Park Cities People 2020 Football Preview

2020 VISION:

OFFSEASON HURDLES ENABLE MOTIVATED SCOTS TO REFOCUS

Head coach Randy Allen stands in front of this year’s captains, from left, Patrick Turner, Brayden Schager, Will Gibson, Henry Hagenbuch, Marshall Landwehr, and Sam Morse. (PHOTO: MELISSA MACATEE)

ParkCitiesPeople 2020 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

2B | October 2020

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October 2020 | 3B

OFFSEASON VOLATILITY HAS PREPARED THESE SCOTS FOR ANYTHING Highland Park faces challenging slate of opponents with 2020 schedule

By Todd Jorgenson

lineman Sam Morse.

Another positive: HP will start this season with brand new locker rooms and expansions of football meeting rooms, coaching offices, and training facilities.

Those renovations are part of HPISD’s 2015 bond package.

Now the focus turns to a daunting nonconference schedule that, after some shuffling, opens with defending 6A Division II state champion Austin Westlake.

Then come three more 6A foes, including perennial powerhouse Rockwall, and challenging District 7-5A road trips to Longview and Tyler.

That doesn’t even include the playoffs, where the Scots must navigate a regional bracket likely to feature Denton Ryan, Lancaster, and yes, Lone Star.

“Whoever comes out of our region will have gone through the gauntlet,” Allen said. “It’s going to be a really tough playoff schedule.”

Still, after a summer of adversity and adjustment, HP’s creatures of habit are optimistic heading into a season that could be defined by resilience.

“It says a lot about the attitude of this team and how we’re built,” said quarterback Brayden Schager.

“Everybody’s not taking it for granted. We realize how bad we want to play.”

People Newspapers

S

cots find a way.

It ’s a phrase typically used around the Highland Park football program to describe a dramatic comefrom-behind victory or another underdog achievement.

However, it could easily be applied to this year’s team even before the season starts — for the way players and coaches stayed on track, and even thrived, under most unusual offseason conditions.

From extensive renovations at Highlander Stadium to restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, an HP program that prides itself on tradition and routine could have become discombobulated.

“It’s been a challenge, but our guys have met the challenge,” said HP head coach Randy Allen. “We have great senior leadership and staff continuity. That helps you maintain consistency with adversity and change. That can be a positive for us if we can handle it better than our opponents.”

When the Scots begin the regular season four weeks later than initially planned — again, due to statewide COVID-19 health and safety concerns — they will focus on playing into January, which in the 2020 season means the final weeks of the playoffs.

After three consecutive Class 5A Division I state championships, HP suffered a heartbreaking overtime defeat last year against Frisco Lone Star in the Region II semifinals. Earlier in the season, the Rangers also became the first Texas opponent to beat the Scots at Highlander Stadium in two decades.

Everybody’s not taking it for granted.

We realize how bad we want to play.

Brayden Schager Lone Star isn’t on this year’s schedule, save for the possibility of a postseason rematch. But the Scots haven’t forgotten about them, judging from the photos

2 0 1 9 R E S U LT S

LEFT: Brayden Schager is the new starting quarterback for Highland Park. (PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY) RIGHT: Defensive leader Patrick Turner is a three-year starter at linebacker. (PHOTO: MELISSA MACATEE) strategically placed throughout the team’s facilities from that playoff exit.

That idea came from the six incoming team captains, who did some of the interior decorating themselves.

“No one wants to remember,” said linebacker Marshall Landwehr. “It’s a great motivator.”

The Scots have carried that desire for atonement with them for nine months.

That’s why even when the team had to skip its typical spring drills, conduct workouts remotely or meet via teleconference, participation was as strong as ever.

“We’ve had the best turnout for summer conditioning that we’ve ever had,” Allen said. “We did so well for about four

weeks before we had to close down.”

Adhering to UIL mandates and safety protocols outlined by the county government, HP and other schools began in-person workouts in small groups in June, then had to collectively pause.

However, rather than sit idle, players drove to an indoor facility in Collin County to continue preparations in four separate and smaller groups.

The Scots weren’t able to return to practice in their facilities until late August, and even then, it was strictly regulated to help curb coronavirus spread. Yet morale has remained high.

