Tuesday, October 5, 2010

THIS WEB LOG HAS MOVED!!!

As of October 2010, this web log will no longer be updated, as new updates are now being provided on the upgraded and enhanced website dedicated to the Fort Thomas Highlands football program, http://www.Highlands-Bluebirds.com/. Updates can now be found under the News section of the Highlands football website.

For details about the history and tradition of the Highlands football program, as well as loads of information about the current team and season, please go to:

http://www.Highlands-Bluebirds.com/

Go 'Birds!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Highlands Begins District Play with a Victory

2010 Week Seven: Highlands 42 Dixie Heights 14
Date/Time: Friday, October 1 at 7:00PM
Location: Dixie Heights High School

Fort Thomas Highlands defeated district rival Dixie Heights 42-14 to begin district play this year. Quarterback Patrick Towles completed seven of 16 passes for 140 yards and two passing touchdowns, along with a rushing score. Towles' favorite receiver in the contest was wide receiver Daniel Gold, who hauled in three passes for 98 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Gold also returned a Dixie kick 88 yards for a score in the game; Gold finished with 215 all-purpose yards against the Colonels. On the ground, running back Jordan Streeter led all 'Birds with 70 rushing yards. Running back Corey Compton added 35 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. On defense, defensive back Ty Seidl picked off a Dixie pass and returned it 56 yards for the score. He also recovered a fumble.

With the win, Highlands' win streak stands at 35 games.

Also, the Highlands junior varsity (JV) team defeated the Dixie Heights JV team 69-6 on Saturday, October 2 at 10:00AM to stay perfect on the season; the game was played at Highlands. The Highlands freshman squad shut out the Dixie Heights freshman team 53-0 on Thursday, September 30 at 6:00PM, played at Highlands.

To-date:
- Highlands' 2010 varsity record: 7-0 (1-0 in district play)
- Highlands' 2010 junior varsity record: 5-0
- Highlands' 2010 freshman record: 6-0

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Highlands Keeps Rolling Over the Competition

2010 Week Six: Highlands 46 Louisville Eastern 0
Date/Time: Saturday, September 25 at 12:00PM
Location: Louisville Eastern High School

Fort Thomas Highlands pitched its second straight shut-out, defeating Class 6A Louisville Eastern 46-0 to remain perfect for the 2010 season. Class 5A Highlands saw all of its running backs healthy and able to play for the first time in several weeks, as Corey Compton, Jordan Streeter, Jake True and Colin Seidl saw significant action against Eastern, who entered the game with a 3-1 record. Compton racked up 44 rushing yards on 13 carries, while Streeter scored two rushing touchdowns and both True and Seidl registered one apiece. Quarterback Patrick Towles completed eight of 17 passing attempts for 257 yards; he also threw for one touchdown, a 67-yard pass to wide receiver Daniel Gold, and converted a two-point attempt. Kicker Adam Weinel made a 27-yard field goal to open up the scoring in the first quarter. Highlands' defense continued to play very well, holding Eastern's star running back Jon Davis, who has already committed to the University of Kentucky, to only 37 yards on the ground. Defensive back Drake Bruns intercepted an Eastern pass and returned it 50 yards for a Bluebirds score. Defensive back Quentin Murray also registered an interception. Linebacker Ethan Bishop also had a big game for Highlands, making several key tackles and blocking an Eastern punt.

The win extends Highlands' current win streak to 34 games.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated the Conner freshman squad 46-6 on Thursday, September 23 at 6:00PM. The game was played at Conner. The Highlands junior varsity (JV) team had a bye week.

