Preview: Covington Catholic at Highlands
- Updated: August 22, 2023
Highlands QB Brody Benke (photo by: James Bates/TriStateFootball.com)
It is a rivalry that is second to none as Covington Catholic heads to Highlands in our Blitz 5 Game of the Week. They are football royalty in Northern Kentucky with 31 state championships between them. Both schools believe they have what it takes to bring home another crown for their programs. Friday night will give us a great glimpse into whether these squads can still be standing after the first weekend in December.
#12 COVINGTON CATHOLIC COLONELS (1-0) at #24 HIGHLANDS BLUEBIRDS (1-0)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., August 25, 2023
David Cecil Stadium
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Covington Catholic offense can hurt you through the air or on the ground. Senior quarterback Evan Pitzer amassed 334 yards (271 pass, 63 rush) with a touchdown pass and a touchdown run in last Friday’s win over Ryle. University of Kentucky commit Willie Rodriguez had three receptions for 75 yards and a score. Their classmate, “Mr. Reliable,” Owen Leen had 16 carries for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Braylon Miller has the ability to change the game on both sides of the ball. Senior Ben Reeves and junior Tate Kruer were outstanding for the Colonels defense in last week’s victory. Kruer had eight solo tackles, Reeves had two sacks and both forced a fumble.
Brody Benke is the catalyst for the Highlands’ offense. The senior has 31 passing, 10 rushing and three receiving touchdowns in his career. Classmates, running back Cameron Giesler and receiver Carson Class, are weapons at the skill positions. Class has 39 career receptions, of which 15 have gone for touchdowns. Three players primed for big years on the Bluebirds defense are seniors, defensive back Nate Welch, linebacker Luke Schneider and defensive end Carson Shelton. Schneider and Shelton combined for three sacks in last week’s win at Lexington Catholic.
TEAM TRENDS: Covington Catholic moves down to Class 4A. It will be the first time in eight years that the Colonels and Highlands haven’t been Class 5A, District 5 foes. Before that they battled for the Class 4A, District 7 championship.
It has been nine years since Highlands won the last of its 23 state championships. It is the longest streak in between titles since the Bluebirds won their first crown in 1960.
Covington Catholic hasn’t started 2-0 since 2020. Highlands got out of the gate at 2-0 in 2021.
HEAD COACHES:
Highlands: Bob Sphire (15-9 at Highlands, third year; 35th year overall)
Covington Catholic: Eddie Eviston (87-22 at Covington Catholic, ninth year; 122-30 overall, 12th year)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Highlands
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), 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).
Covington Catholic
State Champion (eight) – 2019 (5A), 2017 (5A), 2006 (3A), 1997 (3A), 1994 (3A), 1993 (3A), 1988 (3A) & 1987 (3A).
State Runner-up (one) – 2018 (5A).
COVINGTON CATHOLIC’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Senior leadership will be big on this night. The Colonels couldn’t close out Highlands a year ago. This team is far more experienced and has a deeper veteran presence than last year. Covington Catholic was still searching for that, the last time these two schools met. Showing a killer instinct couldn’t come at a better time.
HIGHLANDS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Last season the Bluebirds made things hard for themselves with several first half miscues before rebounding after intermission to beat CovCath. Attention to detail is a must. Clean up sloppy play and the Highlands will be flying as the final seconds tick off the clock.
Prediction: Covington Catholic 24, Highlands 21
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Written By: Greg Shoemaker / TriStateFootball.com
Date provided: August 22, 2023
Highlands QB Brody Benke (photo by: James Bates/TriStateFootball.com)
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