QB Buck Randall Leads Highland Park to a 31-0 win over Joshua

Written By : Jay Pace

University Park- Buck Randall is a quick study.

Heading into spring practice, Randall, found himself locked in a four way battle to become the next starting quarterback in coach Randy Allen’s complex, pass heavy Air Raid offense. Allen, the legendary head coach of Highland Park's iconic football program, and modern day quarterback whisperer, has a penchant for starting upperclassmen at the most important position on the field. Almost exclusively.

Only once, in Coach Allen's nearly three decades at Highland Park has a sophomore ever been given the keys to the castle and handed the responsibility of leading his team. And that guy was named Matthew Stafford. That guy is now in his 16th season as a starting quarterback in the NFL. He was the No.1 overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft. Oh yeah, did I mention he also won a Super Bowl as the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams.

Earlier this season, Randall became the second sophomore under Allen to earn the title of starting quarterback. Move over Matthew Stafford, let the young Buck take his seat. No pressure right?

Randall emerged from the quarterback scrum that began in spring practice and continued into late August, eventually winning the job as the Scots signal caller.

He's been nothing short of brilliant in 2024, passing for more than 1,400 yards and 18 TDs in his first five games. In Friday night's 31-0 homecoming win over Joshua (4-4)(0-4), Randall was more than brilliant. For a period of time, he was absolutely perfect. Extremely efficient, Randall finished the night completing 18 of his 22 passes for 288 yards and 4 touchdowns. Of those 18 completions, 10 of them went to a different receiver. At one point, Randall completed 8 consecutive passes as Highland Park's offense kicked into high gear vs an outmatched Joshua defense that surrendered a season high 31 points. Twenty-eight of those points came in a first half flurry that saw Highland Park score on its first four possessions to put the game away early.

Senior wide receiver Cameron Bozeman was his favorite target, totaling 5 receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon Lilly and Benten Owens added 9 receptions for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Scots were even better, recording their first shutout of the 2024 season.

Joshua’s run-heavy, ball control offense could never get things going in the face of a Highland Park defense who stacked the box all night long.

Jack Morse, the Scots ball hawking linebacker once again led the way defensively, finishing with 20 tackles. “They planned to run it down the mouth of our defense. But we knew that wasn't going to happen. Our front seven is unbelievable. Shutting down that run and not letting them get the 3 yards they want

every play is just a testament to how good our defense is and how good it's going to be.”

With the win, Highland Park remained unbeaten in district 7-5A DI to keep pace with Midlothian atop the district standings. Interestingly, the two schools close out the regular season on November 8th against each other in a game that will very likely decide the district 7-5A DI champion.