Second Generation

When it comes to turning out great college and pro football players, few high schools can match the record of Dallas' Highland Park High--the school that produced Bobby Layne and Doak Walker.

This year Highland Park has a new star: a straw-haired 16-year-old who is practically a one-man ball club. Play ing quarterback on offense, he has completed 56% of his passes; on the ground, he has gained 705 yds. in 102 carries. He is his team's top scorer, with 83 points. On defense, he plays safety, has intercepted nine passes. He also punts (for an average of 33 yds.), kicks off, boots extra points and field goals. His performance against Turner High three weeks ago was typical. With Highland Park trailing 27-13 in the fourth quarter, he 1) threw a 12-yd. touchdown pass, 2) passed again for a two-point conversion, 3) ran for another TD, and 4) kicked the extra point. Final score: Highland Park 28, Turner 27.

It was the same story all over again last week, when Highland Park closed out its season by beating Denison High, 21-14. He gained 105 yds. on twelve carries, scored one touchdown, kicked the extra points and intercepted three passes on defense.

A B-student who plans to become an engineer, the youngster currently is being courted by recruiters from no fewer than six colleges: Southern Methodist, Texas, Texas A. & M., Texas Christian, Baylor and Navy. All of which makes his father--who was once a pretty fair country ballplayer himself--immensely proud. The boy's name: Kyle Rote Jr.

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