Waxahachie beat the Forney Jackrabbits 35-14 in the home opener at Stewart B. Lumpkins Memorial Stadium, finishing with a clock-control ground game and a late 17-yard touchdown run by Jordan Smith that sealed the win.

The win mattered because Waxahachie controlled time of possession and limited Forney’s sustained drives, turning two recent Forney possessions into turnovers or stalled series and converting the game’s final long drive into points. Play-by-play announcer Ken Roberts said of Forney quarterback Peterson, “Peterson's a better thrower on the run than he is in the pocket,” reflecting repeated pressure and tipped passes that disrupted Forney’s passing attack.

Waxahachie built its lead primarily on its rushing attack and defense. Running back Talen Strange rushed for more than 100 yards — the transcript identifies it as his second 100-yard game of the season — repeatedly moving the chains in the second half and helping the Indians maintain possession late in the fourth quarter. The decisive drive covering 66 yards in 10 plays consumed 5:33 and culminated in Jordan Smith’s 17-yard touchdown run, which put Waxahachie ahead 35-14 with 1:53 to play.

Forney had opportunities but could not sustain drives in the second half. The Jackrabbits turned the ball over on downs late after a tipped pass on fourth-and-6 was unable to be secured; announcers noted Forney’s snaps and passing from the pocket were under duress and several passes were overthrown or tipped. Waxahachie’s defense recorded multiple stops in short-yardage situations and limited Forney to scattered gains, including a few runs by Osborne and Hundley that were otherwise contained.

Key plays and performers mentioned in the broadcast:
- Jordan Smith: 17-yard rushing touchdown that closed the game. Announcers described Smith’s final run as sealing the win.
- Talen Strange: recorded more than 100 rushing yards; several run plays late in the game kept the clock moving for Waxahachie.
- Defensive plays: an interception and multiple forced incompletions/tipped passes were referenced by the broadcasters as momentum-changing; one interception by an Indian defender (Snell) was described in the midgame sequence, and several fourth-down stops and tackles short of the line were highlighted.
- Special teams: Forney’s punt out of bounds and other kicks affected starting field position; Waxahachie’s kickoff strategy and angle were discussed by the announcers.

Broadcasters named several coaches and their approaches during the broadcast. Coach Tolleson (mentioned by name) and Coach Dollison were cited in postgame commentary regarding game planning and the team’s emphasis on ball control. Mike Turner, the color commentator, noted Waxahachie’s offensive line play as critical to the result.

The on-air broadcast closed with Waxahachie in victory formation and the final score 35-14. Announcers reviewed the game’s statistics and planned a postgame show with final stats, offensive and defensive players of the game and a scoring summary.

Sources: Play-by-play and color commentary during the broadcast at Stewart B. Lumpkins Memorial Stadium, as transcribed in the provided audio transcript.