[Blau Vogel]

To get an idea how much influence the passing attack has had on Highlands’ sustained football success, look no further than the Bluebirds’ imprints on the national and state record books.

There you will find that of the 17 Highlands listings for all-time individual national and state leaders, 11 were generated by passers and receivers. On the other hand, none were created by running backs. In state annals, the running game is getting pummeled by both the Bluebirds’ punt returners (two listings) and extra-point kickers (two listings).

“We’re known for throwing the football,” said Highlands third-year starter Zach Harris, who’s known for running with it, even if the proof hasn’t shown up on national and state record lists.

The senior tailback is putting his last dents on the school record book, which includes just two players before him under 20-year coach Dale Mueller who rushed for 1,000 yards in both his junior and senior seasons.

“Coach said his son (Eamon Mueller) and Justin Frisk were the only two to do it,” Harris said. “Ever since he said that, it’s been a goal.”

As if Lexington Catholic (10-3), Friday’s 7:30 p.m. Class 4A state tournament semifinal opponent, doesn’t have enough to worry about after game-planning for quarterback Drew Houliston and the aerial assault of the Bluebirds (12-1).

The winner plays either Owensboro or Collins in next Saturday’s championship game in Bowling Green, where Harris hopes to put the finishing touches on his fourth state championship-winning season for the Bluebirds, who are aiming for their seventh straight title.

With 906 rushing yards, following a 1,001-yard season a year ago, Harris needs 94 to reach the grand accomplishment he covets second only to winning another state title. He rambled for 194 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns in last week’s regional final win against Covington Catholic. It was his first postseason action after tweaking an ankle that caused him to miss two games. He amassed 142 yards on the ground his previous outing against Warren Central, a team he also gashed for 113 yards receiving.

“It’s really tough at Highlands to start at running back as a sophomore, and he did that,” coach Mueller said of his 5-foot-10, 200-pound tailback. “The offense really revolves around Zach, with his running, his receiving and his blocking. He’s been a completely unselfish blocker, just drilling rushing linebackers out of the way so Drew can have time to throw.”

Harris has been active at running back for nine games, averaging 100 per contest. He’s added 466 yards on 29 receptions, the result of an expanded role in the passing scheme that has tripled last season’s reception total with more shovel passes and screens. He’s averaging 6.9 yards per carry and 16 yards per catch.

He helped the ‘Birds get away to a flying start with 472 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns the first three games. With 27 total touchdowns, he’s averaging a score every 5.8 touches. He’s averaging 16.4 points per game, which is more than eight 4A teams.

With possibly two more games to pad his totals, Harris has a chance to reach 2,500 career rushing yards, 3,500 total yards, 70 touchdowns and 400 points.

“Those are incredible numbers,” Harris said. “But, honestly, all I want to do is win football games.”

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