The Highlands Bluebirds are once again going strong as they have landed a spot in this year’s playoffs. After months of early mornings, tough practices, and relentless determination, the team’s hard work has paid off. From thrilling wins to lessons learned in close and lost games, the Bluebirds have battled their way to another postseason appearance. At Highlands High School, football and the playoffs aren’t just a goal but a tradition as the birds have won 23 state championships. This year’s playoff run shows how hard Highlands players and coaches have worked all season. The playoffs are all about teamwork, pride, and keeping the school’s strong football tradition going. Every game is a chance to make new memories and add to Highlands’ history.
“Oh, it’s a whole body of work; they put in months and months before the season ever started. Nothing great happens without hard work.” Coach Bob Sphire said.
The Bluebirds finished the regular season with an 8–2 record and have been placed 8th in the state, an improvement from the previous year. In 2024, they held the Kentucky rank at 10 and lost in the third round of the KHSAA 5A playoffs. While Sphire does not focus much on records, he knows consistency and effort are what have gotten them to this point.
“I’m a week-to-week guy. I do know we’re eight and two this season.” Sphire said.
From the start of the season, players and the coach knew this team was a well-rounded team and could easily be led to success. Last year, Highlands lost in the 3rd round of the playoffs against Collins High School.
Beating tough teams like Frederick Douglass and Cooper early gave the Highlands team the confidence they needed to believe in themselves and push harder every week. To be successful as a football team, it is important to take the extra time and work; the people watching the game don’t always see this.
“All the extra practice and all the work we do in the weight room. No one’ll ever see that, but that’s how we get it’s good as we are.” Max Merz (12) said.
That confidence carried into one of the biggest wins of the year, beating rival Covington Catholic at home. For the seniors, it was a moment they’ll never forget.
“…beating Cov Cath just because it was the first time that we beat them at home in like, 12 years. So that definitely felt good,” Kai Anderson (11) said.
This win was very special to Highlands, not just because of the rivalry, but also motivated the team, giving them a boost of confidence to continue the season strongly. Sphire said the team has grown through one of the hardest schedules in the state, and every game has made them better.
“It’s been a very difficult schedule that we played by design, and we wanted to play a really tough schedule… And I think that has allowed them to really grow against great competition,” Sphire said.
For Highlands, every game counts, not just the playoffs. The games in the past have allowed them to participate in the playoffs. Team chemistry has also been a huge part of Highlands’ success this season. In the end, it all comes down to trust and experience.
“Everybody on the line, except for Andrew Swope (11), number 51, is a senior this year. So we have played football for all four years together. So I think it really helps that we have that team bond, that team experience,” Weston Higgason (12) said.
Highlands seniors’ chemistry has helped move the team to success this year, but as the playoffs begin, practices have started to feel different, and the team has started to feel the pressure of knowing what’s at stake.
“They bought into the process, they bought into the plan, and they’ve worked ever since the end of last season,” Sphire said.
The first round of the playoffs takes place on Friday at David Cecil Memorial Stadium, as Highlands faces Greenup County at 7 p.m.
