Season Recaps 2
HIGHLANDS' SEASON RECAPS: 1994-2006
(Coaching great Dale Mueller's tenure at Highlands began in 1994)
2006 Season:
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 as NKAC champion with a 7-5 record. 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.
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 as NKAC champion with a 7-5 record. 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.
2005 Season:
The 2005 season was a year of ups and downs for the Highlands Bluebirds. Expectations were high for this young team, coming off a state-record 16th football title in 2004. The 'Birds began 2005 ranked first in all of Northern Kentucky in the Northern Kentucky preseason coaches' poll, first in Kentucky Class AAA in the statewide preseason coaches' poll, and second in the entire state, regardless of football classification, in Mike Fields' Top 25 rankings list. In addition, HHS was preseason ranked 14th in the American Midwest region in the Sporting News 2005 high school football poll. In preseason scrimmage action, Highlands tied the defending Class A state champion Beechwood and lost to Class AAAA power Louisville Male. In the first game of the season, Highlands shut out Dixie Heights, a Northern Kentucky Class AAAA power and eventual 2005 district champion. The second game was the St. Luke Hospitals Champions Bowl, and featured the top 2004 regular season Northern Kentucky Class AAAA team (Conner) and the top 2004 regular season Northern Kentucky Class AAA team (Highlands). The 'Birds won this game handily. Highlands also defeated Class AAAA Madison Central and Class AAA Pulaski Southwestern. The Bluebirds swept the district yet again, beating Grant County, South Oldham and rival Covington Catholic. There were rough spots during 2005, however. Highlands was defeated in convincing fashion by defending Ohio Division I state champion Cincinnati Colerain, a game which was the highlight attraction of the 2005 i-wireless Fox 19 Prep Classic, held at Paul Brown Stadium, home to the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals. Also, Highlands was beaten by eventual Class AAAA state runner-up Louisville Saint Xavier and eventual Ohio Division III state runner-up Columbus Saint Francis DeSales. Every team Highlands played during the 2005 regular season except one (Conner) made their respective playoffs.
Highlands beat West Jessamine and Franklin County to advance to he regional final playoff game against Lexington Catholic. While the Bluebirds' defense held Class AAA's most potent offense to just 17 points in the game, Highlands' offense was shut out and the 'Birds lost 17-0, ending the 2005 season. Lexington Catholic then went on to win the Class AAA state championship. Therefore, Highlands finished the year with a record of 9-4, and was district champion. Also, Highlands ended the year ranked first in the final Northern Kentucky coaches' poll and was ranked sixth in the entire state (third in Class AAA) by national football analyst Kenneth Massey. HHS' junior (JV) team finished the year with a record of 5-4, and Highlands' freshman team went undefeated at 10-0. Senior Ben Guidugli, who was offered and accepted a scholarship to play football for the University of Cincinnati, was named Associated Press first-team All-State (as a receiver).
2004 Season:
The 2004 season ended very successfully for the Highlands Bluebirds varsity football team, as they captured their 16th state football title, a new record in Kentucky. The 'Birds defeated the defending Class AAA state champion Boyle County in the final game to earn the title. The championship game, played at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, was dominated by defense, but it was Highlands running back James Hubbard, operating out of Highlands' wing-T jet sweep offense, who won Player of the Game honors. This was the Bluebirds' first championship since the 2000 season, and it also marked the first time in six years that Boyle County did not win a state crown (Boyle County won two straight Class AA titles followed by three straight Class AAA titles).
Highlands has traditionally been known for outstanding offensive play, but it was the team's defense which carried the 'Birds through the regular season and playoffs. In fact, national football analyst Kenneth Massey rated Highlands as the top defensive team in the entire state, regardless of football classification, and the team surrendered only 116 points in 15 games. Highlands' sole on-the-field blemish was a 25-15 loss to two-time defending Ohio Division I state champion Cincinnati Elder, held at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Highlands' regular season schedule included two other defending state champions, Kentucky Class A champion Danville and Kentucky Class AAA champion Boyle County (both of which HHS handily defeated on the field). When Highlands finished 2004 with a 14-1 record (plus a 2-0 preseason scrimmage record against eventual Class A champion Beechwood and Class AAAA power Louisville Male) and a Class AAA state title (in addition to being crowned regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion), the 'Birds were ranked number one, regardless of football classification, in the entire state of Kentucky by Litkenhous, Kenneth Massey and Dave Cantrall (the state's top rankings services). Also, Highlands finished the year ranked 22nd in the nation in the Tony Bianco National Football 'Tony' Poll.
