Fort Worth Benbrook downs Trimble Tech to kickoff season

Benbrook runs onto the field during a high school football game against Fort Worth Trimble Tech at Farrington Field in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Benbrook won 42-34.

Ava Diaz

Special to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

FORT WORTH

Benbrook head coach Cody Slater kicked off his 30th season as the Bobcats faced the Fort Worth Trimble Tech Bulldogs in the season opener.

With time winding down, the Bobcats delivered the final score, and their defense held firm to preserve the lead. Benbrook secured a 42-34 victory in a hard-fought season opener Thursday at Farrington Field.

“I still get excited every year and I still get goosebumps, even though I’ve been doing this forever,” Slater said. “When you put these pads back on, it is a beautiful time of year. The grass is green, and we are ready to go play football.”

Benbrook head coach Cody Slater starts his thirtieth season as a football coach. Benbrook played Fort Worth Trimble Tech at Farrington Field in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Benbrook won 42-34. Ava Diaz Special to the Star-Telegram

With only four returning starters on offense and five on defense, Slater said he was eager to see how his somewhat inexperienced team would respond.

On the opposite sideline, Trimble Tech Head Coach MK Hamilton entered the season with a more experienced roster and was excited about the leadership his veteran players bring.

“It has taken us a few years to grow it, but we finally have senior leadership,” Hamilton said. “I’m excited about that.”

Going into the game, Hamilton said he hoped the season opener would help his team build confidence and prove it could compete at a high level.

The Bulldogs wasted little time doing just that. After returning the opening kickoff to their own 35-yard line, Trimble Tech marched down the field and scored on its first possession when running back Alexander Del Cid powered into the end zone.

Benbrook answered quickly. On its third drive of the game, quarterback Jaxyn Donart connected with Dorien Johnson on a deep touchdown pass to get the Bobcats on the scoreboard.

Trimble Tech responded with quarterback Nathan Luna’s 15-yard touchdown run, extending the Bulldogs’ lead to 14-6.

The Bobcats stayed within striking distance as Donart found Johnson for another touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-12.

Momentum swung back and forth throughout the first half. Benbrook tied the game at 20-20 when Johnson broke free for a touchdown run. Shortly afterward, Corbin Biggins gave the Bobcats their first lead of the night with the extra point, putting Benbrook ahead 21-20.

The Bulldogs quickly countered with a big pass down the sideline to Ahmir Zoker, setting up a touchdown by Darious Marshall. The score put Trimble Tech back in front, 26-21.

Benbrook regained the lead after halftime behind the playmaking ability of Johnson, who scored his third touchdown of the night to give the Bobcats a 27-26 advantage.

“I just feel great; we came through as a team,” Johnson said. “When I had the opportunity to get the ball, I did the most that I could with it.”

The Bobcats continued to build momentum when Johnson took another pass and turned it into a 50-yard touchdown, extending Benbrook’s lead to 36-29.

Trimble Tech refused to go away. A 70-yard run set up another Bulldogs’ touchdown, trimming the deficit to 36-32 and keeping the game within one possession entering the fourth quarter.

“We came out on top, so I am just really glad to have the team win,” Johnson said.

And for Slater, this win made the start of his 30th season even sweeter.

Benbrook will travel to Gainesville for its next game on Friday, Sept. 4, while Trimble Tech will take on Dallas Adamson the same night.

Editor’s note: This story was produced by members of FW Southwest High School’s advanced media program.