[Stardust]

Highlands has the better team..
Johnson central has the best Player than on either team.
But..Since its a team sport. Highlands wins by 3-4 touchdowns.
But Jude will leave a good impression along with Bumps and bruises
to remember him by...thats a Given.

I would venture to say the best player in the state is Patrick Towles.

[sstack]

Highlands has the better team..
Johnson central has the best Player than on either team.
But..Since its a team sport. Highlands wins by 3-4 touchdowns.
But Jude will leave a good impression along with Bumps and bruises
to remember him by...thats a Given.

Come watch this game and you will quickly change your mind. JJ is a good player, but Towles will easily be best player on the field.

[mrb5150]

Highlands has the better team..
Johnson central has the best Player than on either team.
But..Since its a team sport. Highlands wins by 3-4 touchdowns.
But Jude will leave a good impression along with Bumps and bruises
to remember him by...thats a Given.

Pat.T. is the best player on either team just saying.

[Stardust]

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll...111100340/

[I]

Johnson Central football coach Jim Matney is not interested in repeating history against Highlands on Friday, when the Golden Eagles play the Bluebirds in a Class 4A regional semifinal in Fort Thomas.

"I've got a lot of respect for Highlands, but we hope to come out with a win," Matney said.

This is a rematch with some twists, and it begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday when Johnson Central (9-2) visits Highlands (11-0).

The teams met last season in a Class 5A regional final at Johnson Central. The Golden Eagles hosted the unbeaten Bluebirds with 3,000-yard rusher J.J. Jude as their bell-cow back, and gave Highlands its toughest playoff battle on the Bluebirds' way to winning the state championship.

Highlands held Jude to 3.4 yards per carry as the record-smashing tailback ran 28 times for 95 yards. That was one week after Jude gashed Covington Catholic for 465 yards, and a month after he set a state single-game record with 584 against Woodford County. Johnson Central dropped a third-down pass in the end zone with 17 seconds left, and Highlands won 21-14.

"We would have gone for 2," Matney said. "If we had scored that touchdown against Highlands, it would have come down to that 2-point conversion."

Almost one year later, Johnson Central and Highlands are clashing again, in a different class and at a different location -- Highlands' David Cecil Memorial Stadium.

Jude, a senior, become Kentucky's all-time leading rusher last week. He is on the way to a 3,000-yard season, unless the Bluebirds bottle him up again.

Jude needs 36 yards to reach 3,000 for the second straight year. His career total is 8,539, which has topped the 15-year-old state record of 8,224 formerly held by Derek Homer of Fort Knox. Jude has scored 41 touchdowns.

For Jude to become the state's leading rusher both in a game, a career and a season, he needs to run for 398 yards before the season ends. Otherwise, the single-season record of 3,361 by Bath County's Frank Jones is safe for another year.

Jude is averaging 269 yards per game. Unless he runs wild like last week, churning for 437 yards and six touchdowns in the Golden Eagles' 63-20 first-round win over Holmes, Jude will need at least two games to break Jones' 42-year-old mark. That would necessitate a Johnson Central win over Highlands.

Bluebirds senior nose guard Devin Bruns wants no part of such a moment. moment. He wants history to repeat against Johnson Central, with the dual goals of shutting down Jude and winning. Bruns and twin brother Drake Bruns figure to play key roles.

"Jude will be a challenge, but we stopped him last year," said Devin Bruns, who will be a preferred walk-on next season at the University of Cincinnati. "Last year we gang-tackled and hit him low. This year, there will be no ankle-biting. We're going to hit him hard and make him take a pounding, so he's too tired to get those yards at the end of the game."

Devin Bruns and senior strong safety Drake Bruns, who is heading to UC on scholarship, will help lead a Highlands defense that has permitted an average of 114 rushing yards per game.

"Hopefully, you'll see us together a lot, gang-tackling Jude and stopping the fullback," Devin Bruns said.

Highlands coach Dale Mueller doesn't expect it to be all Jude all the time.

