The Farmers (3-2) stand as one of two teams left in the district to have won both district contests that District 6A-5 teams have competed in so far. Despite being 1-1 in district, Flower Mound enters this week’s game with a 4-1 record and home field advantage as another test for the Farmers to further establish placements in the district standings at Neal E. Wilson Stadium on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

The Jaguars haven’t started a season at 4-1 since their 2019-2020 campaign, losing 59-13 against Duncanvile in the second round of the playoffs that same year. That same season was also the last time the Jaguars defeated the Farmers, falling to the Farmers in the last four matchups. With such a bright start to the season, the Jaguars hope to berth the team’s first playoff appearance since the 2021-2022 season. Coming out of week five of the season with a dominant 41-0 win over Little Elm, the Jaguars offense played efficiently both on the ground and in the air. Sophomore quarterback Noah Spinks continues to lead the Jaguars, completing 16 of 20 passes for 331 passing yards, three touchdown passes and even getting it done on the ground, gaining a rushing touchdown. Leading receivers, juniors Ryan Stadler and Carter Massey made the most out of a somewhat low volume passing game by turning four receptions into 88 yards (22 yards per catch), 84 yards (21 yards per catch) and a touchdown for each wideout respectively.

“I wouldn’t say [the game plan] changes; defend the run first and then when the pass comes, we need to do our jobs,” senior defensive end Rhyan Sewell said. “We can win.”

The Farmer’s last three opponents have constantly tested the team’s defensive line and run defense specifically. Unlike these past opponents, the Jaguars aerial attack will most likely force the Farmers defensive backs to key in on limiting explosive plays through the air. Senior defensive back D’Angelo King leads the Farmers in interceptions (2) and pass deflections (3). Despite the Jaguars preference to air the ball out, the defensive focus may remain the same or similar heading into the matchup, even with senior defensive end Sean Oliver missing some time.

“I feel like with our team, we can make it far,” Sewell said. “I mean [Sean] is a big player on our team, but the people behind him, they know what they’re doing. They play just as hard.”

This defensive game plan worked out well in the Farmer’s most recent game against Braswell, resulting in a 56-23 Farmer’s win, earning them a 2-0 record in district, tied for first with Coppell. The defense was able to hold a run heavy Bengals team to 5.2 yards per carry with majority of those rushing yards coming in the second half when the game was far and away done. Limiting the rushing offense led to mistakes in the Bengals passing game, most notably an interception caught by Sewell and returned for a touchdown. 

The offense bounced back and played a clean game in the air but was ultimately led by the rushing game again. The combination of running backs accumulated 150 rushing yards with an average of 8.3 yards per carry. Junior running back Tenel Hill led the pack with 77 yards and a touchdown on just six carries. Sophomore running back Derrick Martin broke off a 26-yard touchdown on his only run and caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from sophomore running back Aiden Evans. Senior running back Isaiah Wilson handled the carries for the rest of the game, gaining 47 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. This multi-running back group has proven to be a problem for opposing defenses.

“I think they’re dynamic and different in many ways, and I think it just kind of creates that element that can reach the skies,” offensive line coach Michael Malloy said. “They got to prepare for our running backs who are very talented.”

Coming back to the passing game, sophomore quarterback Tre Williams delivered an efficient performance, completing 17 of 24 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns passes. Considering there have been inconsistencies in the aerial game, a bounce back game is a sign for positive futures in what could be an efficient air raid offense.

“We have been working consistently, routes and stuff for the receivers, protection on the O-line, everything,” senior offensive lineman Kylan Masters said. “Y’all will see the improvement.”

This week’s matchup is between two teams that are neck and neck in standings, and a win for either team would be crucial to establish a placement in the standings as well as make way for playoff aspirations later in the season. The Farmers need to improve upon their last performance, keep the passing game consistent and allow their running back group to dominate. Defensively, the team has been able to give the offense many opportunities to score and they look to do the same here but may need to watch out for a more potent passing game.

“We all trust each other, whether it’s run or pass, we know what’s going on,” Masters said. “The mindset is just play football.”