What a difference a year makes. This time last year, the Forney Jackrabbits were looking at a season that was full of close calls and a whole bunch fo what-ifs. This year, they are looking forward to the playoffs and celebrating their first ever 4A District Championship. Even the fact that the Championship is shared with Lancaster and West Mesquite could not dampen the spirits at CityBank Stadium on Friday night, as the Red Oak Hawks came in to close out the regular season. Senior Night had a special feel to it Friday, and the football team held up it’s end of the deal with a convincing 44-30 victory.

The night started off with a little bit of shock and awe, as the Hawks got out to a very quick 14-0 lead on the strength of an effective running game led by Nic Boyd. The 14 point deficit, and the speed with which it was accumulated, reminded a lot of folks of the Sachse game earlier this year. As was the case in that game, the Jackrabbits showed an immense amount of character and fortitude. The next 30 points were all on the Jackrabbit side of the ledger, including a safety by the defense when they sacked Red Oak Quarterback Grady Latimer in the endzone.

The game was completely wrapped up, in fitting fashion, when Senior Running Back Peter Smith broke free for a 91 yard touchdown run late in the 4th quarter. The run capped a fabulous night and regular season for Smith, who had 263 yards on 30 rushes (3 TD’s). Smith has been the featured back/workhorse for this Forney team the last two years and he deserved to have this kind of performance in his last regular season home game, before a nice crowd that showed its appreciation for all the accomplishments of this team.

Blake Branton will also go into the playoffs this week on a roll, as he had an excellent night of his own. Branton rushed 16 times for 166 yards and was 10 of 15 through the air for 90 yards. Branton accounted for 3 td’s on the night, one with his legs and two passing to Fullback Clay Bedrick.

The Forney Defense continued a string of impressive performances the last half of the season by closing ranks after the intitial 14 points and throwing a shutout over the next two quarters to give the offense a chance to catch up and put the game away. The offense came to life and scored the aforementioned 30 unanswered points, moving the ball effectively and without panic.

The first round playoff game will be against Waco Midway at Midlothian ISD Stadium. Game time is 7:30 PM. As we have all season, Sportsgram (http://www.sportsgram.net) will be there to bring you all the action over the internet or at 92.9 FM if you are in the stadium. (Yes, the StadiumCast feature will be back in operation, as we experienced some technical difficulties over the last 3 or 4 games.) Tickets will be on sale at the High School this week. Check the FISD website for more details.

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