After an opening loss to Simon Kenton High School last Friday, September 11, the Highlands varsity football team hopes to gain a more equal footing with Ryle High School tonight. 

     Based on last week’s game, head varsity football coach Brian Weinrich was excited by how they played, but knows there is ample room for improvement. 

     “I am very pleased with the team’s overall performance against Simon Kenton,” Weinrich said.” It was a very unique situation that we faced going into our first game. We made some mistakes, which was to be expected,” he continued. “However, we did not lack effort.”

     The Bluebirds took on the Simon Kenton High School Pioneers in the season opener, the beginning of an unconventional season with stadium capacity limited to only 20 percent. Although the Birds put up a consistent fight throughout the game and a strong defense, they ultimately lost 27-14. 

     The first quarter was marked by a Simon Kenton touchdown, which left the Birds down by 10 as they entered the second quarter. However, a strong defensive line and a touchdown by sophomore Charlie Noon turned things around, giving the Bluebirds a fighting chance with the scoreboard showing Simon Kenton in the lead 13-7 headed into halftime. 

     Senior Mason South saved a fumble in the third quarter, helping the team out. Following a string of offensive successes by the Pioneers, the Birds weren’t able to pull through with a win. There is nevertheless a lot to look forward to in the weeks to come. 

     South reflected on the game, saying, “We have a lot of young guys being asked to step up and contribute. I think Friday was a learning experience. This week we will spend a lot of time seeing ourselves on film and correcting our mistakes.”

     Weinrich remains optimistic about the team’s prospects moving forward, mentioning that the team is still in “training camp” mode. 

     “We are looking to get better each and every day. With our situation, we have to do that in a hurry. We play our first district game in two weeks. We are playing to win every game.”

     The Bluebirds will compete in David Cecil Memorial Stadium again on September 25, when they face off against Boyle County High School.