Highlands Recognized at Cincinnati Bengals Game

The Highlands football team was recognized for winning the 2008 Kentucky Class 5A championship during the Cincinnati Bengals game played on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Paul Brown Stadium. Both Highlands and Beechwood (who won the 2008 Kentucky Class 1A championship) were honored, since both area teams won state titles this year.

2008 Highlands Bluebirds Honors

THE FOLLOWING LIST OF INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM HONORS IS BEING UPDATED AS ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE MADE

Highlands finished 2008 as Kentucky Class 5A state champion, Kentucky Class 5A, Region 3 champion, Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 champion and Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference (NKAC) champion.

Highlands finished 2008 ranked 24th in the midwest region in PrepNation's final National Prep Football Poll rankings, and tied for 97th nationally in the final CalPreps rankings.

Highlands finished 2008 ranked first in northern Kentucky, regardless of football classification, by the northern Kentucky football coaches.

Offensive lineman/defensive lineman Adam Dempsey was named a 2008 "That's My Boy Award" finalist by the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association (NKFCA).

Quarterback Tony Guidugli and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Adam Dempsey were selected as 2008 "Top 26" honorees by the NKFCA.

Quarterback Tony Guidugli was selected as one of the top 100 athletes identified for the 2008 "Joe Montana High School Quarterback of the Year Award," announced by DeBartolo Sports University. He was the only player selected from Kentucky.

Receiver Austin Collinsworth, offensive lineman Adam Dempsey and defensive lineman Kody Rosenhagen were named 2008 first-team Kentucky Associated Press All-State. Quarterback Tony Guidugli was named 2008 Kentucky Associated Press All-State honorable mention.

Offensive lineman Adam Dempsey, defensive lineman Kody Rosenhagen and athlete Austin Collinsworth were named to the 2008 All-BluegrassPreps.com Team.

Receiver Austin Collinsworth and offensive lineman Adam Dempsey were named 2008 first-team All-State by the Louisville Courier-Journal. Defensive lineman Kody Rosenhagen was named 2008 second-team All-State by the Louisville Courier-Journal. Quarterback Tony Guidugli was named 2008 All-State honorable mention by the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Quarterback Tony Guidugli was named a member of the 2008 "Class of the Commonwealth" by the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Brandon Roller was named 2008 Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 Player of the Year.

Coach Dale Mueller was named 2008 Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 Coach of the Year.

Receiver Austin Collinsworth and offensive lineman Adam Dempsey were named 2008 first-team offense NKFCA All-Star. Defensive lineman Kody Rosenhagen, linebacker Brandon Roller and defensive back Austin Collinsworth were named 2008 first-team defense NKFCA All-Star. Tight end Brandon Roller and offensive lineman Hunter Schlosser were named 2008 second-team offense NKFCA All-Star. Linebacker Nick Martin was named 2008 second-team defense NKFCA All-Star.

Offensive lineman Adam Dempsey was named a 2008 first-team football All-Star by the Kentucky Enquirer. Quarterback Tony Guidugli and offensive lineman Hunter Schlosser were named 2008 honorable mention football All-Stars by the Kentucky Enquirer. Defensive lineman Kody Rosenhagen, linebacker Brandon Roller, and defensive back Austin Collinsworth were named 2008 first-team football All-Stars by the Kentucky Enquirer. Linebacker Michael Laber, linebacker Nick Martin and defensive back Oliver Head were named 2008 honorable mention football All-Stars by the Kentucky Enquirer.

Quarterback Tony Guidugli, running back Oliver Head and offensive lineman Adam Dempsey were invited to play in the second annual National Guard Border Bowl, played on January 17, 2009 at 1:00PM at the University of the Cumberlands.

Juniors Austin Collinsworth and Brandon Roller have both been invited to participate in the US Army Junior National Combine, held in San Antonio, Texas on New Year's Day, 2009.

Austin Collinsworth was named to the 2008 All-Southern Team (also known as the "Dixie Dozen") by the Orlando Sentinel.

Austin Collinsworth was named a junior first-team All-American by MaxPreps.com.

Highlands Repeats as State Champion

2008 Playoff Week Five: Highlands 35 Christian County 15
Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - State Championship
KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl
Date/Time: Friday, December 12 at 7:00PM
Location: Louisville Papa John's Cardinal Stadium

Fort Thomas Highlands defeated Christian County 35-15 in the Class 5A state title game, repeating as Class 5A state champion. Both teams entered the contest with 13-1 records. Christian County led on two separate occasions in the first half, but the Bluebirds took the lead for good when quarterback Tony Guidugli connected with receiver Daniel Gold for a touchdown just before halftime. Guidugli also ran for a 50-yard touchdown in the second half. Running back Clint Crawford scored two touchdowns on the ground for the 'Birds, and running back Josh Conner overcame some early fumbles and scored a rushing touchdown in the second half. Guidugli was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP), and linebacker Michael Laber was awarded the Star of the Game honor.

