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2024 Video Snapshot: Highlands

It has taken Bob Sphire three years to resurrect the Highlands football program back to its “blue blood” status in the Bluegrass State. The head coach led the Bluebirds to the state semifinals last season falling just short of the schools 30th appearance in the state championship game (and first since 2014). For Sphire the next step is reloading the roster, the rebuilding process is now over in Fort Thomas.

Class 5A, District 6
2023 RECORD: 12-2, 4-0 Class 5A, District 6
COACH: Bob Sphire (26-11 at Highlands, three years; 305-114 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Max Merz, Jr, OL/DL – One of the state’s real gems in the Class of 2026. Merz sets the tone for the offense with his blocking up front. He was named Division II All-NKY and Second Team All-TriState Football as a sophomore. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Merz has offers from Louisville, Kent State, Marshall, Toledo and Troy.

Highlands OL Max Merz (photo by: Chris Granger / X: @regnargc)

Adam Surrey, Sr, WR/DB – A Division II All-NKY (WR) selection in 2023, Surrey is one of the Bluebirds top playmakers. He had 39 receptions for 584 yards with five touchdown catches, two passing touchdowns, one rushing score and one punt return for a touchdown as a junior. Surrey has offers from Marshall, Thomas More and Mount Union.

OTHER RETURNEES
Jackson Arnold, Sr, WR/DB – Will be an impact player on both sides of the ball. Arnold found the end zone eight times on 25 receptions for 402 yards as a junior. He also had 11 tackles on defense. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Arnold has an offer from Air Force.

Tyus McCarter, Sr, WR/DB – Blossomed in the defensive backfield last fall. McCarter will also be a threat as a receiver. He has 42 total tackles, one interception, 10 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown catch in a Bluebirds uniform.

Torin Bryant, Sr, OL/DL – Will be counted on to provide leadership in the trenches. Bryant just picked up his first offer from Mount St. Joseph.Ethan Grimm, Sr, RB/LB – One of the known commodities on the Highlands defense. Grimm tallied 70 total tackles, had two sacks, nine tackles for losses, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as a junior.

Devon James, Sr, RB/LB – Opportunity knocks for this senior who has bided his time behind some pretty good backfield talent that came before him. James ran for 207 yards a year ago.

Jackson White, Sr, RB – Like James, White will see his role on offense increase this season. He ran for 144 yards and had eight catches for 74 yards and a touchdown as a junior.

Diego Race, Sr, OL/DL – A returning starter on a defense that allowed seven points or less six times in the final seven tilts of 2023. Race has 14 total tackles and a pair of sacs at the varsity level.

Tommy Ferring, Sr, TE/DE – Like Arnold, Ferring has the knack for making the big plays. Five of Ferring’s nine career receptions (for 126 yards) have gone for touchdowns.

Rio Litmer, Jr, QB – Gets the keys to run the explosive Bluebirds offense. Splitting time with Brody Benke last fall, Litmer still managed to throw for 1,110 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also ran for 119 yards and a pair of scores as a sophomore.

NEWCOMERS
Juniors OL/DL Mason Howard, RB/LB Isaac Niemann, as well as sophomores QB/TE/LB Tayden Lorenzen, WR/DB Chase Jacob, QB/TE/WR/K Cale Harris and RB/DB Gabe Williams all have a chance to crack the starting lineup. With his ability to run, catch and throw Lorenzen is the perfect candidate to fill the void in the Bluebirds backfield left behind by the 2023 TriState Football Northern Kentucky Offensive Player of the Year, Brody Benke.

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).

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – LEXINGTON CATHOLIC (9-5 in 2023) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – at Covington Catholic (14-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – at Campbell County (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – at Ryle (8-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – RACELAND (11-4) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – COOPER (12-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – DIXIE HEIGHTS (5-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – at Boone County (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – at Conner (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – SCOTT (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 11/01/24 – BYE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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