Senior, OL - Chris Owens, Arlington Lamar
After redshirting his freshman year, Owens has made his impact felt on the offensive line. Owens found himself filling in at center for the Tide after All-American Landon Dickerson suffered a torn ACL against Florida in the SEC Championship game. Owens helped the Tide complete their season with a Championship title playing Monday night against Ohio State.
At Arlington Lamar, Owens was a four-star guard and rated as the No. 10 guard Nationally according to a 247Sports composite and the No. 2 Guard in Texas. Owens earned an All-State selection by the Texas Associated Press and chose Alabama over Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M.
Freshman, PK - Chase Allen, Colleyville Heritage
Allen joined Alabama as a walk-on addition this season. Allen has served the Crimson Tide by kicking off in various instances to include the starting kickoff duties in the first four games of the 2020 season, against LSU, Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Auburn. Although Allen didn't play during the National Championship game, he totaled 2,029 yards on kickoffs for the Crimson Tide.
At Colleyville Heritage, Allen was ranked as the No. 1 kicker and punter in Texas 5A Division 1. He earned an All-District 4-5A Special Teams Player of the Year honor his senior season and recorded a touchback on 30 of his 46 kicks during his senior season. Allen chose Alabama over Ole Miss and Villanova.
Freshman, RB - Jase McClellan, Aledo
McClellan has shown his ability more than once on Alabama's offense and special teams. He got his first collegiate playing time against Missouri early in the season where he played on special teams before doing the same against Texas A&M in the Tide's home opener. McClellan even earned special teams player of the week recognition from the Alabama coaching staff against Mississippi State where he helped limit MSU to zero yards on punt returns. McClellan totaled 245 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and one receiving yard during the 2020-2021 season with Alabama. McClellan joined on special teams during the National Championship game.
At Aledo, McClellan was a highly sought-after recruit. As a four-star prospect, he was ranked as the No. 6 running back and the No. 6 player in the state of Texas according to a 247Sports composite. McClellan was selected to play in the Under Armor All-American Game and competed in Nike's "The Opening". McClellan helped lead Aledo to a State Title in the 2019-2020 season with a 45-42 win over Fort Bend Marshall. McClellan totaled over 6,800 yards and 842 carries with 125 touchdowns. He chose Alabama over Oklahoma after first pledging his loyalty to the Sooners two years prior to his Tide commitment.
Freshman, OL - Drew Sanders, Denton Ryan
Drew Sanders came out of Denton ready to show his strength to his SEC opponents. Sanders saw consistent play on special teams throughout the entire season as an outside linebacker. In his collegiate debut, Sanders recorded an unassisted tackle against Missouri early in the season. Sanders earned special teams player of the week from the Alabama coaching staff for his play against Tennessee and Arkansas. Sanders recorded four solo tackles and five assisted tackles prior to the National Championship game. Sanders saw playing time against Ohio State during the Championship showdown.
At Denton Ryan, Sanders made a name for himself and quickly became a five-star recruit. Rated as the No. 1 player in Texas according to a 247Sports composite, Sanders played on both ends of the ball where he completed over 10 passes and scored over 45 touchdowns in his career. Sanders was also named as a finalist for the 2019 Landry Player of the Year. Sanders chose Alabama over Oklahoma, LSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, and more.
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.
GAMES
![6PM - Volleyball: San Antonio Christian vs. East Central [AUDIO ONLY]](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy82NzY3NDY0My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTgwNTQ2NzExOX0.QHlSvv5B97R3n4yCOtwIM2WvjIfIoE8uL1x5QrcoQfc/img.jpg?width=600&height=600&quality=50&coordinates=280%2C0%2C281%2C0)
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