The victory gives Highlands its 18th official state football title. The Bluebirds finished the season unbeaten against Kentucky competition, with a 28-game win streak against Kentucky opponents, the longest current win streak in Kentucky.

Highlands' 2008 final freshman record: 8-2. Highlands' 2008 final JV record: 7-3. Highlands' 2008 final varsity district record: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 final varsity overall record: 14-1.

Bluebirds Handle Whitley County to Advance to State Finals

2008 Playoff Week Four: Highlands 42 Whitley County 16
Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - State Semifinal
Date/Time: Friday, December 5 at 7:30PM
Location: Whitley County

Fort Thomas Highlands defeated host Whitley County 42-16 to advance to the Class 5A state title game. Both teams entered the game with 12-1 records. Quarterback Tony Guidugli maintained his level of postseason excellence, completing 70% of his passing attempts, throwing for one score and running for two touchdowns. Running backs Clint Crawford and Josh Conner each scored a rushing touchdown in the contest, and kick returner Austin Collinsworth returned a kickoff for a score. Highlands' defense forced Whitley County to commit five turnovers in the game.

Highlands' 2008 final freshman record: 8-2. Highlands' 2008 final JV record: 7-3. Highlands' 2008 final varsity district record: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 13-1.

Highlands Captures Regional Title

2008 Playoff Week Three: Highlands 35 Johnson Central 21
Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - Regional Final
Date/Time: Friday, November 28 at 7:30PM
Location: Johnson Central

Highlands traveled deep into eastern Kentucky and defeated Johnson Central 35-21 to win the Class 5A, Region 3 championship. The game was tied 7-7 at halftime, but the Bluebirds made some big plays in the second half to pull away from the Golden Eagles. Both teams entered the contest with matching 11-1 records. Quarterback Tony Guidugli completed 80% of his passing attempts and threw three touchdown passes in the game. Defensive lineman Kody Rosenhagen recovered a fumble and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. Also, running back Josh Conner scored on a 42-yard touchdown run.

Highlands' 2008 final freshman record: 8-2. Highlands' 2008 final JV record: 7-3. Highlands' 2008 final varsity district record: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 12-1.

Highlands Blows Through Ashland

2008 Playoff Week Two: Highlands 53 Ashland Blazer 6
Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - Round Two
Date/Time: Friday, November 21 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands

Fort Thomas Highlands handily defeated Ashland Paul Blazer 53-6 to advance to the regional final playoff game. Quarterback Tony Guidugli threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score, while running backs Clint Crawford, Oliver Head and Spencer Bankemper combined for four rushing touchdowns. The Bluebirds built a 34-6 halftime lead, and there was a running clock in place for part of the second half. Ashland finished 2008 with an overall record of 7-5. Also, with district rival Covington Catholic losing to Johnson Central in round two of the Class 5A state playoffs, Highlands captures both the regular season and overall Class 5A, District 5 championships.

Highlands' 2008 final freshman record: 8-2. Highlands' 2008 final JV record: 7-3. Highlands' 2008 final varsity district record: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 11-1.

Bluebirds Survive First Round Scare

2008 Playoff Week One: Highlands 28 Bryan Station 22
Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - Round One
Date/Time: Friday, November 14 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands

Fort Thomas Highlands survived a scare in the first round of the playoffs, coming from behind to defeat Lexington Bryan Station 28-22. Quarterback Tony Guidugli connected with wide receiver Austin Collinsworth on a 25-yard touchdown pass with 19 seconds left in the game to give the 'Birds the lead for good. Guidugli completed six of his seven passing attempts on the game-winning drive. Running back Josh Conner, who missed most of the regular season with a fibula fracture, scored on a 23-yard run to begin the second-half scoring for the Bluebirds, ranked first in Kentucky Class 5A in all the state's rankings. The Bryan Station Defenders entered the game as the fourth-ranked team in their district, with a 6-4 record. However, Bryan Station lost their four games in the regular season by a combined total of 20 points.

Highlands' 2008 final freshman record: 8-2. Highlands' 2008 final JV record: 7-3. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 10-1.

Regular Season District Recap

2008 Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 - Regular Season Final Results

1. Highlands: 4-0 in district (9-1 overall)
2. Covington Catholic: 3-1 in district (4-6 overall)
3. Dixie Heights: 2-2 in district (4-6 overall)
4. Covington Holmes: 1-3 in district (3-7 overall)
5. Scott: 0-4 in district (4-6 overall)

The top four teams qualified for the 2008 Class 5A state playoffs.

Highlands Shuts Out Defending Champion

2008 Week Eleven: Highlands 28 Louisville Central 0
Date/Time: Friday, November 7 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands

Fort Thomas Highlands shut out defending Kentucky Class 3A state champion Louisville Central to end the 2008 regular season with a perfect record against in-state varsity competition. Last season, Central led the Bluebirds for most of the game, before Highlands pulled ahead late and won 21-13. This year, Highlands jumped out to an early lead when kick returner Austin Collinsworth returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Tony Guidugli threw two touchdown passes (the first to tight end Brandon Roller and the second to running back Oliver Head) and Oliver Head added a rushing touchdown to round out the scoring. Highlands' defense dominated the game, registering the team's third consecutive shutout.

