Even though playoffs did not depend on the outcome of this game, the varsity football team had something out there to prove when they defeated the Highland Park Scots. The team had already secured the runner up spot within the district.

“It was a really big surprise to everyone, including us that we beat such a talented team because everyone thought we were going to lose,” Peter Ihaka said.

Since the opening of the Highland Park and Wylie ISD rivalry, the Scots held every win over the district. But that changed Friday, Nov. 4, when the varsity team defeated the Highland Park Scots 20-9. This was the 10th time that the district has played Highland Park.

“Highland Park had defeated Wylie High seven times and previously defeated the varsity team in both matchups,” Running Back Coach Matt Tietjen said.

The varsity team in the last two matchups against the Scots was outscored by an average of 41 points, this game was different. The momentum started in the first quarter when the team blocked a Scot’s punt to set up a scoring drive punched in with a run by senior Eno Benjamin.

“T.J. Davis blocked the first punt,” Benjamin said. “This gave us the momentum and great field position to start our opening drive. We never try to block punts so when it happened it was a shock and gave us confidence.”

The team allowed the Scots to answer back with three straight field goals which gave the Scots a 9-7 lead halfway through the third quarter. Benjamin set up the team’s scoring drive breaking out a 43 yard run that ended with a touchdown from sophomore Corbin Johnson, making the score 13-9 with seconds left in the third quarter.

“The speed of the game was more intense. We played very consistently,” Johnson said.

The team’s defense made crucial stops in the final quarter, and the game was topped off with another touchdown from Benjamin with only a minute remaining in the game. The victory was one to remember as the football team rewrote history by becoming the first Wylie ISD varsity football team to defeat the Scots.

“It felt amazing because it is a tough thing to do. Highland Park never messes up,” senior Chris Clore said.

The varsity team will face Marshall for the first round of playoffs Nov. 11 at Ron Poe Stadium in McKinney at 7:30.