year back at LexCath on Wednesday. Game time is 8 p.m.

"I think in the second half, we were on the attack most of the time," said Chris Norris, Highlands Head Coach. "Most of their attacks were kind of hail maries. We possessed the ball well in the midfield. We were attacking the corners really well."

LexCath (11-3) outshot Highlands, 13-8 on goal. But senior goalkeeper Meg Gessner made 12 saves for the Bluebirds. Junior Caitlin Loope made six for the Lady Knights.

"Meg played fantastic," Norris said. "She came off the line very well. She had a couple high saves that she had to get her hands on. But I think overall, our back line played very stellar."

The Bluebirds had six fouls to five for the Lady Knights. They also had just three corner kicks compared to six for LexCath. Neither team had any yellow or red cards.

The teams played a scoreless first half. But senior forward Chloe Bramble found sophomore forward Claire Cavacini for the first Highlands goal with 30 minutes left in the game. That marked the fifth assist for Bramble and eighth goal for Cavacini on the season.

"Our team chemistry is really coming together," Bramble said. "The way that we connect passes, play to feet and we know what runs that our other teammates are making. It makes playing the game a lot easier. It's always a really fun tournament to be in."

But the Bluebirds grabbed a huge goal with eight minutes left in the game. Sophomore forward Laney Smith scored her team-high ninth goal of the season on a throw-in from junior forward Anna Melson. That marked Melson's second goal of the season.

The Lady Knights made it interesting with under five minutes left when junior Katherine Truitt scored off a free kick from junior defender Oliva Bretz. Truitt has three goals and Bretz nine assists on the season.

The Bluebirds are still recovering from injuries. But younger players such as freshman Kendall Graves have stepped forward.

"It feeds our confidence. We came together as a team and we moved the ball," Graves said. "We just stepped to the ball quickly and cut off the passes."

The Bluebirds have advanced to the title game of this tournament the last two years, but have not come away with the crown. They last won the tournament in 2006.

Highlands Saturday Results

Bluebirds Soccer Teams Knock Off Ohio Opponents

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Macy Hendenberg moves into position in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (9-3-1 overall) ventured into Ohio for the second time this week and third time this season and earned a huge 4-0 win.

Highlands took out the Walnut Hills Eagles (2-2-2) for the first win over an Ohio opponent this year. The Eagles tied Cincinnati St. Xavier, 1-1 on Sept. 7.

"This is a really big win for us frankly," said Chad Niedert, Highlands Head Coach. "We expected a great game and that's what we got. We kind of made a slight adjustment just on how to proceed tactically. We were very patient. We scored pretty early and we did a good job of never turning back. We kept after them, which hasn't always been the case. We kept pushing for more. Overall, I thought our entire team was much sharper than Thursday at Summit (Country Day). Our legs are back and we weren't so tired. It was a pretty good showing overall."

The Bluebirds had 21 shots with 12 on goal to three on goal for the Eagles. Highlands junior goalkeeper Connor Mathis had two saves and sophomore Jack Wilson made one.

"I just feel like we did a good job sticking together, playing as a team knowing when to push, when to stay back," Mathis said. "As long as we don't over-push and things like that, we're really strong together as a group."

Junior Colin Pieper had two goals and an assist for five points for Highlands. Pieper has a team-high eight goals and two assists for 18 points on the season.

Junior Caden Schroeder and senior Jordan Frisk had the other two goals. Schroeder has four goals this year and Frisk has seven. Frisk added his fifth assist this season.

Seniors Joel Kendall and Sam Jones added assists. Kendall has five assists and Jones has two.

Highlands plays Newport Central Catholic (5-6-1) at Morscher Field on Tuesday. Game time is 5 p.m.

Soccer, Girls:

Highlands 10, Eastern Brown (Ohio):

The Bluebirds (6-2) forced an early ending to the game in the second half for the first time since beating Dayton, 11-0 in the first round of the 36th District Tournament on Oct. 7, 2019.

"I think the girls had three main goals. They wanted to have fun," said Chris Norris, Highlands Head Coach. "They wanted to keep the passes to one and two touches and they wanted to play quick. I think they put all three of those things together."

Sophomore forwards Laney Smith and Claire Cavacini led the Bluebirds with hat tricks of three goals and an assist for seven points each. Senior midfielder Faith Broering had one goal and two assists for four points. Smith has team-highs of eight goals and seven assists on the season for 23 points. Cavacini has seven goals and two assists for 16 points with Broering recording six goals and three assists for 15 points.