In addition, the Highlands freshman team lost to the Beechwood freshman team 36-21 in the 2008 Northern Kentucky Freshman Championship. The game was played on Thursday, November 6 at 6:00PM, and was held at Highlands. The Highlands JV team defeated the Scott County JV team 44-32. The game was played on Saturday, November 8 at 11:00AM, at Scott County.

Highlands' 2008 freshman final record: 8-2. Highlands' 2008 JV final record: 7-3. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 9-1.

Bluebirds Fly High Over Madison Central

2008 Week Ten: Highlands 46 Madison Central 0
Date/Time: Friday, October 31 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands

Both Highlands and Class 6A Madison Central entered week ten's contest with matching 7-1 records. However, the Bluebirds turned in a very solid all-around performance and shut out the Indians 46-0. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a 99-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tony Guidugli to receiver Nick Buten in the third quarter, which tied both a school and a state record for longest touchdown reception. Running back Clint Crawford scored on a 47-yard touchdown run to give the Bluebirds a 14-0 halftime lead. Running back Oliver Head rushed for two touchdowns, running back Tyler Fennell rushed for a score, Tony Guidugli ran for a touchdown, and Nick Buten and tight end Brandon Roller each caught a touchdown pass in the game.

Also, the Highlands JV team defeated the Beechwood JV team 41-10. The game was played on Saturday, November 1 at 10:00AM, at Beechwood. The Highlands freshman team defeated the Conner freshman squad 35-12. The game was played on Thursday, October 30 at 6:00PM, at Conner.

Highlands' 2008 freshman record to-date: 8-1. Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 6-3. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity record to-date: 8-1.

Varsity Bye Week

2008 Week Nine: Bye

The Highlands varsity football team did not play a game in week nine, on account of the bye. The team spent the week preparing for the regular season's final two contests, against Class 6A Madison Central in week ten and defending Class 3A state champion Louisville Central in week eleven.

The JV and freshman squads both played games. The Highlands JV team lost to the Louisville Saint Xavier JV team 35-14. The game was played on Saturday, October 25 at 11:00AM, at Highlands. The Highlands freshman team defeated the Boone County freshman squad 21-14. The game was played on Thursday, October 23 at 6:00PM, at Boone County.

Highlands' 2008 freshman record to-date: 7-1. Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 5-3. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 7-1.

The Bluebirds Silence Lexington Catholic

2008 Week Eight: Highlands 41 Lexington Catholic 0
Date/Time: Friday, October 17 at 7:30PM
Location: Highlands

Fort Thomas Highlands shut out defending Kentucky Class 4A state champion Lexington Catholic 41-0. Quarterback Tony Guidugli completed 7 of his 12 passing attempts for 93 yards and a touchdown to receiver Nick Buten, to go along with 67 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Running back Oliver Head ran for three touchdowns in the contest, and running back Josh Conner opened the game's scoring with a rushing touchdown. Highlands outgained the Knights 429 yards to 217 yards in the game. The loss drops Lexington Catholic to 4-4 on the 2008 season.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated the Covington Holmes freshman team 40-21. The game was played on Thursday, October 16 at 6:00PM, at Highlands. Highlands locked up a position in the Northern Kentucky Freshman Championship game. The Highlands JV team defeated the Lexington Catholic JV squad 19-7. The game was played on Saturday, October 18 at 11:00AM, at Lexington Catholic.

Highlands' 2008 freshman record to-date: 6-1. Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 5-2. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 7-1.

Highlands Wraps Up Regular Season District Title

2008 Week Seven: Highlands 67 Scott 13
Date/Time: Friday, October 10 at 7:00PM
Location: Scott

Highlands defeated district foe Scott in convincing fashion, to finish the 2008 regular season with a perfect 4-0 district record. Star running back Josh Conner, who broke his fibula in the preseason, returned to action, scoring on a two-point conversion in the contest. Multipurpose player Austin Collinsworth returned a kickoff for a touchdown, a punt for a touchdown, an interception for a touchdown, and caught a touchdown pass. Oliver Head also had a kickoff return for a touchdown. Scott entered the game with a 2-3 record.

In addition, the Highlands freshman team lost to the Dixie Heights freshman team 42-12. The game was played on Thursday, October 9 at 5:30PM at Highlands. The Highlands JV team was scheduled to play the Scott JV squad at Highlands on Saturday, October 11 at 3:00PM, but Scott canceled this game.

Highlands' 2008 freshman record to-date: 5-1. Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 4-2. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 6-1.