To-date:
- Highlands' 2010 varsity record: 6-0 (0-0 in district play)
- Highlands' 2010 junior varsity (JV) record: 4-0
- Highlands' 2010 freshman record: 5-0

Sunday, September 19, 2010

'Birds Fly Past Boone County

2010 Week Five: Highlands 55 Boone County 0
Date/Time: Friday, September 17 at 7:00PM
Location: Boone County High School

Class 5A Fort Thomas Highlands hit the road for the first time in 2010 and handled Class 6A Boone County 55-0. Highlands jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead in the first quarter after running back Corey Compton, who returned to action after suffering a concussion earlier in the season, scored a nine-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a pair of rushing touchdowns by quarterback Patrick Towles. Highlands, ranked first in the current Northern Kentucky coaches' poll, then worked on developing depth at the running back position as sophomore Colin Seidl played significant minutes, scoring three rushing touchdowns and catching one touchdown pass to blow the game wide open. Seidl finished the game with 76 yards on eight carries and two receptions for 50 receiving yards. Back-up quarterback Donovan McCoy scored a touchdown from one yard out to round out the scoring for Highlands.

Highlands' current win streak now stands at 33 games.

Also, the Highlands junior varsity (JV) team shut out the Boone County JV team 32-0 on Saturday, September 18 at 10:00AM. The game was played at Highlands. In addition, the Highlands freshman team hammered the Cooper freshman squad 50-0 on Wednesday, September 15 at 6:00PM, at Cooper.

To-date:
- Highlands' 2010 varsity record: 5-0 (0-0 in district play)
- Highlands' 2010 junior varsity (JV) record: 4-0
- Highlands' 2010 freshman record: 4-0

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Bluebirds Hold Off Cincinnati Withrow

2010 Week Four: Highlands 34 Cincinnati Withrow 27
Date/Time: Friday, September 10 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands High School

Fort Thomas Highlands received is biggest challenge up to this point in the season, defeating Cincinnati Withrow 34-27 to conclude a four-week stretch of home games. Because of Withrow's athleticism and speed in the defensive secondary, the 'Birds abandoned the passing game and successfully attacked the Ohio Division I Tigers on the ground, amassing 354 rushing yards in the contest. Quarterback Patrick Towles, while only completing one pass in the game, ran for 172 yards and four rushing touchdowns. He was joined in the offensive backfield by running backs Jordan Streeter and Jake True, who racked up 103 yards and 75 yards, respectively; True also scored a rushing touchdown in the game.

The top-ranked Kentucky Class 5A Bluebirds had to contend with Withrow's agile quarterback, who was able to create opportunities for himself and throw for 352 yards against a talented Highlands secondary led by defensive back Austin Abner, who made a key interception against the Tigers. Highlands was leading 34-14 in the fourth quarter but Withrow put up the game's final 13 points to narrow the margin of victory. Cincinnati Withrow entered the game with a record of 0-2 for the 2010 season. Last year, Highlands defeated Cincinnati Withrow 21-0. Of note, Coach Dale Mueller had previously been the head coach for Cincinnati Withrow and coached current Withrow head coach Doc Gamble when Gamble played for the Tigers.

With the win, Highlands' current win streak stands at 32 games.

Also, the Highlands junior varsity (JV) team defeated the Cincinnati Withrow JV team 57-12. The game was played at Cincinnati Withrow on Saturday, September 11 at 10:00AM. The Highlands freshman team hammered the Boone County freshman squad 42-0 at Highlands; the contest was played on Thursday, September 9 at 6:00PM.

To-date:
- Highlands' 2010 varsity record: 4-0 (0-0 in district play)
- Highlands' 2010 junior varsity (JV) record: 3-0
- Highlands' 2010 freshman record: 3-0

Monday, September 6, 2010

Highlands Sits Atop First Statewide Ratings

The first Dave Cantrall's Ratings have been released for the 2010 Kentucky prep football season, and Class 5A Highlands is tied for first place with Class 6A Louisville Trinity. The Dave Cantrall Ratings are published in the Lexington Herald-Leader and rank Kentucky high school football teams regardless of classification.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Bluebirds Move to 3-0

2010 Week Three: Highlands 50 Beechwood 24
Date/Time: Friday, September 3 at 7:00PM
Location: Highlands High School

Fort Thomas Highlands, ranked 21st nationally in the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings, moved to 3-0 on the 2010 season after defeating Class 1A power Beechwood 50-24. The host Bluebirds jumped out to a 36-0 lead early in the second quarter on account of some big plays on offense, defense and special teams. Highlands took a 43-10 lead going into halftime. Class 5A Highlands focused on the passing game, as quarterback Patrick Towles finished the contest with 288 passing yards, five touchdown passes and no interceptions. Wide receivers Brian Gall and Daniel Gold amassed 184 and 94 receiving yards, respectively; Gall hauled in three touchdown passes, Gold registered one score and tight end Ian McGurn caught a touchdown pass from Towles.

