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| Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands’ Jacob Noe (right) and James Hinkel (1) wrap up Covington Catholic running back Ben Darlington (31) while Tyler Robinson (54) gets into position. |
By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The
usually-tough week is behind them with another victory.
The
undefeated Highlands Bluebirds football team (5-0) can now focus on another
District 7-4A opponent this week after throttling Covington Catholic, 42-7 on
Friday. The Blue and White travel to Cynthiana on Friday to face the winless
Harrison County Thorobreds (0-6) at 7 p.m.
Many who
have been around or seen the Bluebirds play throughout the years know what this
has meant in the past. Since 2006, Highlands has gone 24-0 against district
opponents in the regular season. The average margin of victory for the
Bluebirds against non-Covington Catholic opponents has been just less than 52
points during that time. That margin including CovCath is just less than 43
points.
“The big week is not over,” said Brian Weinrich, Highlands Head Coach. “Every week is the big week. (Tuesday) was
a great practice. We came out and got after it. We ran hard and executed. If we
don’t get better this week, we’re going to be behind.”
Highlands
has especially put up a lot of points on the Thorobreds. The Bluebirds have
scored the most points on Harrison County in school history three straight
years in 68-0, 69-10 and 77-0 victories. Highlands’ average margin of victory
against Harrison County has been 68 points in those three games.
While the
many opponents have feared the Bluebirds and their mystique, they know they
have to go down there and treat the Thorobreds as if they are not going to do
that. But Highlands has generally gone into games like this and played its game
making sure this does not become an issue.
Attrition
definitely favors Highlands in this contest. The Bluebirds have 98 players
between grades 10-12 on the roster with no one going both directions while the
Thorobreds have 46 players on the roster in all four grades and players going
both ways.
The stats
do more than share the mismatch. The Bluebirds are averaging 42 points per
contest and allowing just 17.6 while the Thorobreds are averaging just more than eight points a
contest and are allowing just less than 44.
Harrison
County has been shut out twice. The most points the Thorobreds have scored in a
contest is 18 points in losses at Gallatin County and against Williamsburg on
Friday in a 48-18 loss. The 28-18 defeat at Gallatin County is the closest
they’ve come to tasting victory.
Harrison
County has rushed for just 345 yards and passed for 323 averaging just more
than 111 yards of offense per game. The Thorobreds have had problems controlling
the line of scrimmage in multiple sets like the I-formation and split
backfields.
That
heavily favors the Bluebird 3-4 defense that is allowing an average of 318
yards per game. Highlands has 25 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, three
interceptions and three recovered fumbles. Junior defensive lineman Tyler
Robinson leads the Bluebirds with four tackles for a loss and two sacks and
senior linebacker Brady Murray has 3.5 tackles for a loss, a sack and an
interception. Senior linebacker Jacob Noe and senior defensive lineman Daniel
Kremer also have two quarterback sacks each.
“We always focus on ourselves trying to get better,” said Shelby Jones, Highlands Defensive Coordinator. “There is obviously still a lot of things
we need to work on. One of the things we did really well on Friday was running
around intensely for four quarters. We’re going to try to build on that.”
In the
turnover department, Highlands senior defensive back Andrew Abner has a fumble
recovery and interception for Highlands with James Hinkle also recording an
interception. Ben Ziegler and senior linebacker Patrick Schoepf also have
fumble recoveries.
The
Highlands defensive line saw senior D.J. Mills return against Covington
Catholic after he’d been out with a left hand injury since the season-opener at
Campbell County. Mills recorded a safety against the Camels sacking quarterback
Carson Plessinger in the end zone.
“We’re looking to do the things we do every single
game,” said Ben Ellison, Highlands
senior linebacker. “We’re just really
looking to get after it. With any chance we get, we’re going to rotate in a lot
of guys, get some fresh faces in there and get a feel for our defense.”
Senior Mark
Taylor and sophomore Malcolm Walker have seen time at quarterback. Walker has
completed 8-of-31 passes for 111 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Taylor has completed 14-of-39 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns and one
interception.
Harrison
County has seen 13 different players rush the ball. Junior Christian Sinckler
leads the way with 17 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown. Junior Jovon
Williams leads the Thorobreds with six catches for 27 yards and junior Brian
Davis has five catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
The
Bluebirds have consistently feasted on the Thorobred secondary in the last
couple years. They average 230.8 yards rushing and 257.6 passing a game.
The
Thorobred defense is ripe for more of that this year unless the Bluebirds call
more running plays unlike the past two years. Teams have run for 1,301 yards
and passed for 1,010 against them for an average of just more than 385 yards
per contest.
Senior
quarterback Beau Hoge has 325 yards rushing on 39 carries with 10 touchdowns
for an average of 8.3 per touch.
Senior
Griffin Urlage leads with Bluebirds with 371 yards rushing on 65 carries. But
teammates Josh Watson and Nick Kendall have rushed for 248 and 143 yards
respectively.
The
Bluebirds have seen 11 players catch passes. Senior Alex Veneman leads the way
with 26 catches for 483 yards and eight touchcowns. Junior Mitch Cain has 16
catches for 238 yards and two scores with senior Cashel Coughlin hauling in 11
for 117 yards.
Highlands
hopes to do better in the Red Zone this week. The Bluebirds did not score
points on three trips there against the Colonels. They have been there 27 times
scoring touchdowns on 20 of those trips for 74 percent.
They have
not missed an extra-point kick this year. Junior kicker Jared Dougherty has
made all 26 tries.
Harrison
County does not have anyone with double-digit tackles in its 4-3 defense.
Junior defensive lineman Caleb Marshall leads the way with nine.
The
Bluebirds have never lost to the Thorobreds. They have won all eight meetings
between the two schools.