The Highland Park varsity football team (Dallas, TX) will face Ryan High School (Denton, TX) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 5A Division 1 tournament.
Highland Park vs Ryan Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Highland Park vs Ryan
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D1
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Highland Park vs Ryan
The 2024-25 high school football season has witnessed some of the fiercest competition across the nation, and Texas, as always, has stood tall. Two juggernauts—Ryan High School and Highland Park—have carved their names into the upper echelons of Texas football with identical 13-1 records. Though they’ve yet to meet head-to-head, their stats and performances throughout the season reflect the strength of both programs, and their playoff successes suggest a collision course that could deliver an epic showdown.
Team Rankings and Performance
Both Ryan and Highland Park have ranked impressively at the national and state levels. Ryan stands at #70 nationally, #29 in Texas, and #12 in the state division. Highland Park, meanwhile, edges out their counterpart with a #16 national ranking, #7 in Texas, and the top spot in their state division.
These rankings are well-earned, as both teams have delivered dominant seasons. Ryan boasts a stellar 13-1 record, going 7-1 in their district and a perfect 8-0 at home. Similarly, Highland Park has posted a 13-1 record, staying unbeaten in district play with a 6-0 record and an overall district winning percentage of 1.000, compared to Ryan’s .875. Highland Park’s flawless district performance solidifies them as a force to be reckoned with.
Team Offensive Powerhouses
Offensively, Ryan’s stats jump off the page, particularly with their scoring average of 46.4 points per game. The team gets off to fast starts, often overwhelming opponents in the first half, with 15.2 points in the first quarter and an impressive 21.6 in the second quarter alone. Their offensive output is anchored by the trio of players who have been critical to their success: Nehemiah Warmate (#6) averaging 87.6 rushing yards per game, Quin Henigan (#9) putting up 178.6 passing yards per game, and Braeden Mussett (#2) contributing 68.9 receiving yards per game.
In comparison, Highland Park averages 37.2 points per game, with their offense also showing dominance early in games. They average 17.0 points in the first quarter but slow down significantly in the second quarter, posting just 9.5 points. While their offense isn’t quite as high-powered as Ryan’s, Highland Park’s consistent performance and balanced play make them a formidable opponent.
Defense and Tackling
Defensively, Ryan and Highland Park also have key contributors. For Ryan, Dillon Arkansas (#21) leads with 8.3 tackles per game, supported by Uzziah Warmate (#5) who averages 0.6 sacks per game. Highland Park’s defense, although stats weren’t available in the report, has clearly held up, allowing just 225 points across the entire season, compared to Ryan’s 263 points against.
Team Comparison: Strength on Both Sides of the Ball
Ryan’s rushing attack, averaging 209.7 yards per game, combined with their 196.3 passing yards per game, creates a balanced offensive approach that has allowed them to rack up 406 total yards per game. Highland Park, while less potent offensively on paper, has relied on efficient play and a powerful defense to control games and keep opponents in check.
When breaking down the competition, both teams have shown remarkable consistency. Ryan has gone 13-1 overall, including a 4-0 playoff record and a perfect 8-0 at home. Highland Park, with an identical 13-1 record, has also gone 4-0 in playoff games and holds an unbeaten 6-1 record on the road. Both teams’ ability to win away from home is a key factor, as playoff runs often depend on a team’s resilience in tough environments.
Key Players: Ryan’s Offensive Stars Shine Bright
Ryan’s playmakers have delivered in all aspects of the game, with quarterback Quin Henigan (#9) accounting for a total of 179.1 yards per game. He’s been crucial to Ryan’s success, spreading the ball to his primary target, Braeden Mussett (#2), who averages 68.9 receiving yards per game. Nehemiah Warmate (#6) rounds out the attack with 87.6 rushing yards per game, making him a constant threat on the ground.
Highland Park’s stats, while not fully available in this report, undoubtedly feature their own standouts. The team’s collective effort in maintaining a low points-against total is a testament to the strength of their defense, which has been pivotal in keeping games within reach for their offense to win.
Conclusion: A Showdown in the Making?
Both Ryan and Highland Park have had exceptional seasons, each with only one loss and dominating their respective leagues. If they meet in the postseason, it promises to be an electrifying matchup. With Ryan’s explosive offense and Highland Park’s balanced attack and defensive prowess, fans can expect a battle of two Texas powerhouses aiming for the ultimate prize. If these teams cross paths, it could very well be one for the ages.
