The Highlands (Fort Thomas, KY) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Pulaski County (Somerset, KY) on Friday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 5A.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Highlands (KY) vs Pulaski County (KY)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Pulaski County vs. Highlands: A Comparison of High School Football Powerhouses

As the high school football season progresses, two teams from Kentucky, Pulaski County and Highlands, stand out with impressive records and key player performances. Both teams have established themselves as strong contenders in their respective districts, but how do they compare when it comes to stats and overall performance? Let’s break down their rankings, records, scoring averages, and team comparisons to get a clearer picture of what each squad brings to the field.

Team Records and Rankings

• Pulaski County has a solid overall record of 9-4, with a district record of 4-0, maintaining an undefeated streak in the district. The team has shown resilience on the road with a 3-2 away record and a 1-1 performance in neutral-site games. Their overall win percentage stands at .692.
• Highlands, on the other hand, boasts an even more impressive record of 11-2 overall, with a 4-1 district mark. The team has been dominant at home (5-1), while also showing consistency away (5-1) and in neutral games (1-0). Highlands has a high win percentage of .846 and a district win percentage of .800, which highlights their consistency in district play.

Scoring Averages

Looking at team scoring averages, Pulaski County has put up an average of 38.3 points per game over the course of the season. Their scoring distribution reflects a strong finish in the fourth quarter, averaging 14.2 points per game during that period. However, their performance in the third quarter seems to dip, with only 1.4 points scored on average in that frame.

Highlands, on the other hand, averages 40.8 points per game, with a more balanced scoring spread. They start strong with 13.3 points in the first quarter and maintain a steady pace in the second quarter (12.8 points). Their third-quarter output dips a bit to 7.6 points, but they hold firm through the game’s final quarter, scoring 6.0 points on average.

Team Stat Comparison

• Pulaski County averages 158.5 rushing yards per game and 198.2 passing yards per game, for a total of 356.6 yards per game. This shows they are a well-rounded team, balanced between the air and the ground game. Pulaski County also averages 44.9 tackles per game, reflecting a strong defensive presence.
• Highlands takes a more potent offensive approach, leading with 185.6 receiving yards per game and 198.2 passing yards per game. They combine these with 158.5 rushing yards to average a total of 356.6 yards per game, the same as Pulaski County. Highlands has a slightly lower 44.9 tackles per game but makes up for it with 1.4 sacks per game, showing their ability to pressure the quarterback.

Key Players to Watch

For Pulaski County, several standout players have contributed to their success:

• Jack White leads the team in rushing, averaging 74.4 yards per game.
• Rio Litmer, the team’s quarterback, stands out with an average of 183.7 passing yards per game and a total of 208.9 total yards per game.
• Adam Surrey has been a key weapon in the passing game, averaging 71.2 receiving yards per game and contributing 6.0 points per game.

In comparison, Highlands also boasts standout players:

• Jack White, the top rusher, leads with 74.4 yards per game.
• Rio Litmer contributes with 183.7 passing yards and 208.9 total yards per game.
• Adam Surrey averages 71.2 receiving yards and scores 6.0 points per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

When comparing common opponents, Pulaski County faced Woodford County on September 20, 2024, and came up short, losing 31-22. In contrast, Highlands defeated Woodford County with a decisive win, 55-38, on November 15, 2024.

Despite Pulaski County’s loss to Woodford County, their overall performance has been solid, as evidenced by their district success. Highlands, however, has had an overall stronger record, reflected in their head-to-head record of 1-0 against common opponents.

Conclusion

While both teams have had strong seasons, Highlands appears to have the edge with a higher overall win percentage and a more consistent performance across all game situations. Pulaski County, however, cannot be discounted, especially considering their strong district play and impressive individual performances. As both teams continue their seasons, fans will be eagerly watching to see how they progress in both district and playoff contention.

For those looking to catch these teams in action, expect competitive matchups that promise to showcase Kentucky high school football at its finest. Whether it’s Pulaski County’s balanced offense and defensive strength or Highlands’ explosive passing game and overall efficiency, both teams offer something special to the gridiron this season.