1 p.m. today, Mesquite Memorial Stadium

Radio: KFXR-AM (1090)

TV: Ch. 21 (tape-delayed at 3 p.m.)

THE BOTTOM LINE

Highland Park will win if...

It contains Everman's running game and doesn't allow big plays on play-action passes. Highland Park must control the time of possession and still manage to score against a strong defense. Although it will be difficult to run the ball, Highland Park cannot abandon its rushing attack and become a one-dimensional team.

Everman will win if...

It doesn't have turnovers and plays great defense. Just as Highland Park has to find a way to contain Everman's running game, Everman needs to do the same with the Scots' passing game. Everman has to dictate the tempo with its running attack and make sure to keep it a tight game, then come up with the big plays at the end.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

When Highland Park runs the ball

Highland Park hasn't faced a defense as strong, quick and athletic as Everman's. The way Everman pursues the ball inside the box makes it tough to run. Everman allows 104.6 rushing yards per game.

EDGE: Everman

When Everman runs the ball

No other Class 4A team has three players among the top 25 area rushers. Running back Clarence Jennings leads the team with 1,800 yards, followed by Ryan Smith with 1,145. Also, quarterback Sedrick Harris has 929 yards.

EDGE: Everman

When Highland Park throws the ball

The quarterback combination of Winston Gamso and Dutch Crews has proven effective. Even if Everman gets pressure, Highland Park can use quick passes that can lead to big plays. Its receivers, led by Seth Gardner, do a great job getting open and adding yards after the catch.

EDGE: Highland Park

When Everman throws the ball

If Everman's running game is working, it can get big chunks of yardage with the play-action pass. Highland Park allows 249.3 passing yards per game, but it creates turnovers. The Scots have 10 interceptions and five fumble recoveries in the playoffs.

EDGE: Highland Park

Special teams

Kicker Chris Morris was one of the best in District 10-4A. He averages 34.5 yards on punts, and the punt coverage team allows just 3.5 yards per return. Morris made 10 of 13 field goal attempts. If field position is a factor, his kicking could be decisive.

EDGE: Highland Park

Intangibles

In last week's 21-19 win over Wichita Falls Rider, Everman came up with the big plays in the fourth quarter, proving it can perform under pressure. Highland Park is not used to playing in tight games. Its closest game was against Frisco, a 31-26 win, in the second week of the season. It has won in the playoffs by an average margin of 29.8.

EDGE: Highland Park

STAFF PICKS

Gabriel Cabarrouy - HP 31, Everman 28: Highland Park always finds a way to score. Its defense may give up yards, but it also comes up with turnovers down the stretch.

David Hinojosa - HP 35, Everman 28: Everman's speed could pose a problem for Highland Park. However, Highland Park has enough playmakers to overcome.

Damon L. Sayles - Everman 28, HP 27: Playing in a killer district with Aledo and Stephenville finally pays off for the Bulldogs.

Matt Wixon - HP 28, Everman 21: Different styles but equally dominant teams. One big pass play could be the difference.

SEASON RESULTS

HIGHLAND PARK