As the Texas high school football postseason heats up, the North Crowley Panthers (10-1) are preparing for a high-stakes area-round matchup against the Legacy Rebels (6-5) on Saturday at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene. This game, scheduled for the afternoon, is one of the most anticipated matchups in the Texas Class 6A playoffs, pitting a powerhouse team with championship pedigree against a surging underdog looking to make a statement.
North Crowley enters the contest with impressive momentum, fresh off their title as the 2024 Class 6A Division I state champions. The Panthers have been dominant in recent years, boasting a 26-1 record since 2024 and a remarkable 52-3 record since the start of the 2022 season under the leadership of head coach Ray Gates. Their status as defending champions has made them one of the most formidable teams in the state, and they will be looking to extend their impressive run in the postseason.
Legacy, however, comes into the game with its own momentum after a thrilling 62-42 victory over El Paso Franklin in the bi-district round. The Rebels were led by standout performances from running back Hayes Hamm, who rushed for 161 yards, and quarterback JP Reyes, who threw for 267 yards. Legacy’s high-powered offense will look to carry that energy into the next round, where they will face their toughest opponent yet in North Crowley.
The Panthers will rely on their stellar offensive line to pave the way to victory. One of the standout players to watch is John Turntine III, a Texas-committed 6-foot-5, 300-pound tackle. Turntine was named the Built Ford Tough Class 6A Player of the Week for Week 9 and will be a key factor in helping North Crowley protect their quarterback and create running lanes. His dominance on the line has been crucial to the Panthers’ success, and his performance could play a major role in the outcome of this game.
This game has garnered significant attention across the state as one of the most intriguing matchups in the Class 6A playoffs. North Crowley’s championship pedigree and dominant recent form make them the favorites, but Legacy’s momentum and explosive offense provide an exciting underdog story. With high expectations on both sides, fans across Texas will be tuning in to see whether the Panthers can continue their impressive run or if the Rebels can pull off the upset and make a deep playoff run of their own.
Kickoff is set for Saturday afternoon, and the atmosphere at Shotwell Stadium is expected to be electric as both teams battle for a chance to move closer to their ultimate goal: a state championship. This game promises to be an exciting and pivotal moment in the Class 6A playoff race, as fans eagerly await to see who will emerge victorious.
