The Jackrabbits fought and clawed with the Midlothian Panthers for three quarters before succumbing late in the game for a 49-13 loss. This, as expected, was a hard fought, physical battle. The Jackrabbits fall to 0-2 for the season.
Despite the difficult fight on the field, Forney fans were excited about the night. A week full of Homecoming festivities and dress-up days for the students culminated with the Jackrabbits vs. Panthers game and the crowning of the 2020 Homecoming King and Queen.
Coach Aaron Woods intentionally scheduled a tough pre-district schedule to prepare this year’s varsity team for the tough district that they play in. His philosophy of “iron sharpens iron” and “fear none” will pay dividends in the long run as good teams expose weaknesses that can be worked on as the team grows together through the season.
Last Friday’s opponent, Midlothian High School, has become established as a playoff caliber team year after year. Their flexbone offense demands that opposing teams play physical, disciplined football. The Forney Jackrabbits did just that for three quarters before turning loose a few long runs late in the 4th quarter. The Panthers always play tough, physical defense, and the young Forney team stood “toe-to-toe” and battled as long as they could. The Rabbits will be able to take away many lessons from this game as they move forward this season.
Defensively, Chase Berg and Peyton Negri played well up front. Dal Ndzishangong (6 solos and 6 assists, 1 fumble recovery) and Caden Cross (9 solos and 3 assists) continued their stellar play. Josh Stephens had 1 interception and 8 solo tackles. Jayden Balina-Ayers had 3 solo tackles and 1 tackle for a loss. And Kyle Roper contributed two solo tackles.
On special teams, Brayden Kirkland had a 30-yard average on kick-off returns, Cameron Newell had an extra point kick and good placement on his kickoffs, and Nyle Roper had another two tackles on the kick-off team.
Offensively, Jayln Phillips had another strong week as he led the way with 8 carries for 146 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run. Junior running back, Jon’Richard Washington, had 17 carries for 100 yards on the night. Both backs ran hard and tough, and they blocked very well in pass protection. Quarterback Jake White threw for 98 yards and had a nice 69-yard run for a touchdown. Brayden Kirkland had 4 receptions for 61 yards, and Braden Benjamin had 4 key blocks and a reception. Sophomore wide receiver Ronnie Harrison added 2 catches and Junior WR Andrew Gafford contributed another 3. WR Zach Fuller, a Junior this year, had several big blocks on the night. The offensive line came out and performed well to assist the team on their 355 total yard night. Offensive Linemen Reese Mercer, Alex Bowen, and Adam Long showed their strength with 7 knockdown blocks and 2 touchdown blocks, 5 knock downs and 2 touchdown blocks, and 4 knock downs and 2 touchdown blocks respectively. Johnathan Couch, Ivan Cook, and tight end Zack Brown also had excellent nights blocking.
The Jackrabbits have prepared all week for this week’s game. They will wrap up their pre-district slate with a trip to Texarkana tomorrow night to play against the Texas High Tigers. This will be a good final tune-up in preparation for district, as well as a unique chance to play in Tiger Stadium at Grim Park, an historic Texas High School Stadium. The game will be played tomor row night, October 9, 2020, at 7:30 pm. Fans interested in watching or listening to the action live can log on to sportsgram.net for real time audio and video coverage of the game. And as always, check back here next week to read highlights of the game.
Though the game did not turn out as hoped, the team came away with plenty to practice and learn from, and the loyal Jackrabbit fans enjoyed the night. Congratulations to all who were honored as part of the Homecoming Court, as well as the new Forney Jackrabbit Homecoming King and Queen, Joey Cortez and Ellie Russell. The Jackrabbit football program thanks the band for playing and performing, the cheerleaders for cheering and decorating the halls throughout the week, the Highsteppers for their fabulous performances, and all of the parents and fans for keeping the Jackrabbit spirit going.
All photos by STEFANIE FLAISHANS
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