FORT THOMAS — North Laurel’s quest to win its first-ever Class 5A regional championship came to an end on Friday as the Jaguars dropped a heartbreaking 30-7 decision to Highlands.
The Jaguars (8-5) fell behind early in the first quarter, and never recovered.
Highlands got on the scoreboard first and built a 7-0 lead thanks to a 38-yard rushing touchdown with 8:48 remaining in the first quarter.
The Blue Birds’ lead increased to 14-0 after scoring on an eight-yard touchdown pass with 1:28 left in the first quarter.
Highlands continued to add to its lead in the second quarter after recording its second offensive touchdown of the game with a two-yarder, extending the Blue Birds’ lead to 21-0 with 4:18 left in the second quarter.
Highlands put the finishing touches on its scoring in the first half, taking a commanding 27-0 lead into the locker room at halftime after scoring on an eight-yard yard with 16 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
The Blue Birds added on to their lead in the third quarter, connecting with a 32-yard field goal, pushing their lead to 30-0 at the 6:55 mark.
North Laurel’s Treyshawn Holmes-Evans scored the Jaguars’ lone touchdown with three minutes remaining to make the final score, 30-7.