Highlands Travels West and Defeats Hopkinsville

2008 Week Six: Highlands 48 Hopkinsville 21
Date/Time: Saturday, October 4 at 3:00PM
Location: Hopkinsville

Fort Thomas Highlands defeated Kentucky Class 5A Hopkinsville 48-21 to move to 5-1 on the season. This game marks the farthest west that Highlands has ever traveled to play a football game. Hopkinsville entered the game with a record of 2-3. The Bluebirds again rested star running back Josh Conner, but running back Clint Crawford returned to action and rushed for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Oliver Head scored three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving) in the contest. Quarterback Tony Guidugli was 8-of-14 passing for 150 yards. Linebacker Michael Laber returned an interception 22 yards for a touchdown.

Also, the Highlands JV team defeated the Cincinnati Withrow JV team 25-14. The game was played on Monday, October 6 at 6:00PM, at Cincinnati Withrow. The Highlands freshman team defeated the Campbell County freshman squad 21-15. The game was played on Thursday, October 2 at 6:00PM, at Highlands.

Highlands' 2008 freshman record to-date: 5-0. Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 4-2. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 3-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 5-1.

Highlands Defeats Archrival in Unprecedented Fashion

2008 Week Five: Highlands 61 Covington Catholic 0
Date/Time: Friday, September 26 at 7:00PM
Location: Highlands

Fort Thomas Highlands steamrolled archrival Covington Catholic 61-0, the biggest blowout in the 40-year history of this storied rivalry. Austin Collinsworth got things started off on the right foot for the Bluebirds, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The entire Highlands squad played outstanding, with quarterback Tony Guidugli leading the way, connecting on 9 of his 11 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown, while also running for 57 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Highlands rested the team's top two running backs in the contest, Josh Conner and Clint Crawford, but back-ups Oliver Head, Tyler Fennell, Spencer Bankemper, Corey Compton and Travis Alford carried the load for the 'Birds on the ground, together accounting for four touchdowns. Wide receiver Austin Collinsworth led all HHS receivers with 79 yards and a touchdown reception. Highlands outgained Covington Catholic 446-101 in total yardage for the game. The Bluebirds led 55-0 at halftime and the second half of the game was played with a running clock.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated the Newport freshman team 47-0. The game was played at Newport on Thursday, September 25 at 6:00PM. The Highlands JV team lost to Covington Catholic's JV squad 30-21. This game was played at Covington Catholic on Saturday, September 27 at 10:00AM.

Highlands' 2008 freshman record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 3-2. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 3-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 4-1.

The Bluebirds Roll On Against Dixie Heights

2008 Week Four: Highlands 55 Dixie Heights 28
Date/Time: Friday, September 19 at 7:00AM
Location: Dixie Heights

Highlands traveled to district foe Dixie Heights and rolled over the Colonels in week four. The Bluebirds led the game at halftime by a score of 42-0 en route to a 55-28 win. Highlands rested running back Clint Crawford for the contest, but Crawford's back-ups, Oliver Head and Tyler Fennell, stepped up and played well, together accounting for five rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Quarterback Tony Guidugli passed for 331 yards and two touchdowns in the air, to go along with a rushing touchdown. The loss dropped Dixie Heights to 0-4 on the 2008 season.

In addition, the Highlands JV team defeated the Dixie Heights JV team 42-14. The game was played at Highlands on Saturday, September 20 at 10:00AM. The Highlands freshman team defeated Covington Holy Cross's freshman squad 35-15. The game was played at Holy Cross on Wednesday, September 17 at 5:30PM.

Highlands' 2008 freshman record to-date: 3-0. Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 3-1. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 2-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 3-1.

Highlands Blasts Covington Holmes 70-6

2008 Week Three: Highlands 70 Covington Holmes 6
Date/Time: Friday, September 12 at 7:00PM
Location: Covington Holmes

Highlands began district play in stunning fashion, defeating Covington Holmes 70-6 in week three. The Bluebirds scored ten touchdowns in the contest. Highlands scored 42 points off of seven Holmes turnovers. Running back Clint Crawford ran for three touchdowns, while Oliver Head and Travis Alford each added two more rushing scores for the 'Birds. Quarterback Tony Guidugli passed for 222 yards, threw two touchdown passes and ran for a touchdown. Placekicker Adam Weinel was perfect on all seven of his extra-point attempts. Covington Holmes, coached by Highlands alumnus and former Highlands football star Steve Lickert, entered the contest with a record of 2-0 before falling to the Bluebirds.

Also, the Highlands JV squad defeated the Covington Holmes JV team 51-0. The game was played at Highlands on Saturday, September 13 at 10:00AM. The Highlands freshman team remained perfect on the season, coming from behind to defeat Covington Catholic's freshman team 28-21. The game was played at Highlands on Thursday, September 11 at 6:00PM.

Highlands' 2008 freshman record to-date: 2-0. Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 2-1. Highlands' 2008 varsity district record to-date: 1-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity overall record to-date: 2-1.