"He's pretty impressive and he is a dangerous back. He can take any play for a touchdown, and they do run him a lot," Mueller said of the tailback. "He can control a game. But at the same time, we know they have other people who can hurt you. In their big games, they have used other guys.

"We have to make reads, get off blocks and and make tackles."

Matney said his Golden Eagles will take what the Bluebirds give them.

"We go into every game with options," Matney said. "You can't just say, we'll stop the run and beat us. You have to try to win the game

[/I]

[JCHS Alumni Eagle]

I really really really hope that they don't try to how was it said... "ankle bite" Jude to tackle him. Cause if this turns into a square the shoulders big hit see how much you can get game, I LOVE JC's chances... That would basically be playing right into our style! What we don't like is the ankle biting junk... man up and try to hit our boys baby! If this is the case Jude will have a big big night!

[Stardust]

I really really really hope that they don't try to how was it said... "ankle bite" Jude to tackle him. Cause if this turns into a square the shoulders big hit see how much you can get game, I LOVE JC's chances... That would basically be playing right into our style! What we don't like is the ankle biting junk... man up and try to hit our boys baby! If this is the case Jude will have a big big night!

Do you think it going to be any different than the game that held JJ to 80 yards last year? I love this talk of "I'm tougher than you". What a HOOT!:biglmao:

[Hoot Gibson]

I think that JCHS coach will run up the score and keep JJ in the game just to pad his record:popcorn:

The Golden Eagles are playing Highlands tonight, not Campbell County. You probably have noticed that there are not many NKY teams that have been able to compete with JC in recent years but Highlands has been an exception.

[tradition]

Safe travels to all the JC fans. Hoot will you be attending the game?

[JCHS Alumni Eagle]

Not meaning it in any way that anyone is any tougher then anyone... Fact of the matter is this... East Ky teams play smash mouth football... Other parts of the state do not... If you don't play it every week, then who do you think that this would favor? Highlands hasn't had a rough time with JC the past few years because JC can match up with Highlands by any stretch of the imagination... Its simply because of the style of play... Line up and try to play smash mouth with us and you are playing into our strength!

[sstack]

Not meaning it in any way that anyone is any tougher then anyone... Fact of the matter is this... East Ky teams play smash mouth football... Other parts of the state do not... If you don't play it every week, then who do you think that this would favor? Highlands hasn't had a rough time with JC the past few years because JC can match up with Highlands by any stretch of the imagination... Its simply because of the style of play... Line up and try to play smash mouth with us and you are playing into our strength!

I think the Bruns brothers might show JC a little smash mouth football tonight!

[mrb5150]

What time are the bus's leaving JC? thats a good drive what about 3.5 hours has JC ever been up here if so I can't remeber anyway have a safe trip.

[Hoot Gibson]

Safe travels to all the JC fans. Hoot will you be attending the game?

Unfortunately not. I am just getting ready to hit the road and I have an 8-hour+ drive ahead of me. I just don't feel up to driving another two or three hours and fighting the crowd to see the game. I will be listening to the game on WSIP. Depending on how the game goes, I may toggle between it and the Ashland-CovCath game. :biggrin:

[Blau Vogel]

http://queencityhigh.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1291874

JOHNSON CENTRAL (9-2) AT HIGHLANDS (11-0) - Highlands has won 21 straight playoff games, but they haven't been tested like this in quite a while. Quarterback Patrick Towles will be priority number one for the Johnson Central defense to stop. Towles has been brilliant this season with 38 touchdown passes. The best part of his game is who he distributes the wealth amongst his teammates. Ten different Bluebird caught passes last week. The Golden Eagles might zero in on the Highlands signal-caller, but with the stable of weapons he has it is going to be hard for JC to keep the Bluebirds from putting up points on the scoreboard.

Johnson Central running back J.J. Jude is Kentucky's all-time rushing leader. His numbers this season are gaudy with 2,964 yards and 41 touchdowns on the ground. His success running the football is imperative to controlling the clock and keeping the explosive Highlands' offense off the field. No matter what happens the Golden Eagles should win the time of possession battle. The Johnson Central defense is going to have to step up and make some stops. They can ill-afford to let the Bluebirds jump out and grab a couple of touchdown lead as the offense is not equipped to handle coming back from large deficits.

http://dailyindependent.com/localsports/...iming-high

ASHLAND — Johnson Central coach Jim Matney doesn’t want the old expression to come up again.

