(Arlington, Texas)-After five tries, the Comal Smithson Valley Rangers (14-2) are the University Interscholastic League’s Class 5A Division I State Champions by defeating Dallas Highland Park (14-2) 32-20 at AT&T Stadium on Saturday. Well, actually, after 315 wins and 32 years later, Rangers head football coach Larry Hill is getting his first-ever career state title. Rangers QB Cade Spradling, bloodied at his knees, rushed for 147 yards and passed for 61 yards with two scores as he was named the NIKE MVP on offense. On defense, Julian Colunga returned an interception for a touchdown to seal the win for the Rangers. He was named the NIKE MVP on defense.
With 18,746 fans in attendance, it was Rangers kicker Trent Amaya, who kept the game close early on as he converted on a 27-yard field goal with 3:50 left in the first quarter to trail Dallas Highland Park 3-7. The Rangers sent Amaya back on the field for another 35-yard field goal attempt and he made it look easy as the Rangers still trailed 6-7. Colunga intercepted Highland for a 23-yard touchdown return and Amaya added another extra point as they trailed 13-14 with :07 left in the first quarter. Amaya went on to convert four field goals from 27, 35, 24, and 30-yards along with two extra points. In the second quarter, Amaya put the Rangers up 23-17 on a 24-yard field goal. (HSSMIMages/UIL)