During the first quarter, linebacker Ethan Bishop made a big special teams play, recovering a fumble for a Bluebirds touchdown. Also in the first period, defensive back Ty Seidl returned a fumble 27 yards for a score. The Bluebirds played several reserves for a large portion of the game, allowing Beechwood to narrow the scoring margin in the second half. The Beechwood Tigers dropped to 0-2 on the season with this loss to Highlands. Highlands has a 5-0 record all-time against Beechwood. With the win, Highlands' win streak stands at 31 games.

On Thursday, September 2 at 6:00PM, the Highlands freshman team defeated the Campbell County freshman team 50-22. The game was played at Highlands. Also, the Highlands junior varsity (JV) team defeated the Conner JV squad 39-14. This game was played on Saturday, September 4 at 10:00AM, at Conner.

To-date:
- Highlands' 2010 varsity record: 3-0 (0-0 in district play)
- Highlands' 2010 junior varsity (JV) record: 2-0
- Highlands' 2010 freshman record: 2-0

Friday, September 3, 2010

MaxPreps Takes Note of Highlands' Early Successes in 2010

Fort Thomas Highlands (2-0) is ranked 21st in the nation, according to the current MaxPreps Freeman Rankings. The Bluebirds, who host Beechwood on Friday, September 3, are the highest-ranked Kentucky team on the list. This marks the first time this season Highlands has been nationally ranked. The 'Birds finished the 2009 season ranked as high as third in the nation.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Highlands Shuts Down Ryle

2010 Week Two: Highlands 29 Ryle 14
Date/Time: Friday, August 27 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands High School

Fort Thomas Highlands defeated Ryle 29-14 to maintain its dominant position in Northern Kentucky prep football. The Class 6A Raiders, who blasted Covington Catholic 61-7 the previous week, were viewed by many as Highlands' biggest roadblock to a perfect 10-0 regular season in 2010. Led by running back Travis Elliott and quarterback Conner Hempel, Ryle held a 14-13 advantage at halftime. However, Ryle fumbled the ball early in the third quarter and the Bluebirds capitalized, as running back Corey Compton scored a rushing touchdown from five yards out to re-take the lead for good. Compton rushed for 96 yards and two scores in the contest. Running back Jordan Streeter led all Highlands rushers with 104 yards on 11 carries. Just before halftime, quarterback Patrick Towles connected with wide receiver Daniel Gold on a 32-yard touchdown pass to provide the 'Birds with momentum just before the break. Towles finished the game with 151 passing yards. Highlands' defense made some adjustments to attack Ryle's potent running game, resulting in the Raiders being shut out in the second half. Ryle gained only one first down and 55 yards of offense in the entire second half. Defensive back Drake Bruns intercepted a Ryle pass and recovered a fumble in the game.

This victory extended Highlands' current win streak to 30 games.

The Highlands junior varsity (JV) team defeated the Ryle JV team 46-7 to open up the JV season. The game was played on Saturday, August 28 at 10:00AM, at Ryle. The Highlands freshman squad also opened up its season on Saturday, August 28. The Highlands freshman team defeated the Louisville Saint Xavier freshman squad 24-19; the game was played at Highlands at 7:30PM.

