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David vs. Goliath: Forney Jackrabbits set to face Aledo in the UIL Class 5A D1 State Semifinal
The Forney Jackrabbits have created a team culture that continues to rock North Texas this season. After a five-year playoff drought, head coach Jeffrey Fleener joined the program in 2021, took control of the ship, and turned it right around. Since taking over, the team has seen a 27-9 record and playoff appearances. Embarking on an incredible journey this season, the team is headed to the UIL Class 5A Division I State Semifinals against a giant in the state: the Aledo Bearcats. VYPE DFW talked to coach Fleener about exactly what fans can expect out of the Jackrabbits this week.
This season, Forney has outscored their opponents by a combined 413 points. Having lost only one game all season-- a 13-7 battle against Longview in district play-- the team has showcased their ability to defy odds, put hard work to the test, and come out on top week after week since summer practice began.
As the team prepares to take on fan-proclaimed "Title Town" Aledo, VYPE DFW caught up with coach Fleener regarding the Jackrabbits' success this season. "This team has created a standard to play for each other instead of playing for personal glory," said Fleener. "We are in the state semi-finals because we have a team of young men that don't care who gets the credit. Not only that, we do whatever it takes to win the game. This team does not ride the roller coaster of highs and lows throughout the game - they trust each other to DYJ (Do Your Job) and that will lead us to victories."
Trusting each other to do their jobs came in handy last week as Forney traveled just up the road from their own stadium to face a tough Lancaster team at Rockwall's Wilkerson Sanders stadium in the quarterfinals. In a thrilling come-from-behind, double-overtime victory, Forney defeated Lancaster with a 43-41 victory. Led by Javian Osborne, Kyle Crawford, Alijah Merkson, Kofi Eduful, and others, the team powered through a battle to put up one of the most incredible games of the season. Osborne, who is just a sophomore, recorded three rushing touchdowns on 23 carries for 99 yards in the victory while Crawford connected with Imari Jehiel for another score in the game. Merkson also scored on a 75-yard kick return for the Jackrabbits and Austin Flowers recorded a 35-yard pick-six for a Forney score.
An electric crowd that never once showed doubt in their team, the Jackrabbit fans showed up and showed out throughout the entire game as the team continued their battle. With immense support throughout the season, the community surrounding the team has been more than appreciated by Fleener and his squad. "We are not where we are this week without the support of our community-- not just this year, but also with their support the last three years to help us build the program into what it is today. We take it very seriously that we are playing for them for everything they do for us and that we are blessed to represent Forney."
Aledo, the winningest team in state title history with 11 to their legacy, is undefeated on the season (14-0, 8-0). Athletes like Trace Clarkson, Raycine Guillory Jr (who averages about 112 rushing yards per game), Hauss Hejny, Hawk Patrick-Daniels, Davhon Keys, Ben McElree, and others have outplayed their opponents all season long outscoring them by a combined nearly 500 points this season. "Fans will see a matchup of two very similar teams that are built on playing physical, sound defense and offensively find ways to get their playmakers the ball in favorable matchups," started Fleener. "We have to play mistake-free football and not give Aledo any extra help by beating ourselves."
Athletes like Osborne (who has averaged roughly 154 rushing yards per game), Eduful, Merkson, Ben Perin, Cameron Carter, Landry Hopkins, Tristan Bennett, and others can be expected to remain determined, focused, and ready to get their jobs done as they suit up and take the field on Friday night. "The message to our team all week has been that great teams like Aledo were all in our situation at one time. They had to beat the best to start their streak of competing for state championships year in and year out," said Fleener. The team might be considered underdogs on paper, but they show no doubt or fear as they prepare to take on the giant in the biggest game that they have played in 23 years.
Kick-off is set for 7:30 on Friday at Midlothian ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium.
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.