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Highlands hangs on to advance over Conner

HEBRON, Kentucky – The Highlands Bluebirds used a dominating rushing attack led by quarterback Charlie Noon beating the Connor Cougars 27-16 in a first round 5A playoff game at Fred Nevel Stadium.

The Cougars made a mad dash cutting the deficit to 20-14 with 7:04 left in the game on a seven-yard touchdown run by Colton Roy.

However, Noon answered with a 56-yard touuchdown run with just under three minutes to play in the game to put it out of reach in favor of the Bluebirds.

Noon was impressive with 191 yards rushing on 25 carries and three rushing touchdowns. The sophomore signal caller was effective in the passing game as well despite limited opportunities going 3-for-5 for 82 yards and one touchdown.

Highlands took the opening kickoff and marched down the field in convincing fashion thanks to its offensive line dominating the line of scrimmage.

Noon scored the first of his three rushing touchdown on a 12-yard run. The extra point was blocked by Conner’s Frankie Salzarulo giving the Birds a 6-0 advantage.

Noon scored again with his feet for 16-yards out early in the second quarter extending the lead to 13-0.

Highlands forced a turnover on the ensuing Conner possession when Mason South deflecting a pass into the hands of Bryson Cody for an interception.

The Cougars, who got out of the gates slow, did force a three-and-out after the interception but its offense was stuck in neutral during the first half.

Highlands used it’s passing game late in the half scoring just before the intermission. Noon connected with Ryan DeBurger who made an incredible 45-yard catch setting up a scoring throw to Clayton Lloyd on a post pattern from 23 yards.

Late in the third quarter the Conner offense finally came to life. Cody Crawford made a diving catch to setup the Cougars first-and-goal at the three-yard line. Colton Roy punched it in from there for Conner’s first score.

The Cougars made it a one-possession game with 7:04 left in the game Roy’s second rushing touchdown.

That’s when Noon answered with a 56-yard sprint down the far sideline to finish off the Cougars.

Conner still had enough time to make a threat but Cody’s second interception of the game sealed the victory for the Bluebirds.

Highlands will now face Covington Catholic, who beat Cooper 36-8, in a rematch from earlier in the season when the Colonels shutout the Bluebirds 42-0.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Highlands 6-13-0-7 – 27

Conner 0-0-7-9 – 16

SCORING PLAYS

H – Charlie Noon 12-yard TD run (kick blocked)

H – Charlie Noon 16-yard TD run (David Burleigh kick)

H – Clayton Lloyd 23-yard TD catch from Charlie Noon (David Burleigh kick)

C – Colton Roy 3-yard TD run (Nicholas Keller)

C – Colton Roy 8-yard TD run (Nicholas Keller)

H – Charlie Noon 56-yard TD run (David Burleigh kick)

C – Safety

RECORDS: Conner (3-4); Highlands (5-5)

UP NEXT: Highlands @ Cov Cath and 5A 2nd round

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