“We’ve got to get over this ‘close, but no cigar’ thing,” Matney said. “We’d like to come through this time.”

Maybe the third time will be the charm for the Golden Eagles, who take on Fort Thomas Highlands tonight for the Class 5A Region 1 championship for the third consecutive season.

While Johnson Central always seems to play its best football in November, Highlands has been there to dash the hopes of the Golden Eagles the past two years — with a 35-21 defeat in 2008 and a 42-21 win in 2009.

Matney is excited about the game being at home in Paintsville, as it was in 2008.

“It seems to give you a little more energy,” he said. “We need to go in there and represent well.”

Although Highlands has only one loss — a two-point loss to Class 6A power Ryle — Matney can envision an upset of the formidable Bluebirds tonight.

“I think we have a chance,” he said. “It was very close two years ago and fairly close last year.”

Johnson Central junior J.J. Jude, a record-setting running back this season, will have his work cut out for him. Or, it can be viewed vice versa, regarding Highlands defenders.

Jude has motored his way past 3,000 rushing yards for the season after tallying 371 against Covington Scott and 439 against Covington Catholic so far in the playoffs.

Highlands has the ingredients to slow Jude down — the Bluebirds have allowed 100 rushing yards to an opponent only twice this season (Ryle both times).

Jude never ceases to surprise his coach, though.

“We never expect to see those huge numbers,” Matney said. “Last week, if you had asked me at the end of the game how many yards he had, I wouldn’t have even come within 100 yards.”

Jude has been the headliner in just about every game, but the Golden Eagles have other weapons too. J.K. Hall, a senior quarterback/safety, is also a threat to run and is a talented defensive back. D.J. Ousley and Tanner Bratton can each run and also serve as solid blockers for Jude and Hall.

A strong schedule has paid dividends again for Johnson Central. The Golden Eagles are playing in their fifth straight regional final, and Matney attributes his team’s yearly climb to its November peak to the challenging opponents faced in the regular season.

“That’s why we play the schedule we play,” Matney said. “I think it’s a difference maker. We go back and rely on experiences in tough, close games.”

Johnson Central, fully healthy, according to Matney, will focus most of its attention on Highlands quarterback Patrick Towles. Towles is the Bluebirds’ leading rusher and passer. He has thrown for 1,996 yards and has 17 TDs and nine interceptions.

“He’s a double threat,” said Matney, who compared this Bluebirds team with last season’s.

“One thing that’s different is that they play a lot more players,” he said.

Johnson Central is used to the underdog role, as the Golden Eagles saw themselves against CovCath last week. They don’t mind the role. In fact, it motivates them even further to attain the ultimate prize.

“We feel like we’ve taken our program a long ways,” Matney said. “We feel like there is one last peak to reach.”

AARON SNYDER can be reached at [email]asnyder@dailyindependent.com[/email] or (606) 326-2664.

[sportsfanatic]

:igiveupid the KHSAA send the state championship trophy to Highlands yet? Nobody can compete with the Boobirds, whoops i meant Bluebirds. inglepar
Go Eagles...

[horst muhlmann]

http://queencityhigh.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1291874

JOHNSON CENTRAL (9-2) AT HIGHLANDS (11-0) - Highlands has won 21 straight playoff games, but they haven't been tested like this in quite a while. Quarterback Patrick Towles will be priority number one for the Johnson Central defense to stop. Towles has been brilliant this season with 38 touchdown passes. The best part of his game is who he distributes the wealth amongst his teammates. Ten different Bluebird caught passes last week. The Golden Eagles might zero in on the Highlands signal-caller, but with the stable of weapons he has it is going to be hard for JC to keep the Bluebirds from putting up points on the scoreboard.

