Lake Highlands stifles Coppell in upset, gains inside track to District 7-6A crown
A strong defensive effort from Lake Highlands held Coppell to a season-low 144 passing yards.
Lake Highlands claimed an unexpected victory over Coppell, securing a 27-19 win in their District 7-6A game held on October 16, 2026 at Wildcat-Ram Stadium in Dallas. (Steve Nurenberg/The Dallas Morning News) Only two teams had previously defeated Coppell in district play following Antonio Wiley's appointment as head coach in 2022.
The win, Lake Highlands' fourth overall, positioned them for the District 7-6A title. With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, junior quarterback John Cothern scored the game's first touchdown with a 23-yard run, narrowing Coppell's lead to 19-20. Lake Highlands' defense executed a crucial sack, leading to a successful third down and eventually forcing a punt.
Cothern capitalized on the opportunity with a 16-play drive, culminating in a 16-play connection that extended Lake Highlands' lead to 27-19. Coppell had ample time to tie the game before the final whistle, but Lake Highlands' defense forced a turnover on downs, essentially sealing the win. This defensive effort held Coppell to a season-low 144 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The victory gave Lake Highlands an edge in the race for the District 7-6A crown, with a record of 4-0. Head coach Cory Campbell expressed surprise at the team's achievements, acknowledging their hard work and unwavering belief in their capabilities.
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