The season was not without controversy, however. Covington Catholic transfer student-athlete Mike Mitchell, a key player for the Bluebirds in 2004 while playing under a court injunction order, was declared ineligible by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) just a few days before the title game. Highlands played and won the championship game without Mitchell, but Highlands was initially forced to forfeit all the in-state games in which Mitchell had played. In 2010, the KHSAA voted to reinstate Highlands' 12 forfeited wins. Therefore, Highlands finished the 2004 season as the Class AAA state champion with a 14-1 record. The Highlands junior varsity (JV) and freshman teams both finished 2004 with undefeated records. Three of Highlands' top senior players, Jordan Nevels, Mike Mitchell and Justin Auton, signed with Division I colleges (Nevels with the University of Kentucky, Mitchell with Ohio University and Auton with Eastern Kentucky University).
2003 Season:
The Highlands Bluebirds finished 2003 as Kentucky Class AAA state runner-up with a 12-3 record. The 'Birds went undefeated in district play and advanced all the way to the state championship game, held at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. There, Highlands was defeated 44-10 by defending state champion Boyle County. Boyle County defeated Highlands twice in 2003, with the regular season game being a one-point loss at Boyle County. Highlands' only other defeat came against Danville, a team which went on to win the Kentucky Class A championship in 2003. HHS finished 2003 as Class AAA state champion runner-up, regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
2002 Season:
The 2002 football season ended on a bit of a sour note for the 'Birds, as they were defeated by Rockcastle County in the Class AAA state semifinal game by a score of 45-6. The game was held at Rockcastle County. Highlands finished the season with a 10-4 record, the four losses coming against Lexington Henry Clay, Louisville Male, Dixie Heights (in overtime), and Rockcastle County. The 'Birds did manage to roll through district play undefeated in 2002, relying upon a strong passing game. HHS finished 2002 as regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
The 2002 football season ended on a bit of a sour note for the 'Birds, as they were defeated by Rockcastle County in the Class AAA state semifinal game by a score of 45-6. The game was held at Rockcastle County. Highlands finished the season with a 10-4 record, the four losses coming against Lexington Henry Clay, Louisville Male, Dixie Heights (in overtime), and Rockcastle County. The 'Birds did manage to roll through district play undefeated in 2002, relying upon a strong passing game. HHS finished 2002 as regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
2001 Season:
A young, inexperienced Highlands team came up short in its bid to win four consecutive state titles in 2001. The Bluebirds began the season with a shocking 0-2 record (the losses coming to Lexington Henry Clay and Louisville Male), but then managed to win their remaining regular season games, including the district games. After winning the first round Class AAA playoff game, the 'Birds hosted arch-rival Covington Catholic in the second round. Although Highlands had easily won the regular season district contest, Covington Catholic pulled off the upset, beating the 'Birds 18-15. Thus, Highlands finished 2001 with a 9-3 record. College Division I-A recruit Rob Smith, a senior offensive lineman, was named Gatorade Kentucky High School Football Player of the Year, USA Today All-American, Parade All-American, NKAC Player of the Year, "That's My Boy" Award recipient (for the most outstanding scholar-athlete in Northern Kentucky football), and was invited to the US Army All-American Bowl. HHS finished 2001 as district champion and NKAC champion.
A young, inexperienced Highlands team came up short in its bid to win four consecutive state titles in 2001. The Bluebirds began the season with a shocking 0-2 record (the losses coming to Lexington Henry Clay and Louisville Male), but then managed to win their remaining regular season games, including the district games. After winning the first round Class AAA playoff game, the 'Birds hosted arch-rival Covington Catholic in the second round. Although Highlands had easily won the regular season district contest, Covington Catholic pulled off the upset, beating the 'Birds 18-15. Thus, Highlands finished 2001 with a 9-3 record. College Division I-A recruit Rob Smith, a senior offensive lineman, was named Gatorade Kentucky High School Football Player of the Year, USA Today All-American, Parade All-American, NKAC Player of the Year, "That's My Boy" Award recipient (for the most outstanding scholar-athlete in Northern Kentucky football), and was invited to the US Army All-American Bowl. HHS finished 2001 as district champion and NKAC champion.
