Rangers topped Highland Park 32-20 to win the school’s first-ever football state championship.
SAN ANTONIO — It was an emotional scene Saturday afternoon at AT&T Stadium as the Smithson Valley Rangers topped the Dallas-powerhouse Highland Park Scots 32-20 to claim the Class 5A D-I State Championship.
Rangers Head Coach Larry Hill claims his first state championship after 32 years on the job and four previous failed attempts in the big game.
We visited with Coach Hill after the postgame press conference to get his thoughts on everything that he was feeling after hoisting the trophy for the first time.
“You always dream about it,” he said. “We’ve been so close so many times, and to realize they were not gonna score 12 points in 11 seconds, especially with us on the ball, my heart was beating through my shirt pretty good.”
Hill spoke about the effect his parents had on him during his coaching journey and what it meant to have his family there to enjoy the historic moment with him.
“I know momma and daddy would have loved it,” said Hill “We lost daddy in August. We lost momma two years ago, but I know they were watching. My brother was here, and of course my wife and two sons and grandkids. I’m blessed beyond my worth.”
Hill went on to explain how proud he was of his Rangers as they fell behind early in the game after two big offensively plays from Highland Park.
“They were as impressive as they could be. We started limiting their big plays, their big plays up the field, and started making them earn it,” Hill said.
Coach Hill only had high praise for his two-way quarterback/linebacker Cade Spradling when speaking on what he has meant to the success of the team during this historic run.
“He’s meant everything,” said Hill. “At the 5A state championship football level you don’t have guys playing quarterback and linebacker. It is unheard of. We hesitated about doing it, but we got on his back and he took us home.”
When asked about the monkey that has been on his back throughout his illustrious career, Hill deflected the attention to the players and community that helped make this dream become a reality.
“Well you talk about that monkey being on the back so I don’t know, but I’m just elated. Not just for myself, but for my family, our football program and our school that has been so close. For them to be able to bring one home… WOW.”
Congratulations the Larry Hill and the entire Smithson Valley Rangers team on an amazing and historical season!