“Everybody has been showing up and working their tail off,” said offensive

Opponent NON-DISTRICT at Rockwall at Mesquite Horn Frisco Lone Star

Result Record W, 66-59 W, 52-25 L, 30-19

DISTRICT 6-5A (DIV. I) Bryan Adams W, 62-0 at Woodrow Wilson W, 66-0 Mansfield Legacy W, 76-6 at Samuell W, 56-6 Sunset W, 79-0 at Lancaster W, 42-35 Mans. Timberview W, 43-21 PLAYOFFS Frisco Wakeland Magnolia Frisco Lone Star

1-0 2-0 2-1

3-1 (1-0) 4-1 (2-0) 5-1 (3-0) 6-1 (4-0) 7-1 (5-0) 8-1 (6-0) 9-1 (7-0)

W, 33-10 10-1 W, 63-28 11-1 L, 33-27 (OT) 11-2

4B | October 2020

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2020 VARSITY ROSTER

2020 SCHEDULE VA R S I T Y S C H E D U L E

Date Opponent Sept. 25 Austin Westlake Oct. 2 Mesquite Horn Oct. 9 Coppell Oct. 16 Rockwall Oct. 23 OPEN Oct. 30 Sherman* Nov. 6 Longview* Nov. 13 McKinney North* Nov. 20 Tyler* Nov. 27 West Mesquite* Dec. 4 Wylie East*

FRESHMAN BLUE

Stadium Highlander Hanby Highlander Wilkerson-Sanders

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Highlander Lobo Highlander Rose Highlander Wylie ISD

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

* — District 7-5A, Division I game

JV BLUE Date Opponent Sept. 23 Austin Westlake* Oct. 1 Mesquite Horn Oct. 8 at Coppell Oct. 15 Rockwall Oct. 29 at Sherman Nov. 5 Longview Nov. 12 at McKinney North Nov. 19 Tyler Nov. 25 at West Mesquite Dec. 3 Wylie East

JV GOLD Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

* — at Waco ISD Stadium

PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY

Date Opponent Sept. 23 Austin Westlake* Oct. 1 Mesquite Horn Oct. 8 at Coppell Oct. 15 Rockwall Oct. 29 at Celina Nov. 5 Longview Nov. 19 at Grapevine Dec. 3 at Lake Highlands

Date Opponent Sept. 23 Austin Westlake* Oct. 1 at Mesquite Horn Oct. 8 Coppell Oct. 15 at Rockwall Oct. 29 Sherman Nov. 5 at Longview Nov. 12 McKinney North Nov. 19 Tyler Nov. 25 West Mesquite Dec. 3 at Wylie East

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

5 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

* — at Waco HS

FRESHMAN GOLD Time 5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

* — at Waco ISD Stadium

Date Opponent Sept. 23 Austin Westlake* Oct. 1 at Mesquite Horn Oct. 8 Coppell Oct. 15 at Rockwall Oct. 29 Sherman Nov. 5 at Longview Nov. 12 McKinney North Nov. 19 at Grapevine Nov. 25 West Mesquite Dec. 3 at Wylie East

