Will this finally be the year for Smithson Valley? The Rangers have made it to the title game five times before this season. All five times they’ve come up short.
Last year, they met their match in Aledo. This year, it’s another DFW powerhouse standing in their way in Highland Park.
The Scots made the most of their drop from 6A back to 5A Division I this year, punching their first state title game ticket in six years.
The last time they made it this far, they went back-to-back-to-back from 2016-2018. Now, they’ll aim to begin another run this year.
Here’s what to watch for on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. in the 5A Division I State Title Game.
Highland Park Scots (14-1)
Head Coach: Randy Allen (44th season; 460-96 record)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 23 miles
2024 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 48-0 vs. Rouse
Area: W 38-10 vs. Wakeland
Regional Semifinals: W 31-12 vs. Reedy
Regional Final: W 41-28 vs. Lone Star
State Semifinals: W 24-21 vs. Denton Ryan
Key Players and Storylines
No need to worry about Highland Park’s ability to perform when the lights shine the brightest.
Last week in the semifinals against Denton Ryan, with under two minutes to go, the Scots embarked on a 48-yard drive, setting up a game-winning 28-yard field goal by their kicker Sutton Stock with just six seconds left.
It will also help to have four-time state champion head coach Randy Allen with the headset on if this one comes down to more late game decision making.
He’ll have full confidence in his sophomore quarterback Buck Randall. Randall has made big plays time and time again this year, especially in the direction of slot receiver Cannon Bozman, who has speed to give defenses problems.
After a turnover on downs @BuckRandall6 over the 🔝 to @cannon_bozman gives the Scot’s a 21-14 lead over Ryan 3Q 💣
@TheScotsrecruiting @ScotsAth @scotsathletics @HP_Texas @hpisdschools @GamedayScots @Highlander_Band @ScotsTweeter @LadyScots_Bball @KennyMatthews @GMsportsmedia1… pic.twitter.com/1PqbLTV7BU
— Friday Night Glory (@FridayNghtGlory) December 14, 2024
When its not Bozman, Benton Owens can also get yardage in a hurry at receiver. Smithson Valley will have to be aware of where those two are at on the field at all times.
Up front, the Scots have good size on their offensive line with Will Ogle (6’3″ and 290 pounds), Gage Clark (6’4″ and 275 pounds), and Grayson Davenport (6’4″ and 290 pounds).
Defensively, Brown commit Jack Morse captains the unit from his linebacker spot. He can make plays all over the field. Alongside him, fellow linebacker Anders Corn is also attracting attention from the next level.
Smithson Valley Rangers
Head Coach: Larry Hill (32nd season; 314-92 record)
Distance from AT&T Stadium: 267 miles
2024 Playoff Results
Bi-District: W 49-7 vs. South San Antonio
Area: W 55-13 vs. Edinburg Vela
Regional Semifinals: W 56-21 vs. New Braunfels
Regional Final: W 49-14 vs. Flour Bluff
State Semifinals: W 21-14 vs. Angleton
Key Players and Storylines
Smithson Valley got its dream start last year, going up 8-0 against Aledo in the title game. Unfortunately for the Rangers, the Bearcats ripped off 51-straight points after that, but a year later, Smithson Valley will hope that will be a learning experience.
They’ll need to keep the ball moving this time around, and they’ll look to do it on the ground. Brad Sowersby is your traditional tailback, while quarterback Cade Spradling can bring the designed run with his athleticism. He had the go-ahead touchdown on the ground last week against Angleton.
⭐️ Touchdown @SV_RangerFB ⭐️
Cade Spradling keeps on the bootleg, finds a crease, and sprints 37 yards to the house, and the Rangers retake the lead late.
Smithson Valley 21
Angleton 14
2:56 | 4th#TXHSFB pic.twitter.com/0ZE46qssQI— Ryan Brauninger (@R_Brauninger) December 14, 2024
When Spradling needs a big play in the passing attack, he’s turned to Brody Day more often than not this year. Day had Smithson Valley’s opening touchdown last week.
And not only is Spradling keeping the offense rolling, he does his part on defense too at linebacker. Against Flour Bluff in the regional final, he had a long pick-six.
This Ranger defense will be in for a test with Highland Park’s passing attack. With Randall’s ability to pick apart defenses, Smithson Valley will need to get some pressure on him. Luckily, they have the guys to do that in defensive end Hudson Woods and nose guard Justin Roberts.
Final Thoughts
Last year, the Rangers finished with just 33 rushing yards in their loss to Aledo.
They will need to get Spradling going if they want to have a chance at their school’s first state championship.
Highland Park, meanwhile, will be looking to win that battle up front just like Aledo did. If they can take Smithson Valley from its rushing attack and have Randall hit a couple of big plays early offensively, the Scots can put themselves in the driver’s seat to bring home yet another state title.
