Forney Jackrabbit Kicker Thomas Moreland closed out his High School Football career Saturday night representing Forney in the 70th Annual Oil Bowl which featured the Texas All-Stars against the Oklahoma All-Stars.
Texas won the toss and as expected elected to receive the football.Their offense could not move the ball and Moreland was called on to punt.Unexpectedly the snap from the center sailed over Moreland’s head and was rolling into the end zone but he alertly ran down the ball and kicked it out of the back of the end zone for a safety preventing an Oklahoma touchdown.Oklahoma took the free kick and with the help of two 15 yard penalties scored and took a 9 to 0 early lead.Late in the 1st quarter Moreland got the Texas All-Stars on the board with a 32 yard field goal cutting the Oklahoma lead to 9 to 3.On the ensuing kickoff Moreland kicked the ball out of the end zone for a touchback.Oklahoma could not move the ball and the Texans proceeded to reel off 28 more unanswered points taking a 31 to 9 lead going into the 4th quarter.Late in the 4th quarter Oklahoma finally scored with .54 seconds left in the game.The final score was Texas 31 – Oklahoma 16.
The punishing Texas defense with the aid of Moreland’s deep kickoffs, 2 of which sailed out of the end zone,kept the Oklahoma team pinned deep in their own territory most of the game. Moreland finished the night with 7 points, (4 pats and 1 field goal). Over 40 vocal Jackrabbit fans traveled to the game in support of Thomas.Thomas is scheduled to start 2-a-day workouts at North Texas August 5th.
Two former Forney residents, Logan Turner and Cody Gambill also participated in the game. Logan Turner of Springtown who split time with Nathan Dick of Allen completed 10 of 17 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. Cody Gambill of Allen was outstanding on defense causing a fumble and intercepting a pass.
