Park Cities Football Preview 2023

HP Defense Looks to Experience in the Trenches

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Looking to replace most of the starters from a defensive unit that allowed just 12.3 points per game during an unbeaten regular season in 2022, Highland Park will begin up front.

Much of the varsity seasoning for the Scots on defense comes from their linemen and linebackers. Defensive ends Henry Richter and Daniel Turner were key contributors last season, as was nose tackle Cormac Carroll, who is fully recovered from a knee ailment.

“Our defensive line has experience,” said HP head coach Randy Allen. “That’s a great place to be strong.”

Behind them will be aggressive junior Jack Morse, the team’s top returning tackler after a breakout season at inside linebacker a year ago.

“He was special last year,” Allen said. “We look for him to have a great year.”

At outside linebacker in HP’s preferred 3-4 scheme, Anders Corn is back after missing much of 2022 with an injury, and Wesley Winfield is expected to play a prominent role.

As for the secondary, cornerback Wes Giese will lead a young but athletic group that has featured multiple offseason position battles. Running backs Wilson Axley and Cooper Schendle could see time on defense, too.

“We’re a smaller defense, but

PLAYER TO WATCH

PROBABLE STARTERS

The hard-hitting Morse earned District 7-6A defensive newcomer of the year honors after recording 94 tackles, including nine for loss, during his sophomore campaign.

we’re very smart,” Giese said. “They’ve been competing every day in practice. I think it will end up being a strength for us.”

The Scots posted three shutouts last year and had a stretch of seven consecutive games during which they didn’t allow a firsthalf touchdown.

Jack Morse, LB

We’re a smaller defense, but we’re very smart. Wes Giese

Cormac Carroll, DT

Anders Corn, LB

Wesley Winfield, LB John Allen, LB

Wes Giese, CB

Jackson McGinley, S

Jack McCallum, CB

Andrew Wade, S

Daniel Turner, DE

Henry Richter, DE

MELISSA MACATEE

Young Skill Players Step Into Spotlight for Scots on Offense

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

PROBABLE STARTERS

Highland Park’s prolific offense averaged almost 44 points per game last season, and the Scots are optimistic about a repeat performance. But for that to be true, HP will need to replace almost all of its production from 2022 and rely on a cast of newcomers. The Scots have flourished in similar situations before.

“We absolutely have a lot of firepower,” said senior quarterback Warren Peck. “There’s a lot of people coming up who are ready to show what they can do.”

Peck is the projected starter at quarterback, with Parker Thompson likely to play a significant reserve role. The third-string option is an-

other senior, Toby Trotter, a transfer from Frisco Legacy.

Wilson Axley takes over as the primary ball carrier after amassing 257 yards and three touchdowns in limited action a year ago.

“He broke a lot of tackles and made a lot of good catches,” said HP head coach Randy Allen. “He’s got good speed and is a great leader.”

Keller Holmes, Brian Rapp, and James Lancaster also should get some touches in the backfield, enabling the Scots to employ different formations and use players in a variety of ways.

The receiver corps is inexperienced at the varsity level, but Allen likes the group’s depth. Steel Tobin has speed in the slot and was a standout in the spring,

PLAYER TO WATCH

while two-sport athlete Charlie Schneider has bigplay potential. But the Scots have several options. Meanwhile, the mammoth offensive line will have four new starters alongside Case Pickelman, who will move to center.

The Scots will have size and strength in abundance on the offensive line, but nobody is bigger than Greenlee (6-foot9, 285 pounds), who will protect the blind side.

Hill Greenlee, LT

Charlie Schneider, WR

Paxton Smith, WR Jack Danner, WR Steel Tobin, WR

Will Ogle, LG

Grayson Davenport, RT Case Pickelman, C Gage Clark, RG

Wilson Axley, RB Warren Peck, QB

MELISSA MACATEE

2023 VARSITY ROSTER

VARSITY SCHEDULE

JV BLUE

Date Opponent Time

Aug. 24 Flower Mound Marcus 7 p.m.

Aug. 31 at Lewisville 7 p.m.

Sep. 7 Lake Highlands 7 p.m.

Sep. 14 at Irving 7 p.m.

