North Forney head coach Randy Jackson said his team is on a mission to make sure they don’t have another “disappointing” season like last year’s playoff missing a 7-3 overall record.
“It’s not enough. Last year’s team knew we didn’t succeed, 7-3 is just not [who] we are,” Jackson said. “It’s about making the playoffs and winning playoff games. We all felt like last year was an underachievement.”
Jackson said this year the Falcons' motto is “Payback Tour 2020” to motivate the players to push for a better record this year.
So far, North Forney has made sure they are making a statement with every win. The Falcons opened the year with a 34-31 win over the then-No. 1 overall Frisco Lone Star and have had back to back wins with a margin of victory of 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Jackson said a large part of the Falcons 3-0 start to the season comes from the team’s seniors who are taking it upon themselves to help the underclassmen grow.
“Any veteran coach who would hear that statement would understand that your best players would have to be your best leaders,” Jackson said. “We’ve got a few guys who are college committed, who show up every day and give us a great work ethic. I’m proud of how our seniors are leading and taking ownership of this team.”
One of those senior leaders is quarterback Jacob Acuna who threw for 144 yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown in the 49-37 win over Brewer last week on a tender ankle.
Jackson said Acuna hurt his ankle in a game earlier this season but has continued to play through it.
“He’s a pretty mobile kid and wants to run the ball some,” Jackson said. “He’s pretty much back to normal. I don’t think [the injury] is in his head, he still wants to scramble and do this thing.”
With district play starting this week against Forney, Jackson said he has reminded his team that they are now back to a “0-0” record to start the next slate of games.
“This team understands that you do not automatically get in the playoffs,” Jackson said. “I think we’re going to be a little more focused this year and understand how hard it is to make the playoffs – and I think that’s going to serve us well.”
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