Written by Nick Debose
The Highland Park Scots got their first district victory over the Sherman Bearcats 35-17. The game was originally scheduled for Friday at 7:30pm, but was rescheduled to 5:30pm on Thursday because of inclement weather. Even with a reschedule their was still a 45 minute delay in kickoff, because of lighting in the area pregame.
Highland Park Head Football Coach Randy Allen was excited to get the victory through all the adversity they had to face this week after a bye week. "We are glad to get our first district win, we came out of it healthy, and it gives us an extra day to prepare for Longview." Allen thought the delay and change in schedule affected his team early on in the game. It affected them more than I thought it would. We didn't play as well as we did against Rockwall, but I think after an open date it takes awhile to get back in rhythm."
Highland Park used a two headed run game and solid defensive play to pull out the road win. Running backs Christian Reeves and Jay Cox rushed for a combined 160 yards and three touchdowns for the Scots. Reeves, complimented his offensive line for paving the wave for him. "They are great! They open the holes and I run through them". Reeves
The Scots used the run game to set up a n efficient passing game. Junior quarterback Brennan Storer went 13-18 135 yards and two scores. Senior wide receiver John Rutledge led the receiving core with five catches for 34 yards and a touchdown. While Jackson Heis caught an impressive 26 yard touchdown to seal the victory for the Scots.
Allen, was very complimentary of the Bearcats ball club under first season Head Football Coach Cory Cain. "They are well coached and could be a playoff team in our district". Sherman scored the first points of the game with a 29-yard Dane Cassellberry field goal to take an early lead. The Bearcats regained the lead in the second quarter with a Phoenix Grant 4-yard touchdown run. The junior quarterback had 246 yards of total offense and rushed for two scores.
Junior running back Caleb Thompson was the Bearcats second leading rusher. Elijah Chapman led the Bearcats in receiving yards with 56, while Aries Jones led them in catches with five catches for 42 yards. Chapman, Zacorieian Harris, and JD Parker all had 4 catches.
Highland Park will host Longview for what looks like it will be for the district title. While Sherman will get a bye week before traveling to Longview to play the Lobos the following week.