[blue1424]

This will be a different Collins team than the one that Highlands played last year. All of those players are now a year older, including the multiple freshman that started in the state championship last year. Collins is also healthy this year. Last year they lost one of their best LB to an ACL tear but he is back this year and is a huge part of their defense. They also had a few other players banged up, but Collins has been almost injury free this year and with all of the playoff games being running clocks they have been able to rest their starters a bit. This team is also much improved, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Last year they gave up huge chunks of yards, not only against Highlands but against everyone. This year Collins has improved leaps and bounds defensively, with a big and quick D-line, very good linebackers, and a tall secondary with lots of speed. Another big difference between last year and this year is Collins doesn't have anyone starting both ways. They will have a few players from offense play defense for a couple of downs but for the most part this year you are either on offense or defense, and that has really helped this team improve.

Highlands will be a huge favorite in this game, and they should. However, I have a feeling things may be a bit different than last year. It seems like one Highlands' weakness is their secondary. Collins has a great QB and set of receivers, so hopefully they will be able to throw the ball against the Bluebirds. Collins also has a very solid running game, and Watkins is a big back who has speed and power. It seems like teams with speed have given Highlands fits this year, and Collins has a lot of it. The defense will have to find a way to slow down the offensive machine of Highlands. Forcing a few turnovers would help out tremendously.

sstack, I hope you don't have to drive all the way to Bowling Green to watch a blowout.