13‑0 Gordon Longhorns face Rankin Red Devils for a state title as an EF‑1 tornado destroyed their home field and a $92,000 equipment grant helped them rebound.
A Championship on the Horizon
On Wednesday, the Gordon Longhorns will step onto the field at AT&T Stadium to compete for a third straight Class 1A Division I state championship. The game starts at 11 a.m., and the Longhorns carry a perfect 13‑0 record into the contest. Their opponent, the 12‑2 Rankin Red Devils, will challenge them for the title.
A Storm That Shattered a Community
In May, an EF‑1 tornado tore through North Texas, demolishing the Gordon High School building and destroying its sports facilities. The tornado left the Longhorns without a home field, familiar routines, and the spaces where high‑school memories were made. The loss forced the team to rebuild both physically and emotionally.
The Emotional Toll
Head coach Mike Reed shared the depth of the impact with USA Football: “The devastation, how it affected the players, I think, was really super emotional. The reality is in three minutes, you’re reminded how small of a part you are in this world — I knew was gonna crush them,” Reed said. He added, “Instead, they became the ones doing the crushing.”
Resilience on the Field
Despite the loss of their facilities, the Longhorns gathered the pieces of their program and continued to play. The team’s record speaks to their resilience: undefeated and unshaken by opponents or the circumstances that threatened to derail them.
Community and National Support
The Longhorns did not face this challenge alone. Their local community rallied, and supporters from across the country stepped forward. Football powerhouses also joined in, providing crucial aid.
A $92,000 Equipment Grant
USA Football, the NFL Foundation, and the Dallas Cowboys awarded the team a $92,000 equipment grant to replace gear lost in the storm. The grant covered new shoulder pads, helmets, and other essential gear.
The Players’ Perspective
One player described the emotional lift of finally receiving new equipment: “We walked in here and saw our new shoulder pads, new helmets and everything. Kind of a sense of relief that maybe we could have a somewhat normal season. Strapping on a new helmet and shoulder pads. Maybe I’m a new player now, too, so I’m coming into this new season with new gear, a new mindset, new football field, new supplies and equipment. And so it makes me feel like a new player that’s gone through some trials and it’s going to make me better for it.”
More Than a Three‑Repeat
Players said Wednesday is about more than pursuing a third straight title. It’s about playing for their town, their community, and everyone who helped them get back on their feet. The game is a culmination of their collective effort.
The Stakes of the Game
A victory would secure the Longhorns’ third consecutive state championship, a feat that underscores their season’s perseverance. Even if the outcome is a loss, the team’s journey has already earned them the title of champions in the eyes of their supporters.
The Venue
The championship will be held at the iconic AT&T Stadium, a venue that has hosted countless significant sporting events. The Longhorns will be the first high‑school team to play there in this championship context.
The Opponent
Rankin Red Devils, with a 12‑2 record, bring a formidable challenge. They have proven their strength throughout the season and will aim to break the Longhorns’ streak.
The Preparation
Both teams have spent the past weeks preparing for the biggest game of the year. Practices have been intense, and strategies refined, as each coach seeks to give his players the best chance of victory.
The Significance of the Grant
The $92,000 grant not only replaced lost gear but also symbolized national recognition of the Longhorns’ plight. It highlighted the importance of community and corporate support in high‑school athletics.
The Emotional Landscape
For many Longhorns, the game represents a chance to reclaim a sense of normalcy after the tornado’s devastation. Wearing new gear, they feel a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.
The Community’s Role
The town’s support has been relentless, from fundraising efforts to volunteer work. This collective effort has helped the team stay focused on the field.
A Moment of Reflection
As the Longhorns line up on the field, they carry the memory of the storm and the hope of a brighter future. The game is a testament to their resilience.
Final Thoughts
Whether they win or lose, the Gordon Longhorns have already proven themselves champions through perseverance, community support, and unwavering spirit. The championship game at AT&T Stadium is a fitting stage for their story.
Key Takeaways
- 13‑0 Longhorns face Rankin Red Devils for a state title after an EF‑1 tornado.
- $92,000 equipment grant from USA Football, NFL Foundation, and Dallas Cowboys.
- The game reflects resilience, community support, and a chance at a third straight championship.
The Longhorns’ journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites in the face of adversity.
Hi, I’m Cameron R. Hayes, the journalist, editor, and creator behind NewsOfFortWorth.com. I built this platform with a simple purpose — to deliver fast, clear, and trustworthy news that keeps Fort Worth informed and connected.
I’ve spent more than five years working in digital media, reporting on breaking news, local government, public safety, business growth, community events, and the real stories that shape life in Fort Worth. My goal has always been the same: to provide accurate, community-focused reporting that people can rely on every day.
