Instant Classic: Rockwall Heath Storms Back To 52-49 Win Over Highland Park

DALLAS, TX – The Rockwall-Heath Hawks opened their 2025 football season in electrifying fashion Friday night, defeating the Highland Park Scots in a 52-49 thriller.

Both teams came out the gate swinging, trading scores and leads in what turned into an offensive showcase. Before the fans could get fully seated, the opening kickoff was taken to the house by the RB/KR Carter Zahm for 100 yards and a quick Heath 7-0 lead. The Hawk's special teams made another big play just a few minutes later, blocking a Highland Park field goal and setting up their offense with great field position. Three plays later, QB Prosper Neal throws a 10 yard touchdown pass to Issac Zmerzlikar for a 14-0 Hawks lead, early in the first quarter.

Heath seemed to have all the momentum early but Highland Park quickly responded, setting the tone for a night where no lead felt safe. The Scots' junior QB Buck Randall responds to the adversity by scoring 21 unanswered points and taking their first lead 3 minutes into the second quarter.

On the next possession, Rockwall's Bronson Mueller kicked an impressive 46 yard field goal to cut their deficit to 21-17 but Highland Park's WR Cannon Bozman closed out the first half with back-to-back explosive touchdown receptions of 37 and 47 yards. The Scots led at the break 35-17.

The Hawk's offense ignited after halftime, delivering multiple explosive plays in the 3rd quarter. Prosper Neal started the second half by connecting with Issac Zmerzlikar on a 51-yard touchdown pass, marking their second touchdown connection of the game. Highland Park responded to Rockwall's score with a big play of their own, as Randall hit Bozman for a 69-yard touchdown. The scoring exchange continued with Carter Zahm adding a 5-yard touchdown on the next Hawk offensive series. Shawn Gary also contributed with a 27-yard touchdown reception late in the 3rd quarter, fueling the second-half comeback effort and narrowing the game to within one score.

The Hawks defense opened the 4th quarter with a crucial 4th down sack by DL Eddie Murphy, giving the Rockwall offense the ball back with 10 minutes remaining. Neal takes advantage of the defenses' efforts by capping another touchdown drive with an exciting 20 yard scramble and taking the lead 45-42. Just four minutes later, Zahm extends the lead 52-42 on a 26 yard touchdown run. Highland park would go on to score one last time to bring the games final score to a count of 52-49.

The Hawks may have put district10-6A on notice with Friday's performance, showing just how dangerous Heath could be down the stretch of the season. Using a 2-QB system most of the night, Rockwall's Prosper Neal and Collins Jones combined for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns on the night. Running back Carter Zahm added balance to the attack, adding 200 yards of all-purpose yards and 3 touchdowns into the mix. Shawn Gary ended the game leading the team in receptions with 8 catches for 92 yards and 1 touchdown; while Issac Zmerzlikar finished the night leading in reception yards, with 5 catches and 108 yards.

If Friday night was any indication, the Hawks are ready to light up the scoreboard all season long — and opponents better be ready for a dogfight. The exciting win gives Rockwall Heath a 1-0 start as they prepare to face the Prosper Eagles in their week 2 home opener at Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium on September 4th.