Highlands, NC alums build up Walton-Verona gridiron program

Submitted Photo. The 2013 Walton-Verona football coaching staff, from left, was Highlands 1994 graduate David Berringer, Highlands 1990 graduate Pete Valz, David French, 1995 Highlands alum and Head Coach Jeff Barth, Jeff Mosier, 1969 Highlands alum Mark Berringer and NewCath alum Brian Simmins.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Like anything in life, taking over a young football program has its blessings and challenges.

But 1995 Highlands graduate Jeff Barth and staff have the Walton-Verona Bearcats headed in the right direction after six seasons. The Bearcats have gone 37-21 under Barth’s guidance and are 41-27 overall.

Highlands earns signature win over Conner

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands' Brennah Dutcher smacks a triple in Tuesday's win at Conner. Dutcher had four runs batted in for the Ladybirds in the huge victory.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds softball team sought a signature win.

Highlands found it Tuesday with a rain-shortened 8-3 victory over the Conner Lady Cougars in Hebron. The game was called in the bottom of the sixth.

Weekend Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds softball team finished 2-2 in the All “A” State Tournament on Saturday and Sunday in Owensboro. The Thoroughbreds are 13-5 overall.

Thursday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team rallied for a 9th Region road win Thursday.

Highlands (13-8) fell behind 4-0 after three innings. But the Bluebirds erased it in a 7-4 win over the host Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts.

Highlands puts away NewCath, 13-6

Allen Ramsey photo. Highlands junior Brady Murray takes a cut in Wednesday's game against Newport Central Catholic. The Bluebirds won 13-6.

Allen Ramsey Photo. NewCath's Zach Pangallo (42) slides into third as Highlands' Kenny Ball (right) gets in position.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

SILVER GROVE – One may not have guessed it looking at the final score.

But this baseball game stayed close until the seventh inning. That’s when the favored Highlands Bluebirds scored five runs to put away the host Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds, 13-6 in the crucial 36th District contest Wednesday at Morscher Field.

Ladybirds snap losing skid

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds softball team (9-11) snapped a seven-game losing streak with a dominating performance Wednesday.

Tuesday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds softball team continued to roll Tuesday.

NewCath (10-3) won its seventh in a row with a 3-2 9th Region win over the Dixie Heights Lady Colonels. The Thoroughbreds outhit the Lady Colonels, 5-2 and committed just one error to three for the hosts.