Highland Park (14-1) vs Smithson Valley (13-2), 11 a.m. Saturday at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium: 

Highland Park is back in the state title game for the first time since 2018 when the Scots beat Alvin Shadow Creek, while Smithson Valley is back in Arlington for the second straight year as the Rangers look to atone for their blowout loss to Aledo. 

Highland Park got a last second field goal to slip past Denton Ryan on Friday night,  24-21. Sophomore QB Buck Randall threw for 256 yards and a score and RB James Lancaster scored on two short runs to lead the Scots.

After a shaky start, Highland Park’s defense handled the big and physical offense of Denton Ryan, holding the Raiders to just seven points in the final three quarters.

Smithson Valley’s defense totally dominated Angleton for three quarters, but the Rangers needed some late heroics from their offense to pull out a 21-14 win in their semifinal on Saturday. QB Cade Spradling threw a touchdown pass and his 37-yard touchdown run with 2:56 left in the game proved to be the difference.

These two teams stylistically are mirror images of each other. Both rely on their defense, strong special teams and mistake-free offense. Whichever QB can make a play or two in key moments will decide things.

Smithson Valley has been to the state title game four times, coming up short each time. Highland Park won three straight titles from 2016-2018 and head coach Randy Allen has four titles in his career. Smithson Valley has the more recent title game experience, but Highland Park as a program gets the big edge. 

Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 9

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Highland Park

LB Jack Morse  - The senior captain and Brown commit is the heartbeat of the Scots’ defense. Morse is an elite run-stopper in between the tackles, shedding blocks and rarely missing a tackle. His battle against Smithson Valley running back Brad Sowersby is appointment viewing.

LB Anders Corn - Corn, a 6’2, 215 pound outside linebacker, is a human hit stick. He has the athleticism to chase down and cover slot wide receivers while also displaying the physicality to stop inside runs. He and Morse are among the weekend’s best linebacking corps.

QB Buck Randall - The sophomore quarterback has shown veteran poise this postseason. He overcame two first-quarter interceptions in the regional final against Lone Star and finished perfect in a win. The moment won’t be too big for the crafty signal caller.

Smithson Valley

QB Cade Spradling - While you might see it in smaller classifications, having your starting quarterback also start at linebacker is not something seen often at the 5A level. But that's exactly what Spradling does for the Rangers. Offensively, Spardling is equally as lethal with his arm or legs. Defensively, he has recorded over 100 tackles this season.

DE Hudson Woods - One of the faster risers in the 2026 cycle, Woods has established himself as a bonafide FBS recruit with his play this season. He has over 20 tackles for loss. Schools like Baylor, SMU and Oklahoma have already offered.

LB Diego Davila - The Stephen F. Austin signee is everything you'd want in a linebacker. He's tough, instinctual, quick and reliable. 

PREDICTIONS

THE PICK