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Powering Through: Northwest Texans football
The Northwest Texans football program has proven to be one of the strongest teams in their district over the last few years. As the team looks to close out district play while continuing to power through their schedule, VYPE DFW takes a look at their season so far and what fans can expect as the playoffs approach.
Looking Back
Last season, the Texans posted an incredibly strong run going 6-1 in district play to finish at the top of their standings (7-4 overall). The Texans made a playoff appearance before falling to Burleson Centennial in a hard-fought 28-21 match. Taking their momentum from last season right into the offseason, Northwest was able to get stronger and come into this season with a vengeance. With a tough non-district schedule, the Texans were able to enter district play well adjusted, tested, and ready to take down their district opponents. The team has recorded a 5-1 district record (6-2 overall) and currently sits in the second place spot in their district. The Texans have recorded victories against the likes of Azle, Saginaw, The Colony, Fort Worth South Hills, and more this season.
The offense is led by senior running back Kyle Cummings, senior wide receiver, Kenan Reil, senior quarterback Jake Strong, and junior running back Saheed Durodoye. Cummings has recorded roughly 131 rushing yards per game and 14 total touchdowns while Durodoy has recorded nearly 90 rushing yards per game with eight touchdowns to his name. Kenan Reil leads in receiving with eight touchdowns while averaging about 70 yards per game. Jake Strong has played like a seasoned veteran in the pocket for the Texans- throwing 17 touchdown passes and running two scores in himself. The defense is strong and poised- senior outside linebacker Tyran Magee has caused two fumbles while bringing in one interception while junior cornerback Chad Phillips and Leddie Thompson help lead the charge for the defense.
What's to come
With two games left of the regular season, fans can expect Jake Strong and company to continue using the offense as a tool that leads the Texans to victory. Hungry for a deep playoff run, the offense will look sharp against their opponents for the rest of the season as they strive for a strong playoff push. The Texans are set to face off against Burleson Centennial this week and Denton Ryan next week as their last two games of district play.
Justin Northwest Football: A 'Never Give Up' attitude looks to guide the Texans this season
Justin Northwest football has started their 2021 season and they're more than ready to show the rest of Texas that they are ready to compete against the best of the best in UIL Class 5A football.
Rewind
Finishing third in their district last season, the Texans had a lot to be proud of. Northwest posted a 7-4 overall record (5-2) with a 64% winning percentage. Outscoring their opponents 447-384 on the season, the Texans defeated the likes of Frisco Memorial, McKinney North, Saginaw, Crowley, Granbury, Arlington Heights, and more en route to playoffs.
Despite a heart-wrenching loss to Red Oak early in the playoffs, Northwest showed true grit through the highs and lows of every game last season.
2021 Begins
Northwest might have had a slow start to the season losing their season-opener 23-14 against Frisco Memorial (2-0), but the Texans proved that fans shouldn't count them out just yet in Week 2. Facing a strong McKinney North (1-1) on Friday, September 3, the Texans won 28-16.
Junior quarterback Jake Strong has accounted for two passing touchdowns and a total of 399 passing yards in two games. On the keep, Strong has totaled 199 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. On the receiving end, junior wide receiver Logan Jeskevic has tallied 115 receiving yards and one touchdown while sophomore Chad Phillips holds claim to a touchdown of his own.
On foot, the Texans have proven to be strong this season with stat leaders like Strong (199 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown) followed closely by junior running back Kyle Cummings who has racked up 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns of his own. Senior Ricardo Dyer has also recorded a touchdown for the Texans.
A Look Ahead
Northwest will continue their season on the road next week as they face off against Grapevine (0-2) before finally stepping foot into their home stadium. The Texans' home opener will feature what should be an exciting game against Abilene Cooper (1-1) in their last game before district play.
Northwest football can be expected to show their strength and grit in their district this season facing off against Crowley, Granbury, Brewer, and Azle looking to make another playoff appearance in 2021 with the "never give up" attitude they tend to take into each of their games.