[sstack]

So, are you saying that Highlands intentionally substituted in such a way to avoid the running clock to allow a state record to be set? I guess similar tactics are only wrong when you do it so that your own team sets the record. :biglmao:

I am saying 45% of D starters rested. The DB's, safeties and best player on D at LB were out and that is where WC did their damage. If you follow highlands you understand that in games that do not matter, you never know what Dale will do. He will rest people, he will throw 100% of time, run 100% of time, try new plays/formations like he did Friday with no QB on the field, get 2 and 3 string players playing time,ect. It can be frustrating as a fan to understand what he is doing but it works so it is hard to question. When it is a big game he has best players where they need to be and team firing on all cylinders. I guarantee you they are game planing for JC already, and you will see the D that played against Elder. a lot of false hope out there with people thinking HHS gave up 69 points with their best D team on the field. Some of the players on the field Friday I did not know who they were and looked very bad and embarrassing. But they got a lot of playing time which will help them improve for next year. Can't wait for this possible game, first two rounds will be yawners.

[Can you dig it?]

So, are you saying that Highlands intentionally substituted in such a way to avoid the running clock to allow a state record to be set? I guess similar tactics are only wrong when you do it so that your own team sets the record. :biglmao:

Yes, that's exactly what he's saying. Don't you have a new box of crayons to open?:beavis:

[Hoot Gibson]

I am saying 45% of D starters rested. The DB's, safeties and best player on D at LB were out and that is where WC did their damage. If you follow highlands you understand that in games that do not matter, you never know what Dale will do. He will rest people, he will throw 100% of time, run 100% of time, try new plays/formations like he did Friday with no QB on the field, get 2 and 3 string players playing time,ect. It can be frustrating as a fan to understand what he is doing but it works so it is hard to question. When it is a big game he has best players where they need to be and team firing on all cylinders. I guarantee you they are game planing for JC already, and you will see the D that played against Elder. a lot of false hope out there with people thinking HHS gave up 69 points with their best D team on the field. Some of the players on the field Friday I did not know who they were and looked very bad and embarrassing. But they got a lot of playing time which will help them improve for next year. Can't wait for this possible game, first two rounds will be yawners.

And I can guarantee you that Matney will not let the Golden Eagles look past anybody. He has been building a team capable of beating Highlands, but he will not be game planning for them until he is certain that his team will be playing them.

As for 45% of Highlands defensive starters requiring extra rest after playing a physical game a week earler...:lmao:

[WildDawg]

I believe this is the year Matney takes down Mueller. He came very close Towles junior season.

[Hoot Gibson]

Yes, that's exactly what he's saying. Don't you have a new box of crayons to open?:beavis:

You Highlands "fans" sure seem to be worried about this JC team. Do you think that Mueller will try to erase Warren Central's state record this week against Boyd County? :biglmao:

[Hoot Gibson]

I believe this is the year Matney takes down Mueller. He came very close Towles junior season.

Whether this is the season for Highlands to fall or not, I think that the Golden Eagles will be the favorites to win the 2014 title. This will be Highlands' best shot at another title for the next few years.

[WildDawg]

Whether this is the season for Highlands to fall or not, I think that the Golden Eagles will be the favorites to win the 2014 title. This will be Highlands' best shot at another title for the next few years.

You don't expect me to believe that do you?

[Hoot Gibson]

You don't expect me to believe that do you?

I don't really care whether you do or not. JC is a very young team that will return a ton of talent. Its 8th grade team won the state title this weekend, successfully defending its 7th grade title. The talent pipeline is full. Highlands will continue to be a contender for state titles, but it will not be the prohibitive favorite that it has been the past few seasons...believe it or not.

[Mayfieldsportsfan]

Is there any subject in the world that you are not an "expert" on?

:eyeroll:

Us Mayfield fans have been asking the same question for years LMAO!! :biglmao:

[Mr. Friday Nights]

To the question "Can Johnson Central win it all?" the answer is yes. Now it will take a big time game to upend the Bluebirds but if JC can limit possessions and keep the football away from Highlands and shorten the game they will have an opportunity to win it late. If Highlands has numerous possessions it will spell trouble for JC. Highlands is one of the states top passing teams based on statistics. I think the weakest part of JC's defense is their secondary play personally. If the matchup happens it should be one of the better matchups between the two schools.

