GAMES
RANKINGS
THE FINAL 48: UIL Football State Championship Preview -- Highland Park vs. Smithson Valley (5A-D1)
This Saturday at 11:00 a.m., AT&T Stadium will play host to an exciting showdown between the Highland Park Scots and the Smithson Valley Rangers, as both teams vie for the title of UIL-5A-D1 State Champions.
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Highland Park enters the championship with a 14-1 record, nearly perfect this season. The Scots’ journey to this point has been impressive, highlighted by a thrilling 24-21 come-back victory over Denton Ryan last Friday, which was sealed by a field goal in the final seconds.
This is a familiar stage for Highland Park, as they are making their 10th appearance in the State Final. The Scots last claimed the title in 2018, completing a historic three-peat with a win over Shadow Creek, marking their sixth state title overall.
Now, under the leadership of head coach Randy Allen, the Scots are aiming to build a new dynasty.
On both sides of the ball, Highland Park has been firing on all cylinders. The offense is averaging over 36 points per game, while the defense has held opponents to just 16 points per contest.
At the helm of the offense is sophomore Buck Randall, who has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite his youth, Randall has shown remarkable poise, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 38 touchdowns. He has also added 322 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
In the backfield, senior running back James Lancaster provides steady leadership, having rushed for 865 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior Matthew White has added 459 yards and 5 touchdowns, providing a dynamic second option.
When it comes to the passing game, Randall’s favorite target is junior wideout Cannon Bozman, who has caught 11 touchdowns on 63 receptions and is just one yard shy of reaching the 1,000-yard milestone for the season.
Even if Bozman is double-covered, the Scots have other reliable weapons in seniors Benton Owens (36 receptions, 726 yards, 7 TDs) and Brandon Lilly (38 receptions, 554 yards).
Defensively, the Scots are led by Jack Morse, a senior linebacker and Brown-commit who has been a game-changer. Morse, the 2023 District 7-6A Defensive MVP, leads the team in tackles (102), sacks (9.5), and interceptions (3). His versatility makes him a constant threat. Senior linebacker Anders Corn – a first-team, all-district selection – is another player capable of stepping up when it matters most.
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On the other side, the Smithson Valley Rangers are making their second consecutive appearance at AT&T Stadium. After suffering a heavy loss to Aledo in last year’s championship, the Rangers are eager to avenge that defeat and claim their first-ever state title.
Under the direction of coach Larry Hill, the Rangers are a formidable force. They come into the final with a 13-2 record, having won their last 10 games in a row. In last week’s State Semis, they defeated Angleton 21-14, securing their place in the championship.
Smithson Valley has been an offensive powerhouse this season, averaging 43.5 points per game, and if they continue their high-scoring ways, they could very well end the season with a title.
A key player for the Rangers is Cade Spradling, a senior who excels both as a quarterback and linebacker. Spradling’s ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes him one of the most dangerous players in the game. Whether he's leading the offense or anchoring the defense, Spradling’s impact is undeniable.
On defense, the Rangers have been suffocating, allowing fewer than 12 points per game.
Senior safety Diego Davila, an SFA-signee, has been a standout in the secondary, while 6-foot-3 edge rusher Hudson Woods has been a dominant force on the defensive line. Both will play critical roles in limiting Highland Park’s high-powered offense.
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In what should be a battle of momentous proportions, Highland Park and Smithson Valley stake their claim for the title this Saturday (11:00 AM) at AT&T Stadium.
Warrior Nation...
San Antonio Pieper dominating in second season of varsity football
Class 5A-Division I
No. 6 San Antonio Pieper (11-0) vs. Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (10-1)
7 p.m., Friday, Warrior Coliseum
Last Week: Pieper 63, Southwest Legacy 0; Flour Bluff 35, McAllen Memorial 10
Pieper continues to ascend remarkably. In just its second year of varsity play, the Warriors enter the area playoffs undefeated after a regional finalist appearance last year. … Pieper is averaging 50.3 points per game and allowing 22.5. … Offense is the name of the game for the Warriors. Senior QB Cayden Keethe has completed 70.7% of his passes for 3,176 yards and 39 TDs to eight interceptions. He’s also rushed for 313 yards and six TDs. Keethe’s primary target is senior WR Isaiah Champagne, who has 60 catches for 1,124 yards and 15 TDs. Three other Warriors, however, have five or more receiving TDs. … On the ground, Pieper is just as potent with junior RB Brady Hopper (596 yards, 11 TDs) and senior RB John Hamilton (525 yards, 11 TDs). … Flour Bluff’s only loss this year was a 36-33 overtime setback to 9-2 Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial. … The Hornets are averaging 46.1 points per game and allowing 13. … Flour Bluff has not lost in the area round since 2019. The Hornets have made the regional final twice and state semifinal once since then. … Winner plays San Antonio Southwest or Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial in the next round.