HP aiming for another deep postseason push after last year’s runner-up finish
Randy Allen could spend his Monday evenings quietly at home, escaping the constant whirlwind of activity that comes with coaching high school football.
Instead, the longtime Highland Park coach welcomes groups of hungry teenagers to his home for fellowship, football, and food.
It’s turned into a tradition over the past few seasons, where Allen rotates invitations among different position groups so he can get to know the players better during the season, and vice-versa — while enjoying some Monday Night Football on the television.
“It’s just a team-building exercise,” Allen said. “It’s not the game that’s important. They get to see my wife and I, and our home, and they get to see each other. That’s kind of what it’s all about.”
Every week, Allen orders the pizzas — more when the offensive linemen come over, of course — while his wife, Carolyn, bakes a chocolate sheet cake.
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“They have a good time with each other,” Allen said. “I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback.”
It’s a tradition that led to another regular-season district title for the Scots, who have positioned themselves for playoff success. HP hopes to finish with one more victory than last year, when the Scots were runners-up in Class 5A Division I.
“I think we’re playing our best football, but I think we can improve and play better,” Allen said. “The idea is to be playing your best ball in November and December.”
For Allen, that means relying heavily on his large senior class, who have been preparing for years for a final shot at a state title. Many of them were on the field for last year’s defeat against Smithson Valley in the championship game and experienced the highs and lows of the team’s postseason run.
“That’s why we suit out so many young players during the playoffs, so they get the experience of a playoff atmosphere,” said Allen, whose team has been unblemished after a season-opening loss to Rockwall-Heath.
Before a potential return trip to AT&T Stadium on Dec. 19, however, the Scots must navigate a Region I gauntlet that could include high-stakes matchups against Frisco Lone Star, Denton Ryan, Aledo, and others.
“If you want to get beat, just start talking about the future and looking down the road,” Allen said. “We talk about earmuffs and blinders. You have to tune out the noise and think about what’s in front of you.”
