Lake Highlands and Richardson both needed one more win to get into the playoffs. However, since the two teams were playing each other, only one could move on while the other would have its season end abruptly. In the battle for the final playoff spot on Friday, November 4, Lake Highlands edged out Richardson, 21-14, to keep their season alive.

The Wildcats scored the first points of the game and never relinquished the lead, although the Eagles kept pace the entire way. Quarterback Micheal Ketchmark hooked up with receiver Michael Wright for a 44-yard touchdown in the first quarter. For the game, Ketchmark completed eight passes for 109 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

From there, the running game took over. Sophomore running back Jacobi Johnson plowed through the Eagles defense, gashing them for 159 yards on 25 carries. Johnson scored a touchdown for the Wildcats in the second quarter and also scored the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Johnson was the leading rusher for Lake Highlands in 2011, amassing 757 yards and eight touchdowns.

Aside from his fourth quarter score, Johnson was also instrumental in denying Richardson a chance to tie the game. After the defense forced the Eagles to punt, Johnson and the Wildcats offense systematically milked the clock for the rest of the game to ensure victory.

Lake Highlands will take on Rowlett High School in the first round of the playoffs on Friday, November 11 at Homer B. Johnson Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m.