Schools & Sports

OUTDOOR EVENTS

Two weeks ago, Forney High homecoming court nominees were escorted by their loved ones across the City Bank Stadium football field dressed in elaborate gowns and suits, representing their classmates and community. Last week, it was Lufkin’s turn to have their nominees walk across the Abe Martin Stadium field waiting for their king and queen to be revealed. After the crowning ceremony, Lufkin community members waved their “Ls” in the air with pride and excitement as their band played the Lufkin school song before the game. This was quite the fitting choice, as the Lufkin Panthers ended up putting the “L” in Loss after being bested by the Forney Jackrabbits on their own turf during their big homecoming game by 21 points. While the Panthers definitely put up a fight, they ended up being no match for the Jackrabbits.

The magic of a playofflike atmosphere filled the air as the Falcons took on Mesquite Horn for their first district appointment of the 2023 season. The Falcon offense struck gold on the first play from scrimmage to McCoy, who would go 80 yards for the first score of the night. The offense would score two more times, once on the ground by Andikan Asuquo and once by a sweep pass from Sanders to Isiah Mayfield.

FALL IS IN THE AIR

It was a big night for the Falcons as they were looking to get to that 4-win spot for the first time since moving to 6A. The offense didn’t disappoint, scoring 46 points. Tamarion Crochett had another great game, going 10 for 16 for 201 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Falcons’ rushing attack added its contribution of 23 rushes for 167 yards.

A packed stadium. A joyous crowning ceremony. An electric atmosphere. The only other thing needed to make Friday’s Homecoming game the perfect night was a blowout win, and the Forney Jackrabbits understood their assignment. With a 69-0 win against the West Mesquite Wranglers in their first district game of the season, the Jackrabbits have continued to exceed all expectations. The game began on an exceptionally high note when Sophomore Wide Receiver Imari Jehiel took West Mesquite’s opening kick from the 30-yard line to the endzone for a touchdown with only 12 seconds off the clock. Following the tone Jehiel set for the game, Senior Defensive Lineman Tristan “Tank” Bennett stole the ball from Wrangler Junior Quarterback Demetris Ballard and made a dash to the endzone putting Forney at 13-0 (after Senior Kicker Asher Wall’s kick) with 10:37 left in the first quarter. Throughout the game, the Wranglers struggled to get positive yardage and get past the Jackrabbit defense, while the Jackrabbit offense made it look easy. Senior Wide Receiver Kofi Eduful caught Senior Kyle Crawford’s 35-yard pass and coasted into the endzone from the 15-yard line for a 21-0 scoreboard read. Joining in on the fun, Sophomore Running Back Javian Osborne made a run for it from the 45-yard line and Sophomore Kicker Vincent Hart got Forney the extra point to put the Jackrabbits at 28-0 with 2:25 left in the first quarter. Senior Defensive Lineman Trenton Dawson also made a big play when he sacked Ballard at the 10-yard line and killed one of their only opportunities to get points.

2023 Forney High School Homecoming Royalty

Photos Courtesy of Cady Studios

PARADISE ACROSS THE RED RIVER

The chances of lightning striking the same place twice are low, but the chances of the Poteet Pirates ending Friday’s game with a win against the Forney Jackrabbits were even lower. Statistics appeared to hold as a thunderstorm gradually made its way through the North Texas region over the weekend and led to the cancellation of the game only after the scoreboard read 53-0 before the fourth quarter in favor of the Jackrabbits. Playing on their home turf in the largest high school football stadium in the state, the Pirates had a chance to bring their community pride by beating an up-andcoming team with multiple nationally ranked players. However, the Jackrabbits were intent on continuing their winning streak and showing everyone that they were not the same school they were four years ago.

Pirates Take It To Fightin’ Indians 49-17

It was the first Friday night game of the year for the Falcons. The North Mesquite Stallions, led by stand out QB Luke Sedar, came into town with high hopes. The game was sloppy with penalties and miscues according to Head Coach Eric Luster, OC Coach Velasquez, DC Gordon Booker, and SC Mike Idleman. Coach Luster summed it up by saying, “Any time you win, it’s good. But the play was not up to Falcon standards. Penalties, substitution errors, and personal fouls are not our expectation or standard.”

COOL WEATHER HOG HUNT!