Highlands Comes Up Short Against National Power Colerain

2008 Week Two: Highlands 18 Cincinnati Colerain 33
Date/Time: Friday, September 5 at 7:30PM
Location: Cincinnati Colerain

Fort Thomas Highlands battled Cincinnati Colerain, ranked 1st in the nation according to Massey Ratings headed into this game, but came up short, losing to the Cardinals 33-18. Highlands' kicker Adam Weinel scored two field goals (from 21 yards and 34 yards) in the first half of the game and the halftime score was 13-6 Colerain. Highlands quarterback Tony Guidugli had his best all-around varsity game so far, running for 95 yards and a touchdown, while completing 17 of his 25 passing attempts for 161 yards. He was Highlands' leading rusher in the contest. Running back Clint Crawford added a rushing touchdown to round out the scoring for the Bluebirds. The Highlands pass defense played well, limiting Colerain to just one passing completion, no passing touchdowns and one interception. It was Colerain's powerful rushing attack, however, that led the way for the Ohio powerhouse, gaining 520 rushing yards in the game.

Highlands' offense scored more points (18) than Colerain surrendered in their first two games of the season combined, against defending Ohio Division I state champion Cincinnati Saint Xavier and Pennsylvania power McKeesport (played as part of the 2008 Herbstreit Varsity Football Series). Colerain's record is 3-0 on the season after the win against Highlands. The victory extended Colerain's home win streak to 44 games (dating back to 1999) and the program's regular season win streak to 32. The loss halted Highlands' win streak at 16 games, the longest in Kentucky heading into the Colerain showdown.

This game featured the top-ranked team in northern Kentucky and the top-ranked team in Cincinnati. Colerain entered the contest ranked 1st nationally by Massey Ratings, while Highlands entered the game ranked 23rd nationally in the USA Today Super 25. This marks the first time in Highlands' storied history that the football team has played a team ranked first in the entire nation at the time of the game.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated Newport Central Catholic's freshman squad 27-8 in the first week of freshman action. This game was played at Highlands on Thursday, September 3 at 6:00PM. The Highlands JV team lost to Cincinnati Colerain's JV team 9-7 in week two. This game was played at Highlands on Saturday, September 6 at 10:00AM.

Highlands' 2008 freshman record to-date: 1-0. Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 1-1. Highlands' 2008 varsity record to-date: 1-1.

Highlands Defeats Ryle in Season Opener

2008 Week One: Highlands 26 Ryle 6
Date/Time: Friday, August 29 at 7:00PM
Location: Highlands

Highlands picked up where the program left off in 2007, defeating Kentucky Class 6A Ryle 26-6 in the season opener, played at Highlands. Running back Clint Crawford, filling in for starter Josh Conner (who is out for 4-6 weeks due to a broken fibula), led the way for the 'Birds on the ground, rushing for 69 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Tony Guidugli completed 10 of his 15 passing attempts for 184 yards in the air, to go along with his 17-yard touchdown run. Receiver Nick Buten hauled in two passes for 105 receiving yards. Placekicker Adam Weinel made two field goals (from 24 yards and 31 yards) and two extra points to round out the scoring. Highlands' defense was the star of the game, however, limiting Ryle to just 158 total yards in the game and allowing only one touchdown, scored in the fourth quarter. The Bluebirds extended their winning streak to 16 games with the win. This is the state's longest current winning streak.

Also, the Highlands junior varsity (JV) team defeated Ryle's JV squad 23-13 during the opening week of JV action. This game was played at Ryle on Saturday, August 30 at 10:00AM. The Highlands freshman team does not begin the 2008 freshman season until next week.

Highlands' 2008 JV record to-date: 1-0. Highlands' 2008 varsity record to-date: 1-0.

Highlands Finishes the 2008 Preseason 1-1

2008 Preseason Week Two - Scrimmage
Highlands 18
Louisville Male 20
(Game Format)

Highlands completed its 2008 preseason with a scrimmage hosted by Kentucky Class 6A power Louisville Male, played on August 22 at 7:00PM. Male scored a go-ahead field goal late in this back and forth game and defeated the Bluebirds 20-18, moving Highlands to 1-1 for the 2008 preseason (Highlands defeated Beechwood in the opening scrimmage this year). Star running back Josh Conner suffered a leg injury early in the contest and Clint Crawford stepped up in the backfield for the 'Birds, receiving a bulk of the carries after Conner left the game. Of note, these preseason scrimmages do not affect teams' overall win-loss records.

Next Friday (August 29 at 7:00PM), Highlands opens up the 2008 regular season hosting Kentucky Class 6A Ryle. Ryle has had a fairly successful preseason, tying Covington Catholic 3 touchdowns - 3 touchdowns in preseason week one and defeating Covington Holmes 28-7 in preseason week two. The Bluebirds will have to play without running back Josh Conner, who fractured his fibula during the Male scrimmage and will be out for 4-6 weeks.

