Kirk Dooley’s Blog: HP vs Irving Nimitz

It is easy to dismiss a 5-5 playoff opponent and the Highland Park coaches know that. With Murder’s Row waiting for tonight’s victor, the biggest mistake the Scots can make is to look ahead.

vikings Nimitz black and silver logo big

“We’ve lost in the first round before,” said HP head coach Randy Allen. “It can be the hardest playoff game because once you start competing in the playoffs, the games become more intense. Teams can be flat. I think our players will be ready because they are playing for their first trophy. They are not satisfied. They need to continue to improve and that will be their ticket in the playoffs.”

If the Scots beat Nimitz, they will earn the right to challenge Waco Midway, then Lake Travis. Rockwall and Spring Westfield could be lurking in the future. No matter who it is, each team will be extremely tough.

“It will be like playing Guyer or Horn every week,” said Allen. “I think this year Division II has many of the better teams.”

There won’t be any 5-5 teams after Nimitz. But the Scots have not beaten them yet, so it’s a moot point until tonight’s game is over.

The Vikings are led by quarterback Jimmy Clark, who has completed l28 of 193 passes for 2,016 yards and 21 touchdowns. His 66.32 percentage is a tad better than Brady Burgin’s and Clark has been picked off only three times this season.

Wait until he meets Stephen Briggs. He also got three interceptions.

Last week.

Clark’s biggest threat is WR Sam Berry, who is averaging 29 yards per catch this season. The other two receivers to watch are D’Angelo Allen (42 catches for 583 yards) and Michael Scott (21 receptions for 289 yards). Running back Mark Eugene has run 123 times for 873 yards, a 7.1 average. He and Berry have eight touchdowns each.

On defense, focus on the two outside linebackers, a couple of 6’5” clones named Delonte Scott and Michael Scott. Michael is also the Dez-Bryant-looking wide receiver. The Scots must be ready for the Scotts.

Highland Park is playing its best football of the season. The momentum is there because the playoffs are here. They must focus and take care of business against Nimitz tonight.

Assuming the Scots survive this first round game, everything changes next week.

My prediction? Highland Park 49 – Nimitz 28.

Consider it a tune-up for Midway. Next weekend the Scots will face their greatest challenge of the season and they will be ready for it. Midway will be 11-0 but they haven’t played Highland Park yet.