Highlands Captures Regional Title

2009 Playoff Week Three: Highlands 42 Johnson Central 21
Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - Regional Final
Date/Time: Friday, November 20 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands

Fort Thomas Highlands doubled up the Johnson Central Golden Eagles 42-21 in the third week of the state playoffs. Running back Austin Collinsworth scored a 62-yard rushing touchdown on the Bluebirds' second play from scrimmage to give the home team a 7-0 lead. The game went back and forth for the entire first half, with Collinsworth punching in a score shortly before halftime to give Highlands a 21-14 lead at the break.

The 'Birds opened the game up in the third quarter, as Collinsworth and running back Tyler Fennell each scored a rushing touchdown to widen the scoring gap to 35-14. Quarterback Patrick Towles (who completed 4 of his 6 passing attempts for 91 yards and no interceptions) ran 13 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Golden Eagles added a score near the end of the game to make the final score 42-21. Collinsworth led all Highlands rushers with 159 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wide receiver John Drennen led all Highlands receivers with 93 yards. Johnson Central entered the game with a record of 8-4 in 2009; they had won 8 straight games before losing to Highlands. This game was a rematch of last year's regional final game, which Highlands won en route to a state title.

Next week, Fort Thomas Highlands hosts Pulaski County in the state semifinal game. Pulaski County defeated Letcher County Central 31-14 in their regional final game. The Maroons enter the semifinal game against Highlands with an overall record of 10-3. These two programs have never met on the gridiron.

To date:
- Highlands' 2009 varsity record: 13-0
- Highlands' 2009 JV record: 7-2 (season complete)
- Highlands' 2009 freshman record: 7-2 (season complete)