The varsity Forney Jackrabbits had two formidable opponents last Friday night when they walked out onto the field under the Friday night lights in Royse City: the remnants of an exhausting game the previous week against Crandall that saw an unprecedented four overtimes, and the Royce City Bulldogs that they were facing that night.
The young Jackrabbits came out cool and the Bulldogs hot when Royse City returned the opening kickoff ninety-two yards. The Jackrabbits responded quickly with a drive that ended in a field goal. But that early field goal was the most the Rabbits could muster on the scoreboard for the first half of play. The big-play style of offense that Royse City employs simply proved to be too much for Forney to overcome, which left the Rabbits trailing 42 to 3 at the half. During the second half of the game, the Jackrabbits played much better on both sides of the ball and actually outscored the Bulldogs 28 to 21, trading touchdowns in the third quarter and attempting to do the same in the fourth. However, a repeat of last week’s nail biter was not meant to be, and the game ultimately ended with a score of 63 for the Royse City Bulldogs to 31 for the Forney Jackrabbits.
Defensively, the Jackrabbits were led by Junior linebacker Caden Cross. Cross continued his trend of great gameplay and led the team’s defense with seven solo tackles and a recovered fumble. Defensive lineman Seth Bell led the down men with 2 solo tackles, a caused fumble, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Junior Charles Neilson caused a fumble as well. Hunter Carroll recorded 3 tackles on the night, and Freshman Alijah Merkson added four tackles and two extra efforts.
The Jackrabbits’ offense was led by Junior running back Jon’Richard Washington. Washington tallied 165 yards for the night on 23 carries behind some tough blocking by Junior Alex Bowen, Junior Stephen Thrasher, Junior Reece Mercer, and TE Zach Brown.
Junior Josh Stephens ran the ball for 25 yards, a touchdown, and had a 14-yard completion. Sophomore Tyler Pruitt put in 20 yards, and Freshman Alijah Merkson added 40 rushing yards, 25 passing yards, and a touchdown pass to Braden Benjamin. Zach Brown contributed two catches for 30 yards, and Brayden Kirkland added a touchdown run to the night.
On special teams, Junior Braden Merchant had a 35-yard average punting night. Brayden Kirkland added to his night with an onside kick recovery. That kick was by Cameron Newell. Kirkland added three punt returns for 68 yards and 2 kickoff returns for 35 more yards. Braydon Washington added 1 return for 19 yards, and Braden Benjamin did his part for the night with four kickoff returns for 126 yards.
The Jackrabbits return to action Friday, November 13 to face the Ennis Lions at Ennis. Then the 11-5A zones will play a seeding game for the district’s overall standing on November 20. Keep supporting your Forney Jackrabbits! Despite the many challenges they have faced this year, these young men have kept great attitudes and a “never say die” spirit. If you are able to make the trip to Ennis this week, check the Jackrabbit’s website at www.jackrabbitathletics.com for ticketing information. However, if you are not able to make the trip to enjoy the game in person, you can still log on to sportsgram.net for live streamed audio and video coverage of the game. No matter which way you follow them, don’t forget to cheer for the Rabbits!
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