To-date:
- Highlands' 2010 varsity record: 2-0 (0-0 in district play)
- Highlands' 2010 junior varsity (JV) record: 1-0
- Highlands' 2010 freshman record: 1-0

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Northern Kentucky's Best Square Off

Fort Thomas Highlands, ranked first in the current Northern Kentucky prep football poll, hosts Class 6A Ryle this Friday. Ryle is ranked second in the Northern Kentucky prep football poll. The Raiders have returned a lot of talent and experience from last year's squad that finished 2009 with an 8-4 record; two of Ryle's four 2009 losses came against Highlands. Ryle (1-0), led by quarterback Conner Hempel and running back Travis Elliott, punished Covington Catholic 61-7 in the first week of the 2010 season. Class 5A Highlands (1-0) defeated Class 6A Louisville DuPont Manual 45-14 in the first week of play.

Last season, Highlands and Ryle played each other twice, with the Bluebirds winning both contests by scores of 37-14 and 31-14. The two programs play each other twice again this season; the second game of the series, played at Ryle, is scheduled for the last week of the 2010 regular season and will be televised live on Fox Sports Ohio. Highlands is 8-1 all-time against Ryle.

The game will be held at Highlands High School of Friday, August 27 at 7:30PM.

USA Today will be broadcasting this game live on USAToday.com.

In addition to the varsity action, the Highlands junior varsity (JV) team will play the Ryle JV team on Saturday, August 28 at 10:00AM; the game will be held at Ryle. The Highlands freshman team will take of the Louisville Saint Xavier freshman team on Friday, August 28 at 7:30PM, at Highlands. These contests will be the first games of the 2010 season for both the Highlands JV and the Highlands freshman squads.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Highlands Continues Win Streak in 2010

2010 Week One: Highlands 45 Louisville DuPont Manual 14
Date/Time: Friday, August 20 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands High School

Fort Thomas Highlands extended it current win streak to 29 games after blasting Class 6A Louisville DuPont Manual 45-14 in the season opener for both teams. The Class 5A Bluebirds attacked the Crimsons with a well-balanced offense, rushing for 286 yards and passing for 147 yards. Running back Corey Compton led the Bluebirds' rushing effort in the first half, gaining 64 yards on the ground and scoring three touchdowns. Running back Jordan Streeter matched Compton's yardage total, amassing 64 yards on 11 carries. Running back Colin Seidl rushed for 50 yards and one touchdown in the second half. Quarterback Patrick Towles completed 11 of his 20 passing attempts in the game. He finished the contest with 147 passing yards and one touchdown, a 20-yard connection to wide receiver Daniel Gold in the second quarter. Towles threw no interceptions in the game. Gold caught three passes for 45 yards and wide receiver Austin Sheehan hauled in three passes for 65 yards. In addition to making all of his extra point attempts, kicker Adam Weinel made a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

On defense, Highlands played a tremendous game, limiting Manual to 15 yards of offense in the first half. The Bluebirds' defensive linemen and linebackers penetrated Manual's offensive backfield throughout the game, recording several quarterback sacks. Defensive back Austin Abner made a key interception late in the first half, which set up a Highlands touchdown to extend the Bluebirds' lead to 28-0 at halftime. Also, defensive back Drake Bruns made an interception that he returned 50 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Highlands entered the game ranked first in Kentucky Class 5A in all the state's preseason ranking lists. Highlands was also ranked first in Northern Kentucky, regardless of football classification.

The Highlands junior varsity (JV) team was initially scheduled to play the Louisville DuPont Manual JV team on Saturday, August 21. However, this game was canceled by Manual.

To-date:
- Highlands' 2010 varsity record: 1-0 (0-0 in district play)
- Highlands' 2010 junior varsity (JV) record: 0-0
- Highlands' 2010 freshman record: 0-0

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Highlands Takes on DuPont Manual in Season Opener

Fort Thomas Highlands will host Louisville DuPont Manual in the opening game of the 2010 regular season. Overall, these two programs have played against each other only twice; Manual defeated Highlands 18-0 in 1937 and Highlands beat Manual 19-8 in 2009.

Class 5A Highlands finished the 2009 season with a 15-0 record and the Class 5A state title. Class 6A Manual finished the 2009 season with a 5-7 record, advancing to the second round of the Class 6A state playoffs.

