FORNEY, Texas — The 2015 season continues to be a repeat of 2014 with the Jackrabbits looking to break that cycle. In their toughest game so far on the season, the Jackrabbits (2-1, 5-1) were overwhelmed by the moment of Poteet (3-0, 4-2).
FORNEY, Texas — The 2015 season continues to be a repeat of 2014 with the Jackrabbits looking to break that cycle. In their toughest game so far on the season, the Jackrabbits (2-1, 5-1) were overwhelmed by the moment of Poteet (3-0, 4-2).
The game was ultimately decided on turnovers. For the first time all year, Forney lost the turnover battle and the game. The final score of 58-34 might look like a little one-sided, but the game was closer than the score indicates with Forney ultimately amassing more total yardage — 497 compared to Poteet’s 458.
After neither team could do much on their first drives, Forney struck first with a 24-yard touchdown catch by Devon Rideaux from Luke Skipper to make it 7-0. Poteet quickly answered with a six-yard touchdown to Zach Barientos from Kaleb Fletcher. Poteet used the swinging gate to successfully convert a two-point conversion to make the score 8-7 with 2:09 left in the 1st quarter.
The teams again traded touchdowns with Poteet scoring first on a Jackson two-yard rush. To answer, the Jackrabbits pulled out the trick play, as Michael Prox completed a 41-yard halfback pass to Malik Woods for a 41-yard touchdown.
Poteet took control with the next two scores including a 75-yard run by running back Walter Dawn, Jr straight up the middle of the field to give them some breathing room.
Zadarius Miles returned the kickoff 80-yards and appeared to swing the momentum into Forney’s favor before the half but, that was short-lived, as Poteet answered on Forney’s kickoff and returned the ball 55 yards to push the Poteet lead back to 17 points going into halftime.
Forney looked strong coming out of the halftime break after an opening drive interception and a subsequent 38-yard touchdown pass from Luke Skipper to Michael Prox to close the scoring gap to within 10 points. However, Forney would never get closer, as turnovers continued to plague the offense and the defense continued to give up big plays to Poteet.
Four turnovers in the first half resulted in an 18-point swing that was just too big to overcome. At the final whistle, Forney had committed a total of six turnovers and only forced two on Poteet.
Forney will need to regroup and prepare for next week’s home matchup against the Terrell High School Tigers (3-0, 5-1) who lead District 12-5A. Terrell has beaten Forney the last two years and will look for a win to remain at the top of District 12-5A and keep their playoff hopes in sight.