Junior high rivals take center stage at Hornet Stadium

The stage felt a little bigger Wednesday night, April 29, as the Azle Junior High and Forte Junior High soccer teams met on the turf at Hornet Stadium for the second annual “Pride of Azle Derby.”

For junior high athletes, playing at the high school — the same setting used by varsity football, basketball and volleyball teams — brings a different kind of energy. Under the stadium lights, it’s a glimpse of what’s ahead.

“These kids have grown up competing against each other,” said Azle Junior High head boys soccer coach John Epps, whose team squared off against a Forte squad led by assistant coach Ben Carlson.