Highlands vs. Lou. Manual (Aug. 21)

charlie22 · 08-14-2009, 10:07 AM

kywldcat01 Wrote:Well said. Coming in to last year everyone knew how good the Birds were supposed to be at the skill positions but there was a lot of questions surrounding the o-line. By week 5, all of those questions were answered and people began talking about how good the o line was.

I expect H to come out firing on all cylinders. Not only do they return a lot of talent this season, but they also have the experience to go with it. Really looking forward to seeing Brandon Roller get back out on the field after having his season ended last year in the playoffs due to an injury.

While we should be better offensively than we were against Ryle last year, I think it's a bit much to think our O will be hitting on all cylinders in their first game. It will still take a few games to get every one in sync and Manual isn't going to make it easy. Manual is a high quality team. Let's not raise the expectations too high for the first game. Confused

hh:

**Stardust** · 08-14-2009, 11:42 AM

charlie22 Wrote:While we should be better offensively than we were against Ryle last year, I think it's a bit much to think our O will be hitting on all cylinders in their first game. It will still take a few games to get every one in sync and Manual isn't going to make it easy. Manual is a high quality team. Let's not raise the expectations too high for the first game. hh:

I guess it's fair to say that about Manual as well. Though I would agree that HHS may need a couple of games to get their complex offense in sync, what does Manual run? If their O is complex, I guess we could expect them to not be clicking as well. If they are pure ground and pound, it's a little easier to find your rythem. Anyone know about Manual?

charlie22 · 08-14-2009, 01:20 PM

Stardust Wrote:I guess it's fair to say that about Manual as well. Though I would agree that HHS may need a couple of games to get their complex offense in sync, what does Manual run? If their O is complex, I guess we could expect them to not be clicking as well. If they are pure ground and pound, it's a little easier to find your rythem. Anyone know about Manual?

They run the wing t.

**Stardust** · 08-14-2009, 02:44 PM

charlie22 Wrote:They run the wing t.

I can see both teams relying more on the D until the offense gets rolling. I say that and still believe HHS rolls big time in this game

**kywldcat01** · 08-14-2009, 03:14 PM

charlie22 Wrote:While we should be better offensively than we were against Ryle last year, I think it's a bit much to think our O will be hitting on all cylinders in their first game. It will still take a few games to get every one in sync and Manual isn't going to make it easy. Manual is a high quality team. Let's not raise the expectations too high for the first game. hh:

True...I know I wouldn't want to be lined up across from Grubbs, Schlosser, or Welz though. Those three punish defenders on the line.

RepeatRings · 08-19-2009, 02:04 PM

Manual usually touts large sized O/D lines should be a good test for the Birds O/D liners early. Any one know about the Manuals' speedsters?

Any roster links for Manual would be appreciated, homesite is blank.

charlie22 · 08-19-2009, 04:50 PM

RepeatRings Wrote:Manual usually touts large sized O/D lines should be a good test for the Birds O/D liners early. Any one know about the Manuals' speedsters?

Any roster links for Manual would be appreciated, homesite is blank.

I don't have a roster, but based on what I've seen, Manual's D line doesn't look that big with the exception of a kid that comes in when they go to a 5 man front. The D line really flies to the ball. Their O line looks tall, but not heavy. They look to all be in shape and without big old bellies hanging down over their pants. They seem to be very well coached and use good technique. In spite of the lack of size on Manual's lines, it should be a good test for Highlands lines. If they can manhandle Manual the way they manhandled Male, I'd say Highlands has few worries this year.

Manual looked to have a lot of speed in the back field. Not much of a passing team, but a good running team. Highlands defensive speed will also be put to the test.

**sstack** · 08-19-2009, 10:10 PM

Real Badman Wrote:Upset Alert!

Manual-27
Highlands-21

I doubt you have seen any of HHS practices or the male scrimmage. HHS will put up 27 or more by early 2nd quarter. The offense for HHS is going to be something to watch this year.

**sstack** · 08-19-2009, 10:12 PM

jbwill2 Wrote:I remember that when Highlands played Ryle at HHS in the season's first game last year, Highlands didn't really establish an offense flow during the whole game.

They looked in midseason form in their scrimmage except for special teams.

UCFB · 08-19-2009, 10:13 PM

charlie22 Wrote:Highlands beat Central last year 28-0. Not sure that would constitute giving Highlands fits. Did any other team beat Central by a bigger margin last year or for that matter shut out their O?

Having said that, I don't look for Highlands to blow Manual away like some other posters do. Manual is a very, very good 6A school and will be well prepared for the Birds. I think it will be a much closer game.

during the first half of the game central shut down the run game, but besides that they held HIGHLANDS to only 28 points, considering Highlands usually puts up big numbers i believe that was a feat for the central defense.

**sstack** · 08-19-2009, 10:18 PM

Stardust Wrote:I can see both teams relying more on the D until the offense gets rolling. I say that and still believe HHS rolls big time in this game

HHS looked to have the offense rolling from play one agianst Male. The first play was a beautiful pass that the rec dropped just off his finger tips and would have been six and the 2nd play was about a 60 yd TD run . Lets hope they come out the same way agianst Manual.

**sstack** · 08-19-2009, 10:22 PM

MisterPerfect Wrote:I'm gonna say...

Highlands - 42
Lou. Manual - 14

I have to go along with your prediction(however, this could be the half time score!).

**sstack** · 08-20-2009, 12:46 AM

EKUAlum05 Wrote:The Bluebirds open their season travelling to the middle of Louisville to take on 6A Manual. The Crimsons have proven in the past that they can play Trinity and St. Xavier close when they are overlooked, how will they fare against the mighty Bluebirds?

Predictions? Thoughts?

Is this game going to be broadcast anywhere?

**Can you dig it?** · 08-20-2009, 05:52 AM

I'm going to wait on any predictions until I've at least seen the Birds play. I remember all too well a season opener at Henry Clay in 2001 where a highly rated Highlands team was welcomed with a cattle prod in a 33-12 loss. Highlands did everything that they could do that night to lose and a tough Henry Clay team was more than happy to kick butt and take names. (Ironically, both teams would lose in spectacular fashion the following week, Highlands to Male and HC to Boyle County.)
It was a long ride home that night, but seeing the HC players and fans celebrating on the field as we left was kind of cool. It was obvious that the victory meant a lot to them.:rockon:

**sstack** · 08-21-2009, 12:35 AM

sstack Wrote:Is this game going to be broadcast anywhere?

I found out the game can be heard if you go to Manual's website and go to Old Goat Radio. It will be broadcast live.