Saturday, December 5, 2009

Highlands "Three-Peats"

2009 Playoff Week Five: Highlands 35 John Hardin 7
Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - State Championship
Date/Time: Friday, December 4 at 7:00PM
Location: Houchens-LT Smith Stadium, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Fort Thomas Highlands, ranked 6th nationally in the USA Today Super 25, defeated John Hardin 35-7 to win the Class 5A state title for the third consecutive year. Running back Austin Collinsworth spearheaded Highlands' offensive attack, rushing 25 times for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns, all in the first half. The Bluebirds led the Bulldogs 21-0 at the break. Running back Will Bardo returned the second-half kickoff 98 yards to extend the lead to 28-0, and quarterback Patrick Towles rushed for an 11-yard score to give the 'Birds a commanding 5-touchdown lead at 35-0. John Hardin registered a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to round out the scoring at 35-7. Highlands attempted only 2 passes the entire game, with 1 completion from Towles to wide receiver Nick Buten. Collinsworth was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Both teams entered the title game with matching 14-0 records. The championship game marked the first-ever football game between these 2 programs. The win gives Highlands a record-tying 19 official state football championships (tied with Louisville Trinity), to go along with 3 "mythical" state titles prior to the institution of state title games in 1959. With this win, Highlands coach Dale Mueller has 8 football championships, tied with former Beechwood coach Mike Yeagle for the most in Kentucky prep football history.

Final records:
- Highlands' 2009 varsity record: 15-0
- Highlands' 2009 JV record: 7-2
- Highlands' 2009 freshman record: 7-2

2 comments:

The Ossege Family said...

That's great to hear. I am in Australia and so disappointed that I could not make the game, but I think I might have it a little better here. I was getting so many texts updating me during the game from family and friends it was awesome. Thanks for the great blog page and all the updates.

Joseph Williams said...

Highlands has had quite a season this year. Go 'Birds!