Smithson Valley Breaks Through at Last, Outmuscles Highland Park for Long-Awaited Championship

ARLINGTON — After years of close calls and painful finishes, Smithson Valley finally grabbed the moment it had been chasing for generations. In their sixth appearance on the state’s biggest stage, the Rangers delivered a performance worthy of a title, powering past Highland Park 32 to 20 in the Class 5A Division I final inside AT&T Stadium.

For a community that has lived through more almosts than it cares to count, this one washed every lingering heartbreak away.

Highland Park Strikes First, but the Rangers Hold Their Ground

The Scots came out flying, taking early control behind young quarterback Buck Randall, who dropped a 27 yard touchdown to Cannon Bozman. Randall later uncorked a deep shot that found Benton Owens for a 73 yard score, and Highland Park looked ready to dictate the afternoon.

But Smithson Valley never blinked. Trenton Amaya’s steady leg kept the Rangers within range, knocking through two field goals while the offense found its footing. And then the defense delivered the play that changed everything.

Colunga Flips the Entire Game

Julian Colunga jumped an underneath route, picked off Randall, and sprinted 30 yards to the end zone. The pick six electrified the Rangers’ sideline and set the tone for the rest of the day. From that point on, Smithson Valley’s defense choked off Highland Park’s rhythm, tightening up against the run and forcing rushed decisions in the pocket.

Quarterback Cade Spradling capitalized, hitting Brody Day for a touchdown and giving Smithson Valley its first lead at 20 to 14.

Highland Park briefly steadied itself with two long field goals from Sutton Stock, but Amaya answered again before the break. His kick sent Smithson Valley into halftime with a 23 to 20 advantage and the momentum fully shifting its way.

Rangers Dominate After Halftime

Once the third quarter kicked off, the Rangers controlled every inch of the game. Highland Park did not score again. Smithson Valley’s defensive front tightened its grip, shutting down the Scots’ attempts to stretch the field or establish the ground attack.

Amaya added his fourth field goal to create a cushion, and then Spradling delivered the blow that sealed the title. With just under four minutes to go, he powered in from five yards to cap a rugged 147 yard rushing performance. Brad Sowersby was right behind him with a punishing 152 yards as the Rangers leaned on a backfield that refused to be stopped.

The Wait Ends in Celebration

Highland Park’s final drive fizzled out on downs, and once Smithson Valley kneeled out the clock, decades of frustration evaporated in a wave of cheers.

The Rangers had done it. They had finally reached the summit.

A championship banner will soon hang in Spring Branch, and for the first time in program history, Smithson Valley gets to call itself a state champion.