Blue-chipper Davian Groce, Michigan State DL commit Christopher Knauls lead Lone Star to playoff win over Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, Texas — Behind a few explosive plays from elite offensive playmaker Davian Groce and a stout second-half effort from all layers of the defense, Frisco (Texas) Lone Star doubled up Georgetown (Texas) High, 41-21, in the area round of the playoffs.

The Rangers (11-1) made the road trip and were able to fight back late to regain the lead and knock off the Eagles (9-3), who moved ahead in the third quarter.

Rivals highlights the game’s top performers.

Florida WR commit Davian Groce packs big-play potential

Groce was fed the ball in a variety of ways throughout the contest and scored touchdowns on a 66-yard run and a 41-yard catch.

The Industry Ranking No. 10 WR is superb operating in space and can quickly shift into a different gear. He’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field, including in the return game, and he’s flashed his escapability and impressive acceleration racing past a host of would-be tacklers on his first-quarter TD run.

Groce came down with a TD working out the seam in the fourth quarter and followed suit with the 2-point conversion, and made it look seamless left in man coverage.

“It means everything to me. It’s the last ride, so I’m trying to make every second, make every block … make it count,” Groce told Rivals. “With the team we have, we can make it all the way and win it all.”

A normally soft-spoken Groce was emotional for this playoff game and played accordingly.

Texas Tech and Oklahoma are both chipping away at the Florida verbal, who reminded everyone why he is one of the best football prospects in the 2026 class.

“That’s play Dav right there,” Lone Star HC Jeff Rayburn said. “He’s one of the best players in the country and he turns it on to another level in the playoffs. He’s unstoppable with the ball in his hands. I’m glad he’s on our team.”

Michigan State DL Christopher Knauls highlights great DL play

Georgetown is stout up front with an offensive line anchored by Stanford OT commit Kaden Scherer. That unit has been the Eagles’ tone-setters all season long and played very well on Friday.

Michigan State DL commit Christopher Knauls battled through that line and came up with several critical plays in Lone Star’s win, especially when it mattered the most.

In the second half, Knauls broke through with several tackles behind the line and stops hustling to the ball around the line of scrimmage. He’s quick and menacing, and came up with a critical tackle on 4-and-1 to force a turnover on ends as the Eagles were driving to take the lead at the end of the third quarter.

“That was a good OL, one of the better RBs all year. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast. We played physical football,” Rayburn said. “Great team defense and the guys up front dominated the line of scrimmage.”

4-star Michigan S commit Jordan Deck is versatile and sound

Four-star S Jordan Deck showcased different elements of his game and did so at an array of different positions.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder played as a big nickel, as a backer and also back deep at safety.

The Rivals300 defender committed to Michigan jarred a ball loose and was very physical slowing down Minnesota RB commit Jett Walker and the Eagles’ rushing attack. He also batted a pass down at the line of scrimmage and had a pass defensed in coverage.

“He’s such a versatile piece. We’re lucky he’s willing to move to safety, to nickel, to backer,” Rayburn boasted about Deck. “He’s a difference-maker everywhere he’s at.”

After an early declaration in-state to Baylor, Deck flipped his commitment to Michigan in July. He’s a very valued piece of the plans in Ann Arbor.

2027 4-star ATH Karece Hoyt is a two-way star

Four-star 2027 ATH Karece Hoyt saw action at safety and running back and managed big plays on both sides of the ball in the second-round playoff win.

Hoyt came up with an interception and a few more plays in coverage, then broke loose for a tough 37-yard TD run to seal the deal.

“Karece is phenomenal as a leader and as a player,” said Rayburn. “To play offense, defense and to play special teams, he’d do everything he can to help his team win. That’s what makes him special.”

Rayburn isn’t wrong about his junior standout committed to Baylor.

Notes on Georgetown prospects

Stanford OT commit Kaden Scherer is a very intriguing offensive line prospect. Scherer saw snaps at tackle on both sides. He’s light on his feet and moves well reaching different parts of the field and paving the way in the running game. Scherer is a very functional blocker with room to improve in pass pro. He has the makings of an offensive lineman capable of playing three or four different positions up front.

Minnesota RB commit Jett Walker is a tough runner who wears on opposing defenses by forcing them to gang-tackle a 6-foot-2, 210-pound bruiser. He’s tough and ran hard for four quarters. Walker is certainly more of an old-school style back, but shined as a pass-catcher on a few occasions in this one.

Texas State WR commit Xavier Warren was largely quiet in this one, but popped on a few instances. He is a smaller receiver with great suddenness and shake to his play style.