by Kirk Dooley
It was 1999, Randy Allen’s first year at Highland Park. His newly installed Air Raid offense was a big hit as the Scots rolled to a 10-0 regular season record. In the first game of the playoffs they faced the 9-1 Samuell Spartans at Eagle-Mustang Stadium in Richardson.
The Spartans, led by two Division I standouts, ended the Scots’ 1999 season. A couple of years later HP beat Samuell in the playoffs so the teams stand 1-1 during the Randy Allen era. But he hasn’t forgotten that first game when the Spartans defeated the 10-0 Scots.
This Friday HP hosts Samuell on homecoming night. There is rain in the forecast but what else is new?
The Spartans started the season 3-1 and was on a roll. But their transmission got thrown into reverse when they faced Lancaster and Mansfield Timberview the past two weeks. Lancaster slashed the Spartans, 50-9, then last Friday Timberview socked them, 47-8. Over the two games, the Spartans were held to a total of 118 yards and nine first downs.
Samuell has a dual-threat quarterback named John’Turius Shaw who accounted for 2,440 yards and 32 touchdowns as a junior. He suffered a leg injury and was out last week. The Spartans used three people at quarterback with defensive tackle Tyler Mayo gaining the most traction. This week the probable starting QB is listed as Julio Rodriguez but Shaw is listed as a starting slot receiver. He’s the team’s leasing passer and rusher so I guess he’d be a solid receiver also. If he plays, keep an eye on where #3 lines up. He is dangerous.
The Scots are coming off a tough weather-delayed game against Mansfield Legacy. HP coaches believe that Legacy is one of the best teams the Scots have faced this season and that there’s a chance the Scots could face the Broncos again in the quarterfinals.
With linebacker Andrew Bonnet out for the season, Colby Hopkins has slid over to his OLB position and junior Cal Hirschey is starting in Hopkins inside linebacker spot. Last week linebacker James Lightbourn went down and sophomore Patrick Turner will start in his position this Friday.
While Chandler Morris continues to lead the area 5A quarterbacks with 1,609 yards, his favorite target Finn Corwin continues to live up to his nickname, Mr. Touchdown, with his 59-yard TD reception last Friday.
The play of the game last week was Christopher Herrod’s caused fumble and recovery that led to the Scots going up, 14-0, just before the half. It was a huge play, changing the complexion of the game.
Coach Allen was pleased with the Scots’ rain-soaked toughness on offense and defense and he was thrilled with the special teams play. With a slippery, waterlogged football, the snaps from Kipp Miller and Tyler Kilgus were perfect, the holds by Finn Corwin were secure and the kicks by Wesley Winters and punts by Andrew Stanzel were on target.
The Scots aren’t afraid a stinkin’ wet football. Let it rain!