[Stardust]

Class 4A, Region 4 Championship: Covington Catholic (10-2) at Highlands (12-0)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. today at David Cecil Memorial Stadium, Ft. Thomas.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Neither defense really stopped the other the first time the two teams played on Sept. 24 when Highlands won 42-37 after turning CovCath away on downs at the Bluebirds 17 in the final minute. Since then, however, CovCath allowed just 36 total points in its last six games, and Highlands has allowed just 41 points in its six games against Kentucky teams. None of the teams either faced in that stretch are anywhere near as good offensively as these two. Highlands may be without big-play wide receiver Austin Sheehan, who is averaging 34.9 yards per reception. CovCath was able to control the line of scrimmage offensively in the first meeting, but expect Highlands to make some adjustments. Chances are this will still be a fairly high-scoring game.

BOTTOM LINE: This game is shaping up to be another great one, but Highlands is still the team to beat and it's hard not to pick the Bluebirds, who are three wins from a fifth straight state championship