10/30/26
One point away. Facing the #3 ranked, undefeated Community Christian Royals (9-0, 6-0), the Hennessey Football Eagles found themselves one point away from extending the game and the opportunity for their first district championship since 2014.
In battling back from a 21-14 deficit midway through the 4th quarter, Levi Ferrell hit Hagen Copeland on a 4thand goal, 11-yard touchdown pass to draw the game to within one. Opting for the 1-point PAT kick to tie the game, the “laces in” attempt fluttered no good, keeping the game 21-20 in Community Christian’s favor.
With their only hope now being an onside kick recovery, the Eagles did just that when Alex Gonzalez recovered the Ferrell kick at the Royals 37 yard line. Similar to the 3OT loss a week ago, the Eagles offense stalled at just the wrong time, turning the ball over on downs, and eliminating any chance of victory, falling by a final score of 21-20.
The Eagles won virtually every statistical category, except the scoreboard, with 341 yards total offense to the Royals 261, 18 first downs to 15, 185 rushing yards to 84, and holding the Royals to only 2 of 9 (22%) on 3rddown, while going 10 of 18 (56%).
The Eagles were once again led by Senior QB Levi Ferrell, who carried the ball 29 times for 109 yards with 2 touchdowns rushing, going 13 of 21 for 156 yards and 1 TD passing. Ferrell’s 2 rushing TDs give him 32 in his career, moving him into a tie for 5th all-time with Ivan Moreno (2008-’11). His 18 rushing touchdowns this season tie Ferrell with Titan Hix for 9th most in a single season. Now standing at 2,334 yards passing in his career, Levi moved past Clint Cooper (2006-’07) to 8th most at HHS, closing in on Sebastian Gonzalez’ 2,399 total yards passing. And now with 21 career touchdown passes, the senior is tied with Mike Mays (1990) and Dylan Hatchel (’10-13) for 9th in that category.
Junior Wideout Beau Vinson had his 2nd career 100+ receiving day with 5 catches for 118 yards. With 1,137 in his career, Vinson is just 6 yards shy of moving into the Top-10 and 39 yards away from 9th all-time.
Freshman Nose Guard Raiden Briley continued his stellar rookie campaign, controlling the inside and leading the Eagles defense with 9 total tackles (6 solos, 3 assists), with Senior Cornerback Mario Lopez adding 8 tackles from the outside.
For a complete list of player’s stats and awards, and the game box score, refer to MaxPreps.com: Hennessey Eagles Football.
Though the district championship is now off the table, the Eagles playoff scenario is wide open, with still a chance at the #2 seed and a home playoff game with a win versus Newkirk and a Cashion loss next week. Depending on the final scores in the final week of the regular season, Hennessey could finish #2 or #3 with a win, or miss the playoffs entirely with a loss at Newkirk.
The final game of the 2026 regular season for the Hennessey Eagles (5-4, 4-2) is on the road next Friday night, November 6th, 7 pm kickoff, at the Newkirk Tigers (5-4, 3-3).
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