Denton Ryan (12-0) vs Highland Park (11-0)

3:15 p.m. Friday at Arlington’s Globe Life Park

Of all the demons Denton Ryan exercised last year in their run to the state title game, there’s still two that need to be taken care of: one is winning a state title and the second is beating Highland Park.

The Raiders can take care of No. 2 this week and get one step closer to taking care of No. 1 with a win this week.

Highland Park has had Ryan’s number the past few years, winning three consecutive state semifinal games over the Raiders from 2016-2018; the Scots went on to win the 5A-Division I state title in all three seasons.

Denton Ryan got pushed last week, but held a good Longview squad at arm’s length in a 27-9 win.

QB Seth Henigan, a Memphis signee, had a big day throwing for 284 yards and three touchdowns, with Texas signee Ja’Tavion Sanders leading the way with 115 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Highland Park avenged two losses in 2019 to Frisco Lone Star with a solid 30-20 win on Christmas Eve.

Hawai’i QB commit Brayden Schager led the Scots throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 54 yards and a touchdown.

Highland Park features a big and physical offensive line that many say is the best unit that’s come through HPHS. Led by Stanford commit Jack Leyrer, the Scots may be the one team that has the ability to hold up against a suffocating Denton Ryan front seven that features as many as five FBS commits/prospects.

The other question going into this one is does Denton Ryan just have a mental block with Highland Park? The Raiders have often had the bigger name talent, but for whatever reason the Scots have just had their number and there’s no question Denton Ryan’s players and coaches know it and want to end any talk of Highland Park’s dominance.

This is the team and the squad for Denton Ryan that gets it done; the Raiders take care the Scots and bring home the regional title.

Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 8