2000 Season:
The 2000 season was a very successful one for the Bluebirds. Highlands captured its third straight Kentucky Class AAA title in a row, defeating Owensboro 48-27 in the championship game. The 'Birds finished 2000 with a 14-1 record, the only loss being a 21-14 defeat by Cincinnati Elder at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Highlands, led by seniors and Division I-A college recruits Gino Guidugli, Brent Grover, Brett Hamblen and Ben Scott, was never seriously challenged in the state of Kentucky, racking up 729 points while only surrendering 206 throughout the entire year. The tone for the season was set in the first week, as Highlands beat eventual Class AAAA runner-up Louisville Trinity 42-29 in the Recreation Bowl. Highlands finished the year ranked first in the entire state, regardless of classification, by Dave Cantrall of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Highlands set several state records in 2000, including most passing touchdowns in a season (59), most individual touchdown receptions in a season (Brett Hamblen - 27), most passing touchdowns in a game (9), most individual touchdown receptions in a single game (Brett Hamblen - 6), and most consecutive state titles by a Class AAA team (3). National recognition included being ranked 13th nationally in the USA Today Super 25 final 2000 high school football rankings, 12th in the Tony Bianco National High School Football 'Tony' Poll, 24th in the RivalsHigh Fab 50 National High School Football Rankings, 25th in the HighWired Sports Poll, 21st in the Varsity Online Prep Sports Poll and 10th in the Dick Butkus Football Network High School Top 25. Brent Grover, a linebacker for Highlands, was invited to participate in the US Army All-American Bowl. In addition, Grover, quarterback Gino Guidugli and wide receiver Brett Hamblen were named Senior All-Americans by Student Sports. HHS finished 2000 as Class AAA champion, regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
The 2000 season was a very successful one for the Bluebirds. Highlands captured its third straight Kentucky Class AAA title in a row, defeating Owensboro 48-27 in the championship game. The 'Birds finished 2000 with a 14-1 record, the only loss being a 21-14 defeat by Cincinnati Elder at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Highlands, led by seniors and Division I-A college recruits Gino Guidugli, Brent Grover, Brett Hamblen and Ben Scott, was never seriously challenged in the state of Kentucky, racking up 729 points while only surrendering 206 throughout the entire year. The tone for the season was set in the first week, as Highlands beat eventual Class AAAA runner-up Louisville Trinity 42-29 in the Recreation Bowl. Highlands finished the year ranked first in the entire state, regardless of classification, by Dave Cantrall of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Highlands set several state records in 2000, including most passing touchdowns in a season (59), most individual touchdown receptions in a season (Brett Hamblen - 27), most passing touchdowns in a game (9), most individual touchdown receptions in a single game (Brett Hamblen - 6), and most consecutive state titles by a Class AAA team (3). National recognition included being ranked 13th nationally in the USA Today Super 25 final 2000 high school football rankings, 12th in the Tony Bianco National High School Football 'Tony' Poll, 24th in the RivalsHigh Fab 50 National High School Football Rankings, 25th in the HighWired Sports Poll, 21st in the Varsity Online Prep Sports Poll and 10th in the Dick Butkus Football Network High School Top 25. Brent Grover, a linebacker for Highlands, was invited to participate in the US Army All-American Bowl. In addition, Grover, quarterback Gino Guidugli and wide receiver Brett Hamblen were named Senior All-Americans by Student Sports. HHS finished 2000 as Class AAA champion, regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
1999 Season:
Highlands maintained the program's winning tradition in 1999, repeating as Class AAA champion. The team went undefeated against Kentucky teams, and only suffered one loss (to Cincinnati Elder, 35-14). The 'Birds easily handled Owensboro 48-10 in the title game to cap off a 14-1 year. HHS was ranked 18th nationally in the final Tony Bianco National High School Football 'Tony' Poll and 16th nationally in the Dick Butkus Football Network High School Top 25. Star junior Brett Hamblen was named the Northern Kentucky Player of the Year and Coach Dale Mueller was named Northern Kentucky Coach of the Year. In 1999, Highlands broke the state records for most individual career extra points (Brennan Jones - 170), most points scored in playoff games (295), most points scored in a state semifinal game (76), and HHS tied the state record for the most points scored in a playoff game (76). Highlands' high-powered offense scored 730 points on the season. The team finished 1999 as Class AAA champion, regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
