Thursday, November 30, 2000
Highlands lands 4 on all-state 1st team
Guidugli, Scott, Hamblen, Grover selected
The Associated Press
Highlands coach Dale Mueller has watched over the years as a host of his players received postseason accolades. But he was stunned to learn the Bluebirds (13-1) placed four players on the 2000 Associated Press all-state football team.
Quarterback Gino Guidugli, wideout Brett Hamblen, defensive lineman Ben Scott and linebacker Brent Grover all received first-team honors.
“We've had a lot of good ones here, but I can't ever remember having four selected first-team all-state,” said Mueller, who is preparing his squad for Saturday's Class AAA state championship game against Owensboro.
Scott and Grover, defensive mainstays for the past three seasons, both are making their second straight appearances on the first team. Hamblen was a first-team selection as a defensive back last season, while Guidugli was an honorable mention pick at quarterback.
Guidugli, who probably will sign with Kentucky but is being courted by the likes of Notre Dame, Florida State and Ohio State, completed 239 of 368 passes for 4,055 yards and a school-record 48 touchdowns this season.
Hamblen caught 65 passes for 1,374 yards and a state-record 27 TDs while also playing full time as a defensive back.
Scott, who has committed to Kentucky, and Grover, who is being wooed by Georgia Tech, Northwestern and Purdue, served as the backbone of the Bluebirds defense.
Also honored Wednesday was Beechwood DB Mike Nie, a first-teamer.
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Highlands lands 4 on all-state 1st team