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RANKINGS
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.
Forney Jackrabbits Continue Strong
One of the best teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area-- if not the state-- currently is Forney. Having outscored their opponents by a combined 290-31 points this season, the Jackrabbits are continuing a hot streak through five games. What can fans expect as they continue to battle against district opponents?
Through five games, the Jackrabbits have only allowed a combined 31 points; 21 in last week's 42-21 victory over Lufkin and the other 10 in a 64-10 victory over Crandall. Led by Oregon commit Aaron Flowers, Landry Hopkins, and four-star linebacker Kelvion Rigs, the Jackrabbits have the most dominating defenses in the area and are working through their schedule with what seems to be ease week after week; shutting down anyone who lines up across from them.
Javian Osborne, a sophomore running back, leads the offense with 708 rushing yards (averaging about 120 rushing yards per game) and 14 touchdowns (the most in 5A). Orin Gee, Kofi Eduful, Kyle Crawford, Alijah Merkson, and others also help the Jackrabbits offense power through each moment Forney gets to have possession of the ball.
Looking ahead to what might be their most difficult matchup this season, Forney is geared up to amplify their dominance this season against Longview (4-1, 2-0)-- home of the country's No. 1-ranked running back and Oklahoma commit Taylor Tatum. Forney can be expected to pick up pace against this Longview squad. No easy feat, Longview is going to give the Jackrabbits a run for their money and force Forney to come up with fresh moves against this forceful offense. Last season, Forney fell 46-7 against Longview and is hopeful to silence any naysayers headed into Friday's matchup. From there, the team looks at a tough rest of their schedule facing Lancaster next week followed by North Mesquite, McKinney North, and Tyler.
Kick-off this week is slated for 7 p.m. in front of a home crowd!