Dixie Heights senior Levi Gilliland rushed for 142 yards and a career-high four touchdowns as the Colonels routed Conner 44-8 on Thursday, Oct. 8, in Hebron.

The win moved Dixie Heights to 3-5 overall and 2-1 in Class 5A, 5th District play. It put the Colonels in control of the No. 2 district seed and a home game when the KHSAA (Kentucky High School Athletic Association) playoffs open Nov. 6.

"This was the first complete game we've put together," head coach Pat Burke said, according to LINK nky. "Offense, defense, special teams wise. We were able to be balanced offensively."

The numbers backed him up. Sophomore quarterback Brycen Schatzman completed 15 of 18 passes for 210 yards and spread the ball to seven receivers. He also scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter.

The Colonels piled up 477 total yards, 267 on the ground and 210 through the air, while committing zero turnovers.

After Easton Niemeyer’s 30-yard field goal, Gilliland scored on a 35-yard run to give Dixie Heights a 10-0 first-quarter lead. Conner answered with a 15-play, 80-yard drive capped by quarterback Ethan Estvanko's rushing touchdown, pulling within 10-8 midway through the second quarter.

That was as close as Conner got.

Gilliland punched in a 1-yard score, and a long reception by Brady Speakman set up Schatzman's rushing touchdown to make it 24-8 at halftime. In the third quarter, Gilliland added two third-quarter rushing touchdowns, and Colston Suedkamp broke free for a long scoring run to blow the game open. Gilliland's fourth touchdown triggered a running clock with 1:13 left in the third.

Parks Vonderhaar led Dixie Heights receivers with four catches for 61 yards. Conner's EJ Barney had eight catches for 83 yards in a losing effort.

The Colonels have won three of their last four after an 0-4 start. Burke rewarded the team with a day off from practice, the NKyTribune reported.

What it means for the playoffs

Dixie Heights can clinch the No. 2 seed and a home playoff game with a win over Boone County at home Friday, Oct. 16. A Scott loss in either of its two remaining district games would also clinch it for the Colonels. Scott beat Boone County 43-21 on Friday, keeping its own seeding hopes alive.

Cooper sits at 2-0 in district play and can lock up the No. 1 seed with a win over Scott. Conner, now 2-6 overall and 1-2 in district, has a bye before hosting Scott on Oct. 23 in a game that could decide the No. 3 seed.

Dixie Heights closes the regular season at home against Ryle on Oct. 30.