Highlands maintained the program's winning tradition in 1999, repeating as Class AAA champion. The team went undefeated against Kentucky teams, and only suffered one loss (to Cincinnati Elder, 35-14). The 'Birds easily handled Owensboro 48-10 in the title game to cap off a 14-1 year. HHS was ranked 18th nationally in the final Tony Bianco National High School Football 'Tony' Poll and 16th nationally in the Dick Butkus Football Network High School Top 25. Star junior Brett Hamblen was named the Northern Kentucky Player of the Year and Coach Dale Mueller was named Northern Kentucky Coach of the Year. In 1999, Highlands broke the state records for most individual career extra points (Brennan Jones - 170), most points scored in playoff games (295), most points scored in a state semifinal game (76), and HHS tied the state record for the most points scored in a playoff game (76). Highlands' high-powered offense scored 730 points on the season. The team finished 1999 as Class AAA champion, regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
1998 Season:
The 1998 Bluebirds team was considered the best team in all of Kentucky that year (finishing first in the state, regardless of classification, according to the state's ranking services), and in fact was considered by many to be the finest Kentucky high school football team in state history. The team went 15-0 and won the Class AAA state championship, destroying Louisville Waggener 56-7 in the title game. In the first week of the regular season, HHS defeated eventual 1998 Class AAAA champion Louisville Male 51-41 in the St. Luke Hospitals Champions Bowl. Led by Mr. Kentucky Football winner Jared Lorenzen and Mr. Football runner-up Derek Smith (both Division I-A recruits), the 'Birds set numerous state records, including most points in a season (801), most points in a championship game (56), largest state championship margin of victory (49), highest per-game yardage average (492.5), most extra points in a season (92), most extra points by a player in a season (Brennan Jones - 90), most touchdowns by a team in a season (113), most total offensive yardage by a team in a game (636), and highest point average per game by a team in a season (53). In addition, kicker Brennan Jones set a national record for most extra points by a player in a season, with 90. Highlands was ranked 19th in the USA Today Super 25 final 1998 high school football rankings, 14th in the National Sports News Service Poll, 16th in the CompUSA Overall National Poll, 20th in the Dick Butkus Football Network High School Top 25, 18th in the Tony Bianco National High School Football 'Tony' Poll and 15th in the PrepNation National Prep Football Poll. HHS finished 1998 as Class AAA champion, regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
The 1998 Bluebirds team was considered the best team in all of Kentucky that year (finishing first in the state, regardless of classification, according to the state's ranking services), and in fact was considered by many to be the finest Kentucky high school football team in state history. The team went 15-0 and won the Class AAA state championship, destroying Louisville Waggener 56-7 in the title game. In the first week of the regular season, HHS defeated eventual 1998 Class AAAA champion Louisville Male 51-41 in the St. Luke Hospitals Champions Bowl. Led by Mr. Kentucky Football winner Jared Lorenzen and Mr. Football runner-up Derek Smith (both Division I-A recruits), the 'Birds set numerous state records, including most points in a season (801), most points in a championship game (56), largest state championship margin of victory (49), highest per-game yardage average (492.5), most extra points in a season (92), most extra points by a player in a season (Brennan Jones - 90), most touchdowns by a team in a season (113), most total offensive yardage by a team in a game (636), and highest point average per game by a team in a season (53). In addition, kicker Brennan Jones set a national record for most extra points by a player in a season, with 90. Highlands was ranked 19th in the USA Today Super 25 final 1998 high school football rankings, 14th in the National Sports News Service Poll, 16th in the CompUSA Overall National Poll, 20th in the Dick Butkus Football Network High School Top 25, 18th in the Tony Bianco National High School Football 'Tony' Poll and 15th in the PrepNation National Prep Football Poll. HHS finished 1998 as Class AAA champion, regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
1997 Season:
The 1997 season ended in disappointing fashion for the defending state champion Bluebirds, as the team was upset at home, 41-35 (2OT), by Covington Catholic in the state Class AAA regional final playoff game. Covington Catholic went on to win the Class AAA title in 1997. This game was later dubbed the "Mud Bowl" on account of the terrible field conditions during the game. Prior to the loss in the regional final game, HHS was undefeated in the state of Kentucky, losing only to Cincinnati Moeller 21-20 during the regular season. Highlands was the favorite to win Class AAA heading into the playoffs. Wide receiver Randy Stegman broke the state record for the most touchdown catches in a game, catching five against Simon Kenton. The team finished with an 11-2 record, was district champion and NKAC champion.
