The winningest program in Texas high school football history added more hardware to its expansive trophy case Friday at Highlander Stadium.
The Scots triumphed over Birdville, 48-31, to seal the District 6-5A championship – the 61st overall district title in HP’s storied existence.
“Senior night is always a special night,” said Randy Allen, HP head coach. “It’s the last regular season game for them, and I want them to have fun. I always enjoy them getting to take their picture and this year it’s with the trophy. It’s a great night.”
The Scots spotted the Hawks a quick 3-0 lead but rebounded to go in front, 21-10, at halftime before pulling away in the second half.
Quarterback Buck Randall fired four touchdown passes and ran for another in the victory.
Randall completed 24-of-31 passes for 376 yards while also rushing for 86 yards on 10 carries, while Evan Snelleman had nine receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. Beckett Lawrence recorded a team-high 130 receiving yards for HP, while defensive tackle Nick Van Der Westhuizen chipped in a 6-yard touchdown reception.
“I think Buck and our receiving corps and our line did a great job of throwing the ball and making plays,” Allen said. “Our defense came up with some big turnovers, and our kicking game was solid, especially recovering those onside kicks. [Birdville is] really special on offense. Their quarterback had a great night and they were catching everything, so my hat goes off to them because they can move the ball and score points.”
HP got on the board early in the second quarter on a 17-yard touchdown run from Caiden Reeves and later, following a fourth-down stop by Van Der Westhuizen, claimed a 14-10 lead on a 17-yard touchdown grab by James Axley.
To open the third quarter, HP found the end zone when Randall found Van Der Westhuizen for his first career touchdown reception.
“We’ve been hanging on to that play,” Allen said. “I didn’t want to waste it. I knew it would be there when we ran it, and it wasn’t an easy catch, either. Nick is very excited and this seemed like a good time to give it a try. I know that was fun for Nick.
For Birdville, Zach Wells threw two touchdowns to Emmett Webb (seven receptions, 119 yards) and ran for another two, but the Hawks could not get any closer than the 11-point halftime deficit.
HP will look for a sixth consecutive win to close the regular season at 7 p.m. Thursday against Carrollton Newman Smith at Standridge Stadium.
“We’re on Thursday, which is good,” Allen said. “So, we’ll have one less day to prepare, but we’ll maybe be able to see our playoff opponent on Friday and scout them.”
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