Highlands holds own against Diamond Spread attack

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

COVINGTON – The Highland Bluebirds football team’s defense faced a spread offense for the second consecutive week.

But it was a different spread look. The Covington Holmes Bulldogs came out in the Diamond spread look unlike the traditional one-back formation that Pendleton County employed last week.

The Bulldogs lined up either quarterbacks Desean Peterson or Frederick Vickers in the shotgun and had two running backs beside them and one behind them in an offense similar to what the University of Nevada employs. Six different players ran the ball for Holmes, who came in without injured quarterback Rashawn Coston.

“Basically, we just had someone key the quarterback and watch his every move,” said Jehad Henderson, Highlands senior linebacker. “When he ran to one side, you came at an angle and tried to (tackle) him the best you could.”

Highlands claims 16th district crown in 17 years

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

COVINGTON – Fans and outsiders see things like overall program wins and consecutive state championships.

But the Highlands Bluebirds football team players and coaches will be the first to say they look at accomplishing things on a day-to-day or year-to-year basis. This year’s Bluebirds can now say they have an undisputed Class 4A, District 7 championship after a 57-28 victory over the host Covington Holmes Bulldogs at Tom Ellis Field on Friday.

“We were looking to play really well in this game,” said Dale Mueller, Highlands Co-Head Coach. “The guys were ready to play and we jumped on them right from the start.”

The Bluebirds (8-0 overall, 4-0 district) have won six consecutive district championships and 16 in the previous 17 seasons. The only year they did not win a title was 2006 when Covington Catholic beat them on a last-second touchdown pass.

Highlands hopes to wrap up another outright district title against Holmes

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Good football teams do not take plays off.

That has been a major trademark of the Highlands Bluebirds throughout the years. It has Highlands on the verge of another district title. There is one opponent left in the way of that.

“The guys have been well-coached at a young age,” said Dale Mueller, Highlands Co-Head Coach. “It means a lot to them. They just try so hard every play. We are looking to do everything we’re doing the best we can. The more we do everything the best we can, then we got 11 guys on the field every play doing everything they can the best they can. That’s what makes a team difficult to beat.”

The Class 4A top-ranked, undefeated Bluebirds (7-0 overall, 3-0 District 7) hope to wrap up another outright district championship with a win over the improved Covington Holmes Bulldogs. Highlands has outscored district opponents, 174-31.