Highland Park defeats Newman Smith 63-0 to secure playoff berth

Highland Park residents will have another chance to watch local football this weekend after the Scots clinched their district title. The team finished its regular season schedule with a decisive win over Carrollton Newman Smith at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton on Thursday night. The victory marks the end of the regular season and sets up the first round of the 5A Division I playoffs.

The Scots dominated the game, winning 63-0. They held a 42-0 lead at the halftime break. Highland Park completed a perfect record in District 6-5A Division I and finished the season with a 7-3 overall record. The win extends their current winning streak to six games.

Offensively, the Scots controlled the field during the first two quarters. They outgained Newman Smith, 338-15. The Trojans managed only one first down in the entire game. Head coach Randy Allen noted that the team performed well in the first half. "We were up 42-0 at half and put our second bunch in and were able to punch in a couple more touchdowns," Allen said.

Quarterback Buck Randall continued his strong season. He completed 14 of 16 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Caiden Reeves added two rushing touchdowns. Randall finishes the regular season as the school's all-time leading passer. He has completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,098 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also rushed for 209 yards and three scores.

Receiver Even Snelleman had a standout first half. He caught eight passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns before taking a break. In the second half, reserves entered the game and kept the scoring going. Leyton Gilliam carried the ball eight times for 108 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown run. Quarterbacks Thomas Coffman and Gavin Thornfield combined for 88 passing yards and two touchdown passes.

The Scots will host McKinney North at Highlander Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m. McKinney North finished the regular season with a 7-3 overall record and placed fourth in its district. Allen described the opponent as a triple-option team that will require preparation. "They have a good looking football team and we’re hoping to have a great crowd at home and we’d like to advance so we have to get ready," Allen said.