Rick Broering, Enquirer contributor
For several years, Highlands rolled over Northern Kentucky opponents with little resistance. Last year, some of the other top local programs closed the gap as Cooper, Ryle, and Simon Kenton all dealt the Bluebirds a loss.
After an up-and-down 2015 campaign that included a 1-5 start before a seven-game win streak and state semifinals appearance, Highlands will have plenty to play for in 2016. The Bluebirds will be looking to avenge their three losses to local teams and reclaim their throne atop Northern Kentucky, while also holding off improved Covington Catholic and Dixie Heights teams within their district.
Highlands coach Brian Weinrich likes the determination of this year's team and their commitment to playing for each other.
"We have had a great attitude and work ethic since January," Weinrich said. "They have bought into getting better each day and doing what is best for the team."
For the sixth time in as many years, the Bluebirds will be breaking in a new starting quarterback as senior Brady Gosney takes over the job. He'll be aided by six returning starters around him. Seniors Grant Murray and Jared Pulsfort should carry the running game.
On defense, the Bluebirds' secondary should be their strength as they return starters Brad Greene, Sam Taylor, and Kyle Rust. Seniors Trey Bowden and Trent Webster should standout at linebacker while returning senior starter Jacob Johnson will be looked to as a leader on the line.
CovCath is hoping its combination of a few top talents, increased overall experience, and more familiarity with their coaching staff will lead to a major step forward in 2016.
"We had a good number of young guys gain valuable experience last season due to injuries, etc. and now we have more experience on the field as we enter the 2016 season," CovCath coach Eddie Eviston said. "Plus it will be their second year with our staff and new offensive and defensive systems."
Junior quarterback AJ Mayer is one of the more talented signal-callers in the area, and he already has a full season of varsity football under his belt. Look for him to put up big numbers in his second year under Eviston's guidance. Senior Anthony Best will give the Colonels a versatile playmaker out of the backfield on offense. Hunter Ziegelmeyer, Returning seniors Hunter Ziegelmeyer, Alex Shelton, and Josh Galvin will anchor the line.
Shelton, a linebacker, and Galvin, a lineman, will also be looked at to lead the Covington Catholic defense. Junior Kameron Butler emerged as a special talent on the defensive line last year as a sophomore and should be a force as a junior.
Dixie is the most interesting team in the district. The Colonels struggled to a 3-9 record during a rebuilding year in 2015. Dave Brossart's team was inexperienced and injured last season, but should be much more talented better in 2016 due to players gaining experience, injured players getting healthy, and even new names making an impact.
Senior Jose Torres burst onto the scene last year after being inserted into the lineup because of injuries to the players in front of him. He returns after leading the team in rushing, as do all five starting linemen from last year. Senior Cameron Barrett is healthy after missing most of last season with an injury, and will also be back in the mix to get some carries this year. Look for junior Brandon Barker to find some offensive touches as well. The addition of junior Winton Woods transfer Giante Hicks should add another dynamic playmaker to the Dixie offense.
Finding consistent quarterback play will be a big key after graduating last year's starter, Gunther Faeth. – senior Noah Smedley is listed as the team's only quarterback on its 65-man roster.
Barrett will anchor the Colonels' defense from his linebacker position. Hicks is also expected to make an impact on both sides of the ball. He'll join Zach Borchers in a secondary that should be a strength of this year's team.
Grant County looks to still be a few steps behind the other programs in 5A district 5. The Braves are entering their first season under the direction of new head coach Jamey Dalzell. Quarterback Tanner Souder, running back Nick Stephenson, and linemen Trenton Dalton and Jacob Fryman will be looked to for senior leadership on a team that's going to be asking several sophomores to perform at the varsity level.
District capsules
Coach: Brian Weinrich (21-8)
2015 record: 8-6 Division: 5A District 5
Social media accounts: @HighlandsFB on Twitter.
Key players: Sr. DB Brad Greene; Sr. DB Sam Taylor; Sr. RB Grant Murray; Sr. RB Jared Pulsfort; Sr. QB Brady Gosney; Sr. OL Kyle Finfrock.
Game to watch: Oct. 17, Covington Catholic
Outlook: Highlands returns six starters on offense and five starters on defense from a team that had an up-and-down 2015 campaign but ultimately ended up sweeping this district and reaching the state semifinals. Seniors Grant Murray and Jared Pulsfort return after finishing as the Bluebirds' second- and third-leading rushers last season. Senior Brady Gosney steps into the quarterback role after completing 11 of 34 attempts with no touchdowns and three interceptions as a backup last year. He'll have a talented receiving corp to pass to, highlighted by juniors Braden Posey and Nick Veneman. Bradley Greene will lead the secondary on defense after intercepting a team-high four passes last year.