2007 Highlands Bluebirds Honors

Highlands finished 2007 ranked 21st nationally in the final 2007 MaxPreps/CalPreps National Rankings poll.

Highlands finished 2007 as Kentucky Class 5A state champion, Kentucky Class 5A regional champion, Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 champion and NKAC champion.

Highlands finished 2007 ranked first in northern Kentucky, regardless of football classification, by the northern Kentucky football coaches.

Highlands finished 2007 ranked second in the state of Kentucky, regardless of football classification, by Massey Ratings (second to Class 6A champion Louisville Trinity).

Head coach Dale Mueller was named Coach of the Year by the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association.

Offensive lineman Alex Hempfling and linebacker Luke Stein were named 2007 first-team Kentucky Associated Press All-State. Offensive lineman Ryan Ball and defensive back Austin Collinsworth were named 2007 second-team Kentucky A.P. All-State. Running back Josh Conner was named 2007 Kentucky A.P. All-State honorable mention.

Luke Stein was named 2007 first-team All-State defensive end by the Louisville Courier-Journal. Clay Cecil was named honorable mention quarterback, Josh Conner was named honorable mention running back, Ryan Ball was named honorable mention offensive lineman, Alex Hempfling was named honorable mention offensive lineman, and Austin Collinsworth was named honorable mention defensive back on the 2007 Louisville Courier-Journal All-State team.

Offensive lineman/linebacker Ryan Ball was selected as a "Top 24" honoree by the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association.

Quarterback Clay Cecil was named Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 Player of the Year and head coach Dale Mueller was named Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 Coach of the Year by the Kentucky Football Coaches Association.

Luke Stein was named first-team linebacker and Clay Cecil was named first-team athlete on the 2007 All-BluegrassPreps.com football team.

Running back Josh Conner, offensive lineman Ryan Ball, linebacker Luke Stein, defensive back Austin Collinsworth and defensive back Drew Bathiany were selected as first-team All-NKAC.

Offensive lineman Luke Stein and defensive lineman Adam Reis were selected as second-team All-NKAC.

Quarterback Clay Cecil, running back Josh Conner, offensive lineman Ryan Ball, offensive lineman Alex Hempfling, linebacker Luke Stein and defensive back Austin Collinsworth were named Kentucky Enquirer first-team Football All-Stars.

Running back Zack Hurtt, linebacker Joe Fitzgerald, linebacker Drew Simons, defensive lineman Adam Reis, defensive lineman Milton Peko and defensive back Drew Bathiany were named Kentucky Enquirer honorable-mention Football All-Stars.

2007 Highlands Football Statistics

Team Records
Highlands' Record: 15-0
Highlands' District Record: 6-0
Highlands' Home Record: 7-0
Highlands' Away Record: 8-0

General Statistics
Points Scored: 610
Points Allowed: 153
Total Rushing Yards: 4053
Total Rushing Yards Allowed: 1551
Total Passing Yards: 1614
Total Passing Yards Allowed: 1747

Rushing Leader
Josh Conner
Games Played: 15
Rushing Attempts: 216
Net Yards Rushing: 1719
Rushing Touchdowns: 28

Passing Leader
Clay Cecil
Games Played: 15
Passing Attempts: 106
Pass Completions: 63
Net Yards Passing: 1076
Touchdown Passes: 9
Interceptions: 3

Scoring Leader
Josh Conner
Games Played: 15
Touchdowns Scored Rushing: 28
Touchdowns Scored Receiving: 5
Touchdowns Scored Other: 1
Field Goals Scored: 0
Extra Points Scored: 0
2-Point Conversions Scored: 4
Total Points: 212

Interception Leader
Austin Collinsworth
Games Played: 15
Interceptions: 6
Interception Return Net Yards: 6
Interception Return Touchdowns: 0

Fumble Recovery Leaders
Joe Fitzgerald
Games Played: 15
Fumble Recoveries: 2
Fumble Recovery Net Yards: 16
Fumble Recovery Touchdowns: 1

Jake Turner
Games Played: 15
Fumble Recoveries: 2
Fumble Recovery Net Yards: 0
Fumble Recovery Touchdowns: 0

2007 Playoff Week Five: Highlands 28 Bowling Green 7

Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - State Championship
KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl
December 7, 2007

Highlands defeated Bowling Green 28-7 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, to claim the state's first-ever Class 5A football title. The victory gives Highlands 17 official football championships. Highlands finished the 2007 season a perfect 15-0, which is the 11th time Highlands has finished the season undefeated, the most in state history.