Sep. 28 Jesuit Dallas 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Richardson Berkner 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 Irving Nimitz 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Irving MacArthur 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 Richardson 7 p.m.

Nov 2 at Richardson Pearce 7 p.m.

JV GOLD

Date Opponent Time

Aug. 24 Flower Mound Marcus 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 31 at Lewisville 5:30 p.m.

Sep. 7 Lake Highlands 5:30 p.m.

Sep. 14 at Allen 7 p.m.

Sep. 28 Jesuit Dallas 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Euless Trinity 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 Sachse 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Jesuit Dallas 7 p.m.

Nov 2 at Richardson Pearce 5:30 p.m.

p.m.

Oct. 25 at Richardson 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 Richardson Pearce 5:30 p.m.

MELISSA MACATEE

ALWAYS PUSHING F RWARD

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FLOWER MOUND MARCUS

Friday, Aug. 25

7 p.m. at Marcus Marauder Stadium

2023 OPPONENTS

LEWISVILLE

Friday, Sept. 1

7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

LAKE HIGHLANDS

Friday, Sept. 8

7 p.m. at Wildcat-Ram Stadium

IRVING

Friday, Sept. 15

7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

JESUIT DALLAS

Friday, Sept. 29

7 p.m. at SMU’s Ford Stadium

Nickname: Marauders

Head coach: Mike Alexander (first season)

2022 record: 6-5 (5-2 in district)

Notable: New coach Mike Alexander led Grapevine to six straight playoff appearances and three consecutive district titles. The Marauders fell to Denton Guyer in the first round of the playoffs. With so many new faces on offense, Marcus will rely on its defense, especially an experienced line, which allowed 17.1 points in its six wins.

Nickname: Farmers

Head coach: Michael Odle (seventh season) 2022 record: 12-2 (7-0 in district)

Notable: The Farmers had their most successful season since the school’s undefeated title run in 1996, reaching the fourth round of the playoffs before falling to Prosper. Workhorse RB Viron Ellison posted more than 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. Dual-threat QB Ethan Terrell also returns to lead Lewisville’s dynamic offense.

Nickname: Wildcats

Head coach: Cory Campbell (first season) 2022 record: 8-3 (6-2 in district)

Notable: After head coach Lonnie Jordan left to become the HP athletic director, offensive coordinator Cory Campbell was promoted. The Wildcats made a 15th straight postseason appearance but fell to South Grand Prairie in the opening round. RB Deonte Dean and QB Tripp Holley both return as part of a formidable offense.

Nickname: Tigers

Head coach: Brent Nickerson (first season)

2022 record: 1-9 (0-8 in district)

Notable: New coach Brent Nickerson will try to reverse the fortunes of a program with just 12 victories in the past nine years combined. Irving’s strength might be its linebackers, including top returnees Victor Cantarero and Omar Castro. The Tigers averaged only 6.5 points in District 7-6A play and were shut out four times.

Nickname: Rangers

Head coach: Brandon Hickman (13th season) 2022 record: 9-3 (7-1 in district)

Notable: This neutral-site clash will be the second meeting between rivals whose campuses sit just six miles apart, after the Scots won 35-28 a year ago. Jesuit’s five-game winning streak ended against McKinney in the second round of the playoffs. The up-tempo offense will feature new faces such as QB Charlie Peters and RB Zane Williams.

RICHARDSON BERKNER

Friday, Oct. 6

7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

2023 OPPONENTS

IRVING NIMITZ

Thursday, Oct. 12

7 p.m. at Ellis Stadium

IRVING MACARTHUR

Friday, Oct. 20

7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

RICHARDSON

Thursday, Oct. 26

7 p.m. at Eagle-Mustang Stadium

RICHARDSON PEARCE

Friday, Nov. 3

7 p.m. at Highlander Stadium

Nickname: Rams

Head coach: Trey Bryant (third season)

2022 record: 5-6 (5-3 in district)

Notable: Berkner hasn’t finished with a winning record since 2011, but the Rams have made back-toback playoff appearances. Among the 17 returning starters are offensive standouts Cornell McGee, Dameon Crowe, and Jamary Williams. Berkner did not play any close games, as all 11 wins and losses were decided by at least 21 points.

