Dallas, Texas -- The McKinney Lions built a 21-6 lead in the first half only to watch their season come to an end when a last-second field goal gave the Highland Park Scots a 22-21 victory in the area round of the playoffs.

In the first half, McKinney put 21 points on the scoreboard with touchdown passes to Khristian Mackintrus and Makhi Frazier, and a 10-yard TD run by Bryan Jackson. Highland Park's only points during the first two periods came on a pair of field goals, but that would be a harbinger of things to come.

In the third period, Highland Park's first scoring threat was thwarted by Zadian Gentry's interception, but  a few minutes later the Scots trimmed McKinney's lead down to 21-13 with a rushing touchdown.

With five minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Scots hit pay dirt again on a short run. The two-point conversion that would have tied the game failed, leaving McKinney holding onto a tenuous 21-19 lead.

McKinney's playoff hopes were dashed when Highland Park booted a 27-yard field goal with less than a minute showing on the clock.

Highland Park advances to face Southlake Carroll in the regional quarterfinals.

McKinney High's Bryan Jackson (2) gets away from Highland Park's Jack Morse (49) in a playoff game on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Gerald Ford Stadium on the SMU campus.

McKinney High's Kam Oliver (15) sacks Highland Park quarterback Parker Thompson (16).

McKinney High's Owen Fann (19) and Nathan Taddesse (23) watch as Highland Park kicks a game-winning field goal in a playoff game on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Gerald Ford Stadium on the SMU Campus. Highland Park won the game 22-21 on a last-second field goal.

photos by Kevin Bartram www.BuzzPhotos.com