The 2025 Texas high school football season kicks off with an exciting non-conference matchup as the Forney Jackrabbits travel to face the Lake Highlands Wildcats at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas. Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM, offering fans a showcase of speed, skill, and determination.
Forney vs Lake Highlands HomeSchool Football Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football
Who: Forney vs Lake Highlands
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Both teams enter the season with 0-0 records, making this a true test of preparation, coaching strategy, and early-season execution. The matchup features contrasting styles, as Forney brings a disciplined, balanced attack, while Lake Highlands relies on athleticism and home-field energy to dictate the pace.
For fans who can’t attend in person, the game will be available to watch live on the NFHS Network.
Stay up to date with all Texas High School Football events here.
Forney Jackrabbits: Building on Momentum
The Forney Jackrabbits enter the 2025 season as a program with a growing reputation for toughness and consistency. Ranked No. 210 nationally and No. 37 in Texas, Forney has a history of disciplined play, particularly on the offensive line and in the run game.
With a program record of 25-26, the Jackrabbits have experience facing competitive opponents and understand the importance of controlling possession and minimizing mistakes. Their approach emphasizes fundamentals, physicality, and adaptability, which makes them a formidable opponent in any environment.
Key factors for Forney in this season opener:
- Establish a strong running game to control the clock.
- Protect the quarterback and limit turnovers.
- Apply consistent defensive pressure to disrupt Lake Highlands’ tempo.
A road win against Lake Highlands would not only provide early-season momentum but also signal the Jackrabbits’ ability to compete with highly ranked programs in Texas.
Lake Highlands Wildcats: Defending Home Turf
The Lake Highlands Wildcats have built one of Dallas’ respected high school football programs. Ranked No. 1,115 nationally and No. 168 in Texas, the Wildcats bring a combination of speed, depth, and athleticism to every game.
Lake Highlands also holds a program record of 25-26, demonstrating recent competitiveness, though their higher ranking indicates a stronger presence within the state’s elite tiers. The Wildcats’ style relies on creating mismatches, quick-strike offensive plays, and disciplined defensive execution.
Keys to success for Lake Highlands in this matchup:
- Use home-field energy to establish rhythm early.
- Exploit speed advantages in both passing and running plays.
- Apply defensive pressure to force Forney into errors.
Playing at home provides the Wildcats with a distinct advantage. Fans packed into Lake Highlands High School will generate an atmosphere that can energize their team and challenge visitors to maintain focus.
Rankings and Records Snapshot
Forney Jackrabbits (2025 Season Start)
- National Rank: 210
- Texas Rank: 37
- Section Rank: 16
- State Division Rank: 24
- Overall Record: 0-0
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-0
- Points For/Against: 0
Lake Highlands Wildcats (2025 Season Start)
- National Rank: 1,115
- Texas Rank: 168
- Section Rank: 53
- State Division Rank: 78
- Overall Record: 0-0
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-0
- Points For/Against: 0
While Forney enters with a higher ranking, Lake Highlands’ speed, home-field advantage, and history of competitive games suggest that the matchup could be closely contested.
Record Breakdown
As the 2025 season begins, both teams start with clean slates:
- Overall: 0-0
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 0-0
- Head-to-Head: 0-0
- Common Opponents: 0-0
- Home/Away/Neutral: 0-0
- Playoff/In-State/Out-of-State: 0-0
With no prior meetings between the Jackrabbits and Wildcats, every play will help define the early narrative for both programs. Coaching adjustments and in-game execution will be crucial for victory.
Keys to the Game
Forney Jackrabbits
- Control the Clock – Long drives can limit Lake Highlands’ offensive opportunities.
- Stay Disciplined – Avoid penalties and turnovers that swing momentum.
- Defensive Pressure – Disrupt the Wildcats’ quarterback and secondary early.
Lake Highlands Wildcats
- Start Fast – Use home-field energy to gain an early lead.
- Exploit Speed Advantages – Stretch Forney’s defense both horizontally and vertically.
- Special Teams Impact – Field position can make a difference in a close game.
Players to Watch
- Forney Quarterback: Must manage the offense efficiently and make quick reads under pressure.
- Forney Defensive Line: Key to controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting Wildcats’ running lanes.
- Lake Highlands Receivers/Running Backs: Speed and route precision could create explosive scoring opportunities.
- Lake Highlands Defensive Backs: Locking down passing options will force Forney into a one-dimensional approach.
The Atmosphere at Lake Highlands
Lake Highlands High School provides one of Dallas’ most energetic football environments. The home crowd, cheering from the stands, can create momentum swings and energize the Wildcats in critical moments.
Forney will need composure and communication to maintain focus amid a raucous crowd. Opening games in Texas often feel like playoff contests, and this matchup is expected to match that intensity.
What’s at Stake
While non-conference, this matchup carries several significant implications:
- Momentum: The winner enters district play with confidence and momentum.
- Program Reputation: Forney can prove they belong against strong programs; Lake Highlands can assert its position as a state contender.
- Playoff Preparation: Non-league results influence overall season records and playoff considerations.
Prediction
On paper, Forney enters as a higher-ranked program, but Lake Highlands’ speed, depth, and home-field advantage make the game competitive. Expect a fast-paced first half as Lake Highlands tests Forney’s defense with quick passing plays and explosive runs.
In the second half, Forney’s disciplined play and ability to control possession could keep the game close, but the Wildcats’ energy and athleticism should provide separation late in the contest.
Projected Final Score: Lake Highlands 28, Forney 24
Final Thoughts
The Forney vs Lake Highlands matchup is a perfect example of what makes Texas high school football compelling: competitive programs, passionate fan bases, and Friday night intensity.
For Forney, a strong showing on the road could set the tone for a successful season. For Lake Highlands, defending home turf and showing resilience against a ranked opponent will signal readiness for district competition.
Fans can expect physicality, strategy, and exciting plays from opening kickoff to the final whistle. The Jackrabbits and Wildcats will leave everything on the field, capturing the spirit of Texas high school football.