Time 5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

* — at Waco HS

No. Name Pos. 2 Will Pettijohn WR 3 Jonathan Koellner QB 4 Crockett Corwin WR 5 Jason Tananbaum RB 5 David Meaney WR 6 Will Chestnut DB 6 Rhett Rimmer DB 7 Beau Raley RB 7 Case Conway DB 9 Jack Jackson QB 10 Marshall Landwehr LB 11 Garrison Vincent DB 12 Jack Condon DB 13 Brayden Schager QB 14 Christopher Zogg DB 15 Alex Kashata WR 15 Weller Smith DB 16 Sam Sessions WR 17 Charlie Featherston WR 17 Preston Taylor DB 18 Johnny Herring DB 19 Henry Diehl LB 20 Patrick Turner LB 21 Anthony Ghobriel RB 21 Phillip Beecherl DB 22 Brooks Bond RB 23 Harrison Dugger DB 24 Tanner Schrank DB 25 Nate Serio DB 25 Marshall Nugent DB 26 Will Scott DB 26 Luke Rossley WR 27 Walker Cobb DB 28 Ford Frazar DB 29 Robert Sell DB 30 Burke Dauterive DB 30 Garrett Reynolds WR 31 Blake Bevans DB 31 Aydan DeLeon RB 31 Charles Stephens WR 32 Bailey Barnes RB 32 Matthew Clifton WR 33 Leon Khakpour LB 33 William Ratchford DB 34 Jack Foster K 34 Ben Croasdale RB 35 Kevin Hays LB 36 Chase Gorman LB 37 Cooper Flint LB 37 John Bass WR 38 Payne Parker DB 38 Mac Kemp DB 39 Malcolm Downie DB 39 Samuel Scrivner RB 40 Sam Heinrich RB 41 George Wright LB 42 Henry Stocker RB 43 Hudson Pierce LB 44 Jack Swaner WR 44 Thomas Peinado K 45 Andrew Applewhite LB 47 John Dickerson LB 48 Liam Fisher DB 48 Chaz Hutchison DB 48 Christian Reeves RB 49 Miles Miller DB 50 Thomas Oliver LB 50 Dylan Woodward OL 51 Derek Inman OL 51 Daniel Shawver DL 52 Colin Landsberg DL 52 Hudson Miller OL 53 Ben Holsomback OL

Class Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

No. Name Pos. 53 Harrison Walton DL 54 Grayson Tyler DL 54 Vincent Frizell OL 55 Sam Morse OL 56 Rett Snyder DL 57 Hayes Bohner DL 57 Beck Wagoner DL 58 William Porter DL 58 Julius Lee DL 59 Spencer Bell DL 59 Wilson Roberts DL 59 Charles Wilson OL 60 Jack Stone K 60 James Wilson DL 61 Ethan Schwartz DL 61 Reid Kennedy OL 62 Noah Smith OL 63 Henry Hagenbuch OL 64 Andrew Deaver DL 64 Joshua Feng DL 65 Cameron Laurie DL 66 Mason Gallas LB 66 Charles Patterson LB 67 Andres Gonzalez K 67 Sebastian Roman LB 68 Gannon Gaubert OL 68 C. Cunningham DL 70 Will Huff DL 70 Henry Westphal LB 71 Henry Jurgovan DL 71 David McBee DL 72 Mark Hardaway OL 72 Billy Craft LB 73 Holden Kiene DL 73 Starke Taylor OL 74 Jack Fitzmartin DL 74 Grant Gibson OL 75 Jackson Farr LB 75 Andrew Justine OL 76 Jack Leyrer OL 77 John Higgins DL 77 Alexis Mora DL 78 William Hillesheim OL 78 Alexander Maroulis DL 79 Will Gibson OL 80 Carson Green WR 80 J.T. Withers DB 81 Noah Parette WR 82 Reagan McVeigh WR 82 Drake McCauley WR 83 Landon Ellis WR 83 Jonathan Thomas DB 85 Rhodes Jackson WR 85 John Rutledge WR 86 Luke Sloan WR 87 Christopher Peck WR 87 George Mathison WR 88 Parker Owen WR 89 Cole Knippa WR 89 Matthew Taylor WR 90 J.R. Giffin TE 91 Riley Richardson LB 92 Caleb Madden DL 93 Hayden Helgemoe LB 93 Chase Lancaster LB 94 Erke Girgin DL 94 Henry Blaylock DB 95 Jack Curtis DL 96 Pierce Shelby LB 97 Isaiah Pedack DL 98 Mason Jones DL 98 William Scrivner LB 99 Luke Zurawel DL

Class Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

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October 2020 | 5B

6B | October 2020

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AUSTIN WESTLAKE

Friday, Sept. 25 7:30 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

Nickname: Chaparrals Head coach: Todd Dodge

MESQUITE HORN

2020 OPPONENTS

Friday, Oct. 2 7:30 p.m. at Hanby Stadium

Nickname: Jaguars Head coach: Chris Hudler

(seventh season)

(second season)

2019 record: 15-1 (7-1 in district)

2019 record: 3-7 (2-4 in district)

Notable: The Chaparrals blanked Denton Guyer 24-0 to win the 6A Division II state title last season. Westlake has been one of the state’s top programs over the past two decades, and set a school record with 757 points in 2019.

