Highland Park Dominates Frisco Reedy, Advances to Regional Final
Highland Park continued its December football tradition with a commanding 31-12 victory over Frisco Reedy in the Region II semifinals Friday at The Star in Frisco. The Scots’ well-rounded performance featured a suffocating defense and a precise, high-octane offense, extending their winning streak to nine games and improving their record to 12-1.
Sophomore quarterback Buck Randall led the charge for Highland Park, amassing 300 passing yards and three touchdowns, along with a rushing score. Randall’s poise and playmaking were instrumental as the Scots pulled away with back-to-back scoring drives late in the first half.
Early Opportunities and First-Half Dominance
The game began with Highland Park controlling possession but missing a scoring opportunity on their opening drive, which stalled at the Reedy 5-yard line following a key third-down completion to Benton Owens. A missed field goal ended the promising start, but the Scots quickly regrouped.
Their next possession, set up by a lengthy punt return from Owens, culminated in Randall’s 13-yard scramble for the game’s first touchdown. Highland Park then exploded offensively in the second quarter, with Randall delivering two deep touchdown passes — a 48-yard bomb to Cannon Bozman and a 30-yard strike to Owens.
By halftime, the Scots held a commanding 21-0 lead. Their defense, led by linebackers Jack Morse and Anders Corn, neutralized Reedy’s potent offense, which had amassed over 500 yards the previous week. Reedy quarterback Jake Ferner, who entered the game with 2,700 passing yards and 30 touchdowns on the season, managed only four completions in the first half, as the Lions were held to just 67 total yards.
Reedy’s Rally Falls Short
Reedy showed more life after halftime, piecing together an 11-play drive capped by a 2-yard touchdown run from Cade Hebel to cut the deficit to 24-6. However, Highland Park’s defense continued to disrupt Reedy’s rhythm, preventing any sustained momentum.
Randall and Bozman delivered the dagger early in the fourth quarter with a 25-yard touchdown connection on a critical fourth-down play, extending the lead to 31-6. Reedy added a late touchdown on a spectacular one-handed grab by Jackson Ford on a fourth-down throw from Ferner, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Key Performances
Bozman was Randall’s go-to target, hauling in six receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, James Lancaster led all rushers with 70 yards on 13 carries. For Reedy, Triston Airy managed 65 rushing yards, most of which came in the second half.
Reedy, which had averaged 52 points across its first two playoff games, was held to its lowest scoring output of the season. Highland Park’s defense hasn’t allowed a first-half touchdown in four consecutive games, a testament to their discipline and preparation.
Next Up
Highland Park now turns its attention to a regional final showdown against Frisco Lone Star on Dec. 6, marking the Scots’ third straight matchup against a Frisco ISD opponent. Lone Star, which shared the District 6-5A title with Reedy, earned its spot with a dramatic comeback win over Midlothian.
As the Scots aim to keep their postseason run alive, their blend of defensive tenacity and offensive efficiency makes them a formidable contender in the hunt for a state championship.