Highlands Wins First Preseason Scrimmage

2008 Preseason Week One - Scrimmage
Highlands 6 Touchdowns
Beechwood 0 Touchdowns
(Mixed 10 and 10/Game Format)

Defending Kentucky Class 5A state champion Highlands defeated Beechwood by an unofficial score of 6 touchdowns - 0 touchdowns in a mixed 10 and 10/game format. The scrimmage was held Friday, August 15 at 7:30PM at Beechwood. This score roughly translates to a "real game" score of 42-0. Quarterback Tony Guidugli passed for two touchdowns and ran for a third score, and the Bluebirds' ground game picked up where it left off in 2007, with running backs Josh Conner and Clint Crawford leading the way. Highlands' defense held defending Kentucky Class 1A state champion Beechwood scoreless in the contest.

Highlands concludes the 2008 preseason on Friday, August 22, when the Bluebirds travel to Louisville to take on Class 6A power Louisville Male at 7:00PM. Male lost to Tennessee power Franklin 47-34 in preseason week one. The Highlands-Male scrimmage will be played under a game format.

Highlands' Preseason Rankings

Fort Thomas Highlands is receiving a great deal of attention as the various preseason prep football rankings are now being released. Below is a full listing of the Bluebirds' rankings heading into the 2008 regular season. These lists are being updated as the different preseason rankings come out.

National Preseason Rankings

• Highlands is ranked 14th nationally in the MaxPreps/ CalPreps preseason rankings.
• Highlands is ranked 23rd nationally in the USA Today preseason Super 25.
• Highlands is ranked 19th in the midwest region in the ESPN RISE preseason rankings.
• Highlands is ranked 20th in the great lakes region in the RivalsHigh preseason rankings.
• Highlands is listed as a team that "just missed the cut" (i.e. ranked nationally in the 102-152 range) in the PrepNation 101 preseason rankings.

State Preseason Rankings

• Highlands is ranked 1st in Kentucky, regardless of football classification, in the CalPreps preseason rankings.
• Highlands is ranked 1st in Kentucky Class 5A in the BluegrassPreps preseason rankings.
• Highlands is ranked 1st in Kentucky Class 5A in the Lexington Herald-Leader preseason coaches' poll.
• Highlands is ranked 1st in Kentucky Class 5A in the Louisville Courier-Journal preseason coaches' poll.
• Highlands is ranked 3rd in Kentucky, regardless of football classification, and 1st in Kentucky Class 5A in the Massey preseason ratings.
• Highlands is ranked 3rd in Kentucky, regardless of football classification, and 1st in Kentucky Class 5A in the Lexington Herald-Leader Mike Fields' Top 25 preseason rankings.
• Highlands is ranked 1st in northern Kentucky, regardless of football classification, in the Northern Kentucky Enquirer preseason coaches' poll.

Highlands Ranked 14th Nationally by CalPreps

CalPreps.com recently released its National Top 100 preseason football rankings, and Fort Thomas Highlands is ranked 14th in the entire nation in this poll. In addition, the Bluebirds are preseason ranked first in the state of Kentucky, regardless of football classification, by CalPreps.com.

Early Mr. Football Consideration for Guidugli

The Cats' Pause 2008 Kentucky Football Yearbook has listed Highlands senior quarterback Tony Guidugli as a contender for Kentucky's Mr. Football in 2008. Mr. Football is an award given annually to the most outstanding senior football player in the entire state. Highlands has had one previous recipient of this honor, former quarterback Jared Lorenzen (in 1998). Last year's winner was also a quarterback, Corey Robinson of Lone Oak.

Highlands 2008 Varsity Football Schedule

Preseason Scrimmage Schedule
August 15: Beechwood at BHS (7:30PM)
August 22: Louisville Male at LMHS (7:00PM)

Regular Season Schedule
August 29: Ryle at HHS (7:00PM)
September 5: Cincinnati Colerain at CCHS (7:30PM)
September 12: Covington Holmes at CHHS (7:00PM)
September 19: Dixie Heights at DHHS (7:00PM)
September 26: Covington Catholic at HHS (7:00PM)
October 4: Hopkinsville at HoHS (3:00PM)
October 10: Scott at SHS (7:00PM)
October 17: Lexington Catholic at HHS (7:30PM)
October 24: Open
October 31: Madison Central at HHS (7:30PM)
November 7: Louisville Central at HHS (7:30PM)

Highlands 2008 JV Football Schedule

August 30: Ryle at RHS (10:00AM)
September 6: Cincinnati Colerain at HHS (10:00AM)
September 13: Covington Holmes at HHS (10:00AM)
September 20: Dixie Heights at HHS (10:00AM)
September 27: Covington Catholic at CCHS (10:00AM)
October 6: Cincinnati Withrow at CWHS (6:00PM)
October 11: Scott at HHS (10:00AM) - Canceled
October 18: Lexington Catholic at LCHS (11:00AM)
October 25: Louisville Saint Xavier at HHS (11:00AM)
November 1: Beechwood at BHS (10:00AM)
November 8: Scott County at SCHS (11:00AM)

