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Smithson Valley Handles Highland Park for Crown

Smithson Valley over Dallas Highland Park Class 5A DI State Championship 2024

Class 5A Division I State Championship Game

Smithson Valley Triumphs in Historic 5A Championship Victory

Arlington, TX – The Smithson Valley Rangers claimed their first-ever Texas Class 5A Division I State Championship with a hard-fought 32-20 victory over the Dallas Highland Park Scots at AT&T Stadium on Saturday. In their 5th appearance at this stage, the Rangers, led by their long-tenured head coach Larry Hill, ended a nearly 50-year quest for a state title. Highland Park, a program with 10 state appearances and last crowned champions in 2018, saw their hopes dashed despite a solid effort.

First Quarter Fireworks

The Scots struck first, with quarterback Buck Randall connecting on a 49-yard touchdown pass to Cannon Bozman, giving Highland Park an early 7-0 lead. Smithson Valley responded with a pair of field goals from kicker Trent Amaya, narrowing the deficit to 7-6. Randall found receiver Benton Owens for a spectacular 73-yard touchdown strike, extending the Scots' lead to 14-6. However, Smithson Valley's defense made a statement when Julian Colunga returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown, cutting the Scots’ lead to 14-13.

Second Quarter Momentum Shift

The Rangers seized control in the second quarter with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Cade Spradling to Brody Day, taking a 20-14 lead. Highland Park kicker Sutton Stock added a 40-yard field goal to make it 20-17. Amaya's accuracy proved crucial as he converted another field goal before halftime, giving Smithson Valley a slim 23-20 advantage.

Defensive Brilliance and Closing Dominance

The second half saw the Rangers’ defense dominate, holding the Scots scoreless. Amaya added a 30-yard field goal in the third quarter to extend the lead. In the fourth quarter, Spradling capped a 55-yard drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, securing the final margin of 32-20. The Scots struggled to find rhythm, with Randall's two interceptions and relentless pressure from the Rangers' defensive line proving decisive.

Key Stats and Performances

Smithson Valley’s ground game was unstoppable, amassing 297 rushing yards. Spradling led the charge with 147 yards and a touchdown, while Brad Sowersby added 152 yards on 22 carries. Through the air, Spradling completed five of 12 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Highland Park's Randall threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns but was plagued by turnovers and sacks. Owens recorded eight receptions for 162 yards, including the game’s longest touchdown.

Defensively, Hunter Haug and Colunga shined for the Rangers, with Haug breaking up multiple passes and Colunga’s interception touchdown turning the tide.

Coach Larry Hill’s Legacy Cemented

Despite fielding dozens of great teams over the years, Coach Larry Hill has always had that title of State Champion elude him. This outcome was special for anyone associated with Coach Hill as he has exemplified the best qualities of a coach and the development of a winning culture. A lot of happy tears were shed around the state in seeing Coach Hill get his title. Even the players focused on celebrating "winning a state championship for Coach Hill."

When asked about the ring he would get for his long-awaited championship, he said, "I have one now - and I'll have it on me when they 'put me in the box.'"

The Rangers’ victory was just one chapter in an unforgettable championship weekend. For Highland Park, the loss was a rare stumble in their storied legacy but underscored the competitive spirit of Texas high school football.

Offensive MVP: Cade Spradling (Smithson Valley)
Defensive MVP: Julian Colunga (Smithson Valley)

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