Johnson Central running back J.J. Jude is Kentucky's all-time rushing leader. His numbers this season are gaudy with 2,964 yards and 41 touchdowns on the ground. His success running the football is imperative to controlling the clock and keeping the explosive Highlands' offense off the field. No matter what happens the Golden Eagles should win the time of possession battle. The Johnson Central defense is going to have to step up and make some stops. They can ill-afford to let the Bluebirds jump out and grab a couple of touchdown lead as the offense is not equipped to handle coming back from large deficits.

http://dailyindependent.com/localsports/...iming-high

ASHLAND — Johnson Central coach Jim Matney doesn’t want the old expression to come up again.

“We’ve got to get over this ‘close, but no cigar’ thing,” Matney said. “We’d like to come through this time.”

Maybe the third time will be the charm for the Golden Eagles, who take on Fort Thomas Highlands tonight for the Class 5A Region 1 championship for the third consecutive season.

While Johnson Central always seems to play its best football in November, Highlands has been there to dash the hopes of the Golden Eagles the past two years — with a 35-21 defeat in 2008 and a 42-21 win in 2009.

Matney is excited about the game being at home in Paintsville, as it was in 2008.

“It seems to give you a little more energy,” he said. “We need to go in there and represent well.”

Although Highlands has only one loss — a two-point loss to Class 6A power Ryle — Matney can envision an upset of the formidable Bluebirds tonight.

“I think we have a chance,” he said. “It was very close two years ago and fairly close last year.”

Johnson Central junior J.J. Jude, a record-setting running back this season, will have his work cut out for him. Or, it can be viewed vice versa, regarding Highlands defenders.

Jude has motored his way past 3,000 rushing yards for the season after tallying 371 against Covington Scott and 439 against Covington Catholic so far in the playoffs.

Highlands has the ingredients to slow Jude down — the Bluebirds have allowed 100 rushing yards to an opponent only twice this season (Ryle both times).

Jude never ceases to surprise his coach, though.

“We never expect to see those huge numbers,” Matney said. “Last week, if you had asked me at the end of the game how many yards he had, I wouldn’t have even come within 100 yards.”

Jude has been the headliner in just about every game, but the Golden Eagles have other weapons too. J.K. Hall, a senior quarterback/safety, is also a threat to run and is a talented defensive back. D.J. Ousley and Tanner Bratton can each run and also serve as solid blockers for Jude and Hall.

A strong schedule has paid dividends again for Johnson Central. The Golden Eagles are playing in their fifth straight regional final, and Matney attributes his team’s yearly climb to its November peak to the challenging opponents faced in the regular season.

“That’s why we play the schedule we play,” Matney said. “I think it’s a difference maker. We go back and rely on experiences in tough, close games.”

Johnson Central, fully healthy, according to Matney, will focus most of its attention on Highlands quarterback Patrick Towles. Towles is the Bluebirds’ leading rusher and passer. He has thrown for 1,996 yards and has 17 TDs and nine interceptions.

“He’s a double threat,” said Matney, who compared this Bluebirds team with last season’s.

“One thing that’s different is that they play a lot more players,” he said.

Johnson Central is used to the underdog role, as the Golden Eagles saw themselves against CovCath last week. They don’t mind the role. In fact, it motivates them even further to attain the ultimate prize.

“We feel like we’ve taken our program a long ways,” Matney said. “We feel like there is one last peak to reach.”

AARON SNYDER can be reached at [email]asnyder@dailyindependent.com[/email] or (606) 326-2664.

The ADI article is from last year. It was a great game last year in Paintsville. Safe travels to FT.

[Truth]

The trophy is presented at the championship game. If sportsfanatic's school had ever been there, he would have known that.

[HonestJohn]

I'm one of those fans that likes to root for the underdog. I hope that JC can somehow pull this one out. But, realistically I don't think they (or anyone else in 4A) will pull this feat off. However, the best team doesn't always win. Look at the NCAA basketball last season--Georgetown should have never won the championship. There wer at least five teams better than them, but they played together and won. Looking for the miracle. It could happen to Highlands (unlike Trinity).