I would also like to add that a win in this possible matchup does not guarantee a State Title or even an appearance in Bowling Green. Boyle County, Russell County, or Lexington Catholic are all waiting in Region 3 and could beat either Highlands or JC on any given night.

Good luck to JC. I hope to see them win the schools first ever state title. With a little luck it may just happen.

[Mr. Friday Nights]

If these two, JC and Highlands, get the chance to play, it's gonna take a well executed game plan and near flawless execution for JC to be the victors. First of all, the game will be at highlands. I have not had the pleasure of being their but if JC takes care of business the first two rounds I will be there. Second, I'm not sure JC has the defense to stop Highlands and Vis Versa. To me this matchup would have to be decided on three elements:

Field Position. I haven't seen Highlands in person but I doubt they have the ability to beat JC in this aspect as Tyler pack will have the opponent starting at the 20 nearly every time. Highlands in previous match ups has had the benefit of starting at mid field nearly every possession. Not this year.

Time of possession. Maybe not a big factor but still one none the less. Maybe the best way to stop the highlands offense is to keep them off the field, and JC has the ability to do that. JC eat up nearly the entire 4th quarter of the game sealing drive against belfry eating up nearly 10 minutes of game clock.

Turnovers. By far the biggest factor IMO. I honestly feel the team that wins the turnover battle will win the game. You can't knock on belcher much, but if there's one thing it's the way he carries the ball. I thought Matney went away from him in the belfry game for this, along with Jordan ray having a huge night. It's going to be crucial that they don't turn the ball over. I wouldn't be surprised to see this JC secondary come away with a few picks either as they have done all year.

I couldn't agree less with this thought. JC has benefited from poor passing teams on their schedule not so much solid secondary play. When you play in Eastern KY you do not see a lot of quality passing teams. I feel that the secondary play is the weakest link in JC's defense. Just my opinion though.

[tomcatfan722000]

I couldn't agree less with this thought. JC has benefited from poor passing teams on their schedule not so much solid secondary play. When you play in Eastern KY you do not see a lot of quality passing teams. I feel that the secondary play is the weakest link in JC's defense. Just my opinion though.

I actually think this is a good point. I think a lot of what has helped JC was facing qb's like Ian Holbrook and Sam hunter. They did not face a offense like this this year. The Cov Cath should the 2 meet should tell us a lot about JC pass defense.

[Bob Seger]

I couldn't agree less with this thought. JC has benefited from poor passing teams on their schedule not so much solid secondary play. When you play in Eastern KY you do not see a lot of quality passing teams. I feel that the secondary play is the weakest link in JC's defense. Just my opinion though.

The quarterback they faced from Noblesville, Indiana may be the best they will see all season, even in the playoffs.

[Tropic Thunder]

JC played Perry, Harlan, Ashland and Belfry and none of which gave them a game. I think that proves plenty.

[Truth]

Johnson Central's chances would be better, though not great, if they would be playing FTH at Johnson Central. Their chances are slim in Fort Thomas.

[willseeuntheHOUSE]

Still right at three weeks before a match-up between Highlands and JC. What great hype!! The anticipation of that game can only be matched by the game itself. I personally hope we get to have this game. What a game it could be!

[cj2561]

the bad thing about JC is, they will have to play cov cath and highlands to make to the state semi.

I am not saying that they can't beat both of them. all it take is one team have a bad night, or the other team have the best night of the year.

a team like highlands that have 22 starter, can wear down a team that play both ways. so they can take over in the 2nd half. the game they had on ESPN of highlands, there was 11 WR that have a pass. the teams like highlands will be as fresh in the 4th as they are in the 1st Q.

good luck to all EKY teams. I would like to see 5 teams from here make it to state.

[sstack]

Whether this is the season for Highlands to fall or not, I think that the Golden Eagles will be the favorites to win the 2014 title. This will be Highlands' best shot at another title for the next few years.

I think Highlands will be favored again next year with a lot of players returning But I do think there are some lean years following next year, those might be the years JC gets past the third round.

[khsgamenight]

JC already faced the best QB they will see this season in the kid from Noblesville. Granted, it was earlier in the season, but I believe that game will be a big benefit to the Golden Eagles, regardless of what the score was in that game.