Highlands 2008 Freshman Football Schedule

September 4: Newport Central Catholic at HHS (6:00PM)
September 11: Covington Catholic at HHS (6:00PM)
September 17: Covington Holy Cross at HCHS (5:30PM)
September 25: Newport at NHS (6:00PM)
October 2: Campbell County at HHS (6:00PM)
October 9: Dixie Heights at HHS (5:30PM)
October 16: Covington Holmes at HHS (6:00PM)
October 23: Boone County at BCHS (6:00PM)
October 30: Conner at CHS (6:00PM)
November 6: Championship Game at HHS (6:00PM)

Highlands Receives Recognition from PrepNation

PrepNation.com has listed Fort Thomas Highlands as a high school football team that "just missed the cut" in the PrepNation.com preseseason national football rankings. Highlands is one of only two teams (the other being Louisville Male) from Kentucky mentioned in this category.

Book on Highlands Football to be Released in August

On August 25, 2008 Arcadia Publishing of Charleston, South Carolina will be releasing a new book on Highlands High School football. The book, "Fort Thomas Highlands Football," is 128 pages in length and contains 216 photographs of former Highlands players and teams. Bill Thomas wrote the book. Mr. Thomas is also the author of "Images of America: Fort Thomas."

The new book is the first to be published about a high school football team in Kentucky. In addition, this is the first book about a high school or high school sports team to be released by Arcadia Publishing, the nation's leading local history publisher.

Autographed copies of this book can be ordered by contacting Bill Thomas at yourtown@fuse.net. Please include your mailing address and the number of copies you wish to order. Each copy costs $22 plus the cost of shipping.

7-on-7 Match-Ups Underway

For the past two weeks, Highlands has been facing off against the likes of Cincinnati Withrow, Cincinnati Shroder, Fairfield (Ohio), Indian Hill (Ohio), defending Kentucky Class A state champion Beechwood and defending Kentucky Class 6A state champion Louisville Trinity in 7-on-7 competition. The Bluebirds have looked impressive in these contests, led by senior quarterback Tony Guidugli. Highlands will also square off against Mason County, Hamilton (Ohio) and Cincinnati Withrow (again) in 7-on-7 action in July.

In other news, the West squad recently defeated the East squad 41-10 in the Kentucky East-West All-Star Football Classic, and in the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game the West squad defeated the East squad 27-13. In this game, Ryan Ball of Highlands was named the East squad's Offensive Most Valuable Player for his solid performance at the running back position. In both of these all-star games, the Highlands players were on the East squad.

Upcoming Northern Kentucky Football All-Star Game

Five Highlands seniors, Clay Cecil, Luke Stein, Zach Hurtt, Drew Simons and Ryan Ball, will be participating in the 2008 Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game, to be held at 7pm on June 6 at Dixie Heights High School. These five players will be playing on the East squad for this annual event.

Highlands Players Participate in Football Combine

Four Highlands players, Tony Guidugli, Josh Conner, Austin Collinsworth and Will Bardo participated in the Under Armour/Scout.com Combine Series, held in Cincinnati on May 17. This invitation-only event featured football players from Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan and involved the players participating in NFL-style combine drills.

Highlands' 2008 College Football Commitments

Congratulations to the following ten Highlands football seniors who have committed to play collegiate football in 2008:

Clay Cecil - NCAA FBS (formerly Division I-A) University of Kentucky (Kentucky), as a preferred walk-on

Luke Stein - NCAA FCS (formerly Division I-AA) Gardner-Webb University (North Carolina)

Trey Jurgens - NCAA FCS Murray State University (Kentucky)

Drew Bathiany - NCAA FCS Western Carolina University (North Carolina)

Zach Hurtt - NCAA Division III Wittenberg University (Ohio)

Ryan Ball - NAIA Georgetown College (Kentucky)

Alex Hempfling - NAIA Union College (Kentucky)

Jake Crothers - NAIA Union College (Kentucky)

Milton Peko - NAIA Union College (Kentucky)

Terry O'Brien - NAIA Union College (Kentucky)

Best wishes to these young men!

Highlands Football Player Passes Away

Highlands sophomore Mitchell Waldenmeyer passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage on Thursday, April 17. Mitch was a member of the Highlands football team in 2007, playing defensive back and wide receiver. Rest in peace, Mitch.

Spring Football 2008 Begins

Today (March 11) marks the official beginning of Highlands Spring Football 2008! The school has 15 days to hold 10 football practices, and these sessions allow the players and coaching staff to get a feel for the upcoming season. The practices are full contact with pads, and this upcoming Friday (March 14) the first intrasquad scrimmage will be held. No interschool scrimmages (between different schools) are permitted during spring football.

