By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@gmail.com

The stage is set for Friday’s District 12-1A-II championship game between Forestburg and Throckmorton.
Last year, the Greyhounds defeated Forestburg 64-7 for the title, but that was before Shane Mallory and Coletyn King bolted for Hermleigh and Hayden Farquhar graduated.
Forestburg, on paper, appears to be the better team with a 6-3 record while Throckmorton stands 3-6.
The Longhorns have scored 451 points while allowing just 259; meanwhile, the Greyhounds have totaled 291 points while surrendering 397.
Brad Hall, a former assistant at Happy, took over at Throckmorton this year. Still, Forestburg head coach Wayne Tuckwell is concerned with the game.
“They’re a well-coached team,” Tuckwell said. “What they do, they do very well. They are going to be a tough team to beat.”
On offense, Throckmorton will mostly run the Jaybird and off-set I-formation. Tuckwell said the key for Forestburg’s defense will be to contain the Greyhounds’ misdirection.
“We have to get in position to make plays and be able to tackle well,” the coach commented.
Defensively, Throckmorton will run mostly with a 4-2.
Forestburg’s offense has been scorching in recent weeks as Matthew Wallace has developed into a premier quarterback. Taten Vann is Wallace’s go-to receiver. J.D. Moore has given the Longhorns’ a threat when lined up with Wallace and his brother, Malaci, in the backfield.

OTHER GAMES

There are three other games of note in the area. Saint Jo will play host to suddenly surging Bryson, Jacksboro travels to Nocona for the Indians’ Senior Night, and Gold-Burg plays at Woodson.
Nocona will honor eight seniors, Jake Dingler, Robert Hawkins, Austin Waters, Emmanual Gaytan, Peyton Crabtree, Juan Mancilla, Barkley Hayes and Mack Hill.
Saint Jo also will have Senior Night, recognizing seniors in the sports of football, volleyball, cross country and cheerleading. T.J. Lindenborn and Clay Hall are Saint Jo’s football seniors. Read more, and see complete district standings, in the mid-week Bowie News.

Forestburg’s Malaci Moore (11) and Matthew Wallace (12) both attempt a tackle during an Oct. 29 District 12-1A-II football game versus Woodson. Forestburg plays Throckmorton Friday for the district title. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)