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QUARTERFINALS PREVIEW: Forney set for a matchup against Lancaster
After many battles have been fought this season, there are only a few left as teams across the state continue to work to get to the biggest stage in Texas high school football. Just east of Dallas, Forney has been working hard to put itself on the map. This season, the team has done just that as they gear up for a quarterfinal matchup against Lancaster. VYPE DFW dives into what fans can expect during this Friday night showdown:
Regular Season Play
Forney dropped only one game throughout the entire regular season. As they opened their schedule with three non-district victories over Crandall (64-10), Frisco Memorial (62-0), and Mesquite Poteet (53-0), the team knew they had something special and wanted to make sure they kept pushing through all moments to continue their dominance as they headed into district play. Despite a 13-7 loss against Longview, the Forney Jackrabbits went 6-1 in district play and finished second in their district standings-- just behind a 7-0 Longview team.
Led by talented athletes like Javian Osborne (who has averaged 158 rushing yards per game this season with a total of 36 touchdowns), Kofi Eduful (who has averaged 68.7 receiving yards per game this season with a total of 12 touchdowns), Cameron Carter, Ben Perin, Landry Hopkins (who has averaged 8.6 tackles per game this season), Kelvion Riggins, Luke Rodriguez, Aaron Flowers, Tristan Bennett, Kyle Crawford, and others, the team posted big-time victories over West Mesquite (69-0), North Mesquite (53-13), McKinney North (40-7), Tyler (53-29), and more through district play.
Playoffs So Far
So far in the playoffs, the Jackrabbits have showcased tremendous talent as they went head-to-head with other talented teams. Defeating Port Arthur Memorial in round one with an outstanding 44-7 victory, the Jackrabbits set the tone for their playoff run. Round two saw a tight, 26-24 victory over Frisco Lone Star in which the Jackrabbits never once gave up. Last week, Forney recorded a hard-fought 61-40 victory over Richland. Looking to continue their run of dominance, the team has worked hard throughout the week to prep for a touch Lancaster Tigers (9-5, 5-3) squad.
The Competition:
On paper, Lancaster seems like a team that could easily be underestimated. With a 64% win percentage, the team has lost five games already this season while finishing fourth in their district standings. Despite their uphill climb to the playoffs, though, the Tigers are led by talented athletes like Kewan Lacy, Kameron Robinson, Ti'Erick Martin, Jordan Jones, Messiah Boulieu, and others who are sure to put up a strong fight against Forney.
Buckling up in the playoffs, Lancaster has defeated La Porte (27-13), Frisco Wakeland (35-19), and Longview (27-24) with their determined presence on the field. Having defeated the only team to have beaten Forney this season, Lancaster will be looking for a statement against Forney on Friday night.
What To Expect:
Forney is primed and prepped for anything to come their way. Ready to continue their battle into the next round, the Jackrabbits have had no trouble focusing moment-to-moment in order to get the job done. This team can be expected to set the tone right out of the tunnel against Lancaster. With an intense talent and a desire like no other, Forney has a fire in their heart that won't soon be put out. Playing just up the road in Rockwall, this game will be nothing short of a home game for Forney. Expect the atmosphere to be electric with Jackrabbit fans throughout the entire game fueling Forney forward.
Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. at Rockwall Wilkerson Sanders Stadium.
DISTRICT PREVIEW: Forney Football enters district undefeated
The Forney Jackrabbits are riding a high and preparing to have one of their best seasons yet. As they look to enter district play with an undefeated record, VYPE DFW takes a look at the program in the 2023-24 season so far.
Non-District Play
Opening their season with a huge 64-10 victory over the Crandall Pirates, it was clear from the start that Forney was already setting the tone. Over the next three games, the Jackrabbits would post nearly 200 unanswered points combined against their opponents. In week two, the Jackrabbits hosted Frisco Memorial in a 62-0 victory. Week three saw a 53-0 victory over Mesquite Poteet on the road to end non-district play.
Kofi Edwards, Javian Osborne, Kevin Espinal, Cameron Carter, Alex Perin, Alijah Merkson, Kyle Crawford, Orin Gee, and Dylan Stephens are just some of the athletes who contribute on the offensive side of the ball. Putting in the work from kick-off to the last whistle, this offense scores early and often in order to keep the ball moving every second of the game.
Henry Abramson, Tristan Bennett, Joshua Anusiem, Aaron Flowers, Kellen Wolverton, Kutter Vlasin, Kelvion Riggins, Landon Ritter, Landry Hopkins, Luke Rodriguez, among others are known to make big defensive plays and stops for the Jackrabbits allowing domination in their games.
What To Expect
Forney opened district play on the road against West Mesquite in a dominating fashion with a 69-0 victory. As the team travels to Lufkin on Friday, September 22nd for their second game of the season, they're looking to continue their dominance. Lufkin is 3-1 on the season with their first district game being a 42-0 loss against Longview.
As the team progresses through district, their toughest opponents will be seen in Longview, McKinney North, and Tyler. Set to face off against these three on October 6th, October 27th, and November 3rd, fans can expect this team to put in all of the required work to walk into the playoffs ready to continue their mission.