The Tors hosted the Lufkin Panthers in what became a back-and-forth donnybrook in the first half, but the Panthers pulled away in the second half to claim the win with a final score of 35-21. This win improved the Panthers to a record of 9-1 overall and 6-0 in district play, the Panthers’ first distinct title since 2019. Ball High finished their season with a 8-2 record, 4-2 in district that qualified them for the Texas UIL playoffs.
Our Tors put up 264 yards on the offensive side and scored 21 points in the first half, but the Panthers had a response for every Tor score, scoring three touchdowns on offense and a botched punt return, which the Panthers took advantage of and scored another touchdown, to take the lead 21-28 at the half.
The Tors made the playoffs for the third year in a row and took on the Waltrip Rams at Courville Stadium in the first round of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championship. The Tors clawed out a hard fought 28-14 win. After nine years Ball High finally got past their first-round opponent.
All good things must come to an end, and for our Golden Tornadoes who traveled to Katy Legacy Stadium to face powerhouse A & M Consolidated, a goal line stand at the one and the following 50-yard drive by A & M ended our gridiron warriors 2024 campaign.
The final score, 10-3, illustrates what a monster defensive battle took place on the field during the game. Two fumbles ended drives by the Tors, and A & M Consolidated continued down the playoff road sporting a 12-0 record and good shot at a state title.
The Tors enjoyed another highly successful season under the guidance of Head Coach Sheldon Bennight.
