ROCKWALL-HEATH
Friday, Aug. 29 | 7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium
Nickname: Hawks | Head coach: Rodney Webb (third season) | 2024 record: 4-6 (2-4 in district)
Notable: The Hawks dropped three one-score games down the stretch, snapping a string of 10 straight winning seasons for former Highland Park athletic director Webb, spanning four different schools. Heath returns most of its starters on both sides of scrimmage. Dual-threat QB Prosper Neal and leading WR Shawn Gary lead the up-tempo offense.
LOVEJOY
Friday, Sept. 5 | 7 p.m. at Leopard Stadium
Nickname: Leopards | Head coach: Todd Dodge (second season) | 2024 record: 10-4 (7-1 in district)
Notable: Lovejoy went four rounds deep in the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five years in Dodge’s debut at the school. The Leopards averaged 48.3 points and scored at least 40 in all 10 of their victories. Returning QB Jacob Janecek threw for almost 2,800 yards and 35 touchdowns, while WR Coleman Reaugh had eight scores as a freshman.
JESUIT DALLAS
Friday, Sept. 12 | 7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium
Nickname: Rangers | Head coach: Brandon Hickman (15th season) | 2024 record: 6-5 (5-2 in district)
Notable: Jesuit will look for its first victory in four tries in a matchup of rivals whose campuses sit just six miles apart. Dual-threat QB Beck Berry becomes the likely starter, leading an offense with upgraded athleticism. The Rangers should improve after posting Jesuit’s lowest win total since 2018 and falling in the first round of the 6A playoffs.
PULASKI ACADEMY (ARK.)
Friday, Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium
Nickname: Bruins | Head coach: Anthony Lucas (fifth season) | 2024 record: 10-3 (5-2 in district)
Notable: The Bruins have won 11 state championships in Arkansas, most recently in 2022. The Little Rock private school snapped Highland Park’s 84-game home winning streak in their most recent meeting in 2015. Pulaski has a reputation for its innovative offense that includes an array of trick plays and schemes, onside kicks, and no punts.
TYLER
Friday, Sept. 26 | 7 p.m. at Rose Stadium
Nickname: Lions | Head coach: Rashaun Woods (third season) | 2024 record: 4-6 (2-4 in district)
Notable: A three-game skid to end the season denied the Lions their first postseason berth since 2021. Tyler returns much of its skill-position talent, including third-year QB Caden Granberry, speedy RB Cadarius McMiller, and lanky WR Trey Haralson. The defense will need to progress, however, after allowing 40.7 points in six losses.
RED OAK
Friday, Oct. 3 | 7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium
Nickname: Hawks | Head coach: Melvin Robinson (third season) | 2024 record: 7-5 (4-2 in district)
Notable: The Hawks have won at least one playoff game in five of the last six years. Dual-threat QB Billy Middleton accounted for 31 touchdowns last season, and dynamic Notre Dame commit Brayden Robinson returns as his top receiving target. The experienced defense has athleticism to spare, led by Memphis commit Desmond Cox at LB.
Neighborhood Spotlight
Park Cities
Where the Park Cities Stay Connected.
JOSHUA
Friday, Oct. 17 | 7 p.m. at Owl Stadium
Nickname: Owls | Head coach: Danny DeArman (fifth season) | 2024 record: 5-5 (1-5 in district)
Notable: Although it struggled in district play, Joshua snapped a string of 27 consecutive losing seasons dating back to its most recent playoff appearance in 1996. The Owls again will rely on their stingy defense, which allowed just 15.7 points per game. On offense, converted receiver Brayden Payne moves to QB in the run-based scheme.
CLEBURNE
Friday, Oct. 24 | 7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium
Nickname: Spartans | Head coach: Blake Meyer (first season) | 2024 record: 5-6 (3-3 in district)
Notable: Meyer becomes the second head coach in the 14-year history of a program that has made the playoffs in each of the past 11 seasons. RB Jaylon Walker is a dynamic playmaker, although the Spartans don’t return many starters. Centennial played several close games down the stretch, including an overtime playoff loss to Georgetown.
MIDLOTHIAN
Friday, Nov. 7 | 7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium
Nickname: Panthers | Head coach: Doug Wendel (11th season) | 2024 record: 10-3 (6-1 in district)
Notable: The Panthers are experiencing their best run of success in program history with seven consecutive winning seasons. QB Beau Wendel, the coach’s son, was the top rusher and passer, accounting for 23 touchdowns on a team that won two playoff games. WR Brendyn Jackson and bulky OL Noah Best, an Oklahoma commit, also return.