The game will be played at Highlands on Friday, August 20 at 7:30PM.

The Highlands junior varsity (JV) and Highlands freshman teams do not begin their seasons until August 28.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

2010 Highlands Varsity Football Schedule

August 20 at 7:30PM - Highlands vs. Louisville DuPont Manual

August 27 at 7:30PM - Highlands vs. Ryle

September 3 at 7:00PM - Highlands vs. Beechwood

September 10 at 7:30PM - Highlands vs. Cincinnati Withrow (Ohio)

September 17 at 7:00PM - Highlands at Boone County

September 25 at 12:00PM - Highlands at Louisville Eastern

October 1 at 7:00PM - Highlands at Dixie Heights*

October 8 - Open

October 15 at 7:00PM - Highlands vs. Covington Catholic*

October 22 at 7:00PM - Highlands at Scott*

October 28 at 7:00PM - Highlands at Ryle

* = Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 Game

2010 Highlands Junior Varsity (JV) Football Schedule

August 28 at 10:00AM - Highlands JV at Ryle JV

September 4 at 10:00AM - Highlands JV at Conner JV

September 11 at 10:00AM - Highlands JV at Cincinnati Withrow (Ohio) JV

September 18 at 10:00AM - Highlands JV vs. Boone County JV

September 25 - Open

October 2 at 10:00AM - Highlands JV vs. Dixie Heights JV

October 9 at 11:00AM - Highlands JV vs. Louisville Saint Xavier JV

October 16 at 10:00AM - Highlands JV at Covington Catholic JV

October 23 at 11:00AM - Highlands JV at Scott County JV

October 30 at 10:00AM - Highlands JV vs. Ryle JV

2010 Highlands Freshman (Fr.) Football Schedule

August 28 at 7:30PM - Highlands Fr. vs. Louisville Saint Xavier Fr.

September 2 at 6:00PM - Highlands Fr. vs. Campbell County Fr.

September 9 at 6:00PM - Highlands Fr. vs. Boone County Fr.

September 15 at 6:00PM - Highlands Fr. at Cooper Fr.

September 23 at 6:00PM - Highlands Fr. at Conner Fr.

September 30 at 6:00PM - Highlands Fr. vs. Dixie Heights Fr.

October 6 at 5:00PM - Highlands Fr. at Covington Catholic Fr.

October 14 at 6:00PM - Highlands Fr. vs. Ryle Fr.

October 21 at 6:00PM - Highlands Fr. vs. Newport Central Catholic Fr.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Highlands Enters Season Ranked First

Fort Thomas Highlands enters the 2010 football season where it let off in 2009 - ranked first. Both the Louisville Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald-Leader recently released their Kentucky high school football 2010 preseason coaches' polls and Highlands sits atop the Class 5A rankings in both lists.

Also, Jody Demling of the Louisville Courier-Journal has listed Highlands' quarterback, junior Patrick Towles, as one of the state's 25 best football prospects.

The 2010 football season officially kicks off for Highlands on Friday, August 20, when the Bluebirds host Class 6A Louisville DuPont Manual.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Trinity Beats Highlands in a Shootout

2010 Preseason Scrimmage: Highlands 42 Louisville Trinity 49
Date/Time: Friday, August 13 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands High School

Kentucky's two prep football juggernauts squared off in the year's only preseason scrimmage for both teams. Class 6A Louisville Trinity defeated Class 5A Fort Thomas Highlands 49-42. The scrimmage was played under a regular-game format. The game, which was predicted by many to be a defensive struggle, became an offensive shootout. Trinity quickly advanced to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Highlands, led by quarterback Patrick Towles, running back Corey Compton and wide receivers Daniel Gold and Austin Sheehan on offense, battled back to cut the Shamrocks' lead to seven points at halftime. The Bluebirds managed to tie the game at 35-35 in the third quarter following a Towles rushing touchdown. However, the 'Birds were never able to take the lead and Trinity's defense stopped a Highlands drive late in the game to preserve a 49-42 victory.

