Highland Park football looking to take the next step forward in 2023
Year one of the Ty Stout era was all about the little victories for Highland Park's football team.
After not winning a game for nearly two years, the Hornets snapped that skid in September. In the final week of the regular season, they beat Sanford-Fritch to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2019. While the final record may read 3-8, that's still a step in the right direction.
Now, in the second year of coaching his alma mater, Stout is hoping the Hornets take the next step.
"The kids have really dedicated themselves during the offseason," Stout said. "I feel like the kids are a lot more prepared physically and mentally. Us as coaches have really dedicated to fixing our identity and we have a lot of great senior leaders this year. ... I feel like we're ready and we're prepared, but time will tell."
High powered Hornets
The Hornets return eight starters on offense and nine on defense. It helps that one of those starters comes at the most important position in the game.
Brady Thompson is back for one last go around at quarterback. While the senior tossed 20 interceptions, he displayed brilliant resiliency in throwing 32 touchdowns and 2,798 yards (third most in the Panhandle) while also rushing for four scores.
It also helps to have a solid stable of targets to throw to, including Elyes Torres, who returns after hauling in 72 catches for 791 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Izaviaha Campolla will provide a valuable safety net once more at tight end after bringing in 26 catches for 258 yards and four touchdowns.
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Stout said Highland Park will also run the ball a bit more this season. They have the tailback to do it as Tavian Vrede accounted for 1,040 yards of total offense and five scores.
"We have a stable of receivers that have really worked hard," Stout said. "Brady and his receivers have really good chemistry. ... I think our O-line and Tavian have really come together. We've got a lot of key seniors and I feel like everyone will step up and we'll be fine."
Now the bad news
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It's not all sunshine and rainbows.
The Hornets possessed the second leading receiver in the Panhandle last season in Braylen Norman, who caught 55 passes for 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. Highland Park fans were salivating thinking about what he would do for a finale, but they won't get the chance to find out as Norman transferred to Palo Duro.
The defense also went through some massive growing pains last season, giving up 45.3 points per game, including 50 or more five times with a high of 82 against Panhandle.
Still, Torres' return means Thompson has a solid number one option, while Ben Ho and Justin Farley should step up in expanded roles. Thompson and Torres were also All-District selections at defensive back.
"I really feel like the defense is going to be a lot better," Stout said. "I think those kids really needed spring football to learn the rules of their positions. Getting that this year was really good for them. Guys like Thomas Tran will be big impact players for us as will Justin Farley at linebacker. Alex Conway and Ben Ho have good length in the secondary."
One small step
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The Hornets play in a challenging district and that won't change in the fall.
While Stratford and Panhandle have plenty of holes to fill, they're still Stratford and Panhandle. Farwell returns one of the best two-way players in the Panhandle in Corey Stancell. Highland Park had many small victories worth celebrating in 2022, but not many actual victories as they were 3-8 for a reason.
However, Stout took a team that hadn't won a game in nearly two years to three wins and playoff berth in year one. With another year of continuity, it's reasonable to have high expectations. Or at least the expectation that the Hornets keep inching forward, one step at a time.
"Success to me comes down to our overall toughness and mentality," Stout said. "Did we develop leaders and build a better foundation for future Hornets? If we did those things, I'll feel like we were successful. I love winning and I hate losing, but we're still building. I just want to see our kids compete and not get scared. If that happens, I'll feel successful."
HIGHLAND PARK HORNETS
Head coach: Ty Stout
2022 record: 3-8 overall, 2-3 in district
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 3-4
Last playoff appearance: 2022
Top returners: Tavian Vrede, Brady Thompson, Elyes Torres, Izaviaha Campolla, Justin Farley, Ben Ho
SCHEDULE
Aug. 25: vs. Tulia, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1: vs. Boys Ranch, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: at Shamrock, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: vs. Gruver, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: at Dimmitt, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29: OPEN
Oct. 6: vs. Panhandle, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: vs. West Texas Stinnett 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: at Farwell, 7 p.m.
Oct. 27: vs. Stratford, 7 p.m.
Nov. 3 at Sanford-Fritch, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Highland Park High School football taking the next step in 2023