Nickname: Vikings

Head coach: M.A. Small (second season)

2022 record: 1-9 (1-7 in district)

Notable: The Vikings suffered through their seventh consecutive losing season while allowing 49.1 points per game and scoring an average of just 15.4. Dual-threat QB Pedro Maldonado returns, as does go-to WR Christopher Hernandez. Faster starts will be key for Nimitz, which trailed after the first quarter of every game last season.

Nickname: Cardinals

Head coach: Beck Nitcholas (third season) 2022 record: 4-6 (3-5 in district)

Notable: The Cardinals have not posted a winning season since 2015 and have not won a playoff game since 1991. After a 3-1 start, MacArthur dropped five of its final six games as its offense fizzled down the stretch. However, the aggressive defense showed promise behind returning LBs Rehoboth Odunyemi and Joanny Bondo.

Nickname: Eagles

Head coach: Kendrick Holloway (first season) 2022 record: 3-7 (2-6 in district)

Notable: New coach Kendrick Holloway, a former assistant at rival Berkner, will look to jump-start an offense that was shut out three times. Richardson’s last winning season came in 2010, and its last playoff victory came in 1992. The Eagles return plenty of experience at skill positions including receivers Hudson Harder and Evan Tabora.

Nickname: Mustangs

Head coach: Jarrett Lambert (second season) 2022 record: 4-6 (4-4 in district)

Notable: Pearce bounced back after an 0-4 start and narrowly missed the playoffs. HP and the Mustangs have played many times but the Scots have dominated the series, including a 49-10 win in last year’s District 7-6A finale. QB Presley Harper returns after a promising sophomore campaign along with two-way standout Ryan Williams.

Scots Look to Sustain 6A Success With Eyes on Playoff Run

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

With a perfect regular season at the Class 6A level, Highland Park again demonstrated why it is the winningest program in Texas high school football.

However, the Scots fell to powerhouse Denton Guyer last year in the second round of the Division II playoffs, which showed the size and speed of top teams in the state’s largest classification that HP must combat this season with less experience even by its standards.

After all, one of the hallmarks of HP’s continued excellence has been its ability to withstand roster turnover each year with depth on both sides of scrimmage.

“We showed we can play with them,” said longtime HP head coach Randy Allen. “The playoffs in 6A are tough. It really doesn’t matter what

round you’re talking about — the games are going to be close.”

Indeed, the Region I postseason bracket is a gauntlet. So the Scots will challenge themselves during an abbreviated two-game nondistrict schedule against perennial playoff foes Flower Mound Marcus and Lewisville, then aim to repeat atop the nineteam District 7-6A to ensure the best possible seed.

The schedule appears front-loaded, which is to say HP will likely face its toughest opponents — Lake Highlands, Jesuit Dallas, and Richardson Berkner — all in the first half of the district slate.

The Scots will enter the season with a 19-game regular-season winning streak and seeking their ninth consecutive district title.

“At Highland Park, we always set our goals high,” said senior quarterback Warren Peck. “We’ve got a bunch of guys ready to step up.”

2022 RESULTS

Nondistrict

Aug. 26 Flower Mound Marcus W, 38-24

Sept. 2 Lewisville W, 31-17

District 7-6A

Sept. 9 Lake Highlands W, 52-21

Sept. 15 Irving W, 63-0

Sept. 30 Jesuit Dallas W, 35-28

Oct. 6 Richardson Berkner W, 38-17

Oct. 14 Irving Nimitz W, 51-6

Oct. 21 Irving MacArthur W, 52-0

Oct. 28 Richardson W, 31-0

Nov. 4 Richardson Pearce W, 49-10

Region I playoffs

Nov. 11 Arlington Bowie W, 44-27

Nov. 18 Denton Guyer L, 63-42

Randy Allen is set to begin his 25th season as Highland Park’s head coach. He has a record of 282-34 with the Scots. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Then. And now.

We’re supporting Scots. We’re raising Scots. We ARE Scots. It’s not just a slogan:

WE KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD .

THE RHODES GROUP