Running back Josh Conner rushed for 131 yards and two touchdowns, and quarterback Clay Cecil threw for 93 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown. Cecil was named the Player of the Game. The Bluebirds amassed 322 yards in the game, compared to only 182 yards for Bowling Green, who entered this game with a 13-1 record. The Bluebirds intercepted Bowling Green's quarterback three times in the contest. The 'Birds scored on the first possession of the game and got out to a commanding 21-0 halftime lead. Highlands' 2007 final varsity record: 15-0. The Highlands Bluebirds finish 2007 as Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 champion, Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference (NKAC) champion, Kentucky Class 5A regional champion, and Kentucky Class 5A state champion.

2007 Playoff Week Four: Highlands 49 Lincoln County 21

Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - State Semifinal
November 30, 2007

Highlands easily handled Lincoln County 49-21 at home to move to 14-0 on the season, advancing to the Class 5A state championship game. Lincoln County entered the game with a record of 11-2. The score was 49-0 at halftime, with Highlands scoring on every one of its first-half possessions. The Bluebirds' substitutes played for nearly the entire second half. The power trio of Clay Cecil, Josh Conner, and Zach Hurtt accounted for all of Highlands' touchdowns in the game. Through four postseason contests, Highlands has outscored its opponents by a combined score of 191-33. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 14-0.

2007 Playoff Week Three: Highlands 52 Letcher County Central 12

Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - Regional Final
November 23, 2007

The Highlands Bluebirds hosted Letcher County Central and defeated the Cougars 52-12 to remain perfect at 13-0 and advance to the Kentucky Class 5A state semifinal game. Letcher County Central entered the contest with a record of 11-1 and 11 straight wins. Letcher County Central averaged 432 yards of total offense prior to meeting up with the 'Birds, but Highlands held them to just 250 total yards, while gaining 360 total yards, 286 of which were from the ground attack. Running back Josh Conner scored three touchdowns for Highlands and quarterback Clay Cecil ran for one score and connected with wideout Jay Draper on a 49-yard touchdown pass. This win leaves the Bluebirds two wins away from a state-record 17 football titles. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 13-0.

2007 Playoff Week Two: Highlands 40 Covington Catholic 0

2007 Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - Round Two
November 16, 2007

In stunning fashion, the Highlands Bluebirds dominated archrival and defending state champion Covington Catholic 40-0 to capture the 2007 Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 championship. The game was played at Highlands. Highlands, which defeated Covington Catholic 28-14 during the regular season, amassed 285 total yards, while limiting the Colonels to just 157 yards in the contest. A key to this victory was Highlands causing five Covington Catholic turnovers. Quarterback Clay Cecil and running back Josh Conner both rushed for 77 yards in the game. This loss dropped Covington Catholic to a final record of 5-7. With this win, the Bluebirds advance to the Class 5A regional final playoff game. Highlands' 2007 final varsity district record: 6-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 12-0.

2007 Playoff Week One: Highlands 50 Scott 0

2007 Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - Round One
November 9, 2007

Highlands began the 2007 playoffs in very strong fashion, dominating district foe Scott 50-0 at home to move to 11-0 on the year. Highlands was leading 43-0 at halftime in the game. The Bluebirds opened up the offense in this contest, with quarterbacks Clay Cecil and Tony Guidugli accounting for five passing touchdowns. Running backs Josh Conner and Zach Hurtt each rushed for a touchdown as well. This game's outcome was very similar to the previous meeting between Highlands and Scott, which Highlands won 58-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 5-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 11-0.

2007 Regular Season Recap: Kentucky Class 5A, District 5

At the end of the 2007 regular season, the Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 rankings are as follows:

1. Highlands (10-0 overall, 4-0 in district)
2. Dixie Heights (6-4 overall, 2-2 in district)
3. Covington Catholic (4-6 overall, 2-2 in district)
4. Scott (4-6 overall, 1-3 in district)
5. Covington Holmes (4-6 overall, 1-3 in district)

The top four teams advance to the 2007 Kentucky Class 5A playoffs. The first round of the playoffs will see Highlands hosting Scott and Dixie Heights hosting Covington Catholic. The winners of these two games then play for the 2007 Class 5A, District 5 championship the following week (hosted by the higher-ranked team). Highlands has earned home-field advantage throughout the entire 2007 playoffs.

