FORNEY — The lights were bright, the stakes were high, and the Forney Jackrabbits delivered one of the most unforgettable nights in program history. Down by 22 points in the first quarter to the Rockwall Yellowjackets, Forney clawed all the way back to win 48–47, sealing the victory with a touchdown in the final 13 seconds Friday night at City Bank Stadium.
It was a win built on heart, execution, and belief, and one that will be remembered for years in Forney football lore.
A 22-Point Hole and a Roaring Response
Rockwall opened the game in control, scoring on its first three possessions to jump ahead 22–0 before Forney could settle in. Early on, the Yellowjackets looked every bit as sharp as they did in their 37–35 win earlier this season over defending Class 6A state champion North Crowley.
But Forney never blinked. Behind quarterback Nelson Peterson Jr., the Jackrabbits came alive in the second quarter, piling up 28 unanswered points. Running back Javian Osborne punished defenders between the tackles, and wideout Imari Jehiel kept drives alive with timely catches.
By halftime, what had looked like a blowout had turned into a shootout, and Forney had the momentum.
Trading Blows in the Fourth
The game evolved into a test of willpower. With just over two minutes left, Peterson scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown to give Forney its first lead of the night, 41–40.
Rockwall answered immediately. Quarterback Brent Rickert completed a 32-yard pass on fourth-and-13, then sprinted 20 yards into the end zone to reclaim the lead, 47–41, with 50 seconds remaining.
That could have been the end of it. But Forney’s sideline never lost faith.
Imari Jehiel took the ensuing kickoff back 31 yards to midfield. Two plays later, Peterson hit Preston Jackson for a 16-yard completion to move the Jackrabbits inside the 10. With 13 seconds left, Osborne barreled into the end zone from two yards out to complete the comeback and give Forney the victory.
The stadium erupted as the clock ran out, a moment of disbelief, then pure joy.
A Team Effort to Remember
Every phase contributed to this one. The offense delivered big plays in key moments, the defense made stops when it mattered, and special teams provided the spark that set up the game-winning drive.
Forney’s offensive balance kept Rockwall guessing all night, with Peterson’s composure and Osborne’s power giving the Jackrabbits the versatility they needed to fight back. In the end, it was resilience and execution, not flash, that decided it.
The Numbers Behind the Comeback
Category
Stat / Note
Final Score
Forney 48, Rockwall 47
Forney Record After Game
6–2 overall, 3–1 in district
Rockwall Record After Game
5–3 overall, 2–2 in district
Offensive Leaders (Forney)
QB Nelson Peterson Jr. – 3 total TDs (2 passing, 1 rushing)
RB Javian Osborne – Game-winning 2-yard touchdown
WR Imari Jehiel – 31-yard kickoff return to spark final drive
Defensive Highlights
Key second-half stops held Rockwall to 13 points after halftime
Turning Point
Forney’s 28-point second quarter erased a 22-point deficit
Next Week
Forney has a bye week before returning to district play
A Win That Will Be Remembered
Friday night’s victory over Rockwall was more than a thrilling finish. It was a statement about perseverance.
Forney didn’t back down after falling behind, didn’t waver when Rockwall retook the lead, and didn’t flinch when the game was on the line. They played with confidence, unity, and belief in one another.
When the clock hit zero, the scoreboard showed more than just a win. It showed a team that earned every inch of it.
