Red Oak falls to Colleyville Heritage 32-29

GRAPEVINE – The Red Oak Hawk’s first game of the 2024 season was a road trip to Grapevine for a non-district contest.

The Hawks came into the 2024 with high expectations after last season’s remarkable playoff run.

However, Colleyville Heritage is also a very good 5A program.

Both teams showed rust during the first game of the season, but they also showed signs of brilliance too.

The Mustangs jumped out to an early 1st quarter 7-0 lead. The Hawks immediately answered, but an unsportsmanlike penalty was called before crossing the goal line, forcing the Hawks to settle for a field goal.

The difference of those 4 points would play huge later in the game.

The Hawks seemed to own the 1st half once they settled down. The defense kept the Mustang’s QB on the run, and he was sacked six times by the Red Oak defense. But, the Hawk’s defense gave up a late 2nd quarter TD on a desperation quarter ending pass by the Mustangs.

The Hawk’s special teams struggled all night, including 2 blocked PATs and 3 punts – one which saw the ball sail over the punter’s head, and one leading to a safety. The high snaps gave the Mustang’s excellent field position late in the game. And, penalties on the Hawks compounded things as the game was drawing to a close.

Red Oak’s trio of excellent receivers did impact the game, not only with amazing catches and kick-off returns, but they pulled the Heritage’s secondary deep, allowing the Hawk’s quarterback and running backs some big holes to run through.

Although the Hawks suffered a loss, there’s no doubt they will be better prepared in week two against Arlington-Seguin. They definitely have the talent in all positions and the coaches to get them ready.

Red Oak hosts the Arlington-Seguin Cougars on Friday, Sept. 6 at Billy Goodloe Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7 p.m. The Cougars come in with a 58-0 win over North Mesquite. It is also the Athletics Senior Night prior to kickoff.