2008 Year in Review:
Fort Thomas Highlands captured the Kentucky Class 5A championship in 2008, repeating as state champion. The Bluebirds had many players to replace from 2007's title squad, and one of Highlands' best returning players, running back Josh Conner, fractured his fibula in the last preseason scrimmage, causing him to miss most of the regular season. Despite these challenges, the team went 14-1 in 2008, after going 1-1 during the 2008 preseason. The school's sole loss occurred in week two against powerhouse Cincinnati Colerain, who was ranked first nationally by Massey Ratings at the time of the game. The 'Birds fell to the host Cardinals 33-18. This was the only blemish on the Bluebirds' record, however. Highlands dominated district rivals Covington Holmes, Dixie Heights, Scott and Covington Catholic in the regular season. The Highlands-Covington Catholic game was especially lopsided, with the 'Birds blanking the Colonels 61-0. The Bluebirds also handily defeated Kentucky Class 6A Ryle in the season opener, Class 5A Hopkinsville and Class 6A Madison Central. In addition, Highlands shut out two defending state champions during the 2008 regular season, Class 4A Lexington Catholic (41-0) and Class 3A Louisville Central (28-0). Central then went on to repeat as Class 3A state champion in 2008. During the postseason, Highlands survived a major scare in the first round against athletic Lexington Bryan Station, pulling out the win by a score of 28-22 in the final minutes of the game. After blowing out storied Ashland Paul Blazer in round two of the state playoffs, Highlands traveled deep into eastern Kentucky to face Class 5A power Johnson Central. The game was tied at halftime, but the 'Birds focused their efforts in the second half, winning the game 35-21. Highlands handled Whitley County in the state semifinal game, then defeated Christian County 35-15 in the Class 5A state championship game to win the program's 18th official football title (and 21st football title overall). The Highlands offense was especially potent and diverse in 2008. Quarterback Tony Guidugli proved to be both a passing and a running threat, and the team's group of receivers, including star player Austin Collinsworth (son of former Cincinnati Bengals great Cris Collinsworth), Nick Buten and Brandon Roller gave defenses fits all year long. Running backs Clint Crawford, Oliver Head and Tyler Fennell were all outstanding in filling in for the injured Josh Conner, who returned to action late in the regular season and made significant contributions during the postseason. The defense also played very well in 2008, posting three consecutive shutouts at the end of the regular season. The Bluebirds completed 2008 holding a 28-game win streak against Kentucky competition, the longest current win streak in the state. Highlands finished 2008 as Kentucky Class 5A state champion, Class 5A, Region 3 champion, Class 5A, District 5 champion and NKAC champion. The Highlands junior varsity (JV) team finished 2008 with a 7-3 record, and the Highlands freshman team finished the year 8-2 and northern Kentucky freshman runner-up champion.
At the conclusion of the 2008 season, 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," the only player selected from Kentucky. Lineman Adam Dempsey was named a finalist for the prestigious 2008 Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association (NKFCA) "That's My Boy Award." Receiver Austin Collinsworth, offensive lineman Adam Dempsey and defensive lineman Kody Rosenhagen were all named first-team Kentucky Associated Press All-State in 2008.
2008 Kentucky Class 5A, District 5 members - final rankings (the top four teams made the state Class 5A playoffs):
1. Highlands, 2. Covington Catholic, 3. Dixie Heights, 4. Covington Holmes, 5. Scott
2008 Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference (NKAC) members:
Highlands, Beechwood, Bellevue, Bishop Brossart, Boone County, Campbell County, Conner, Cooper, Covington Catholic, Covington Holmes, Covington Holy Cross, Dayton, Dixie Heights, Lloyd Memorial, Ludlow, Newport, Newport Central Catholic, Ryle, Scott, Simon Kenton, Walton-Verona
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