21 teams in 21 days: Highlands football preview

The Highlands Bluebirds made major strides last year in the second season with Bob Sphire as head coach.

After an 0-2 start to the season, the Bluebirds won nine straight on their way to the first district championship since 2015.

But while 9-3 was a four-win improvement from 2021, the Bluebirds did not like how last season ended in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs in a 29-23 home loss to Scott County. Since winning the last of 23 state championships in 2014, Highlands last made the third round of the playoffs in 2018 and the state semifinals in 2015.

The Bluebirds hope to change that this year, especially with the full weight room program implemented. Offensive Coordinator Hayden Sphire said a linemen group and a skill group hit the weight room on opposite days hard and it is showing in the testing room and on the field. Hayden Sphire said it’s a matter of hammering down what they do well and are most comfortable with.

“We have guys that are going to be seniors that just love Bluebird football and are doing whatever they can to do to help this team. Great football teams practice well,” Bob Sphire said. “That is valuable to the whole team.”

Highlands graduated 17 seniors from last season including a number of starters on defense. But a wide net of players with varsity experience return, especially in the trenches. Bob Sphire said the Bluebirds could rotate 10-12 bodies in on the defensive line and a number of them will see time on the offensive line such as seniors Carson Shelton, Josh Studer, Evan Johnson, and Hollan Schweitzer, juniors Diego Race, Torin Bryant, Aiden Howard, sophomores Max Merz and Peter Murriner. Senior Gabe Fassler is the returning starting center on offense, but most likely won’t play on defense. Senior Luke Schneider will also see action there.

“We’re still figuring out our identity,” Bob Sphire said. “There’s a bit of a curse with a whole bunch of players developing and getting ready to play. The consistencies in what their strengths and weaknesses are may take a little bit of figuring out. That may show up a bit early. But later on, I think we’re going to be much better off.”

Highlands averaged between 140 yards rushing and just more than 213 yards passing per game last year. Their versatile playmaker in Charlie Noon took his talents to Georgetown College. But senior Brody Benke returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,170 yards and 24 touchdowns. Hayden Sphire said sophomore Rio Litmer will also see action there this year.

“(Benke’s) got so much ability that I don’t want to just leave him in one spot,” Hayden Sphire said. “He can make so many plays all over the field and Rio is a big time upcoming talent. He’s had a great offseason and he was really coming on his freshman year then he ended up breaking his wrist. But he’s recovered great. The ball is coming out well and he can make plays with his legs. He understands his football IQ is really high. When it comes to win a game, we’re going to see who’s hot and who’s playing really well. Both guys know the situation. There’s no competition and they’re both feeding off each other.”

The dynamic senior running back Cam Giesler returns after leading Highlands with 641 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns and caught 19 passes for 172 yards. Hayden Sphire said to look for senior Leo Paolucci along with juniors Jack White and Deven James to carry the ball.

While Noon graduated after hauling in 53 passes for 797 yards and eight touchdowns, the next five pass-catchers return led by senior Carson Class with 25 catches for 460 yards and eight touchdowns. Schneider, senior Davis Hinegardner and Mateo Matteoli also return. Hayden Sphire listed two juniors that can add to that list in Adam Surrey and Jackson Arnold.

“What I’m liking about it is we have guys that can make plays all over the field. When you have a guy like Charlie Noon, it’s real easy to try to force him the ball. Charlie’s gone and he’s a special talent,” Hayden Sphire said. “We have a bunch of playmakers all over the field. The ball should be spread out well this year. I don’t know that we’ll have anyone over 30 catches. But she should have 8-10 with 20.”

The great Highlands’ teams in the past made opponents defend every square inch of the field. Class said the team’s depth could help make that happen this year.

“The depth is amazing just from the sheer fact that not one guy is out there learning every single play and he can constantly sub these guys in and there won’t be a lack of talent,” Class said. “Everyone can help out as a person as opposed one guy doing it all.”

On defense, Highlands graduated three-year starting linebacker Sam Robinson. But seniors Dalton Roller, Reed Hellman, Christian Stojkovic, Leo Fenik return along with junior Ethan Grimm at weak inside linebacker. Bob Sphire said to expect multiple looks on defense this year.

“I think we can lead just by knowing what we’re going to do, being familiar with the play and where we’re supposed to go,” Fenik said.

Teams averaged just below 94 yards rushing and just more than 141 passing per game against the Highlands defense last year. The Bluebirds recovered 12 fumbles and picked off 12 passes last year.

Scott County ran for 291 yards in the playoff win. Roller said the Bluebirds learned some valuable lessons from that game.

“We need to play more physical and jam the routes of the receivers even if they’re coming up to block,” Roller said. “If not, it will help disrupt their passing. We mainly need to study a lot of film going into it and not be out of order when we’re in the game.”

The Highlands secondary graduated the likes of Adam Dunn. But seniors Nate Welch, Lincoln Hicks, juniors Tyus McCarter, Dom Gregory, Griffin Taylor along with Arnold and Class are ready to contribute back there. Arnold gives Highlands the ability to match up with big wide receivers.

Bob Sphire did express concerns about filling in for graduated kicker Davis Burleigh, who made all 56 point-after touchdown attempts and 12-of-15 field-goal tries. Bob Sphire said several players are trying to fill in that spot in senior soccer player Jack Haggard, junior Logan Nickelman, sophomore Patrick Davidson and Kale Harris. However, Class returns at punter and Bryant will be the long snapper. Bob Sphire also said he likes the return players.

“We can never stop of the progression of getting better on special teams,” Bob Sphire said. “We were a lot better on special teams last year. But we still broke down a couple significant times.”

Highlands opens the season Aug. 18 at Lexington Catholic at 8 p.m.

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