LHHS v. Allen. Photo by Jeff Bargas.
The Wildcats appeared unstoppable during the first half of their playoff Friday night at Globe Life Field. But football games are like walnuts – they come with two halves. Allen came roaring back and ended Lake Highlands’ season by a final score of 49-24.
“First off, you’ve got to give Lake Highlands a ton of credit,” Allen coach Chad Morris told the Allen-American. “Coach (Lonnie) Jordan and his staff do a tremendous job and we knew that this would be one of the hardest-playing football teams we had seen all year. These guys are well-coached, they play their butts off, and we knew that we would get their best shot.”
Quarterback Caden Dotson earned 303 total yards and 2 touchdowns in the game. Jeremiah Richards had 154 receiving yards and one touchdown. Shamar Donaldson had 57 total yards and one touchdown. Will Hutton had 56 receiving yards and one touchdown. Noelle Whitehead earned 170 total yards, and Shallum Peter kicked one field goal and made all 3 extra points.
Shamar Donaldson gave his parents and fans in the stands a scare when he appeared motionless on the turf after a hit. He was taken off the field on a stretcher and transported to the hospital. Coaches later reported that he is moving and recovering well.
It’s always tough to lose beloved and talented seniors after a successful season, but next year’s prospects are strong for the team. Donaldson, Carson Klein and Sam Hutton are among several juniors who made big plays in 2021. Deonte Dean is among the sophomores to watch.
In other 7-6A news, Jesuit was also defeated in area playoffs. The Rangers lost to Denton Guyer 56-7 Friday night at The Star in Frisco.
Congratulations and thank you, Wildcats, for bringing heart-stopping excitement and frequent bell ringing back to The Boneyard.
