Highland Park’s 29-game home winning streak came to an end on Friday as they fell to Colorado powerhouse Cherry Creek, 51-39, in a thrilling matchup at Highlander Stadium. Despite a valiant fourth-quarter comeback attempt, the Scots couldn’t overcome the early deficit against a relentless Cherry Creek team.
The Scots, who entered the game undefeated at 3-0 and looking like a strong contender in 5A Division I, struggled to contain the Bruins, surrendering over 500 total yards, including a staggering 400 on the ground. Cherry Creek’s dominance along the line of scrimmage proved to be the difference, as Highland Park suffered their first defeat of the season.
Sophomore quarterback Buck Randall had a standout performance for Highland Park, throwing for a season-high 321 yards and five touchdowns. Three of those touchdowns came in a furious fourth-quarter rally as the Scots tried to dig themselves out of a 27-point hole. Randall connected with Case Messer and Benton Owens for scores in a wild three-minute span, cutting the deficit to 44-39, with an onside kick recovery helping keep hope alive.
Highland Park showed flashes of resilience, recovering two onside kicks in the final quarter, but they couldn’t capitalize on their last attempt in the final minute, allowing Cherry Creek to run out the clock and secure the win.
Cherry Creek took advantage of early mistakes by Highland Park, turning two consecutive turnovers into touchdowns in the first quarter. With Highland Park holding a 9-6 lead, a fumbled option pitch was returned 24 yards for a score by Cherry Creek’s Jayden Spencer, and from that point on, the Bruins never trailed. Just moments later, Cherry Creek’s Marquevious Lee recovered another fumble, setting up a quick touchdown run by Maxwell Lovett to push the Bruins’ lead to 20-9.
Despite the early setbacks, Highland Park showed signs of life before halftime, cutting the margin to 27-17 with Randall’s touchdown pass to Brandon Lilly, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Lilly had a career-best game with 10 receptions for 104 yards, while Owens and Messer became Randall’s go-to targets, each grabbing two touchdown receptions.
The Bruins, known for their physicality, capitalized on their size advantage, controlling the clock and tempo for much of the game. Cherry Creek running back Jayden Fox was unstoppable, rushing for 208 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. Jeremiah Hoffman added another rushing score and finished with 101 total yards, while quarterback Brady Vodicka threw for 146 yards, connecting on a touchdown pass to Hoffman and adding another rushing score.
Highland Park’s defense managed to force some key turnovers, including a fumble recovery by Jackson McGinley and an interception by Jack Morse, but the Scots failed to convert those opportunities into points. Despite Cherry Creek’s 17 penalties for 131 yards, the Bruins were able to maintain control of the game.
For Highland Park, there were plenty of positives to take from this loss as they prepare for district play. The Scots displayed incredible resilience, especially in the fourth quarter, and found emerging stars in Randall, Lilly, Owens, and Messer. The team will look to bounce back and build on these bright spots as they face Tyler in their next game.
