MOUNT VERNON, Ky. - Eamon Mueller ran for two touchdowns and quarterback Gino Guidugli passed for two, but it was a determined defense that stood out in Highlands' 41-9 victory over Rockcastle County in the Class AAA state semifinal Friday night.

        The Bluebirds play Owensboro in pursuit of their 15th state title and third Class AAA crown in four years next Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cardinal Stadium in Louisville. It's a rematch of last year's final.

        “This is what we've been aiming for,” Highlands coach Dale Mueller said. “This is what these seniors have been aiming for.”

        The Bluebirds defense allowed just 120 yards Friday night.

        “Three more interceptions,” Highlands defensive coordiantor Mike Burns noted. “I don't think it's the best effort, but it's pretty good. (Rockcastle County) averaged 43 points a game. They had great speed. We shut them down.”

        Burns' last sentence was an understatement.

        Highlands allowed just 35 yards passing and 85 rushing. Senior Chris Schneider intercepted two passes for the second straight week, and the Bluebirds sacked Rockcastle senior quarterback Chris Parsons four times.

        “They were one of the finest offensive teams in the state,” said Highlands senior linebacker Brent Grover, who went over 200 tackles for the season. “I was just reading plays, making tackles. We didn't do a lot of special stuff.”

        Rockcastle County coach Tom Larkey knew his sophomore- and junior-laden team was in for a long night.

        “I don't see anybody stopping (Highlands),” Larkey said. “They're a superior team with superior athletes.”

        Rockcastle County'sd defense has traditionally been strong against passing teams - the Rockets once held University of Kentucky and Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch to 83 yards when Couch was at Leslie County. But the Highlands offense on Friday was a different matter entirely.

        The Bluebirds gained 445 Friday, and Guidugli's 221 yards gave him 4,055 for the year.

        Highlands ended the suspense fairly quickly.

        After the Bluebird defense held to open the game, Guidugli found senior Kevin Mulroney for 17 yards and senior Jake Donelan for 44. Mueller cleaned up with his 1-yard plunge with 8:28 left in the first.

        Mulroney finished with five catches for 112 yards.

        Highlands' second touchdown drive - which Mueller capped with an 8-yard run with 3:12 left in the first quarter - was an example of what the Bluebirds did all night. Guidugli passed to Mulroney for 16 yards and senior Burke Lofland for 14 set up the score.

        Junior Matt Gramstad made it 21-0 Highlands 30 seconds into the second quarter on a 15-yard run in which he broke two tackles, and a Guidugli-to-Mulroney bomb for 41 yards made it 28-0 with 8:44 to go in the half.

        Rockcastle County senior Sean Smith was whistled three times for jumping offside in the first half, but he made up for it a little by sacking Guidugli for a safety with 3:43 left in the half.

        Schneider decided going for a third straight state title is nicer than winning the first two.

        “Every game's a team thing, offense and defense both” Schneider said. “We know we can play with anyone ... The fact that it's my senior year makes it even more special.”

        Highlands ....... 14 14 6 7-41

        Rockcastle County ....... 0 2 0 7-9

        H-E. Mueller 1 run (Chuke kick)

        H-E. Mueller 8 run (Chuke kick)

        H-Gramstad 15 run (Chuke kick)

        H-Mulroney 41 pass from G. Guidugli (Chuke kick)

        RC-Safety, Smith tackled G. Guidugli in end zone

        H-Hamblen 5 pass from G. Guidugli (kick failed)

        H-Lofland 25 pass from Donelan (Chuke kick)

        RC-Reagan 1 run (Terry kick)

        Records: H 13-1, RC 13-1.

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