2007 Week Eleven: Highlands 21 Louisville Central 13

Highlands traveled to Louisville for the final week of the 2007 regular season and defeated Kentucky Class 3A power Louisville Central 21-13 to finish the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record. This game represented the biggest scare for the 'Birds thus far, as the team was down 13-0 heading into the fourth quarter. Highlands, led by running backs Zach Hurtt and Josh Conner and quarterback Clay Cecil, fought back to score 21 unanswered points to clinch the victory. Heading into the game, Highlands was ranked first in Kentucky Class 5A in all of the state's football polls. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 10-0.

Also, the Highlands freshman team advanced to the northern Kentucky freshman championship game, hosted by undefeated Simon Kenton on November 1, 2007. The HHS freshman team lost the championship game 21-7 to finish the 2007 freshman season with a record of 6-4. The Highlands JV squad defeated archrival Covington Catholic 28-13 to finish the 2007 JV season with a record of 9-1 and undefeated against Kentucky competition.

2007 Week Ten: Highlands 41 Madison Central 0

Fort Thomas Highlands traveled to Kentucky Class 6A Madison Central and defeated the host team 41-0 to remain perfect for the 2007 season. Madison Central entered the contest with a 6-2 record. Highlands' defense played exceptionally well, sacking Madison Central's quarterback six times in the game. The Bluebirds' offense amassed 376 total yards, while the defense held Madison Central to only 190 total yards. Running back Josh Conner scored three touchdowns in the game to lead the Bluebirds in scoring. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 9-0.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated Conner 20-0, improving the team's record to 6-3 on the 2007 freshman season. The Highlands JV team defeated Beechwood 34-13 to move to 8-1 on the 2007 JV season.

2007 Week Nine: Bye Week

The Highlands Bluebirds have a bye during week nine. The 'Birds are a perfect 8-0 overall and 4-0 in district play, thus ensuring home-field advantage throughout the entire 2007 Kentucky Class 5A playoffs. Currently, Highlands is ranked first in northern Kentucky, regardless of football classification, and is ranked first in Kentucky Class 5A by several state ranking services.

Also during the week, the Highlands freshman team lost to Simon Kenton 14-7 to fall to 5-3 on the 2007 freshman season, while the Highlands JV squad defeated Scott County 49-20 to move to 7-1 on the 2007 JV season.

2007 Week Eight: Highlands 32 Lexington Catholic 9

Highlands defeated Lexington Catholic to remain perfect on the 2007 season. This game pitted the top-ranked team in Class 5A (Highlands) against the top-ranked team in Class 4A (Lexington Catholic). The contest was a defensive struggle for the first half, with the 'Birds leading 11-3 at halftime. However, the high-powered Highlands running game found its groove in the second half, and the Bluebirds finished the game with 263 total yards on the ground. Highlands was sparked by Zach Hurtt's 84-yard kickoff return which set up a Josh Conner touchdown run during the third quarter. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 8-0.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated Covington Holmes 27-6 to improve to 5-2 on the 2007 freshman season. The Highlands JV squad defeated Lexington Catholic 48-14 to move to 6-1 on the 2007 JV season.

2007 Week Seven: Highlands 58 Scott 0

Highlands rolled over Scott 58-0 to finish the season's district schedule undefeated. Running back Clint Crawford scored a total of four touchdowns in the game, including a 93-yard kick return, a touchdown reception, and two rushing touchdowns. Linebacker Joe Fitzgerald added a 16-yard fumble return for a score in the contest. Quarterback Clay Cecil was 6-of-9 passing for 103 yards. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 7-0.

Also, the Highlands JV squad defeated Scott 37-14 to improve to 5-1 on the 2007 JV season. The freshman team was defeated by Campbell County 18-6 to move to 4-2 on the 2007 season.

2007 Week Six: Highlands 42 Hopkinsville 8

Highlands defeated Hopkinsville 42-8 to stay perfect for the 2007 season. The 'Birds led the entire game. Running backs Josh Conner and Clint Crawford headed up the rushing attack, with Conner logging his fifth 100-yard game of the 2007 season. Highlands outgained Hopkinsville 405-182 yards in the contest. Defensive back Austin Collinsworth (son of former NFL player and current commentator Cris Collinsworth) had two interceptions and returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 3-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 6-0.