[tomcatfan722000]

I'm one of those fans that likes to root for the underdog. I hope that JC can somehow pull this one out. But, realistically I don't think they (or anyone else in 4A) will pull this feat off. However, the best team doesn't always win. Look at the NCAA basketball last season--Georgetown should have never won the championship. There wer at least five teams better than them, but they played together and won. Looking for the miracle. It could happen to Highlands (unlike Trinity).

But Georgetown didn't win the championship. Now all hope is lost. Lol I think a more realistic situation to compare an upset in this game would be appalchian state beating #5 Michigan a few years ago at the big house.

[GetChili]

I'm going with Highlands in this one.

[Blau Vogel]

The ADI article is from last year. It was a great game last year in Paintsville. Safe travels to FT.

Sorry about that. I did a quick search and posted it before I had a chance to read it. By the time I realized it, it was too late to delete it.

[JCHS Alumni Eagle]

lol FTH showing JC smash mouth football is kinda like me telling you JC is going to come out and sling the ball all over the field... Its not going to happen... lol

[JCHS Alumni Eagle]

Im not trying to be disrespectful I respect FTH and the program very much... I was just saying that we play 2 completely different styles. It would be crazy for FTH to go away from gang tackeling that has worked in the past and rely on smash mouth big hits... This is what we say every weekend... As a result we are much more efficient against this type of game... The ankle hits we are not so used to... Difference in style and area philisophy.

[Tammi]

I really really really hope that they don't try to how was it said... "ankle bite" Jude to tackle him. Cause if this turns into a square the shoulders big hit see how much you can get game, I LOVE JC's chances... That would basically be playing right into our style! What we don't like is the ankle biting junk... man up and try to hit our boys baby! If this is the case Jude will have a big big night!

I saw Firsthand how Hard it was to tackle this Monster back.
Do not believe the hype. Their will be more shoestring tackles
and ankle checks than at a your local shoe store.
Jude for President!:notworthy

[KyMizzle]

I saw Firsthand how Hard it was to tackle this Monster back.
Do not believe the hype. Their will be more shoestring tackles
and ankle checks than at a your local shoe store.
Jude for President!:notworthy

Okay, a few things should be clarified...

1) Jude is not a Monster back...he is fast, quick, elusive, but not a Monster.
2) I don't know anyone that has had their ankles checked or been shoestring tackled at any shoe store
3) If Jude is old enough to be President, he is too old to be playing in this game.

[HonestJohn]

But Georgetown didn't win the championship. Now all hope is lost. Lol I think a more realistic situation to compare an upset in this game would be appalchian state beating #5 Michigan a few years ago at the big house.

I meant UCONN, sorry. But you are right Michigan going down to App St was unbelievable . It would be like UK beating Alabama.

[rustyankle]

How many yards will jude have to get for them to win

[Blau Vogel]

Playoff games at a glance

Class 4A Johnson Central (9-2) at Highlands (11-0)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. at David Cecil Memorial Stadium, Ft. Thomas.

WHAT TO WATCH: This game features two of the leading candidates for Kentucky Mr. Football - Johnson Central senior running back J.J. Jude and Highlands senior quarterback Patrick Towles. Jude has rushed for 2,964 yards and 41 touchdowns on 263 carries. After rushing for 437 yards and six touchdowns in last week's 66-20 first-round win over Holmes, Jude became the state's all-time leading rusher with 8,539 career yards. Johnson Central has passed for just 344 yards all season. Towles is averaging almost that much per game. He has completed 126 of 194 passes (64.9 percent) for 2,880 yards, 38 touchdowns and only one interception.

BOTTOM LINE: Highlands should win by a couple of touchdowns or more.

[Stardust]

How many yards will jude have to get for them to win

Seriously it would take a 350 yard game in order to keep JC on the field and HHS offense off!

[joethegreek]

I hope i am wrong . Highlands in this one.

[JCHS Alumni Eagle]

If Jude rushes for 200 or more yards JC will win this ball game... if the supporting cast can get 125 yards or more total offense to help him out.