The Chaps are loaded on offense, with QB Cade Klubnik and WR Jaden Greathouse leading the way.

Notable: The Jaguars missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2007. The Scots have defeated Horn in four straight meetings over six years, including 52-25 in a nondistrict clash in 2019. Although the offense lacks experience, Horn should be better defensively after allowing at least 42 points in all seven losses.

COPPELL

Friday, Oct. 9 7:30 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

Curt Elliott

Paige Elliott

Becky Nelson

214.478.9544

214.507.0680

SHERMAN

Friday, Oct. 30 7:30 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

Nickname: Yellowjackets Head coach: Trey Brooks

(seventh season) 2019 record: 4-6 (3-4 in district)

2019 record: 12-3 (5-1 in district)

2019 record: 6-4 (3-3 in district)

Notable: A rare losing season

Notable: The Yellowjackets reached

Notable: The Bearcats missed the playoffs last year despite posting a winning record for the first time since 2012. Sherman closed the season with three straight wins, and averaged more than 43 points per game in those victories.

Offensive returnees include QB Tate Bethel, RB Benji Omayebu, and WR Sean Husband.

caused Coppell to miss the playoffs last season for the first time since 2011. Four of the Cowboys’ six defeats came by eight or fewer points. Diminutive RB Jason Ngwu and lanky WR Anthony Black are the top offensive playmakers, while hard-hitting LB Walker Polk is a Baylor baseball commit.

Amy Anderson Pamela Krueger 713.530.2236

Friday, Oct. 16 7:30 p.m. at Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium

Nickname: Cowboys Head coach: Mike DeWitt

elliott.daveperrymiller.com

214.675.8353

ROCKWALL

214.680.5556

(first season)

the 6A Division I state semifinals, but return just three starters from that high-powered offense. HP and Rockwall have met in each of the last four seasons, with the Scots taking a 66-59 thriller in last year’s opener. QB Braedyn Locke is back after throwing for 4,305 yards and 52 touchdowns.

Nickname: Bearcats Head coach: J.D. Martinez (fourth season)

parkcitiespeople.com

October 2020 | 7B

LONGVIEW

Friday, Nov. 6 7:30 p.m. at Lobo Stadium

Nickname: Lobos Head coach: John King

MCKINNEY NORTH

2020 OPPONENTS TYLER

Friday, Nov. 13 7:30 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

Nickname: Bulldogs Head coach: Mike Fecci

Friday, Nov. 20 7:30 p.m. at Rose Stadium

Nickname: Lions Head coach: Ricklan Holmes

WEST MESQUITE

Friday, Nov. 27 7:30 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

Nickname: Wranglers Head coach: Frank Sandoval

WYLIE EAST

Friday, Dec. 4 7:30 p.m. at Wylie ISD Stadium

Nickname: Raiders Head coach: Mike Dormady

(17th season)

(12th season)

(ninth season)

(first season)

(third season)

2019 record: 11-1 (6-0 in district)

2019 record: 10-2 (6-0 in district)

2019 record: 3-8 (3-3 in district)

2019 record: 2-8 (2-4 in district)

2019 record: 2-8 (0-6 in district)

Notable: Like HP, the Lobos were an unbeaten 5A state champion in 2018, and should contend again this year. Longview’s 27-game winning streak was snapped by Jesuit in the 2019 playoffs. Just seven starters are back, but the Lobos should reload behind returning RB Kaden Meredith and LB Kybrien Jackson-Jimerson.

Notable: The Bulldogs won their first outright district title in school history last season behind an explosive offense that averaged more than 54 points. Returning WR J.J. Henry caught 76 passes for more than 1,400 yards. A defensive unit that allowed almost 40 points per game should stabilize with more experience.

Notable: This matchup will bring HP back to the site of its 59-0 win over Marshall in the 4A state title game 15 years ago. More recently, the Scots earned a wild comeback victory over the Lions during their undefeated 2018 postseason run. Tyler opened and closed 2019 with separate fourgame losing streaks.

Notable: After the program’s worst season since 1993, ex-Mexia coach Sandoval looks to lead a turnaround. On defense, the Wranglers surrendered at least 56 points in five of their eight losses last season. Athleticism runs deep on both sides of scrimmage, but rebuilding West Mesquite lacks experience in key spots.

