Football wins Tom Landry Classic

Garrett Hutchins, Sports Writer • September 1, 2023

Junior wide receiver no. 11 Daylan McCutcheon does a handshake with senior tight end no. 86 Ridge Barker after a touchdown. The touchdown to McCutcheon was thrown by senior wide receiver no. 3 Parker Livingstone.

On Saturday, August 26th, the football team took the field for their first game of the 2023 season against College Station. The Leopards beat the Cougars 50-37 to start the season off with the Tom Landry Classic title.

“We played well as a team and working together helped us win,” senior defensive line Mason Dragoo said. “This team is super close and we’re all such good friends which helps us on the field. I think we’re gonna perform very well.”

Senior wide receiver Parker Livingstone received offensive player of the game along with Dragoo winning defensive. Livingstone had 12 Receptions, 252 yards, 3 TD’s and 1 Passing TD.

“I think I played great but I can’t do it by myself, without Coach Ross, the offensive line, quarterback and so on,” Livingstone said. “They are the reason I played well.”

This game was a record high temperature for our coaches and players. The high for the day was 111 degrees, adding in the factor of turf which can add anywhere from 40-70 degrees, making the game very taxing on players and coaches.

“It was definitely the hottest game I’ve played in but we responded and it didn’t affect us overall,” senior quarterback Hondo Franklin said. “I struggled with some cramping in the 2nd half but managed to finish the game.”

According to Franklin, the Leopard football team has high potential and strong chemistry this year. Franklin emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and makes sure his offensive linemen know how appreciative he is for them. The offensive linemen protect him and enable him to succeed leading to a stronger relationship and team wins.

“The team looks special,” senior Hondo Franklin said. “We beat a very good team on Saturday and looked really good. I think we’ll win state because no one has worked harder than us and we’re the most prepared. Shoutout to my O-line, love them. #RS4L.”

The leopards will play again this Friday facing the Argyle Eagles in their second non-district game.

“The team has been performing amazing and is gonna keep on performing amazing,” Livingstone said. Everyone is bought in and is playing for each other.”

About the Contributors

Garrett Hutchins, Staff Writer

Garrett Hutchins is a junior this year and this year is his first year on staff. Hutchins is involved in baseball, FCA and NHS. Hutchins traveled the country this summer playing baseball and spent time camping in Colorado and on the boat on Lake Lavon. Hutchins enjoys spending his time on the baseball field and in the weightroom with his teammates/friends. Hutchins enjoys hunting and fishing and is excited for dove season to begin this september. Hutchins is excited for his first year and can’t wait to begin working on staff.

Caroline Dolberry, Photo Editor

Senior Caroline Dolberry is excited for her third year on TRL and second year as Photo Editor. Dolberry enjoys running on the cross country team and high jumping on the track team. You will often find her at Celebration Park running with her team. Other than sports, Dolberry is involved in her church and in the NHS. She loves spending time with her friends, playing with her dog and definitely eating at Chipotle. She can't wait for her last year on The Red Ledger!