HP Boys Make Pitch for History in Soccer

Highland Park is no stranger to soccer state championships, but thus far, they’ve all been for the girls — seven in total.

On Friday, the HP boys will look to add their own chapter to that legacy as they face Liberty Hill for the Class 5A Division II crown in Georgetown.

It’s been 38 years since the Scots made their only previous appearance in the championship game, which resulted in a 1-0 loss to San Antonio Alamo Heights.

This time, HP is looking to take advantage of the UIL splitting the soccer playoffs into two divisions within each classification for the first time. The number of statewide boys championship games — and champions — has doubled from three to six.

The Scots (20-1-2) were fortunate to slide into the Division II bracket because the only two schools with higher enrollment in District 12-5A, Frisco Reedy and Carrollton Turner, both qualified for postseason play and took Division I slots.

It’s the only sport during this school year in which HP has played in 5A Division II. That might have simplified the road to the title game by eliminating some of the high-profile competition, but it doesn’t make HP’s postseason run any less impressive.

Since tying with Frisco Wakeland for the 12-5A title during the regular season, HP has outscored its five playoff opponents by a combined margin of 9-3.

That includes a shootout victory over Frisco Memorial in the opening round, following by regulation triumphs over Lovejoy, West Mesquite, Mesquite Poteet, and Saginaw.

Fifteen of HP’s 20 wins have been shutouts, including three in the playoffs. The Scots surrendered have surrendered just 10 goals all year.

The Scots will carry a 15-game winning streak into the championship game against Liberty Hill, which is located only about 15 miles west of the site for Friday’s clash in Georgetown.

The Panthers (15-6-7) won just 10 of their first 23 games and placed fourth in District 25-5A in the regular season before a remarkable push through the Region IV playoff bracket.

Liberty Hill, which also is seeking its first state title, survived a marathon shootout following a 2-2 draw against Montgomery Lake Creek in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, HP has blanked its last two opponents, including a 2-0 dismantling of Saginaw in the semifinal round to reach the 20-win plateau.