2007 Playoff Week One: Highlands 50 Scott 0

2007 Kentucky Class 5A Playoffs - Round One
November 9, 2007

Highlands began the 2007 playoffs in very strong fashion, dominating district foe Scott 50-0 at home to move to 11-0 on the year. Highlands was leading 43-0 at halftime in the game. The Bluebirds opened up the offense in this contest, with quarterbacks Clay Cecil and Tony Guidugli accounting for five passing touchdowns. Running backs Josh Conner and Zach Hurtt each rushed for a touchdown as well. This game's outcome was very similar to the previous meeting between Highlands and Scott, which Highlands won 58-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 5-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 11-0.

2007 Regular Season Recap: Kentucky Class 5A, District 5

At the end of the 2007 regular season, the Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 rankings are as follows:

1. Highlands (10-0 overall, 4-0 in district)
2. Dixie Heights (6-4 overall, 2-2 in district)
3. Covington Catholic (4-6 overall, 2-2 in district)
4. Scott (4-6 overall, 1-3 in district)
5. Covington Holmes (4-6 overall, 1-3 in district)

The top four teams advance to the 2007 Kentucky Class 5A playoffs. The first round of the playoffs will see Highlands hosting Scott and Dixie Heights hosting Covington Catholic. The winners of these two games then play for the 2007 Class 5A, District 5 championship the following week (hosted by the higher-ranked team). Highlands has earned home-field advantage throughout the entire 2007 playoffs.

2007 Week Eleven: Highlands 21 Louisville Central 13

Highlands traveled to Louisville for the final week of the 2007 regular season and defeated Kentucky Class 3A power Louisville Central 21-13 to finish the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record. This game represented the biggest scare for the 'Birds thus far, as the team was down 13-0 heading into the fourth quarter. Highlands, led by running backs Zach Hurtt and Josh Conner and quarterback Clay Cecil, fought back to score 21 unanswered points to clinch the victory. Heading into the game, Highlands was ranked first in Kentucky Class 5A in all of the state's football polls. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 10-0.

Also, the Highlands freshman team advanced to the northern Kentucky freshman championship game, hosted by undefeated Simon Kenton on November 1, 2007. The HHS freshman team lost the championship game 21-7 to finish the 2007 freshman season with a record of 6-4. The Highlands JV squad defeated archrival Covington Catholic 28-13 to finish the 2007 JV season with a record of 9-1 and undefeated against Kentucky competition.

2007 Week Ten: Highlands 41 Madison Central 0

Fort Thomas Highlands traveled to Kentucky Class 6A Madison Central and defeated the host team 41-0 to remain perfect for the 2007 season. Madison Central entered the contest with a 6-2 record. Highlands' defense played exceptionally well, sacking Madison Central's quarterback six times in the game. The Bluebirds' offense amassed 376 total yards, while the defense held Madison Central to only 190 total yards. Running back Josh Conner scored three touchdowns in the game to lead the Bluebirds in scoring. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 9-0.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated Conner 20-0, improving the team's record to 6-3 on the 2007 freshman season. The Highlands JV team defeated Beechwood 34-13 to move to 8-1 on the 2007 JV season.

2007 Week Nine: Bye Week

The Highlands Bluebirds have a bye during week nine. The 'Birds are a perfect 8-0 overall and 4-0 in district play, thus ensuring home-field advantage throughout the entire 2007 Kentucky Class 5A playoffs. Currently, Highlands is ranked first in northern Kentucky, regardless of football classification, and is ranked first in Kentucky Class 5A by several state ranking services.

Also during the week, the Highlands freshman team lost to Simon Kenton 14-7 to fall to 5-3 on the 2007 freshman season, while the Highlands JV squad defeated Scott County 49-20 to move to 7-1 on the 2007 JV season.

2007 Week Eight: Highlands 32 Lexington Catholic 9

Highlands defeated Lexington Catholic to remain perfect on the 2007 season. This game pitted the top-ranked team in Class 5A (Highlands) against the top-ranked team in Class 4A (Lexington Catholic). The contest was a defensive struggle for the first half, with the 'Birds leading 11-3 at halftime. However, the high-powered Highlands running game found its groove in the second half, and the Bluebirds finished the game with 263 total yards on the ground. Highlands was sparked by Zach Hurtt's 84-yard kickoff return which set up a Josh Conner touchdown run during the third quarter. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 8-0.

Also, the Highlands freshman team defeated Covington Holmes 27-6 to improve to 5-2 on the 2007 freshman season. The Highlands JV squad defeated Lexington Catholic 48-14 to move to 6-1 on the 2007 JV season.

2007 Week Seven: Highlands 58 Scott 0

Highlands rolled over Scott 58-0 to finish the season's district schedule undefeated. Running back Clint Crawford scored a total of four touchdowns in the game, including a 93-yard kick return, a touchdown reception, and two rushing touchdowns. Linebacker Joe Fitzgerald added a 16-yard fumble return for a score in the contest. Quarterback Clay Cecil was 6-of-9 passing for 103 yards. Highlands' 2007 varsity district record to-date: 4-0. Highlands' 2007 varsity record to-date: 7-0.

Also, the Highlands JV squad defeated Scott 37-14 to improve to 5-1 on the 2007 JV season. The freshman team was defeated by Campbell County 18-6 to move to 4-2 on the 2007 season.