Four Highlands Seniors Headed to the Kentucky East-West All-Star Football Classic

Four Highlands seniors, Clay Cecil, Ryan Ball, Alex Hempfling and Luke Stein, will be participating in the 2008 Kentucky East-West All-Star Football Classic, which will be played at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky on June 13, 2008. These Highlands players will be playing for the East squad. This game features the top prep senior football players throughout the entire state of Kentucky. The last time these four Highlands seniors played at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium (home of the University of Louisville's football team), the Bluebirds captured the 2007 Kentucky Class 5A state championship.

Highlands Honored by the City of Cincinnati, Ohio

For the next two weeks, the flag of Highlands High School will be flown over Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, in honor of the Bluebirds winning the 2007 Kentucky Class 5A state championship in football. On Saturday, February 9, 2008, a highlight tape of the Highlands football season will be shown on the large video screen displayed at Fountain Square, beginning at approximately 12:45pm.

Highlands Alumnus Jared Lorenzen: Super Bowl Champion!

Former Highlands quarterback Jared Lorenzen (Highlands Class of 1999) and his New York Giants are Super Bowl XLII champions, after defeating New England 17-14! Lorenzen, who is a back-up quarterback for the Giants, did not get a chance to play in the Super Bowl game but did see action as quarterback for the Giants during the regular season.

Highlands Football Honored by MaxPreps

MaxPreps, a national prep sports ranking service, recently presented the Fort Thomas Highlands Bluebirds football team with an award for finishing in the top 30 in the final MaxPreps national high school football rankings (Highlands finished 21st). This recognition was part of the MaxPreps Tour of Champions, sponsored by the Army National Guard. Of approximately 16,000 high schools participating in football, only 30 were recognized.

Highlands Football Banquet Recently Held

This past week, the annual Highlands Football Banquet was held to honor the 2007 varsity, junior varsity (JV) and freshman Highlands football teams. This event was held at the Newport Syndicate. Below is a list of the honors and awards presented during the ceremony, along with the award recipients:

Ryan Ball - Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Clay Cecil - Mr. Highlands Football
Drew Simons - Defensive MVP
Joe Fitzgerald - "Red Dog" Spirit Award
Luke Stein - State Champion Award
Drew Bathiany - HHS Football Tradition of Excellence Award
Brady Dowling - Leader of Champions Award
Jay Draper - HHS Football Greatness of Character Award
Zach Hurtt - Mr. Everything Award
Trey Jurgens - Dedication to Excellence Award
Terry O'Brien - Hail Terry Award
Matt Reed - Quinn Stapleton Award
Adam Reis - Enforcer Award for Best Defensive Lineman
Michael Buten - Coaches' Award for Perseverence
Will Coleman - Coaches' Award for Integrity and Improvement
Dan Court - Coaches' Award for Commitment
Jake Crothers - Ron Welch Coaches' Award for Persistence
Josh Frost - Coaches' Award for Courage
Jimmy Hall - Coaches' Award for "Not Breaking"
Alex Hempfling - Coaches' Award for Blocking Ownership
Jeremy Hickman - Coaches' Award for Reliability
Milton Peko - Coaches' Award for The Warrior Spirit
Jessie Richie - Coaches' Award for Dedication
Josh Conner - Underclassman MVP
Brandon Roller - Underclassman Mr. Highlands Football
Austin Collinsworth - Underclassman Mr. Highlands Football
Michael Laber - Underclassman Mr. Highlands Football
Oliver Head - JV Most Valuable Player
David Hogue - JV Mr. Highlands Football
Brian Beck - JV Mr. Highlands Football
Jake Turner - JV Mr. Everything
Nick Martin - JV "Red Dog" Spirit Award
Nick Buten - JV Mr. Playmaker Award
Tyler Combs - JV Best Offensive Lineman
Ryan Hahn - Freshman Mr. Highlands Football
Cherokee Meyer - Freshman Mr. Highlands Football

Congratulations to all the award recipients and to everyone associated with Highlands football in 2007!

Highlands Alumnus Jared Lorenzen is Super Bowl Bound!

Current New York Giants back-up quarterback and former Highlands great Jared Lorenzen is headed for Super Bowl XLII, after his Giants defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game. The Giants will play the New England Patriots in the 2008 Super Bowl. Lorenzen led the Bluebirds to a perfect 15-0 record during the 1998 season (his senior year), and was named Mr. Kentucky Football, the only Highlands football player to earn this prestigious honor. After graduating from Highlands, he played starting quarterback for four years at the University of Kentucky before moving on to the professional ranks with the New York Giants. Good luck Jared!

Highlands' Biggest Fan Passes Away

Viola "Vi" Gerding, considered by all who knew her to be the greatest supporter and biggest fan of Highlands High School, passed away at the age of 89 this past week, in Fort Thomas. Mrs. Gerding worked in the Highlands cafeteria for 42 years and attended countless Highlands football games, student plays, basketball tournaments, musical concerts and various other school functions during the past several decades. She adored every aspect of Highlands High School and the school community, and the entire Fort Thomas community truly adored her. She will be sadly missed by those whose lives she touched. God Bless Vi Gerding, and as Vi would say, Go 'Birds!