Who won the showdown between state-ranked Highlands, Florida opponents?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands wide receiver Alex Veneman (6) hauls in a touchdown pass in the first quarter against Christopher Columbus cornerback Trajan Bandy (26). Veneman had seven catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns in Highlands' 38-34 loss.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It is not often that the Highlands Bluebirds football team comes out flat.

But one of those rare times came Saturday. Class 4A’s top-ranked Bluebirds found themselves down 28-7 at halftime as a result. They rallied in the second half but fell 38-34 to the eighth-ranked Miami (Fla.) Christopher Columbus Explorers of Florida’s largest Class 8A, District 14. Both teams are 6-1 on the season.

Did the home-field advantage again pay off for Highlands?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior defensive lineman Daniel Kremer (22) goes for a tackle while Rocco Pangallo (17) follows closeby in Saturday's game against Miami (Fla.) Christopher Columbus.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands quarterback Beau Hoge (7) scores on a sweep in the fourth quarter while Nick Kendall (8) blocks in Saturday's game against Miami (Fla.) Christopher Columbus. Hoge completed 24-of-38 passes for 330 yards, four touchdowns and an interception.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds hoped to use that same home advantage that has helped them over the years. They entered Saturday’s game with a sparkling 59-1 record at David Cecil Memorial Stadium since the start of 2007.

Which highly-rated Florida team comes to Fort Thomas on Saturday?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior defensive lineman D.J. Mills (42) and junior linebacker Conner Welsch (5) get in on a tackle in the recent game against Covington Catholic. Highlands battles Miami (Fla.) Christopher Columbus on Saturday in Fort Thomas.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

A lot of non-surprising hype came with their first-ever meeting against a team from the Sunshine State to open last season.

The then six-time defending state champion Highlands Bluebirds welcomed the defending Florida Class 2A champion University Christian Fighting Christians from Jacksonville to Fort Thomas in a nationally-televised game. But the game did not live up to the buzz. The Bluebirds pulled away from the worn-down Fighting Christians for a 47-17 victory.

Highlands finalizing 2014 football schedule with Florida 8A opponent

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

High school football teams normally do not have to find new opponents in the second year of two-year contracts.

The Highlands Bluebirds had to find a fill-in opponent in 2012 after Dixie Heights dropped the second year of a two-year contract. But the Bluebirds found a game with Scott County.