This scrimmage was part of the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association's 2010 Tom Potter Classic.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Bruns, Abner and Weinel Receive Preseason Recognition

TriStateFootball.com just released its 2010 Preseason All-TriStateFootball.com Team, and three Highlands players have been recognized. Junior defensive back Drake Bruns has been listed as a First Team player, while senior defensive back Austin Abner and senior kicker Adam Weinel have been listed as Honorable Mention.

This recognition is especially noteworthy, given that players from all over Southwest Ohio (including Cincinnati), Northern Kentucky and Eastern Indiana were considered for this preseason team.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Highlands Set to Host Trinity in Preseason Scrimmage

The Fort Thomas Highlands Bluebirds will host the Louisville Trinity Shamrocks this Friday at Highlands' David Cecil Memorial Stadium. This contest marks the only preseason scrimmage for both teams. These two programs, arguably the most storied in Kentucky, have won a state-record 19 state football titles. Also, both teams are considered major championship contenders this season, Highlands in Class 5A and Trinity in Class 6A. This preseason game will be the first-ever scrimmage between Highlands and Trinity, and the two programs have only played each other twice in the regular season; Trinity defeated Highlands 20-7 in 1969 and Highlands beat Trinity 42-29 in 2000. The scrimmage is to be played under a regular-game format and is part of the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association's 2010 Tom Potter Classic.

The scimmage will be played at Highlands on Friday, August 13 at 7:30PM.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Highlands to be Televised Live on Fox Sports Ohio

Fox Sports Ohio will be televising the October 28 Highlands varsity football game live, as part of its High School Football Game of the Week coverage. Fort Thomas Highlands will take on Ryle during the final game of the 2010 regular season. The contest will be played at 7:00PM at Ryle High School. This is the only game involving Northern Kentucky teams that is included in Fox Sports Ohio's television line-up, as all the other games feature Ohio prep teams. Highlands and Ryle clash twice this season; the first game, scheduled for August 27, will be played at Highlands.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Highlands Ranked by PrepNation

The PrepNation National Prep Football Poll has been released, in preparation for the start of the 2010 season. Fort Thomas Highlands is ranked 19th in the Midwest Region. Class 5A Highlands is the second-highest ranked Kentucky team in this poll, behind Class 6A Louisville Saint Xavier.

Friday, July 16, 2010

7-on-7 Competitions Underway

This past week, Fort Thomas Highlands participated in three separate 7-on-7 passing competitions, in preparation for the upcoming season. The 'Birds hosted Beechwood, Cincinnati Anderson and Mason County. Starting quarterback Patrick Towles picked up where he left off last season, after he took over for Will Bardo following Bardo's elbow injury during the Cincinnati Saint Xavier game. Highlands will resume these passing competitions next week, when they host Cincinnati Moeller, Simon Kenton and Covington Holmes over the next two weeks.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Abner Receives Preseason Recognition

Highlands defensive back Austin Abner has been named the Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 'Preseason Player of the Year,' according to The Cats' Pause 2010 High School Preview. Abner, a rising senior, started in the defensive backfield for the Bluebirds in 2009. Highlands defensive back Drake Bruns, offensive lineman Ryan Hahn, running back Jordan Streeter and quarterback Patrick Towles were listed as district 'Players to Watch' in 2010.

The preview magazine lists Fort Thomas Highlands as the Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 'Preseason Favorite,' followed by Covington Catholic, Dixie Heights and Scott.

