TriStateFootball.com

Ryle dominates Highlands

FT. THOMAS, Ky. – Coming off a blowout loss to Scott County last Friday, Highlands attempted to get back on track on Friday night against Ryle. That’s didn’t end so well as Ryle defeated the Bluebirds 48-24 on a wet, Friday night at David Cecil Memorial Stadium.

The first half went back-and-forth between the two teams, but Highlands took the first lead of the game halfway through the first quarter on a Jarod Dougherty 45-yard field goal to give Highlands its first lead in two weeks.

That lead didn’t last long, however, as Ryle’s Collin England broke a few long runs before scoring on a six-yard carry to give the Raiders a 7-3 lead.

The Bluebirds responded within a minute with an Austin Hergott 61-yard pass to Eric Miller, giving Highlands’ its last lead of the game.

Each team exchanged scores and it was tied at 17 going into halftime.

After the break, the game was all Ryle.

The Raiders began their third quarter with a 32-yard field goal by Mason Molique to take a 20-17 lead early in the third quarter. That was followed by two touchdowns, a 15-yard pass from Tanner Morgan to Bryce Ashley and a Mitchell Bateman 28-yard run. By the middle of the fourth quarter, it was Ryle leading 34-17.

Highlands got one more score late in the game on a Hergott pass to T.J. Sipple, but still couldn’t stop the Ryle offense, which responded with another Bateman run from nine yards out to cap the scoring.

The Ryle offense was led by running back Mitchell Bateman, who rushed for 147 yards and three touchdowns. England also had over 100 yards and a touchdown. Tanner Morgan ended the game going 22-for33 passing with 249 yards and a touchdown for the Raiders.

Austin Hergott paced Highlands’ offense with 191 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Ryle dominated in total offense, 545-267.

The loss sent the Bluebirds’ record to 1-3 to start the season for the first time since 1967.

Ryle (4-0) will return home to face Campbell County next Friday night, while the Bluebirds (1-3) will stay home to take on Louisville St. Xavier.

Watch Clayton’s interview with Ryle head coach Mike Engler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5Z4AYTmlQE

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