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Highland Park has history on their side
THE JERRY JONES CLASSIC: Plenty of storylines between Highland Park; Lewisville
DFW high school football doesn't get much bigger than this.
Lewisville and Highland Park will meet Saturday afternoon at The Ford Center at The Star for the sixth annual Jerry Jones Classic, bringing together two North Texas programs with plenty of history and plenty of questions entering the 2026 season.
The matchup is also a first for the event.
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.
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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.
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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.
THE FINAL 48: UIL Football State Championship Preview -- Highland Park vs. Smithson Valley (5A-D1)
This Saturday at 11:00 a.m., AT&T Stadium will play host to an exciting showdown between the Highland Park Scots and the Smithson Valley Rangers, as both teams vie for the title of UIL-5A-D1 State Champions.
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Highland Park enters the championship with a 14-1 record, nearly perfect this season. The Scots’ journey to this point has been impressive, highlighted by a thrilling 24-21 come-back victory over Denton Ryan last Friday, which was sealed by a field goal in the final seconds.
This is a familiar stage for Highland Park, as they are making their 10th appearance in the State Final. The Scots last claimed the title in 2018, completing a historic three-peat with a win over Shadow Creek, marking their sixth state title overall.
Now, under the leadership of head coach Randy Allen, the Scots are aiming to build a new dynasty.
On both sides of the ball, Highland Park has been firing on all cylinders. The offense is averaging over 36 points per game, while the defense has held opponents to just 16 points per contest.
At the helm of the offense is sophomore Buck Randall, who has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite his youth, Randall has shown remarkable poise, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 38 touchdowns. He has also added 322 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
In the backfield, senior running back James Lancaster provides steady leadership, having rushed for 865 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior Matthew White has added 459 yards and 5 touchdowns, providing a dynamic second option.
When it comes to the passing game, Randall’s favorite target is junior wideout Cannon Bozman, who has caught 11 touchdowns on 63 receptions and is just one yard shy of reaching the 1,000-yard milestone for the season.
Even if Bozman is double-covered, the Scots have other reliable weapons in seniors Benton Owens (36 receptions, 726 yards, 7 TDs) and Brandon Lilly (38 receptions, 554 yards).
Defensively, the Scots are led by Jack Morse, a senior linebacker and Brown-commit who has been a game-changer. Morse, the 2023 District 7-6A Defensive MVP, leads the team in tackles (102), sacks (9.5), and interceptions (3). His versatility makes him a constant threat. Senior linebacker Anders Corn – a first-team, all-district selection – is another player capable of stepping up when it matters most.
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On the other side, the Smithson Valley Rangers are making their second consecutive appearance at AT&T Stadium. After suffering a heavy loss to Aledo in last year’s championship, the Rangers are eager to avenge that defeat and claim their first-ever state title.
Under the direction of coach Larry Hill, the Rangers are a formidable force. They come into the final with a 13-2 record, having won their last 10 games in a row. In last week’s State Semis, they defeated Angleton 21-14, securing their place in the championship.
Smithson Valley has been an offensive powerhouse this season, averaging 43.5 points per game, and if they continue their high-scoring ways, they could very well end the season with a title.
A key player for the Rangers is Cade Spradling, a senior who excels both as a quarterback and linebacker. Spradling’s ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes him one of the most dangerous players in the game. Whether he's leading the offense or anchoring the defense, Spradling’s impact is undeniable.
On defense, the Rangers have been suffocating, allowing fewer than 12 points per game.
Senior safety Diego Davila, an SFA-signee, has been a standout in the secondary, while 6-foot-3 edge rusher Hudson Woods has been a dominant force on the defensive line. Both will play critical roles in limiting Highland Park’s high-powered offense.
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In what should be a battle of momentous proportions, Highland Park and Smithson Valley stake their claim for the title this Saturday (11:00 AM) at AT&T Stadium.































