As the end of August nears, it’s always a hallowed time in Texas as high school football returns to dominate Thursday and Friday night plans for Texans across the state. This past weekend, over 700 high school football games took place as the 2021 high school football season kicked off. And although there were plenty of thrilling matchups across the state, here are three of the best games from week one.
Forney overturns 20-0 deficit to snatch victory from Whitehouse with a late touchdown
Forney was a 34-point underdog heading into its matchup against Whitehouse on Friday night, and the Jackrabbits looked to be heading towards a defeat of that nature down 20-0 at the half. Forney had other ideas.
Late in the third quarter, Jackrabbit quarterback Jake White arched a perfect pass to Kofi Eduful for a 31-yard score to get Forney on the board. Then, on the ensuing possession early in the fourth quarter, Whitehouse snapped the ball over its punter’s head, allowing Forney sophomore defensive lineman Tristan Bennett to scoop up the recovery for another touchdown to set up a thrilling finale. And late on, with time ticking away, Forney completed the comeback as White threw a perfect fade to senior receiver Zach Fuller in the end zone for a game-winning, eight-yard touchdown reception with just 34 seconds left. It was an impressive start for new Forney head coach Jeff Fleener as the Jackrabbits snapped a 15-game losing streak that dated back to September 20, 2019, in a memorable fashion.
Fuller’s Game-Winning TD (Courtesy of Micah Owens): https://twitter.com/Micah_Owenss/status/1432028431265538053
#7 Grandview blocks field goal as time expires to hold off #5 Malakoff
Grandview and Malakoff is always a great game to watch on the non-district slate, and this year was no different. Malakoff led 21-17 heading into the fourth quarter thanks to two touchdowns from running back Duce Hart. The score stayed that way until Grandview quarterback Brycen Davis found paydirt from two yards out with under three minutes to go to give Grandview a 24-21 lead. That left plenty of time for Malakoff.
The Tigers drove all the way down to the Grandview red zone to set up a potential game-tying field goal, seeking to force overtime. Grandview wasn’t having it. The Zebras blocked the field goal, earning a 24-21 victory that avenged their defeat to Malakoff in the third round of playoffs a year ago. With the way things have played out the past couple of years in Class 3A, it won’t be a surprise if these two teams meet up come playoff time yet again later this fall.
Blocked Field Goal Attempt: (Courtesy of Patrick Cunningham) https://twitter.com/pmc3_83/status/1431450257414660102
La Grange returns blocked field goal attempt for a touchdown to stun Rockdale
If you heard how incredible the Carthage-Crosby ending was, La Grange one-upped those two teams in a crazy game against Rockdale. The two teams traded punches throughout the game, exchanging the lead nine times. After Rockdale scored to take a 29-22 lead with just under three minutes to go, La Grange answered as Ryder Imhoff scored on a three-yard scamper to tie the game up at 29 with a minute and a half to go. Rockdale responded right back, driving 49 yards to set up a potential game-winning field goal attempt.
However, in a crazy turn of events, La Grange delivered the highlight of the weekend. La Grange defensive back Bravion Rogers rushed off the end, blocking the kick before scooping it up himself and racing 77 yards for the score to earn an improbable 35-29 victory. It was the type of play that serves as a reminder of why we love Texas high school football and is well-deserving of its place as the top moment in the top game of the week.
Blocked Field Goal returned for TD (Courtesy of KTIM Radio): https://twitter.com/Chomper2012/status/1431480155101405184
