After Bye Week, Scots Face Tough Tests
As the District 15-5A schedule resumes this weekend after a one-week intermission, we find three teams tied atop the standings — Highland Park and its next two opponents.
The Scots (4-1, 2-0) will get back to business on Friday with a road game at West Mesquite, and then will return home to face Mesquite Poteet. Although it’s still relatively early, both games could have district title implications.
HP, of course, will squarely focus first on Friday’s game in Mesquite, which is where the Scots suffered their most recent district loss against Mesquite Horn in 2014. But that was across town at Hanby Stadium, whereas Friday’s game will be at Mesquite Memorial Stadium.
The Scots have won three straight games—including two in dominating fashion—since falling at Waxahachie in early September. (The Indians are still unbeaten, by the way, and have scored at least 40 points in every game they’ve played.)
During a 66-7 win over North Forney on Sept. 23, HP threw passes to 10 different receivers and accumulated a season-high 535 yards of total offense. John Stephen Jones and Jacob Urbanczyk were among the standouts.
But let’s credit the HP defense, too. Led by Matt Gahm, the Scots limited the Falcons to just 175 total yards and 8-of-26 passing. And just two weeks prior, they posted a shutout against Mansfield Timberview. So it appears HP has become well-rounded during the first half of the season on both sides of scrimmage.
The Wranglers (3-2, 2-0) are an especially intriguing opponent. West Mesquite certainly won’t be lacking confidence or momentum after scoring 40 unanswered points in the final 16 minutes to stun Lovejoy 46-37 in its most recent game.
The Wranglers opened district play with an easier win over Royse City, and their only losses this season are against Class 6A opponents.
The team’s top playmaker is Curtis Williams, who leads West Mesquite in both rushing and receiving, and has scored six touchdowns. Damarcus Crockett has rushed for six scores, and Connor Neill has flashed potential at quarterback despite throwing eight interceptions.
