Fort Worth Benbrook defense stands tall to take down Dunbar in thriller
Needing a touchdown to win the game on Benbrook 6-yard line, Fort Worth Dunbar’s offense had one last chance to score a goa head touchdown.
The Bobcats had struggled to contain the Wildcats’ speed for the majority of the game. When it mattered most, however, the unit made a play. The ball popped free and sophomore Seth James recovered, sealing a 28-22 victory to start District 4-4A Division II play on Friday at Clark Stadium.
“That is something we work on to end practice every day,” Benbrook head coach Cody Slater said. “And we tell the defense, ‘you got to get off the field and win the game.’ And those kids just execute it to a T. It’s bend but don’t break right there. We kept fighting. We kept clawing.
It seemed Dunbar had control of the game in the third quarter, when running back Kamron Lloyd broke away for a 45-yard TD. To respond, Benbrook quarterback Brennan Barton notched a clutch two yard rushing score facing fourth down.
“I was very proud of him tonight,” Slater said of Barton. “He had one turnover but he brought his turnovers down. We’ve been preaching that too in practice and in our open week — that we can’t turn the ball over. If we give our defense a chance ... and sometimes punt it, pin them and play defense, then we have a chance at winning the ball game.”
After an onside kick recovery by Jason Humplik that gave the Bobcats a chance to take the lead, Barton delivered the go-ahead touchdown, a 2-yard rush with 6:16 remaining.
“It was huge,” Slater said of the recovery. “We’ve been working on that during the week. We missed on early on in the ballgame. ... We work on those little things. Try to get all three phases right.”
Dunbar, trying to manage the clock, nearly scored on two attempts, but in the end, the Benbrook defense stood tall. Barton, who credited the young defense for their growing maturity, said he was able to stay composed in the tight moments by leaning on his faith.
“I’ve been playing football my whole life,” Barton said. “That has always helped me stay composed. ... Thankfully, the higher power, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ helped me do the same thing. Before every drive, I was praying to him.”
In the first quarter, Barton started the scoring, rolling out to his left and firing to the right side of the end zone to Waylin Barton for an 18-yard touchdown. The PAT, however, was no good.
In the second quarter, Dunbar’s offense found some life with a stellar play from quarterback Marcus McDade, who faked a handoff and raced 47 yards for a touchdown while making a few defenders miss tackles.
Benbrook was able to recapture the lead on an 8-yard quick slant to receiver Dorien Johnson and made up for the first-quarter blunder with a successful 2-point conversion.
To end the first half scoring, Dunbar’s Detrick James put on a show. First, he hauled in a 46-yard reception on a deep ball. After that, he took a quick pass 29 yards to the end zone and captured a 15-14 lead on a reverse that resulted in a successful 2-point conversion.
Dunbar’s speed presented problems for Benbrook’s defense, and Slater credited them for a well-rounded, solid performance.
“They’ve got a good football team,” Slater said. “ They’re fast and physical. But man, our kids went toe to toe with them. Couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Up next, Benbrook will hit the road to face Godley on Friday, Oct. 17, and Dunbar will look to bounce back in a road game against Venus on that same day.
This story was originally published October 10, 2025 at 10:20 PM.
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