HIGHLANDS (1-3) AT ST. XAVIER (2-1)
* Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
* Storyline: Teams have won a combined 35 state titles.
* Highlands: After opening the season with a 52-42 victory over Cooper, the Bluebirds have lost three in a row after falling to Ryle 50-14 last week. Highlands’ defense has struggled all season, allowing 39.5 points per game. Senior quarterback Brady Gosney has competed 62 of 97 passes for 800 yards and five touchdowns. Senior Grant Murray (324 yards, four TDs) is the top rusher.
* St. Xavier: The Tigers rolled past Central 51-7 last week, avenging last year’s 20-17 loss. Senior quarterback Desmond Ridder was solid in his 2016 debut, completing 7 of 8 passes for 83 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 109 yards and two scores. Senior fullback Mack Blincoe had four receptions for 35 yards and two TDs. The Tigers beat the Bluebirds 37-6 last season.
* Quotable: “It should not have surprised me that Desmond was ready to go,” Tigers coach Will Wolford said. “He had a great preseason … and he had a very good week of preparation. He’s been hitting on all cylinders from the very beginning.”
* The pick: St. Xavier 41-14.