Rains, TX - The Lone Oak High School varsity football team kicked off their season with a hard-fought 38-26 victory over Rains High School on Friday night. The game, which was played under the lights in front of an energetic crowd, showcased the skill and determination of both teams, but it was the Buffaloes who came out on top.
Lone Oak wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with quarterback Slayde Parnell connecting with Tre Hubbard for a 28-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Moi Perez added the extra point, giving the Buffaloes an early 7-0 lead. Parnell continued his strong performance, hitting Nick Counts for a 5-yard touchdown pass later in the quarter, extending the lead to 14-0.
Rains responded in the second quarter with a 31-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 14-8. However, Lone Oak answered back quickly with Parnell finding Corbin Johnson for a 2-yard touchdown pass, and Perez tacking on another extra point to make it 21-8. Perez further extended the lead with a 32-yard field goal just before halftime, sending the Buffaloes into the locker room with a 24-8 advantage.
In the third quarter, Lone Oak continued to apply pressure. Alex McCallum capped off a great drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 31-8. Although Rains managed to score on an 8-yard run, their two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 31-14.
The fourth quarter saw Lone Oak sealing the game with Parnell's fourth touchdown pass of the night, this time a 6-yard connection with Corbin Johnson. Perez solidified a perfect night with the extra point to make it 38-14. Rains scored two late touchdowns but was unable to overcome the deficit, leading to a final score of 38-26 in favor of Lone Oak.
Parnell had an outstanding performance, throwing for 193 yards and four touchdowns. Moises Perez contributed with 88 rushing yards and a field goal, while Corbin Johnson led all receivers with 71 yards and two touchdown catches. Defensively, the Buffaloes were led by Morgan Cruces and Brice Forgy, who combined for 15 total tackles, and Aiden Holder, who had a key interception that led to a late 1st half field goal.
Lone Oak High School totaled 379 yards of offense and held Rains to 273 yards. In the end, Lone Oak proved to be too tough for the Wildcats. Especially in critical moments.
Lone Oak’s next game will be against Winona, and they will look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for a successful season.
