DALLAS – Highland Park’s football team opened the District 6-5A Division I slate on a positive note Friday, cruising to a 38-7 win over Garland Naaman Forest on Homecoming at Highlander Stadium.
Not only did the Scots pick up the win, head coach Randy Allen was especially pleased to see HP take strides in areas it had previously struggled, in particular with its start and overall defensive performance.
Whereas the Scots (2-3, 1-0) trailed after one possession in all three of their losses, HP led from the opening series Friday while keeping Naaman Forest (3-2, 0-1) off the scoreboard for three-plus quarters.
“It was a tremendous effort tonight and it started with our defense,” Allen said. “They played tremendously after a tough game last week. It was a night and day difference. We had a shutout with 4 minutes remaining and we substituted liberally, so I’m really proud of our defense.”
Offensively, HP scored on each of its first four possessions with the fifth ending with a lengthy missed field goal to close the first half.
Shep Pryor had previously opened the scoring with a 32-yard field goal to cap a drive that consumed nearly 6 minutes.
HP then went in front, 10-0, when an interception by Tyshaun Stewart paved the way for a 25-yard touchdown reception by Evan Snellman from Buck Randall with 3:03 remaining in the first.
Snellman would later add a 28-yard scoring reception with 4:25 remaining in the second quarter that followed a 36-yard touchdown pass to Luke Cecil.
“We wanted to get off to a fast start,” Allen said. “And if we didn’t have a holding penalty, we would have had a touchdown on our first drive instead of a field goal, too. We had some great drives and showed a lot of balance between the run and the pass. And we got great field position from our defense.”
In addition to Stewart’s interception, HP forced two fumbles, blocked a field goal and forced a turnover on downs with the Rangers in scoring territory.
The end result was a decisive yardage advantage with HP outgaining Naaman Forest, 447-209.
Randall finished 15-of-27 for 232 yards and three touchdowns while adding 70 yards on the ground, including a 49-yard scamper late in the second half.
Flowers had 10 carries for 45 yards and two touchdowns and Caiden Reeves chipped in 27 rushing and 53 receiving yards.
HP will look for a 2-0 start in district at 7 p.m. at Richland from the Birdville ISD Fine Arts and Athletic Complex.
The Royals figure to be one of HP’s top competitors in the race for the 6-5A crown and enter at 5-0, including a 63-7 win Friday over Creekview in their district opener.
“We’ve really been focused on ourselves and getting ready for this first district ball game, so we haven’t thought much about Richland,” Allen said. “But I know they’re a great team. They have 11 starters back on defense and a Division I running back with a coach’s son at quarterback throwing the ball well. It’ll be a real battle.”
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