Q&A with Highland Park head football coach Randy Allen
DALLAS — If you are new to the Park Cities you should know that when you attend your first HP football game at Highlander Stadium this season the head coach pacing the sidelines donning the knatty pinch crown fedora hat is not the late great coach of the Dallas Cowboys Tom Landry. Don’t worry, you are not seeing a ghost. It’s actually Coach Randy Allen who for the past 23 years has led the Scots to multiple state championships. With HPHS students returning to school later this month I thought it would be a good time to get an update on the incoming Scots football squad as well as some of the off the field changes that will affect the upcoming season. Coach Allen was very gracious in answering my questions.
In 49 years of coaching what is your favorite accomplishments beside winning state?
Randy Allen: There are two. Being named the Tom Landry Coach of the Year in 2009 was big. Coach Landry was a great Christian role model for Texas High School Coaches and it’s the reason I wear the fedora. I started wearing the hat the year after Coach Landry died to honor his memory. He was very dedicated to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a great football coach for the Dallas Cowboys. But number one was Coaching my oldest grandson, Conner, on the 2017 State Championship team. And this year I am able to coach my next oldest grandson, Paul Flowers. I get to share the Highland Park Football tradition up close and personal with my family.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a high school football coach?
Allen: Winning a State Championship. We won the first State Championship at Highland Park in 48 years in 2005 defeating Marshall 59-0.
What advice did you give Matthew Stafford before he won the Super Bowl earlier this year?
Allen: I only texted him – You’re the best!
What did you say to him after the Super Bowl?
Allen: I’m so proud of you and the great leader you are for the Rams. You surprised me with the back shoulder fade from the 1-yard line for the winning TD!
What did he say to you after he won the game?
Allen: We got it done!! Thanks for coming and supporting as always.
August is a very busy month for you. How do you prepare for the season over the summer?
Allen: Our senior players set goals for the upcoming football season and they are committed to each other. They work out in June and July from 2-4 p.m. doing an hour of lifting and an hour of running and agilities to make themselves better football players. We work with our players on skills two Tuesdays in June and play two 7 on 7 tournaments at SMU. That commitment and hard work make for a great team. We have 3 weeks of workouts prior to our first game and every practice is important.
With the UIL changes HP will compete in 6A. What are the pros and cons of the move?
Allen: Obviously, we are one of the 3 smallest enrollment schools in 6A so the competition will be more intense week in and week out. The positives are that we have played 6A teams in pre-district since I’ve been coaching here and our won loss record against 6A teams is 29-4. The other positive is that our district opponents are close proximity to Highland Park. There are some natural rivalries. We don’t have the long bus rides to Longview and Tyler. It’s a new challenge and our team is preparing to raise our standard of play.
How does the upcoming varsity squad compare to previous championship teams?
Allen: We have a chance to have a really good team. I don’t like to compare our teams at HP. We tell our players that the season is like writing a book and each week is a new chapter. We want to be at our best when our best is needed.
What are some of the life lessons that you try to instill in your players?
Allen: Our 6 Core Values
Commitment – My word is my bond. I am dedicated and loyal.
Enthusiasm – I will do things exactly right with 100% effort.
Mental and Physical Toughness – When the going gets tough, the Scots get going. Scots Find A Way.
Teamwork – Together Everyone Accomplishes More.
Integrity – I will do what’s right and honest.
Tradition – I will leave the program better than I found it. Once a Scot, always a Scot.
Please share what you think new Athletic Director Coach Webb brings to HP athletics?
Allen: Coach Webb has years of success as Athletic Coordinator at Royse City, Mesquite Horn, Rockwall and Denton Guyer. He is highly respected by the coaches in Texas having served as President of the Texas High School Coaches Association. I think the combination of experience in winning programs and knowing quality coaches will help HP athletics continue to be the gold standard.
Anything else you would like to add coach?
Allen: I am proud of the high character coaches who coach the players and build character into their lives. A successful football program needs a great coaching staff who is committed over the long term. Our coaches believe in our players and our players believe in our coaches., I also appreciate all the support we get from our community, administration and student body! We have a great tradition to uphold and we think Friday night lights at Highlander Stadium is the best place to watch the Highland Park Scots at their best! The parents in Highland Park continue to produce outstanding young men who love to play the game of football. There is no other school which has produced a Super Bowl Champion and no other school that has won over 800 football games except the HP Scots. The pageantry of the Cheerleaders, Scotsmen, Belles, Band and the best student body and fans in Texas High School football make Scot football games the place to be on Friday nights.
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