Highland Park hits game-winning field goal vs. Denton Ryan, advances to state championship
After eliminating the Aledo Bearcats, the Denton Ryan Raiders entered a Class 5A Division One State Semifinal against Highland Park, hoping to make their eighth state championship appearance.
Ryan started strong, creating a quick 14-0 lead, but the Scots surged from behind, and the game was tied at 21 heading into the fourth quarter.
In a contest that turned into a battle for positioning, Highland Park held possession in the final moments, and kicker Sutton Stock made a game-winning 28-yard field goal to hand Denton Ryan a 24-21 loss on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Ford Center.
Highland Park head coach Randy Allen said it was a hard-fought game between two great teams.
“It sure was beautiful watching that field goal go right through the middle,” Allen said.
Stock, who suffered an injury in week three vs. Dallas Jesuit, hadn’t kicked in a game in 91 days. Still, he said he approached the game-winner with a calm attitude because “every kick is the same.”
“It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Stock said of the kick. “I’m just so happy for the team. We put in so much work this season, and it was just my job to continue that.”
Highland Park is returning to a state championship game for the first time since 2018. The Scots will play at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, with an 11 a.m. kickoff.
“It’s one of our goals - to make a state championship,” Allen said. “But it’s another thing to get there. Five tough weeks against great opponents. It takes a toll on you.”
Denton Ryan head coach Dave Henigan said his team “went through hell” this season and mentioned it was a great accomplishment for the Raiders to make the state semifinal.
“For them to do what they did, it’s quite impressive,” Henigan said. “I wish it would’ve ended differently, but to get to this point is a real credit to (the team) and our coaches.”
In the first quarter, Denton Ryan set the tone with a defensive stop and capitalized with a nine-play touchdown drive. Running back Nemo Warmate was a force, getting to striking distance with a 37-yard run and capping the series with a two-yard touchdown.
The Raiders’ defense notched the next score. A pass from Highland Park quarterback Buck Randall was tipped in the air, and senior defensive back Trae Williams intercepted it and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown.
“There was never any doubt on our sideline that we were coming back,” Allen said.
Denton Ryan failed to score for the remainder of the half.
To start the second quarter, Highland Park’s offense responded with a touchdown from James Lancaster, who broke the barrier in wildcat formation. The PAT was blocked.
After struggles from both offenses and five punts, Highland Park found the end zone. Lancaster notched his second score, and the Scots went for two to make up for the missed PAT. It seemed Highland Park perfectly executed a trick play, but illegal formation was called.
Highland Park still went for two points, and wide receiver Benton Owens made a diving catch to tie the game at 14 before the halftime break.
Midway through the third quarter, Denton Ryan missed a field goal, and the Scots capitalized. On the first play of Highland Park’s offensive series, wide receiver Cannon Bozeman beat his man and hauled in an 80-yard, go-ahead touchdown.
Denton Ryan wide receiver Braeden Mussett helped his team respond. He struggled at first, dropping a wide-open touchdown pass. As a result, Highland Park fans started a “butterfingers” chant.
Mussett wasn’t rattled. After exiting the game with a cramp, he returned, recording a 32-yard touchdown reception while fighting through contact.
“(Mussett) is a tough kid,” Henigan said. “He is a great player. And he made a lot of big plays for us tonight.”
Neither team scored until late in the fourth quarter. Denton Ryan linebacker Dillon Arkansas, a TCU commit, made a crucial sack, putting the Scots farther back, which resulted in a missed field goal.
Denton Ryan, however, couldn’t capitalize, and Highland Park took over with a chance to win the game.
“It became a field position war,” Henigan said. “And we lost it.”
That’s when Sutton hit his game-winning field goal, eliminating the Raiders. Bozeman was the player of the game, tallying 145 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions.
This story was originally published December 13, 2024 at 10:38 PM.
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