Also, the Highlands freshman team beat Scott 34-0, improving to 4-1 on the 2007 season. The Highlands JV team had a bye this week. The JV team's 2007 record is currently 4-1.

2007 Week Five: Highlands 28 Covington Catholic 14

Highlands defeated district archrival and defending state champion Covington Catholic 28-14 at Covington Catholic. Quarterback Clay Cecil threw for 124 yards and rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown to lead the way for the Bluebirds. Jay Draper caught four passes for 116 yards. Running back Josh Conner scored three touchdowns in the contest. The Highlands defense held the Colonels to just 130 total yards for the entire game. This win gives the 'Birds victories in 17 of the last 21 games of the storied Highlands-Covington Catholic rivalry. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 3-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 5-0.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated Dixie Heights 24-3 to move to 3-1 on the season. The Highlands JV team defeated rival Covington Catholic by a final score of 53-21, which puts them at 4-1 on the JV season.

2007 Week Four: Highlands 44 Dixie Heights 14

In a game that quite possibly decided the Class 5A, District 5 regular season championship, Highlands pulled away from Dixie Heights and defeated the Colonels 44-14. The 'Birds led 14-7 late in the second quarter, but extended their lead with a 48-yard field goal by Drew Bathiany as time expired in the first half. Highlands outgained Dixie 547 yards to 303 yards in the game, with running backs Josh Conner and Zach Hurtt gaining 141 yards on the ground (along with passing for 85 yards and a touchdown) and 102 rushing yards, respectively. Highlands' varsity district record to-date: 2-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 4-0.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated Boone County by a score of 25-6, going to 2-1 on the season. The Highlands JV team defeated Dixie Heights 44-0, moving to 3-1 on the season.

2007 Week Three: Highlands 52 Covington Holmes 14

Highlands won their first district game of the year in convincing fashion, defeating Holmes 52-14 in the home opener. Zach Hurtt returned a kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown to spark the Bluebirds. Hurtt also added another rushing TD in the game. Highlands RB Josh Conner scored two rushing touchdowns in the contest as well. Highlands' varsity district record to-date: 1-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 3-0.

Also, the Highlands JV squad defeated Holmes 63-0 to move to 2-1 on the year, while the freshman team lost to Ryle 8-7, snapping a 38-game winning streak. The freshman team is now 1-1 on the season.

2007 Week Two: Highlands 24 Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) 20

Highlands defeated Ohio Division II power Trotwood-Madison 24-20 to win the last game of the 2007 Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge III, played at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium. This was a significant win for the 'Birds, since Trotwood-Madison has several NCAA Division I-A recruits, including a quarterback many consider to be the best QB in the entire state of Ohio. Also, the "Herbie" is the most notable high school football event in the entire country. Highlands won the game on the strength of its powerful running game, as the Bluebirds amassed 313 total yards in the game. The highlight play of the game was backup quarterback Tony Guidugli's 51-yard TD pass to RB Josh Conner to take the lead once and for all. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 2-0.

Also this week, the Highlands freshman squad defeated archrival Covington Catholic 7-6 in overtime to begin the freshman season 1-0, while the Highlands JV team lost to Cincinnati Withrow 42-26 to go to 1-1 on the JV season.

2007 Week One: Highlands 49 Ryle 21

The season opener was a matchup between the top two preseason northern Kentucky teams, Highlands (ranked first) and Ryle (ranked second). Highlands dominated the game, leading 28-0 at halftime en route to a 49-21 victory at Ryle. The 'Birds were led by RB Josh Conner, who racked up 227 yards and five TDs on 19 carries. Highlands outgained Ryle 472 yards to 272 yards in the game. Highlands QB Clay Cecil ran for 46 yards (and one TD) and was 6-9 passing for 96 yards. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 1-0.

Also, Highlands junior varsity (JV) defeated Ryle 21-0 to begin the JV season 1-0.

Expectations High for the 'Birds in 2007

The Highlands Bluebirds enter the 2007 season with high expectations. This marks the first year of Kentucky's new six-class football system (with Class 1A containing the smallest schools and Class 6A containing the largest schools). Highlands was originally placed in Class 3A, but petitioned and was granted permission by the KHSAA to play up two classes, thus being classified as Class 5A. The 'Birds are the only football program in the entire state that will play two classes above its original classification.

Entering the season, the 'Birds are ranked number one, regardless of classification, in all of northern Kentucky in the preseason coaches' poll, and number one in Class 5A in all the state's major preseason rankings. Also, they are ranked number three in the entire state of Kentucky, regardless of football classification, in Mike Fields' Top 25 (of the Lexington Herald-Leader).

