John Tyler wide receiver Anthony Miner (21) is tackled by a member of the Lone Star defensive line during the game.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL | REGIONAL PLAYOFF

DALLAS — All week the buzz around the Metroplex was the anticipation of a rematch between Frisco Lone Star and Dallas Highland Park.

The John Tyler Lions put a damper on that talk.

The Lions played efficiently and effectively in executing their gameplan en route to a dominating 31-13 decision over Frisco Lone Star in a Class 5A Division I regional at the Jesse Owens Memorial Athletic Complex’s John Kincaide Stadium.

JT (10-2) won its ninth straight game, while the Rangers, who were favored by nine points by TexasFootball.com, end their season at 10-3. It also the 18th 10-win season in the Lions’ history.

Now, JT will face Highland Park (13-0), the two-time defending Class 5A D-I state champion, in the state quarterfinals at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.

The winner of that contest will claim the Region II championship and advance to the state semifinals to meet either Denton Ryan or North Richland Hills Birdville in two weeks.

The JT offense, defense and special teams were all in sync in controlling the game and holding down a Rangers’ potent offense that was averaging 33.4 points per game and scoring 31 points against a Lone Star defense that was giving up just 9.9 per game.

“We are finally coming together as a team,” said JT coach Rickland Holmes, who has a playoff record of 14-5. “As a team we are understanding the way we practice is the way we play.

“The kids believe that and trust in the process and it has put us in position to be in the fourth round of the playoffs.”

JT, led by quarterback Devlen Woods, and a stable of running backs, totaled 227 yards rushing and 132 passing for 359 total yards.

Also, the Lions did not commit a turnover and had just two penalties for 15 yards.

Last week, Roderick Hawkins Jr. was held to 19 yards by Lancaster, he surpassed that total in the first quarter this week.

Hawkins rushed for 85 yards and scored on a lightning-fast 52-yard TD dash. He had 13 carries.

Woods hit on 9 of 19 passing attempts for 132 yards, including a TD pass of 14 yards to K’Lon Warren with just seven seconds left in the first half.

Woods also rushed for 59 yards on 11 carries and scored on a 1-yard run.

Cameron Grant added 31 yards and a 4-yard TD, while Kitan Crawford pitched in 52 yards on six attempts.

The Lions’ defensive plan was almost perfect, if not for a misplay on a 75-yard TD pass from QB Julian Larry to Jake Bogdon, JT would have held the Rangers to seven yards passing.

Larry burned Lufkin last week for 286 yards and five touchdowns in a 49-21 victory. JT held the junior to 66 yards rushing and an 11-yard TD on 15 attempts. He was 2 of 12 passing for 82 yards.

After the Rangers took a 7-0 lead with 9:40 on the clock in the second quarter on Larry’s scramper, JT bounced back a minute later with Hawkins jetted 52 yards into the end zone.

After stopping two Ranger possession on four plays each, JT got the ball at the Lone Star 48 with 2:48 on the clock.

The Lions took their time and ran the clock down, topping it off with a 14-yard TD pass from Woods to Warren in the right corner of the end zone with seven seconds showing.

Frankie Sanchez’s PAT made it 14-7 JT at halftime.

An 18-yard scramble by Woods and a 16-yard toss from Woods to Warren sparked the drive

In the third quarter thanks to big hits from Grant and Roy Lampton, the Rangers were limited to six plays and two punts.

Early in the third it appeared the Lions had cashed in on a big play as Woods looked to have hit Ke’Andre Street with a 73-yard TD pass on third down. Instead the officials ruled Street stepped out at the 31, still good for a 42-yard gain.

It did not bother the Lions and four plays later, including a personal foul and an unsportsmanlike conduct on the Rangers, Grant found the end zone from four yards. Sanchez’s PAT made it 21-7 with 6:15 showing.

After another three-and-out, the Lions drove into Rangers territory and Sanchez topped off the drive with a 45-yard field goal and JT led 24-7 with 46 seconds left in the third.

Woods topped off another sustained drive with a 1-yard sneak for a score with 7:25 showing in the fourth and Sanchez’s kick put the Lions ahead 31-7.

The Rangers scored on the long TD pass, but couldn’t get back in the game.

Sanchez was a force again this week with 42.0 average on punts, including one downed at the 1. Also, he had six touchbacks.

JT’s LaTraylon Hawkins put pressure on Larry, along with Ja’Bralen Yarber, Christian Hartsfield, Kimbrick McCaney, Dareion WArren, Tyrell Jones and Jarrius Lane, among others.

The JT offensive line of Yarber, Chance Billington, Breylon Johnson, Angel Sarmeinto and Victor Gomez protected Woods and opened up the holes.