Highlands Earns Another Trip to State Title Game

2009 Playoff Week Four: Highlands 52 Pulaski County 12
Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - State Semifinal
Date/Time: Friday, November 27 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands

Fort Thomas Highlands dominated the Pulaski County Maroons 52-12 to lock up a spot in the 2009 Kentucky Class 5A championship game. Pulaski County entered the contest with a record of 10-3. Highlands' offense exploded in the first half, scoring touchdowns on every possession to take a 42-0 halftime lead. Running back Austin Collinsworth scored on a 60-yard run to spark the Bluebirds. He finished the game with 127 rushing yards on just 7 carries. Quarterback Patrick Towles continued to play efficiently, completing 6 of 9 passing attempts for 181 yards and a 34-yard passing touchdown to wide receiver Nick Buten. Buten finished the game with 101 receiving yards. Wide receiver John Drennen caught 2 passes for 78 yards. Most of the second half was played with a running clock, due to Highlands being up 45-0 early in the third quarter after a 26-yard field goal by kicker Adam Weinel. Running backs Will Bardo and Tyler Fennell each ran for 2 touchdowns in the first half. Highlands played their reserve players for most of the second half.

Next week, Highlands will play John Hardin in the Kentucky Class 5A State Championship. John Hardin defeated Bowling Green 28-21 to advance to the state title game. The Bulldogs have a record of 14-0. Highlands and John Hardin have never met on the football field, and this marks John Hardin's first-ever trip to the state final game.

To-date:
- Highlands' 2009 varsity record: 14-0
- Highlands' 2009 JV record: 7-2 (season complete)
- Highlands' 2009 freshman record: 7-2 (season complete)