Just a week after their win against Covington Catholic, Highlands had no plans of taking their foot off the gas Friday night as they defeated Campbell County 34-0 on the road.
Highlands defense has shown its strength early on in the season. They’ve allowed 29 points in three games.
“The last two weeks, we’ve really stepped it up on the turnover side,” Bluebirds head coach Bob Sphire said. “We’ve got a ton of confidence in our defense and our guys have really come up big, keeping other teams out of the endzone.”
Turnovers became a theme quickly as Campbell County’s Jacob Yates picked off Highlands quarterback Rio Litmer for his third interception of the year. Just as quickly, the Camels had a turnover on downs followed by a pick six in which Bluebirds senior Adam Surrey gave Highlands their first points of the night.
Campbell County was without their starting quarterback Lucas Anthrop Friday night, which forced head coach Brian Weinrich to option a heavy run scheme. Senior Garyn Jackson and freshman Xander Guy both traded time at the position throughout the night.
Down 8-0 after the first quarter, Camels senior Isaac Mason helped force a Highlands fumble to give the team promising field position. Instead, the turnover pattern continued after a 20-yard completed pass from Jackson to senior receiver Carson Clark resulted in a strip fumble which was recovered by Highlands once again.
“We definitely had some turnovers that put us in a tough position,” Weinrich said. “It could have been a completely different game if we didn’t have those first half mistakes.”
A well executed play-action pass connection from Litmer resulted in a 40-yard touchdown reception for Surrey, who found success on both sides of the ball. Campbell County struggled to produce any further offense in the first half as a Devin James 35-yard rushing touchdown gave the Bluebirds a 21-0 advantage at the break.
Turnover woes lingered for the Camels in the second half as Surrey picked off Jackson for a second time which later resulted in another rushing touchdown for James as Highlands took full control of the scoreline.
“I think all areas of our play are really starting to come together,” Sphire said. “They (Campbell County) were a little shorthanded today, but our guys did a fantastic job of coming in prepared and making the right reads on those turnovers.”
As the fourth quarter approached, both teams slowed down offensively with a four-score separation. Two 30-yard field goals by Bluebirds senior Logan Nickelman sealed the game as Highlands secured their first shutout on the year.
Playing one of the more grueling schedules in the state, Campbell County’s competition won’t get any easier as they’ll host Cooper next Friday.
“You have no choice but to regroup,” Weinrich said. “We just have to show up tomorrow ready to regroup and flip the script.”
Including fourth down stops, Highlands can take credit for seven turnovers on the night. Senior defensive back Dominic Gregory came up with two fumbles to go along with Surrey’s pair of interceptions.
Litmer improved off last week’s 83-yard passing performance, going 13-for-19 on the night after connecting with six different Bluebirds receivers. Highlands offense found success in the run game as well as James broke into the touchdown column for the first time this season.
“I can confidently name several guys who had great games,” Sphire said. “Litmer and Surrey got things done but it was a great team effort we showcased tonight.”
Undefeated through the first three weeks, coach Sphire will face off against a familiar face next week as Highlands will travel to Ryle.
“Mike (Engler) coached on my staff for 15 years,” Sphire said. “We expect it to be a dog fight next week. They’ve got a physical group of guys and I’ve got a ton of respect for them so we’re looking forward to it.”
BLUEBIRDS 34, CAMELS 0
Highlands– 8-13-7-6 — 34
Campbell County– 0-0-0-0 — 0
Scoring Plays
1st Quarter
(H) Surrey 25-yard interception return (2:32) Surrey run
2nd Quarter
(H) Litmer 40-yard pass to Surrey (7:06) Nickelman kick
(H) James 35-yard run (3:00) 2pt conversion no good
3rd Quarter
(H) James 3-yard run (5:49) Nickelman kick
4th Quarter
(H) Nickelman 32-yard FG (6:14)
(H) Nickelman 31-yard FG (4:32)
Game Stats
Passing Yards: Highlands 222 (Litmer 13-19), Campbell County 93 (Jackson 7-13, Guy 0-1, Funston 0-1)
Rushing Yards: Highlands 239 (White 11-75, James 8-63, Litmer 4-53, Williams 3-28, Grimm 4-12, Niemann 1-7, Surrey 1-1), Campbell County 98 (Jackson 7-48, Bertram 12-30, Guy 2-8, Dowds 3-6, Funston 5-6, Morency 3-0)
Receiving Yards: Highlands 222 (Surrey 4-75, Arnold 4-67, Lorenzen 4-42, Klosterman 2-20, McCarter 1-12, Carnohan 1-6), Campbell County 93 (Fancher 3-31, Funston 1-28, Clark 2-28, Eaton 1-6)
First Downs: Highlands 17, Campbell County 12
Turnovers: Highlands 3, Campbell County 7
Penalties: Highlands 7-65 Campbell County 1-10
Records: Highlands 3-0, Campbell County 1-2