Notable: The Scots topped the Raiders in the 2017 season finale, and Wylie East hasn’t won a district game since. After upsetting eventual state champion HP in 2016, the Raiders have gone 5-25 in the last three seasons. Standout RB Christian Johnson returns for an offense that averaged 11 points per game in district play.

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8B | October 2020

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NEW QB SCHAGER READY FOR SPOTLIGHT

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

B

rayden Schager knows the pressure comes with the job. He also has the skills and the confidence to meet that challenge.

The new Highland Park quarterback already has verbally committed to the University of Hawaii even before his first varsity start, which will come after one season as the backup to Chandler Morris, who’s now at Oklahoma.

“Brayden has worked so hard to be the starting quarterback.

He is mentally and physically ready to compete,” said HP head coach Randy Allen. “He’s got good size and throws the ball with good velocity. He’s accurate, and he’s improved his athletic ability.”

Schager (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) will lead HP’s traditionally high-powered offensive attack, which amassed 52.6 points per game last season. And although the Scots will be inexperienced at the skill positions, their natural chemistry should prove beneficial.

“I’ve been throwing to these guys since I was little,” Schager said. “I’ve been behind some great quarterbacks. It’s great to finally be the guy.”

Returning receivers Will Pettijohn, Crockett Corwin, and John Rutledge each will assume more prominent roles this season after combining for 37 catches and six touchdowns a year ago.

The top three rushers from the 2019 squad all graduated, which leaves the starting job to Brooks Bond, who ran for a game-high

PLAYER TO WATCH

PROBABLE STARTERS Brayden Schager, QB

Crockett Corwin, WR

Brooks Bond, RB

In a reserve role last season, Bond averaged almost seven yards per carry and scored six touchdowns. The senior also is a standout in lacrosse.

84 yards and two scores against Bryan Adams last season.

He will run behind a deep and seasoned offensive line with four returning starters — mammoth tackles Jack Leyrer and Henry Hagenbuch, guard Sam Morse, and center Will Gibson.

Will Pettijohn, WR

John Rutledge, WR

Sam Sessions, WR

Jack Leyrer, LT

Sam Morse, LG

Will Gibson, C

Grant Gibson, RG

Henry Hagenbuch, RT

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October 2020 | 9B

10B | October 2020

parkcitiespeople.com

NEW FACES, SAME MINDSET FOR SCOTS

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

C

ontinuity among the coaching staff has been a hallmark of Highland Park’s success. So when defensive coordinator Cale Melton left the program for a head coaching job at Kingwood, the Scots didn’t need to search far and wide for a replacement.

Veteran assistant Bobby Leidner will take charge of a defensive unit that will return four starters and others with postseason experience.

“Our guys believe in what we’re doing,” said HP head coach Randy Allen. “The players are familiar with it, and we just build on it.”

The strength of the group — literally — will be at inside linebacker. Hard-hitting Patrick

Turner is a three-year starter who has verbally committed to Navy. Marshall Landwehr also is equally adept at defending the run or the pass.

Tanner Schrank and Ford Frazar return at cornerback, while safety Walker Cobb saw plenty of action last season defending some potent aerial attacks.

“We have experience and depth,” Allen said. “They’re much more physical, and they understand our system better.

You’ll see an improved secondary because of the experience they gained last year.”

The Scots will be less seasoned along the defensive front, following the departure of standout lineman Prince Dorbah to the University of Texas.

Jack Curtis is the top returnee, with Cameron Laurie and nose

PLAYER TO WATCH

PROBABLE STARTERS Jack Curtis, DE

Cameron Laurie, DE

Tanner Schrank, CB

Against top competition – Magnolia and Frisco Lone Star – Schrank tallied two interceptions during the playoffs last season.

tackle Isaiah Pedack assuming larger roles.

“We have a lot of guys who played significant minutes on defense last year,” Landwehr said. “Guys can step up and play those roles. Those shoes can be filled.”

Isaiah Pedack, DT

Henry Diehl, LB

George Wright, LB

Marshall Landwehr, LB

Patrick Turner, LB

Ford Frazar, CB

Walker Cobb, S

Garrison Vincent, S

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October 2020 | 11B

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12B | October 2020

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