Football Game Preview: Azle Hornets vs. Fossil Ridge Panthers

The Azle Hornets will challenge the Fossil Ridge Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have had a bumpy ride up to this point with eight consecutive losses dating back to last season for Azle and four for Fossil Ridge.

On Friday, Azle lost to Birdville on the road by a 42-28 margin. Despite 103 more yards than the Hawks, the Hornets couldn't convert that extra yardage to scores.

Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Auston Morgan, who rushed for 73 yards and one touchdown, and also threw for 80 yards and one TD. That rushing touchdown marked the first that he has punched in this season.

Meanwhile, Fossil Ridge played a tough matchup on Friday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They had to suffer through a 49-14 loss at the hands of Richland. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas football rankings (they are ranked 528th, while the Royals are ranked 101st).

Azle's defeat dropped their record down to 0-5. As for Fossil Ridge, their loss dropped their record down to 1-5.

Azle was able to grind out a solid victory over Fossil Ridge when the teams last played back in October of 2024, winning 54-43. Do the Hornets have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Panthers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.