’29 QB had to ‘wait his turn’ but the future is now
Bryce Armstrong couldn’t unseat Rio Litmer last season. Litmer was a tried, true, and accomplished senior QB who threw for over 2,000-yards and 23-TDs, had a TD:INT ratio slightly better than 2.5:1, and rushed for close to 350-yards and three scores while leading his charges to victories over Frederick Douglass (Lexington 6A), Cooper, Ryle (6A), Covington Catholic, Scott County, and Paul Blazer High (Ashland) in route to finishing 10-3. Not an easy chore for any freshman to unseat. The reigns to the offense appear all his heading into 2026 and we predict he will have a spectacular breakout year. How are we so confident? Read the article.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Newport, KY: I give HB Lyon a hard time a lot. Of course someone told HB he was a better writer than I and that went straight to his head.
While I believe my writing ability to be superior to his (and the editorial board would seem to agree which is why Lyon heads up “Scouting” and I am the main writer), Coach Lyon does know a ton about several things. Lyon has an excellent eye for talent, identifying talent, and identifying talent before that talent is known to virtually any other publication in the business.
Coach Lyon and his sources are everywhere. They are always watching.
I wasn’t surprised when HB (Lyon) came into an editorial board meeting and pronounced we (KPGFootball) were getting in the Bryce Armstrong business. Armstrong spent his freshman season backing up Rio Litmer (’26); but, after all, how many freshmen play a ton at football programs with 23-KHSAA football titles (Class 2A 1960, 1961, 1964, 1968, 1970; Class 3A 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1989, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004; Class 4A 2011, 2012, 2014; Class 5A 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)?
We would wager that number to be rather scant. We generally know these type of things.
Still, with an established, senior starter healthy and dealing, Armstrong still got seven (7) games of varsity action where he acquitted himself rather well. Armstrong, who is also a “combo guard” in Highland’s basketball program, completed 12 of 22-passing attempts for 208-yards with four (4) TDs to only one (1) pick over seven (7) games.
Bryce Armstrong got seven (7) games of ‘Friday Night’ run in 2025 as only a freshman
KHSAA statistical website
Armstrong gained 65-yards on 11-carries rushing with a TD. Armstrong caught six (6) passes for 120-yards and three (3) TDs. Armstrong scored 24-points.
Armstrong played some defense as a frosh. Armstrong picked off a pass, he returned 29-yards, to go along with three (3) tackles, all solos.
So while his playing time was sparse and intermittent, look at all he did with his limited opportunities! When you look at the kid’s “measurables” his meeting with success appears all the more elementary, my dear Doctor Watson to borrow a phrase from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
First of all, Armstrong is 6’1,” 190-pounds and played this past season as a 14-year old. No telling where this frame finishes and absolutely no reason (whatsoever) to think he is anatomically fully developed.
Armstrong boasts some top combine scores and numbers. Armstrong has been timed at 4.50-seconds in the 40-yard dash (hand timed). Armstrong has posted a 37.5-inch vertical (proving up the 40-time).
Armstrong has recorded a 9’3″ broad jump (good, explosive hips). Armstrong has posted a 4.69-second, pro agility shuttle. Armstrong has run a 7.95-second L-Cone drill.
Bottom line, the kid can move. The kid is an explosive, “twitchy” athlete.
Armstrong, if he isn’t on recruiting boards right now, it certainly won’t be long. Highlands is always a threat to challenge for a title in spite of having gone quite a while since its last one. There were times last season where the Bluebirds looked as good as any team in its classification (4A, District 5).
We know Bob Sphire will have his boys in the hunt. We believe Bryce Armstrong will factor heavily in the offensive attack this coming Fall.
Remember from where you heard this first! It didn’t take a Nostradamus nor an Edgar Cayce to ferret out this prognosis.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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