North Crowley fans describe championship game as 'bigger than Christmas'
North Crowley players wearing "817" on their helmets, a nod to the school's Fort Worth area code.
ARLINGTON, Texas - For many, there's always an anxious buildup to the holiday season, but for the North Crowley High School football team and its fans, there's a higher priority.
"This is bigger than Christmas at the moment," football dad Jeremy Long said.
The North Crowley Pathers faced Austin Westlake for the 6A Championship Saturday night at AT&T Stadium.
"Listen, my anxiety has been up here, it's been everywhere," cheer mom Kassandra Hawkins said. "Everything has been so crazy."
An opportunity like this is uncommon for North Crowley, the team last played for a state title in 2003. More than 20 years ago.
The team surprised some just by making it to the title game.
"It's been an amazing ride," Mason Buckner said. "Last year we lost to Duncanville 52-10 and then this year, we beat them."
The team from Fort Worth had their own rallying cry, a nod their home. The 817 area code is a badge of honor for the team.
"North Crowley. 817!" football mom Devon Armstrong said.
Now, with a state championship on the line just 30 miles from the school, the community is hopeful for a big win in its own backyard.
"Our boys are hungry," Armstrong said. "This is our time and they're gonna get it this year. They're gonna bring it home."
North Crowley won the championship Saturday night beating Austin Westlake 50-21.