By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@gmail.com

The Forestburg High School football team recorded history on Saturday afternoon – winning its first-ever district title with a 35-8 conquest over nemesis Throckmorton.
“It was the theme leading up to the game, making history,” Forestburg head coach Wayne Tuckwell said. “It was a good win for us and the kids have worked their butts off.”
Three years ago, Forestburg hired Tuckwell as its head coach, and he’s slowly turned the Longhorns into winners. Last year, the team qualified for the playoffs.
Now Forestburg (7-3, 3-0 in District 12-1A-II) prepares for Benjamin, which finished second in District 11-1A-II with a 4-6 overall record.
Tuckwell said Benjamin will run both a spread and Jaybird offense while using a 2-3 defense during passing situations and a five-man front when opponents run the ball.
Forestburg will be looking for its first-ever playoff victory.
Benjamin was outscored 418-251 during the regular season while the Longhorns outscored opposition 489-267.
“It’s going to come down to being methodical on offense and physical on defense,” the coach commented.
Benjamin features several key players with Benjamin Vanderpool, Caleb Barrientez, Casey Stiewart, Justin Rainwater and Lincoln Strickland – the heaviest player in the bunch at 200 pounds.
Forestburg’s offense will be keyed by sophomore quarterback Matthew Wallace, who rushed for three touchdowns and passed for two more in the victory over Throckmorton.

GAME TIME
Who: Benjamin vs. Forestburg, Conference 1A Division II Bi-District Game
When: 6 p.m., Thursday
Where: Northside ISD Field, Vernon
Ticket Prices: Adults are charged $5 and students $3.
Why it’s important: It’s winner-take-all now that the postseason is here. The winner of this game will play either Lueders-Avoca or Motley County in the area round next week.

(From left) Taten Vann, Nate Shepherd, head coach Wayne Tuckwell and Malaci Moore celebrate with Forestburg’s first-ever football district championship in Throckmorton. (Courtesy photo from Forestburg Independent School District)