In the days leading up to the semi final game, the trees along the streets of Highland Park and University Park were covered in yellow ribbon and bows supporting the Highland Park Scots football team. Cars around town were decorated with window paint reading "Beat Denton Ryan", "Take State" or simply the number 5, to represent all of the state titles Highland Park will have won pending a win at the state championship this season. This was one of the biggest games for Highland Park - a make or break point. Not to mention a much anticipated rematch. Last year, 370 days later to be exact, Highland Park beat Denton Ryan in the semi finals and then went along to win state. Some called it a "lucky win" due to Denton Ryan's QB1 suffering an ACL tear mid-game. This season Denton Ryan's QB1 was back rebounding from his ACL tear with an undefeated season behind him, ready to take on the Scots. Denton Ryan was favored to win over Highland Park and advance to the state championship, however the Highland Park Scots had a strong will and determination to repeat and go to state once again. Their slogan is "Reload, Repeat" after all, and you bet they had every intention of doing just that.. With over 5,000 fans in attandence and the the game being televised locally, both teams had their work cut out for them. *spoiler alert* The Highland Park Scots are going back to state.

Scroll down to see some game highlights photographed by Danielle Ellis.