The 1997 season ended in disappointing fashion for the defending state champion Bluebirds, as the team was upset at home, 41-35 (2OT), by Covington Catholic in the state Class AAA regional final playoff game. Covington Catholic went on to win the Class AAA title in 1997. This game was later dubbed the "Mud Bowl" on account of the terrible field conditions during the game. Prior to the loss in the regional final game, HHS was undefeated in the state of Kentucky, losing only to Cincinnati Moeller 21-20 during the regular season. Highlands was the favorite to win Class AAA heading into the playoffs. Wide receiver Randy Stegman broke the state record for the most touchdown catches in a game, catching five against Simon Kenton. The team finished with an 11-2 record, was district champion and NKAC champion.
1996 Season:
The Bluebirds finished 1996 15-0, defeating Hopkinsville 21-14 in the Kentucky Class AAA state title game. HHS finished the year ranked 21st nationally in the USA Today Super 25 final 1996 high school football rankings. In the Campbell County game, quarterback Jared Lorenzen and wide receiver Josh Hasson tied a state record for the longest touchdown pass play when they connected for a 99-yard touchdown pass. Led by star running back Justin Frisk (who rushed for 1932 yards and 31 touchdowns in 1996), HHS finished the season as Class AAA champion, regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
The Bluebirds finished 1996 15-0, defeating Hopkinsville 21-14 in the Kentucky Class AAA state title game. HHS finished the year ranked 21st nationally in the USA Today Super 25 final 1996 high school football rankings. In the Campbell County game, quarterback Jared Lorenzen and wide receiver Josh Hasson tied a state record for the longest touchdown pass play when they connected for a 99-yard touchdown pass. Led by star running back Justin Frisk (who rushed for 1932 yards and 31 touchdowns in 1996), HHS finished the season as Class AAA champion, regional champion, district champion and NKAC champion.
1995 Season:
Highlands advanced to the Kentucky Class AAA state championship game in 1995, but was defeated by unbeaten Bowling Green 28-12 in the title game. The highlight of the season for the 'Birds was dominating Leslie County (quarterbacked by Mr. Kentucky Football and eventual NFL starter Tim Couch) by a score of 47-12 in the Class AAA state semifinal game, held at Highlands. HHS had earlier lost to Leslie County by a score of 44-42 in the Thoroughbred Bowl (the first game of the regular season). Highlands finished 1995 with a record of 11-4 (the other two losses coming to Covington Holmes and Ryle), and was Class AAA runner-up and regional champion.
Highlands advanced to the Kentucky Class AAA state championship game in 1995, but was defeated by unbeaten Bowling Green 28-12 in the title game. The highlight of the season for the 'Birds was dominating Leslie County (quarterbacked by Mr. Kentucky Football and eventual NFL starter Tim Couch) by a score of 47-12 in the Class AAA state semifinal game, held at Highlands. HHS had earlier lost to Leslie County by a score of 44-42 in the Thoroughbred Bowl (the first game of the regular season). Highlands finished 1995 with a record of 11-4 (the other two losses coming to Covington Holmes and Ryle), and was Class AAA runner-up and regional champion.
1994 Season:
Highlands experienced some highs and lows during Coach Dale Mueller's first season as head coach of the Bluebirds. The season started out strongly with a win over Paducah Tilghman in the Thoroughbred Bowl. However, Highlands' momentum was slowed by a decisive loss to Cincinnati Moeller in the second week of the regular season. The 'Birds performed well against most of the Northern Kentucky competition, beating Covington Holmes, Dixie Heights, Scott, Newport, Conner and Simon Kenton. Highlands' archrival, Covington Catholic, defeated the Bluebirds twice in 1994, including a 7-3 playoff loss that ended Highlands' season. Highlands finished 1994 with a record of 9-3 and was NKAC champion.