Dieb Stands Tall as District 10-6A MVP
Stephen Dieb might be small in stature, but he stood out as he weaved through defenses during the Highland Park football season.
Opposing coaches took notice, naming Dieb the most valuable player in District 10-6A all-district balloting. The senior led the Scots to the district title with 1,147 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. And that doesn’t count his contributions in the receiving and return games.
HP had several other honorees on the all-district team, including junior defensive lineman Matt Gahm, who was recognized as the defensive newcomer of the year. Head coach Randy Allen shared coach of the year honors with North Mesquite’s Mike Robinson.
HP’s first-team choices included a few unanimous selections — offensive linemen Jack Sides and Thomas Shelmire, and cornerback Joseph Sweeney. Other first-teamers included defensive lineman Turner Coxe, linebackers John House and Hayden Schnieders, and safety Turner Rejebian.
Offensive second-team players for the Scots were Henry Allen, Harrison Murski, Carson Yeager, Grey Giddens, Chris Buell, Cy McCullough, J.T. Dooley, and Parker Alexander. Defensive second-teamers included Zach Snelling, Garrett Wingrove, William Neely, Luke Blanton, Bennett Brock, Josh Block, Marshall Ballard, Andrew Petrucelli, and Matthew Barge. Also on the second team were kicker Will Moore and punter Jackson Hubbard.
HP coaches also chose a handful of players for honorable mention — Jack Kozmetsky, Giff Giffin, Jeffrey Kupp, Jack Toohey, Kemp Sauer, Carter Collins, and George Stewart.
Other district superlatives included North Mesquite teammates Ja’Quez Gooch (offensive MVP) and Dillon Owens (defensive MVP), along with Mesquite’s Chance Owens (special teams player of the year) and Ja’Lynn Sidney of Lake Highlands (offensive newcomer of the year).
The Scots, of course, will move down to Class 5A next season as part of the biennial UIL realignment process. District assignments will be announced on Feb. 1.
Meanwhile, Dieb, at 5-feet-7 and 165 pounds, will focus his attention on the wrestling mat, where he is a former state champion for HP.
Congratulations to all of the boys who were recognized and a huge thank you to the entire Scots Football team. You are role models for the next generation of Scots who will try their best to carry on the tradition of greatness that is HP Football. Thank you for an outstanding season!