History for the Panthers: Paschal football snaps 28-year playoff drought, survives Wyatt
For the first time in over 28 years, Fort Worth Paschal High School football is heading to the UIL playoffs.
Paschal defeated Fort Worth Wyatt 30-28 in a thriller at Clark Stadium on Oct. 24 to clinch a spot out of District 4-5A Division 1. The Chaparral offense kept the game close with consistent second-half scoring, but a blocked 25-yard field goal as time expired from Paschal’s Dylan Williams sealed the victory.
Paschal head coach John Killough said the program values faith and a belief that, eventually, the team will be successful, and they’ve reached a key milestone. The 2024 bi-district round starts on Nov. 14 and Paschal’s opponent is to be determined.
“I can’t be prouder of these guys right now,” Killough said.
According to UIL records, Paschal last made a playoff appearance in 1995 and lost 42-7 to Arlington in the bi-district round. Since 2004, Paschal has a record of 39 wins and 158 losses.
During Paschal’s time in Class 6A from 2014 to 2023, the program won seven games. The 2024 UIL realignment moved Paschal back down to Class 5A, which set up the recent success.
“Seven months ago, when we met during the offseason, our goal moving from 6A to 5A was to make history,” Killough said. “30 years from now, when you look back at this – you can turn this program around and send it in the right direction. We’ve got to put in the work and the time, and they’ve done that throughout the season.”
In the first half, Paschal’s offense thrived behind junior quarterback Jashuan Thomas, who returned after suffering an injury in the fourth quarter against Saginaw on Oct. 18. He put Paschal on the board with a 22-yard rushing touchdown.
Wyatt’s offense immediately responded with a 9-yard scoring run by quarterback Jorvorskie Lane Jr., a two-sport superstar. Lane Jr., arguably the best baseball recruit in Dallas-Fort Worth, was committed to Texas A&M but de-committed in August.
Paschal (6-2, 5-1) added to its lead with an intense rush from Marquez Dean, who scampered 28 yards and leaped into the end zone while absorbing contact. Dean led Paschal with 103 yards rushing on 14 carries.
After an interception from Paschal safety Luke Jowers, kicker Josh Wedemyer made a 30-yard field goal at the start of the second quarter. Neither team scored the rest of the first half.
The Chaparral offense bounced back in the third quarter with a touchdown drive powered by a 26-yard reception from Dale Brown. Soon after, Lane found the end zone, maneuvering around pressure for a four-yard scramble.
A 47-yard, nine-play touchdown drive from the Panthers, finished by a three-yard rushing score from Thomas, kept Wyatt at bay. Lane and the Chaparrals, however, were relentless in cutting the lead and embarked on another run-heavy scoring drive capped by a three-yard score from Lane.
Despite a hard hit taken by Thomas, the Panthers ensured Wyatt’s defense couldn’t get a timely, much-needed stop. Tight end Luke Tevis rushed nine yards to extend the lead to 30-21 with 8:08 remaining.
Once again, the Wyatt (2-6, 2-4) offense refused to roll over. Lane sent a 64-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Walker, who was wide-open, to cut the lead to 30-28 with 6:26 left.
Lane only had two yards passing in the first half but came alive after the break to finish with 161 yards completing 17 of 26. He also had 137 yards rushing on 15 attempts and caught two passes for 35 yards.
Following a Paschal turnover on downs at the Wyatt 35, Lane had a chance to take a late lead. With no time outs left, Lane guided the Chaparrals down to the Paschal nine-yard line, where the game-winning field goal attempt was blocked as time expired.
“I hate being a part of those football games right there, but they’re absolutely the most fun to win,” Killough said. “When it comes down to the end and some kid plays out of his skin and makes a big play like that – We can’t be happier.”
With the loss, the Chaparrals are delimited from playoff contention. On Oct. 31., Paschal will face Trimble Tech, and Wyatt will face Fort Worth North Side.
“I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts, and I love these guys,” Killough said. “We’ve got to take care of business one week at a time.”
This story was originally published October 24, 2024 at 10:28 PM.
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