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2022 Video Snapshot: Highlands

For the first time in 99 years Highlands enters a season having suffered back-to-back losing campaigns. It last occurred in 1921-22 (1-4-1 in ’21; 2-3 in ’22). This is also the longest streak between state titles (eight years) for the program since winning its first championship in 1960.

You would never know that this team was in the midst of those dubious distinctions. These Bluebirds are chirping with confidence heading into 2022 and pledge that they are out to play “faster” and “nastier” for head coach Bob Sphire in his second year at the school. This squad has the parts to make a serious run at its state title if they can live up to their creedo.

Class 5A, District 5
2021 RECORD: 9-4, 2-2 Class 5A, District 5
COACH: Bob Sphire (5-6 at Highlands, one year; 210-121 overall, 33 years)

HONOR ROLL
Adam Dunn, Sr, DB – Emerged as one of the top defensive backs south of the river in 2021. Dunn was named First Team All-NKY (DB) after recording 52 total tackles, recovering a fumble and intercepting a pass.

Charlie Noon, Sr, ATH – A productive and versatile offensive player. Noon puts up production no matter where you put him. He was named First Team All-NKY and NKY Top 26 as a junior. Noon has thrown for 2,223 yards, ran for 1,749 yards, caught 10 balls 163 yards and accounted for 39 touchdowns (23 pass, 16 rush) in a Highlands uniform.

OTHER RETURNEES
Sam Robinson, Sr, LB – Back for his third season as a starter, Robinson is the heart-and-soul of the Bluebirds defense. He has 86 total tackles, six sacks 17.0 tackles for losses and eight takeaways (four FRs, four INTs) including a scoop-and-score at the varsity level.

Davis Burleigh, Sr, K – A model of consistency in the kicking game. Burleigh has connected on 63/66 extra points and 2/4 field goals for 69 kicking points in his career.

Carson Class, Jr, WR/DB – Has a knack for coming up with the big play. Class averaged 26.7 yards on 12 catches with five touchdowns in 2021. He also tallied 24 total tackles and had a scoop-and-score.

Highlands WR/DB Carson Class (photo by James Bates/TriStateFootball.com)

Cameron Bottom, Jr, QB – Takes over the reins at quarterback. Bottom threw for 484 yards and four touchdowns in five games as a sophomore.

Davis Hinegardner, Jr, slot – Was solid in his first year at the varsity level and will be an integral part of the receiving core this fall. Hinegardner had 15 receptions for 283 yards and three touchdowns in 2021.

Brody Benke, Jr, TE – Will be a red zone beast as a blocker and receiver this fall. Benke threw for 297 yards, had nine receptions for 66 yards and accounted for nine touchdowns (five pass, three rec, one rush) in eight games as a sophomore.


PLAYOFF HISTORY
State Champion (23) – 2014 (4A), 2012 (4A), 2011 (4A), 2010 (5A), 2009 (5A), 2008 (5A), 2007 (5A), 2004 (3A), 2000 (3A), 1999 (3A), 1998 (3A), 1996 (3A), 1992 (3A), 1989 (3A), 1982 (3A), 1981 (3A), 1977 (3A), 1975 (3A), 1970 (3A), 1968 (2A), 1964 (2A), 1961 (2A) & 1960 (2A).

State Runner-up (six) –  2013 (4A), 2003 (3A), 1995 (3A), 1966 (2A), 1963 (2A) & 1959 (2A).

2022 SCHEDULE
Sa – 08/20/22 – South Warren (14-1 in 2021) – 5:00 PM – Rafferty’s Bowl
Fri – 08/26/22 – SIMON KENTON (2-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Campbell County (1-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – RACELAND (12-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – at Ryle (9-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – DIXIE HEIGHTS (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – at Conner (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – BOONE COUNTY (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – at Covington Catholic (9-4)  – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/21/22 – COOPER (7-4)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/28/22 – BYE
*at Western Kentucky University

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