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.”
