Like most fans in Kentucky, Doss High School football coach Phillip Hawkins is well-aware of the storied tradition of the Highlands program and its 23 state championships.
But Hawkins said most of his players at Doss did not know about the tradition they’ll be up against Friday when the Bluebirds from Northern Kentucky visit Louisville.
“I likened them to the Dallas Cowboys,” Hawkins said. “I explained to them how there are so many Dallas Cowboys fans around the country who don’t live in Texas. Highlands has that kind of fan base. There will be folks from other parts of the state and Southern Indiana who will come to this game just to see Highlands play.”
The Dragons (5-5) will host the Bluebirds (3-7) at 7:30 p.m. Friday in an intriguing first-round Class 5-A playoff contest. When it comes to playoff success, the programs are polar opposites.
Highlands’ 23 state titles are tied with Trinity for the most in state history. The Bluebirds have won 24 straight times in the first round of the playoffs, their last first-round defeat coming to Montgomery County in the 1991 Class 3-A playoffs.
Doss has 12 playoff victories in its history, the last one coming in 2014 against Spencer County in the first round of the Class 4-A playoffs.
“For our program, it’s a big opportunity to have some people who otherwise might not see Doss take a look in on us,” Hawkins said. “It’s a big deal for us.”
Doss could be catching Highlands at the perfect time.
The Bluebirds endured a seven-game losing streak earlier this season and would need to win the state championship in order to avoid their first losing season since going 4-5-1 in 1955.
Third-year coach Brian Weinrich won a state title in 2014, his first season after replacing legendary coach Dale Mueller, but has gone 11-13 over the past two seasons. The Bluebirds were 5-5 in the regular season last year but reached the Class 5-A semifinals before falling to Pulaski County.
To make a similar playoff run this year Highlands must shore up a defense that is allowing 41.1 points per game. The Bluebirds have allowed 50 or more points three times this season, including a 77-53 loss to Simon Kenton and a 63-26 loss to Covington Catholic.
“Athlete to athlete, we’re going to have the advantage there,” Hawkins said. “I think we’re a whole lot more athletic. But they’re a whole lot more disciplined.”
Senior quarterback Brady Gosney has passed for 2,398 yards and 26 touchdowns, with junior Nick Veneman (42 catches, 898 yards, 11 touchdowns) his top target. Senior Grant Murray (842 yards, eight TDs) leads the rushing attack.
Hawkins has been pleased with the balance of his offense led by junior quarterback Deon Pumphry (1,469 yards passing, 15 TDs) and senior running back Hamilton Wilson (1,204 yards, 12 TDs). Senior Christian McClain (47 catches, 828 yards, seven TDs) is the top receiver.
“Obviously 5-5 is not where we wanted to be this year, but we could very well be 8-2 or 9-1,” Hawkins said. “I really think Highlands will have trouble stopping us. … I think the difference in the game will be whether their quarterback can stay composed enough to get his passes off.
“We’re still a little immature, but we’re athletic and that can make up for some of that immaturity.”
Jason Frakes can be reached at (502) 582-4046 and jfrakes@courier-journal.com.
GAME OF THE WEEK
* Who: Highlands (3-7) at Doss (5-5).
* When: 7:30 p.m.
* Jason’s pick: Highlands 34-30.