Friday, June 11, 2010

'Birds Seniors Help Lead the Way in All-Star Win

On Saturday, June 10 at 7:00PM, the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches All-Star Game was played at Dixie Heights High School. The East squad defeated the West squad 16-10. Highlands had five seniors participate in the event, offensive lineman Hunter Schlosser, tight end Kyle Welz, and defensive linemen Cameron Dierig, Mark Snyder and Justin Johnson. The Highlands representatives played for the winning East squad. Hunter Schlosser was named an East squad offensive lineman MVP and Kyle Welz was named an East squad offensive back MVP.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Highlands Players Named to NKY All-Star Game

Five Highlands seniors have accepted invitations to play in the 2010 Northern Kentucky Football Coaches All-Star Game. Offensive lineman Hunter Schlosser, defensive lineman Cameron Dierig, tight end Kyle Welz, defensive lineman Justin Johnson and defensive lineman Mark Snyder will be representing the Bluebirds on the East squad. The game will be played at Dixie Heights High School on Thursday, June 10 at 7:00PM. The game will be broadcast live on Tri State Internet Sports Radio, which can be found at: http://www.tristateinternetsportsradio.com/.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Buten to Centre College

Highlands senior Nick Buten recently committed to play football for NCAA Division III Centre College, located in Danville, Kentucky. Buten started at wide receiver for the 'Birds, and led the team in receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yardage in 2009.

Buten will join teammate Hunter Schlosser at Centre College; Schlosser, an offensive lineman for Highlands, committed to Centre College earlier this year.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Dierig Commits

Fort Thomas Highlands senior Cameron Dierig has committed to play football at the College of Mount St. Joseph. The College of Mount St. Joseph, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an NCAA Division III school. Dierig was a starter on the defensive line during his senior season. He helped lead the 'Birds to a 15-0 record and state championship.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Schlosser and Combs Commit

Highlands senior offensive linemen Hunter Schlosser and Tyler Combs both recently committed to play football at the collegiate level. Schlosser has committed to play for NCAA Division III Centre College, located in Danville, Kentucky. Combs has committed to play for NCAA Division III Thomas More College, located in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.

Schlosser and Combs were starters on Highlands' offensive line in 2009. They helped lead the way to a perfect 15-0 state championship season for the 'Birds.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Dierig Receives Prestigious Honor

Highlands senior Cameron Dierig was recently honored by the Anthony Munoz Foundation for his accomplishments on the gridiron. He was named the Kentucky Defensive Lineman of the Year for the 2009 season. Dierig is currently being recruited by a number of NCAA Division II and Division III football programs.

Mueller Wins Anthony Munoz Coaching Award

Coach Dale Mueller of Highlands continues to amass honors following the Bluebirds' successful 2009 football campaign. He was recently awarded the Anthony Munoz Community Fund Coach of the Year.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Highlands Contests Previous KHSAA Sanctions

The Fort Thomas Board of Education has submitted a letter to the Kentucky Board of Education formally challenging the Kentucky High School Athletic Association's 2005 ruling, which led to the following sanctions on Highlands: a fine of $1500, the forfeiture of 12 wins from the 2004 season, a three-year probation period, and a two-scrimmage/ two-game suspension of Coach Mueller.

The sanctions stemmed from questions regarding the eligibility of Michael Mitchell, a player who transferred to Highlands for the 2004-2005 academic year. Despite being ruled eligible to play sports for Highlands by the courts, the KHSAA imposed penalties on the school for allowing Mitchell to play.

The Bluebirds won the 2004 Kentucky Class AAA state championship. The team went 14-1 on the field, but had its record changed to 2-13 following the KHSAA's sanctions. Because Mitchell did not play in the state title game, the KHSAA maintained Highlands' 2004 state championship.

Highlands Football Signings

The following Highlands seniors have signed to play college football for the 2010 season:

Tyler Grubbs - Miami University (Ohio)
Austin Collinsworth - University of Notre Dame
Will Bardo - Dayton University
John Drennen - College of Charleston
Brandon Roller - Georgetown College

Monday, February 1, 2010

Highlands Football Awards Banquet Recently Held

The annual Highlands football awards banquet was held at the Syndicate in Newport, Kentucky on Sunday, January 31. This event was held to commemorate the 2009 football season. The following players were honored:

Austin Collinsworth - Most Valuable Player
Brandon Roller - Most Valuable Player
Tyler Combs - Mr. Highlands Football/Quinn Stapleton Award
Will Bardo - Mr. Highlands Football/Quinn Stapleton Award
Cam Dierig - Mr. Highlands Football/Quinn Stapleton Award
Hunter Schlosser - Mr. Highlands Football/Quinn Stapleton Award
Mark Snyder - Mr. Everything
John Drennen - Mr. Everything
Tyler Grubbs - Dominator
Nick Buten - Mr. Excitement
Tyler Fennell - Progress to Excellence
Kyle Welz - Progress to Excellence
Brian Beck - Red Dog Spirit Award
Colin Rosenhagen - Red Dog Spirit Award
Spencer Bankemper - Mitch Waldenmeyer Award
Travis Alford - Ron Welsh Award
David Hogue - Mitch Waldenmeyer Award
Ty Seidl - Underclassman Most Valuable Player
Austin Abner - Underclassman Most Valuable Player
Daniel Gold - Underclassman Mr. Highlands Football
Ryan Hahn - Underclassman Mr. Highlands Football
Keenan Wiegand - Junior Varsity Mr. Highlands Football
Brian Gall - Junior Varsity Mr. Highlands Football
Patrick Towles - Underclassman Most Valuable Player
Austin Sheehan - Junior Varsity Most Valuable Player
Jake True - Junior Varsity Best Offensive Player
Sam Chambers - Junior Varsity Mr. Highlands Football
Luke Dressman - Junior Varsity Best Defensive Player
Austin Bowling - Junior Varsity Progressing to Excellence
Donavan McCoy - Freshman Most Valuable Player
Blake Schutte - Freshman Best Defensive Player
Tyler Schweitzer - Freshman Best Defensive Lineman
Gabe Schulte - Freshman Best Offensive Lineman
Tyler Robinson - Freshman Excel to Excellence
Mitch Dee - Freshman Excel to Excellence
Reed Schroder - Freshman Excel to Excellence

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Bardo Latest 'Bird to be Offered

Highlands senior Will Bardo has received an offer to play football for the United States Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Bardo began the 2009 football season as the team's starting quarterback; however, he was switched to running back and return specialist during the season after sustaining an elbow injury. Bardo is the fourth Highlands football player to be made an NCAA FBS (formerly Division I-A) offer for the upcoming season.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Mueller Named National Coach of the Year

Highlands coach Dale Mueller was recently announced as the recipient of the National High School Coach of the Year Award (also known as the Yoast Award). The announcement was made during the US Army All-American Awards Dinner held in San Antonio, Texas, on January 8, 2010, and Coach Mueller formally received this award during halftime of the US Army All-American Bowl, which was televised live nationally on NBC the following day.

The Awards Dinner, presented by the Rotary Club of San Antonio, is the nation's largest prep football awards event. The coaching award is named after coach Bill Yoast, who was portrayed in the movie "Remember the Titans."

Coach Mueller is the first Kentucky coach to win this prestigious award.

Roller Receives Offer

Highlands senior linebacker Brandon Roller has received an offer to play football for Army at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Roller is the third Highlands senior to be made an NCAA FBS offer (Austin Collinsworth and Tyler Grubbs being the other two players).

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Four 'Birds Named to the All-BluegrassPreps.com Team

The following Highlands players have been named to the 2009 All BluegrassPreps.com Football Team:

RB Austin Collinsworth
OL Hunter Schlosser
OL Tyler Grubbs
LB Brandon Roller

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Grubbs Named MaxPreps All-American

Highlands OL Tyler Grubbs has been named a 2009 MaxPreps High School Football All-American. Grubbs, a senior, was named as a second-team offensive lineman. Grubbs has verbally committed to play football for Miami University (Ohio). He is the only player from Kentucky listed as a MaxPreps All-American.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Three Bluebirds Invited to Border Bowl

Three Highlands seniors, OL Hunter Schlosser, LB Brandon Roller and WR John Drennen have been invited to participate in the 2010 National Guard Border Bowl, a high school football "all-star" game pitting Kentucky prep players against Tennessee prep players. This game will be held at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, at 12:00PM on Saturday, January 16.