This year, HHS will be led by returning senior quarterback Clay Cecil, listed as one of the top 50 players in Kentucky by the state's coaches. Junior running back Josh Conner figures to play a key role in the offense, as he ran for 771 yards and 8 touchdowns as a backup RB last season. Wideouts Drew Simons and Jay Draper are likely to be Cecil's top receiving targets in 2007. On defense, the linebacking corps will lead the way, featuring Luke Stein (listed as a top-20 senior prospect in Kentucky by the Louisville Courier-Journal), Zach Hurtt, and Ryan Ball.

The highlight of the regular season schedule will undoubtedly occur during the second week, when the 'Birds face Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) in the 2007 Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge III, played at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium. Other games of note include Lexington Catholic (the preseason number-one team in Class 4A), Louisville Central (the preseason number-one team in Class 3A), and district archrival and defending state champion Covington Catholic, who eliminated the 'Birds from the playoffs last year. Of HHS' ten 2007 regular season opponents, eight made their respective playoffs last year, and those ten teams combined for a total win-loss record of 75-47 in 2006.

2007 Preseason Record: 2-0

Highlands finished the 2007 preseason very successfully, posting a 2-0 scrimmage record. The 'Birds defeated Beechwood 49-14 in the first preseason scrimmage and handled Class 6A power Louisville Male 34-7 in the second preseason scrimmage. Highlands hosted both preseason games.

Highlands' 2007 Football Schedules

VARSITY TEAM

PRESEASON
August 10, 2007 - Highlands vs. Beechwood (H)
August 17, 2007 - Highlands vs. Louisville Male (H)

REGULAR SEASON
August 24, 2007 - Highlands at Ryle (A)
September 2, 2007 - Highlands vs. Trotwood-Madison (OH)*
September 7, 2007 - Highlands vs. Covington Holmes** (H)
September 14, 2007 - Highlands at Dixie Heights** (A)
September 22, 2007 - Highlands at Covington Catholic** (A)
September 29, 2007 - Highlands vs. Hopkinsville (H)
October 5, 2007 - Highlands vs. Scott** (H)
October 12, 2007 - Highlands at Lexington Catholic (A)
October 19, 2007 - Open
October 26, 2007 - Highlands at Madison Central (A)
November 2, 2007 - Highlands at Louisville Central (A)

* = Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge III, played at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium
** = District game

JUNIOR VARSITY (JV) TEAM

August 25, 2007 - Highlands JV vs. Ryle (H)
September 3, 2007 - Highlands JV at Cincinnati Withrow (OH) (A)
September 8, 2007 - Highlands JV at Covington Holmes (A)
September 15, 2007 - Highlands JV vs. Dixie Heights (H)
September 24, 2007 - Highlands JV vs. Covington Catholic (H)
September 29, 2007 - Open
October 6, 2007 - Highlands JV at Scott (A)
October 13, 2007 - Highlands JV vs. Lexington Catholic (H)
October 20, 2007 - Highlands JV vs. Scott County (H)
October 27, 2007 - Highlands JV vs. Beechwood (H)
November 3, 2007 - Highlands JV at Covington Catholic (A)

FRESHMAN TEAM

September 1, 2007 - Highlands Fr. at Covington Catholic (A)
September 6, 2007 - Highlands Fr. vs. Ryle (H)
September 12, 2007 - Highlands Fr. at Boone County (A)
September 19, 2007 - Highlands Fr. at Dixie Heights (A)
September 27, 2007 - Highlands Fr. vs. Scott (H)
October 4, 2007 - Highlands Fr. at Campbell County (A)
October 11, 2007 - Highlands Fr. at Covington Holmes (A)
October 18, 2007 - Highlands Fr. at Simon Kenton (A)
October 25, 2007 - Highlands Fr. at Conner (A)

Welcome to Highlands Bluebirds Football!

This is the companion web log (blog) to 'Birds Words, a website I created and maintain dedicated to the Fort Thomas (Kentucky) Highlands High School Bluebirds football program. Highlands has a rich and wonderful football tradition, so please click on the link to 'Birds Words. The website address is:

http://www.highlands-bluebirds.com/

You will find a great deal of information about Highlands High School and the school's football program on this website. Enjoy, and Go 'Birds!