Friday, September 29, 2000
Fearless Predictions: N.Ky. games
By Ray Schaefer
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Covington Catholic (1-4) at Highlands (4-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Highlands HS, 2400 Memorial Parkway, Fort Thomas
WHAT TO KNOW: Today opens Class AAA district play for both teams.
On paper, Highlands appears to have every edge: a 19-game winning streak on its home field; a three-game winning streak over CovCath dating to 1998; a combined score of 152-47.
CovCath has had two weeks to prepare for Highlands and ponder its 14-0 loss to Beechwood.
The Colonels' obvious objectives: keep Highlands senior quarterback Gino Guidugli (81-for-137, 1,257 yards, 16 touchdowns) from passing to senior Brett Hamblen (21 catches, 465 yards, 10 TDs); and find a way for junior quarterback Tim Grogan (his 851 passing yards is second to Guidugli) to throw to senior Pete Dressman (15 catches, 287 yards).
The last time CovCath was 1-4, it rolled to 11 wins and the 1994 Class AAA state title. It will take a miracle for the Colonels to silence Highlands' cannon tonight.
PICK: Highlands.
Simon Kenton (5-1) at Ryle (3-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Ryle HS, 10379 U.S. 42, Union
WHAT TO WATCH: Northern Kentucky's top two running backs are featured in tonight's Class AAAA district game.
Simon Kenton senior Daniel Morrison has 848 yards, 12 touchdowns and an average of 7.2 yards per carry. Ryle junior Travis Grant is next in yardage with 749, and he averages 6.3 yards per carry.
PICK: Simon Kenton.
Campbell County (2-3) at Boone County (3-2)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Boone County HS, 7056 Burlington Pike, Florence
WHAT TO WATCH: Both the Camels and Rebels are 0-1 in their Class AAAA district, and Campbell County looks for its second victory in three years (the Camels won in 1998).
The tailbacks may tell tonight's tale. Campbell County's Kip Mason (627 yards) ran for three touchdowns and caught a pass for a fourth TD last week against Newport.
Boone County has lost two running backs, senior Timmy King and sophomore James Brown. Tonight, junior Greg Bowling gets his second start.
PICK: Boone County.
Conner (2-3) at Holmes (4-1)
WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., today, Holmes HS, corner of Madison Ave. and 25th Street, Covington
WHAT TO WATCH: Conner and Holmes begin Class AAA district play tonight.
Above all else, Conner must prevent the kind of quick strikes Holmes laid on Woodford County last week: the Bulldogs scored 28 points in the second quarter.
PICK: Holmes.
OTHER GAMES
Beechwood over Dayton
Bellevue over Holy Cross
Newport Central Catholic over Ludlow
Lloyd over Mason County
Newport over Fleming County
Bourbon County over Grant County
Dixie Heights over Scott
Last week: 10-4. Season: 55-16, .775.
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