FORT WORTH, Texas — Not since 1948 has a school from Fort Worth — while competing in the state’s highest classification — played for a UIL high school football state championship.
On Dec. 14, the 76-year drought came to an end when North Crowley took the field at AT&T Stadium.
"16 weeks we're finally here," said player Chris Jimerson Jr.
The undefeated Panthers (15-0) will face Westlake in the Class 6A Division I final to cap off UIL state championship weekend in Arlington.
To reach the title game, North Crowley dethroned back-to-back state champion Duncanville and exacted revenge in the process.
Last year, Duncanville trounced North Crowley, 52-10, in the state semifinals — handing the Panthers their only loss of the season.
"Trying to get our get back for last year, we didn't like that feeling," said wide receiver Quentin Gibson.
In the 2024 sequel, the Panthers and Panthers combined for 70 points in a thrilling instant classic. After four quarters, the kids from Fort Worth prevailed, 36-34, and punched their ticket to state.
"So things often in life come full circle and that was our full circle moment," said head coach Ray Gates.
If it seems like the North Crowley program transformed overnight, it sort of did.
Since Ray Gates was hired as head coach in 2022, North Crowley has gone 41-2 with both losses in the postseason.
Gates and the Panthers are now one win from a perfect season, in arguably the most competitive high school football classification in America.
There are a handful of powerhouse programs in DFW but, before North Crowley’s arrival, they were mostly in the greater Dallas area.
With 817 on their helmets — the Fort Worth area code — North Crowley has made it a mission to remind people there’s an “FW” when you talk about “DFW” high school football.
Still one more game to play. The job’s not finished. And neither are the boys from Funky Town.