2006 Year in Review:
Highlands reached a milestone during the 2006 season, crossing the 1000-game mark and finishing the year with an all-time total of 1003 games played. After being shut out at home to end the 2005 postseason, the Bluebirds entered the 2006 season with determination. At the beginning of the season, Highlands was ranked first in northern Kentucky and near the top of Class AAA statewide. The team began the season with impressive wins against northern Kentucky Class AAAA teams, Dixie Heights and Conner. However, the program continued to struggle a bit against competition from Ohio, losing to Cincinnati Elder by three points and falling to Columbus Saint Francis DeSales by five points. Highlands was once again invited to participate in the i-Wireless Fox 19 Prep Classic, held at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, a game which was televised locally. Relying on a large, experienced offensive line and star running back Jordan Kramer, the squad rolled into the final game of the regular season tied for first in the district with rival Covington Catholic. The Bluebirds lost the game by two points on a last-second play, which set up a second-round playoff rematch at Covington Catholic. The Colonels proved too much for Highlands, winning the game by ten points and thus ending Highlands' season. Covington Catholic then went on to win the Class AAA championship in very convincing fashion. The 'Birds finished the season with a 7-5 record, finishing second in the district. Highlands' junior varsity (JV) squad finished the year with a record of 5-5, while the freshman team continued its winning ways, finishing the season 10-0.
Following the end of the season, three top players for the 'Birds were rewarded for their outstanding efforts. Center Scott Wise was named to the first-team Associated Press All-State squad, and offensive lineman Ben Schlosser and defensive lineman Galen Kidwell were both named to the second-team Associated Press All-State squad. Also, Scott Wise signed to play college football with NCAA Division I-AA Holy Cross.
2006 Kentucky Class AAA, Region 3, District 5 members - final rankings (all four teams made the state Class AAA playoffs):
1. Covington Catholic, 2. Highlands, 3. South Oldham, 4. Grant County
2006 Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference (NKAC) members:
Highlands, Beechwood, Bellevue, Boone County, Campbell County, Conner, Covington Catholic, Covington Holmes, Covington Holy Cross, Dayton, Dixie Heights, Lloyd Memorial, Ludlow, Newport, Newport Central Catholic, Ryle, Scott, Simon Kenton
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