Highlands' Rob Smith (6-5, 295) is a Mr. Football candidate. (Ernest Coleman photos) | ZOOM |

        The Bermuda grass on Highlands' football practice field is new. So is the “4 for 4” painted on one hillside. But the Bluebirds' place in the Enquirer's Northern Kentucky coaches poll is not.

        Highlands, the three-time defending Class AAA state champions, is again the top-rated team in the Enquirer's Northern Kentucky coaches poll and received all but one first-place vote.

        Beechwood, state Class A runner-up Newport Central Catholic, Dixie Heights and Boone County round out the top five.

        “We're honored to be No.1,” Highlands coach Dale Mueller said.

PRESEASON POLL

1. Highlands (12) ....... 129   2. Beechwood (1) ....... 96   3. NewCath ....... 78   4. Dixie Heights ....... 73   5. Boone Co. ....... 68   6. CovCath ....... 60   7. Ryle ....... 56   8. Simon Kenton ....... 49   9. Holmes ....... 46   10. Campbell Co. ....... 17   Others: Lloyd 14, Conner 13, Bellevue 5, Newport 3.

        When it comes to state titles, Highlands is alone — 15 titles in Class AA and AAA, including the last three AAA crowns and four of the last five (Covington Catholic won in 1997).

        But there is one thing the Bluebirds haven't done: win four in a row. Beechwood did that from 1991-94 in Class A.

        Beechwood found itself in an unfamiliar role last season — out of the playoffs in the second round, following a 17-14 loss to NewCath. Yet the Louisville Courier-Journal rated the Tigers first in the state this year, followed by defending state champion Danville and NewCath.

        It's a ranking with which Beechwood coach Mike Yeagle does not agree.

Beechwood coach Mike Yeagle watches practice from a nearby rooftop. | ZOOM |

        “I don't think there's any question NCC is the team to beat in Class A (in Northern Kentucky),” Yeagle said. “Danville has everybody back.”

        And Beechwood? Lots of new faces — 10 new starters on de fense and nine on offense.

        Senior linebacker Joe Brady, who is committed to playing at Kentucky next season, leads the defense.

        NewCath coach Bob Schneider wants people to know the Thoroughbreds have more than senior running back Steve Everson, who ran for 2,154 yards and 27 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Jeff Smith threw for 1,549 yards and 15 TDs, and senior linebackers Tyler Barto and Vail Brennan had 145 and 122 tackles, respectively.

        “We're pretty balanced,” Schneider said. “We're going to give people some trouble.”

        Dixie Heights begins its first season in Class AAAA with 21 returning seniors, and junior quarterback Matt O'Toole threw for 1,700 yards. The Colonels' concern is defense. Only four starters are back, led by senior lineman Mike Polly, who is being recruited by Vanderbilt, Cincinnati and Miami University.

LB Joe Brady leads the Beechwood defense. | ZOOM |

        Boone County coach Rick Thompson often wondered who would start at running back last year due to injuries. This year, senior Greg Bowling (840 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns) and junior James Brown are back.

        CovCath is trying to rebound from two straight losing seasons. Senior linebacker David Paul (165 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 16 fumbles forced) and senior quar terback Tim Grogan (1,875 yards passing and 11 touchdowns) should be major contributors.

        The Ryle Raiders have been through more hard times. Sophomore Danny Arnett was killed in a traffic accident and was the second football player to die in less than a year.

        Senior running back Travis Grant, who suffered a knee injury in the November 2000 accident that killed teammate Travis Alig, is back. He ran for 1,400 yards last year.

        “Travis Grant is pound for pound the toughest kid I know,” Ryle coach Kyle Hockman said. “He will hopefully return to form.”

        Holmes seeks a third consecutive winning season. Two-thirds of last year's backfield — junior quarterback Brandent Englemon (1,419 yards passing, 11 TDs) and senior running back Dartez Parm — are back, along with senior linebacker James Jackson (153 tackles).

        Simon Kenton will rely on senior running back Matt Schoborg to replace Daniel Morrison in the backfield. Linebacker Craig Cooper (107 tackles) leads the defense.

        Campbell County has suffered back-to-back 2-8 seasons. Senior running back Kip Mason ran for more than 1,000 yards last year, and Nathan Hater had more than 1,500 all-purpose yards.

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