Richland running back Jayshon Gibson (1) runs the ball down the field to score a touchdown during the first half of the game against Highland Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth.
Abigail Dollins
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
The Richland home crowd fell silent when standout running back Jayshon Gibson went down with cramps early in the fourth quarter.
To that point, he was dominating against Highland Park. He was able to re-enter the game, breaking tackles and diving for the goal line to score a gutsy 17-yard go-ahead touchdown. But after the Scots took the lead back with a one-yard score from James Flowers with 6:39 remaining, another round of cramps forced Gibson, a UCLA commit, to exit permanently.
Neither team scored again, and the Scots secured a 45-42 win in a high-scoring, back-and-forth bout Friday at Birdville FA/AC that could ultimately decide the District 6-5A Division I championship.
Highland Park cheers for their team after defeating Richland on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“I’m pumped. I’m excited,” Highland Park quarterback Buck Randall said. “ … We felt like this was a championship atmosphere type of game. Everyone knows offenses win games, but defenses win championships. And I have to give all the credit to our defense.”
It was a gutsy performance from Richland despite the loss, although head coach Ged Kates emphasized the team “isn’t into moral victories.”
“We planned on winning,” Ged Kates said. “We didn’t play well enough to win. We played our hearts out. I’m very proud of our kids, I wouldn’t trade ‘em for anybody.”
Richland defensive back Cyer Wilcox (29) celebrates blocking a touchdown pass intended for Highland Park wide receiver Luke Cecil (15) during the first half of the game on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Highland Park (4-2 overall, 2-0 district) got a superlative performance from Randall, an SMU commit, who threw for 443 yards, completing 32 of 49 passes. Randall recorded only one TD pass, to Evan Snelleman who was his favorite target with seven catches for 197 yards all in the first half.
Highland Park wide receiver Evan Snelleman (86) catches a touchdown pass during the first half of the game against Richlandon Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Kates credited Randall for attacking Richland’s linebackers in a 4-3 defensive scheme with accurate passing and an ability to move the chains on his legs.
“[Randall] is so good,” Ged Kates said. “Not a lot high school guys can do that, but he could.”
Gibson finished with 21 carries for 273 yards rushing and three catches for 68 yards. He had five total touchdowns.
Richland running back Jayshon Gibson (1) runs the ball to score a touchdown during the first half of the game against Highland Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“He’s just great,” Ged Kates said. “A great high school player. He’s special, and we know that. We’ll take care of him as much as we can, although he has a huge future after high school. He gives his heart and soul to our team, and you saw that here today.”
Defensively, Richland gave 485 total yards but also had some timely stops, including a fumble that was returned 23 yards by defensive lineman Quade Williams. Randall credited the Royals for crowding the box well — the Scots rushed for 42 yards on 35 attempts.
“I thought [defense] was awesome,” Ged Kates said. “They are really coming together. They are playing their guts out. In this day in age in football, you’re going to give up points. Its more about points per possession and getting the [timely] stop right now … You don’t shut anyone out anymore. It’s all about offense. All the rules are bent for offense. Our [defense] is doing great, and I’m really proud of how hard the coaches and kids have worked.”
Highland Park wide receiver Beckett Lawrence (27) is tackled by Richland safety Paxon Weeks (6) during the second half of the game on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
To start the game, both teams traded punts, taking some time to warm up for the offensive onslaught. Highland Park’s Charlie Flint kicked off the scoring by pressuring Richland QB Brett Kates and taking the ball in the middle of his throwing motion and returning it three yards for the score.
Highland Park held a 28-14 lead one minute into the second quarter with offensive TDs from Snelleman, Caiden Reeves and James Flowers. The turning point was Richland (5-1, 1-1) holding the Scots to a 24-yard field goal.
Highland Park head coach Randy Allen talks with the referee between plays during the first half of the game against Richland on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
The Royals stormed back into striking distance behind a monstrous stretch from Gibson, who posted 300 total first half yards and four TDs. A 44-yard rush from Gibson in a well-managed drive allowed QB Brett Kates to find WR Brady Blankenship for a 12-yard, go-ahead TD right before the half.
But the Richland offense was stymied in the second half. After 353 total first-half yards, the Royals only managed three first downs and 79 yards after the break. They missed second-half opportunities, failing to convert facing fourth down twice — one of the Royals’ turnovers on downs was on their own 13-yard line.
Highland Park cheers for their team during the second half of the game against Richland on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“We did not play our best,” Kates said. “We should have, or I should say could have won. I think we’re capable of so much more. With that in mind, that’s pretty awesome. Because [Highland Park] is one of the most elite programs in the state of Texas.”
Up next, Richland will face Birdville, a BISD rival that entered Week 6 with an undefeated record. Highland Park, a squad that has won 11 consecutive district titles, will face Carrollton Turner.
Highland Park quarterback Buck Randall (8) runs the ball during the second half of the game against Richland on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram 
Richland running back Jayshon Gibson (1) is tripped up by Highland Park defense during the second half of the game on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram 
Richland quarterback Brett Kates (3) prepares for the play during the first half of the game against Highland Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram 
Richland quarterback Brett Kates (3) runs the ball during the first half of the game against Highland Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram 
Richland quarterback Brett Kates (3) loses control of a pass that is recovered by Highland Park defensive end Charlie Flint (98) to score a touchdown during the first half of the game on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram 
Richland runs out onto the field before the game against Highland Park on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram 
Richland free safety Bryson Johnson (18) blocks Highland Park wide receiver Evan Snelleman (86) during the first half of the game on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Fort Worth. Abigail Dollins Fort Worth Star-Telegram
This story was originally published October 2, 2026 at 10:11 PM.
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Charles Baggarly is a high school sports editor and reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He graduated from TCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and served as TCU 360’s sports editor. Connect with Charles on Twitter or via email.