Typically the week of Thanksgiving signifies double and triple-headers around the state amid playoff season for Texas high school football. 

However, with the current pandemic situation 5A and 6A schools are still positioning themselves in district races. 

An important game in District 3-5A Division I on Wednesday afternoon had Justin Northwest traveling 30-minutes over to Azle’s Hornet Field as the two familiar district mates were looking to secure solid placement for the second-place spot behind Abilene Cooper. 

What appeared to be an evenly matched game on paper quickly turned into a blowout in favor of Azle behind a fast-moving Hornet offense led by 2021 RB Jacob Lee (5’11, 180). Azle was able to accumulate 492 total yards of offense by the game’s end. Lee himself finished with 213 total yards with three touchdowns for the afternoon.

Complimenting Azle’s offense was the strong play from their defense that was able to turnover Northwest’s offense on four different occasions. Headlining the Hornet defense was a new face on the recruiting scene in 2022 DB Bernock Iya (6’2, 180).

Iya’s build is perfect for the new fashionable defensive backs that are both tall and lengthy. This style of physique has become increasingly popular over the past several years. He possesses both physical traits with room for growth. 

A willing tackler, Iya showed an ability to come downhill with good pace and hit opposing players with quite a bit of pop in his pads from the cornerback position. On several occasions, he did just that by letting Northwest receivers feel his presence on the field. Along with his ability to tackle, Iya also contributed to the forced turnover category. He finished the game with two interceptions, including a circus-type catch on the opposite sideline.

“I come out with the same mindset every game, just play like it’s my last,” Iya said concerning his game against Northwest. 

An accurate assessment considering the Azle defensive back plays with great effort looking to make things happen on the field.

He wants to continue to improve his footwork and the more technical side of the position in the future. From a strength perspective, he considers his eye discipline to be one of his better qualities. He appears to have a natural feel for the cornerback position.

His recruitment at this point is still in the starting blocks. However, after his effort against Justin Northwest, it would not be surprised if he saw attention from college coaches start to pick up. As far as colleges, Iya is open-minded to any opportunity. 

With the blowout win, Iya, Lee, and the rest of the Hornets are well-positioned for a playoff run. 

“We have a lot of goals for this team. There’s a lot we can reach. Our main goal is to focus on taking things step-by-step,” Iya said about a “1-0” type culture.