Junior forward Anna Melson along with seniors Jade Rehberger and Chloe Bramble had one goal and one assist each for three points. Senior Julia Heck and sophomore Lindsay Stein added their first assists of the year. Bramble has four goals and four assists for 12 points on the season. Rehberger has six assists. Melson has two goals and an assist on the season.

"I think the thing the starters and the senior noticed was the intensity never went down when the non-starters came in," said Macy Hedenberg, Highlands senior forward. "It was really good to see. We needed to keep a high intensity level coming off that (1-0) loss (Thursday) to East Central (Indiana). We kept going and just didn't stop."

Highlands takes on Lexington Catholic (11-2) in the annual Lady Knights Cup Challenge on Monday. Game time is 8 p.m.

Cross Country:

Highlands Boys Take Second at Mason County:

The Bluebirds took second in the Mason County Invitational at Mason County High with 94 points. Villa Madonna won it with 72.

Sophomore Malcolm Robertson led the way finishing sixth in 17 minutes, 2.51 seconds. The other scorers were sophomore Owen McCain in 15th in 17:42.74, senior Thomas Gray-Torsell in 17th in 17:46.69, junior Sam Hopper in 17:47.77 and senior John Laskey at 40th in 18:29.39.

Sophomore Ezra McKenzie and junior Cameron Myers also ran for the Bluebirds. McKenzie took 40th in 18:30.86 and Myers took 53rd in 18:52.65.

Highlands runs in the Campbell County championships Sept. 20.

Golf, Boys:

Bluebirds Take 8th:

Highlands shot 324 to take eighth out of 18 teams in the Grant County Invitational. Freshman Nate Surrey led the way shooting 78.

Senior Jack Schneider shot 81 with two freshmen finishing out the scoring. Hank Shick shot 82 and Oliver Golden shot 83. Junior Joel Craft shot 87.

Highlands plays Covington Catholic and Newport Central Catholic on Senior Night on Monday at Highland Country Club. Tee time is 3:30 p.m.

Highlands-McNicholas Sidebar

Highlands Students Turning Out in Force at Games

PHOTO: Ed Harber. Highlands junior wide receiver Carson Class makes a move Friday.

The Highlands students are glad to be back at games this season home and away.

Senior Dance Team member Macy Kocher is one who has been seen at many fall sports events including volleyball and soccer. Senior golfer KJ Toole has led a lot of cheers this season in front of limited students and last year. The student section dressed in National Basketball Association uniforms in the Friday game at Cincinnati McNicholas.

"I think going to the games and seeing everyone be super dedicated to the themes and cheering everyone on as a group and as a school and representing Highlands has been probably been the best part," Kocher said. "It is so exciting to watch the football feed off our energy."

The dance team performed at halftime of the 42-7 win over Campbell County. Macy Kocher's twin brother Cole helped the Highlands boys basketball team to the first state championship in school history in April.

"It means everything to be able to continue to show our school spirit and support toward the football team and especially all the other sports that we've tried to get to," Macy Kocher said. "When we're doing pre-game then when we go to halftime, we're still trying make every performance our best performance and show that we want to keep the energy alive for the second half of the football game as well."

No Contract:

McNicholas Head Coach Mike Orlando admitted he's glad the Rockets do not play the Bluebirds next year because the Bluebirds will only improve going forward. He said this meeting is a one-time deal. Normally teams do two-year contacts unless they play in bowl games. 

The 27-21 McNicholas win is the first time in school history these two teams have played each other. Highlands has not played any other current team in the Greater Catholic League Co-Eds.

Class 5A, District 5 Results:

Covington Catholic improved to 2-2 with a 24-8 win over Dixie Heights. Boone County also moved to 2-2 with a 26-6 win over Lloyd Memorial.

All four Highlands district opponents won over the weekend. Cooper downed Campbell County, 33-0 to move to 3-1 and Conner beat Scott, 28-3 to improve to 2-2.

Scouting Ryle:

The Raiders come into Fort Thomas on Friday more balanced than usual. They'd relied on the run for success in recent years.

They've won three straight since losing 24-21 at home to 4-0 Lexington Catholic. The Raiders defeated Louisville DeSales on Friday. The Colts have had success in recent years. But they are struggling at 0-4 this season including a Coronvirus 2019 forfeit result only scoring 13 points on the season.