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