Highlands faces more local teams this year

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands defensive lineman Connor Myers makes a move in a junior varsity game against Covington Catholic last year. The Bluebirds face seven opponents from the northern three Kentucky counties in the regular season this year for the first time since 2010.

It seemed like long road trips during the regular season would become a normal thing the past two years.

Ten-Year Celebration: 2005 Highlands Ladybirds Soccer State Champions

Contributed Photo. The 2005 Highlands girls soccer state championship team had solid leadership with nine seniors.

Editor's Note: This is the first of several stories commemorating the back-to-back Highlands girls soccer state championship teams in 2005 and 2006. This story recognizes the seniors of the 2005 squad.

Slightly before the 2005 season, veteran Highlands girls soccer Head Coach Nina Kearns sensed something special in the air, especially when the team picked its uniforms.

Hergott commits to Central Michigan, focused on senior season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands quarterback Austin Hergott throws a pass against Harrison County last season. Hergott verbally committed to play the same position at Central Michigan University on Monday.

It's not been easy to sell colleges when you don't have much film from your junior season.

Highlands graduate values big picture in building process at Grant County

G. Michael Graham Photo. Kevin Siple, a 1979 Highlands graduate, gives a few pointers in a recent workout session at Grant County High School. Siple is entering his fourth season as head coach of the Braves.

Kevin Siple will tell you he likes to win just as much as any head coach does.

Bluebirds state championship bid falls short

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands second baseman Grayson Heck (10) grabs a toss from shortstop Jake Whitford (4) to just nip West Jessamine runner Tucker Greer.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Bluebirds came back to Fort Thomas with a state runner-up finish in their first appearance in the state championship game in school history.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Jacob Noe fires away in the seventh inning. Noe is one of 12 seniors to graduate as the Bluebirds made a historic run in the postseason.

They hoped for one more giant step in program history.

Bluebirds headed to final day of postseason with historic victory

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior left fielder Brady Murray (right) goes over the fence to record an out in the seventh inning of the state semifinal game against Greenup County. The Bluebirds will play in the state championship for the first time in school history Saturday at 7 p.m.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior pitcher Joseph Martin delivers home. Martin struck out eight in the complete game. It marked just the second appearance in the state semifinals in school history.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands pinch-runner Bradley Greene (9) slides home before Greenup County catcher Brody Shoupe (left) can tag him. Greene scored twice in the Bluebird win.

LEXINGTON - They know they can't count on opponents being intimidated by the stat each time they take the field.

Bluebirds take advantage of day between state tournament games

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Members of the Highlands student section known as the OZone cheer away in Wednesday's state quarterfinal 3-1 win over North Bullitt. Highlands takes on Greenup County in the semifinals of the Rawlings/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament on Friday at 6 p.m.

The plan was to take full advantage of the day off and regroup Thursday following the huge win.