ALLEN, TEXAS— When the final whistle blew, Forney had just thrown the ball in, ready for one last push. But the seconds had already drained away — helped along by a group of Flower Mound Marcus fans who took their sweet time returning the ball from the stands. It was a frustrating end to a game — and a season — that deserved more.
ALLEN, TEXAS— When the final whistle blew, Forney had just thrown the ball in, ready for one last push. But the seconds had already drained away — helped along by a group of Flower Mound Marcus fans who took their sweet time returning the ball from the stands. It was a frustrating end to a game — and a season — that deserved more.
The scoreboard at Allen Eagle Stadium read “Flower Mound Marcus 2, Forney 0”, but it didn’t tell the whole story. Not even close.
This wasn’t just any semifinal. This was the final chapter of a historic run — a dream season in which the Forney Jackrabbits, in their very first year in Texas’ toughest division, went 23-2 and became 6A Div. 2 state semifinalists.
Let that sink in: first year in 6A. One of the last four teams standing in the division. That’s not just good. That’s legendary.
And even on Friday, even without key starter Addison Staats, who wasn’t available for the game, and without sparkplug Kalani Brundage, who was sidelined earlier in the playoffs with an injury, Forney looked every bit like a championship team.
The match — scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. start — was delayed 42 minutes by lightning. But Marcus struck early, getting a third-minute goal from Maddie Hayes on a quick counterattack that caught Forney off guard. Then, in the 33rd minute, Hannah Campos curled in a goal off a corner kick, and suddenly Forney was staring at a 2-0 hole.
But they didn’t flinch.
In fact, Forney dominated the run of play for much of the first half. They controlled possession. Moved the ball with confidence. Pressed high. They just couldn’t find the back of the net.
The second half was a war. Freshman forward Annabelle Vasquez danced through defenders like she had the ball on a string. Senior captain Kyleigh Johnson came inches from changing everything — rising for a perfect header off a free kick in the 65th minute that just missed wide. Not saved. Just missed. And everyone in black and gold felt the heartbreak in that moment.
Even when the rain started to fall in the final five minutes, Forney didn’t stop believing. They kept pressing, kept chasing, kept playing with the fire and fight that got them here in the first place.
But sometimes, the breaks go the other way. Sometimes, the other team gets the early bounce. And sometimes, fans in the wrong-colored shirts are a little too slow to give the ball back.
Still, when the dust settles, none of that will matter.
What will matter is that this team made history. What will matter is that this group of girls, coaches, and families turned a season into something the whole town of Forney could rally behind. What will matter is that they set the standard — and raised it higher than ever before.
None of it happens without Coach Williamson, whose steady leadership helped steer this team to the best season in program history. None of it happens without the relentless work of the entire coaching staff. And none of it happens without this incredible class of seniors, who showed what it means to lead with heart, hustle, and pride.
To the seniors: thank you. For every minute, every sprint, every ounce of fight — you made your mark.
To the players returning: you’ve seen the mountaintop. Now go higher.
And to everyone who wore black and gold this year — this was your team. Your season. Your moment.
Forney may not be bringing home the trophy. But make no mistake — this was a championship team.