[Do-double-gg]

I have seen most of the Johnson Central teams in the Matney era play because I live so close. I believe that this is hands down the best and most balanced team they have had to date. If this team is as young as people say they are then the whole state better watch out next year because things could get ugly. I believe that JC has what it takes this year to beat Highlands but the key to this game will be to get a good quick start and stop Highlands from doing the same thing. If Highlands jumps out with a quick 2 or 3 score lead then this JC offense will have a hard time scoring on a Highlands defense quick enough to get out of a big hole. I think this is possibly the best Mountain team the east has seen since Bell Co won state back in 08 or when ever it was. I have a question for the Highlands people. Where would you put this 2013 Highlands team on both sides of the ball compared to the team a few years ago when Johnson took you to the wire?

[sstack]

I have seen most of the Johnson Central teams in the Matney era play because I live so close. I believe that this is hands down the best and most balanced team they have had to date. If this team is as young as people say they are then the whole state better watch out next year because things could get ugly. I believe that JC has what it takes this year to beat Highlands but the key to this game will be to get a good quick start and stop Highlands from doing the same thing. If Highlands jumps out with a quick 2 or 3 score lead then this JC offense will have a hard time scoring on a Highlands defense quick enough to get out of a big hole. I think this is possibly the best Mountain team the east has seen since Bell Co won state back in 08 or when ever it was. I have a question for the Highlands people. Where would you put this 2013 Highlands team on both sides of the ball compared to the team a few years ago when Johnson took you to the wire?

I would say D is not as strong and offense is better. Do not have one star on offense like a Collinsworth but overflowing very good talent. They sub 10 WR's in and out everyplay, QB throws an excellent ball and two RB's who are opposite type of runners. The offense is a whole lot of fun to watch. D still plays bend but do not break and does not like to give up the big play, very good at stopping teams in the red zone. Strong at stopping runs up the middle weaker on runs around the ends and stopping the pass.

[GrindinSport]

JC all the way!

[Can you dig it?]

JC already faced the best QB they will see this season in the kid from Noblesville. Granted, it was earlier in the season, but I believe that game will be a big benefit to the Golden Eagles, regardless of what the score was in that game.

:dudecomeon: Stellar defenders, too!:betterthanexpected:

[Bob Seger]

:dudecomeon: Stellar defenders, too!:betterthanexpected:

Are you trying to say they are just as stellar as HHS is at defending the belly option?:pondering:

[Bolt]

Highlands>JC

JC> than everyone else.

The two best teams in 4A wont be playing in the title game.

[tomcatfan722000]

Highlands>JC

JC> than everyone else.

The two best teams in 4A wont be playing in the title game.

That's the way it's been in the last 4 or 5 year. With realistically 4 of the top 5 or 6 teams being in the same region. With this year being the exception.

[dns]

Everything would have to go JC way!! I hope they do....

[maximus73]

I feel JC will do it this year, like I've said all year this is a very special group of young men. They have the heart and skill to do it. Stay focused boys .

[Diogenes]

I am sure that HHS is capable of playing a less-than-perfect game. They almost came out and lost to a fairly unremarkable Bryan Station team in the first round a few years. And we've come within a dropped TD pass of doing it ourselves. It CAN be done. Just got to hit them early and hard and keep coming at them.

We should have the advantage in size and strength. They will have the advantage in speed and depth, although we have more depth than we used to. And we absolutely HAVE to get to the QB. I feel our best chance is to apply constant pressure to Houliston, and if that means bringing extra defenders on every play, so be it. All you have to force is one bad throw, and that's a turnover. Turnovers could win or lose this game.

[sstack]

I am sure that HHS is capable of playing a less-than-perfect game. They almost came out and lost to a fairly unremarkable Bryan Station team in the first round a few years. And we've come within a dropped TD pass of doing it ourselves. It CAN be done. Just got to hit them early and hard and keep coming at them.

We should have the advantage in size and strength. They will have the advantage in speed and depth, although we have more depth than we used to. And we absolutely HAVE to get to the QB. I feel our best chance is to apply constant pressure to Houliston, and if that means bringing extra defenders on every play, so be it. All you have to force is one bad throw, and that's a turnover. Turnovers could win or lose this game.

That BS team had a ton of talent,size and speed, but really poor coaching.
I am sure HHS would love to have JC bring an extra defender all night, they have so many weapons to throw the ball to, that if you do not defend them all, he will pick you apart. This is the best over all group of skilled players I have seen at HHS. You are probably right about your comments about size and speed, not too sure of the strength comment, HHS boys might not be big but spend a lot of time in wt room, those boys are all muscle and no fat beer bellies.