Highland Park has history on their side
For the first time, the Jerry Jones Classic will feature two Dallas-area teams rather than a Dallas program facing an opponent from outside the area.
The two teams have met twice recently, with Highland Park winning both meetings in 2022 and 2023.
And if history is any indication, Saturday should have plenty of intrigue.
In past years, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been on hand for the coin flip and trophy presentation, adding another layer to an already unique atmosphere. At the end of the afternoon, one player will also walk away with the signed Cowboys jersey awarded to the game's MVP.
But before the trophy and jersey are handed out, there are some major questions to answer.
THE GALLERY
Who Takes Over at Quarterback for Lewisville?
Lewisville went 8-3 last season but enters 2026 looking for a new quarterback after Tre Williams transferred to Aledo.
The big question is simple: Who is the new guy?
Whoever wins the job will have some talented players around him.
Tight end Landon Bogany, No. 8, enters the season with 15 college offers and gives the new quarterback a major weapon in the passing game.
Lewisville also returns a strong group of college-bound defensive players, including Sam Houston State pledges Devin Robinson at linebacker and Aiden Evans in the secondary. Missouri State pledge Derrick Martin III returns at wide receiver, while Ole Miss pledge Taelyn Mayo gives the Farmers another talented piece in the secondary.
Arkansas pledge Declan Hamm also returns to handle punting duties.
...
Buck Randall Is Ready to Run It Back
If Lewisville has questions at quarterback, Highland Park has no such uncertainty.
SMU pledge Buck Randall returns for his senior season after putting together one of the most productive campaigns in the state in 2025.
Randall threw for an eye-popping 4,392 yards and 51 touchdowns last season while adding 464 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
He was also a Class 5A All-State selection.
And here's the wild part: Randall is Highland Park's top returning rusher and top returning receiver.
He caught one pass for 20 yards last season, but with the team's top five receivers graduating, the SMU pledge could have an expanded role in the passing game while leading an offense that will need to replace a significant amount of production.
The question is obvious:
Who will Randall throw it to?
Running back James Flowers, a Second-Team All-District selection, gives the Scots a proven option in the backfield, while First-Team All-District offensive lineman Cooper Alt will help keep Randall upright and open running lanes.
...
Randy Allen Chasing History
Saturday also gives Highland Park coach Randy Allen another opportunity to add to one of the most impressive résumés in Texas high school football.
Allen enters his 46th season as a head coach and currently ranks second all-time in UIL history with 460 victories.
The state record is 490.
That means every victory moves Allen one step closer to one of the most coveted records in Texas high school football.
Highland Park finished 12-2 last season, but the Scots must replace three All-State players from that squad and eight defensive starters who earned All-District honors.
The defense is therefore the biggest question mark entering Saturday.
Linebackers Graham Rodgers, a Second-Team All-District selection, and Benton Gordon, an honorable mention selection, are among the returning pieces who will be asked to provide leadership for a largely retooled unit.
TRENDING
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