Kilgore Bulldogs Dominate LC-M Bears 61-14 in Playoff Clash

The Kilgore Bulldogs delivered an impressive performance on March 15, 2024, triumphing over the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears with a commanding score of 61-14 in a Class 4A Division I bi-district playoff matchup held at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. This decisive victory propels Kilgore to the next round of the playoffs, where they will face Stafford.

Kilgore, boasting a record of 10-1, established dominance early in the game. The Bulldogs scored on their first play when Dre’ Sanders returned the opening kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown, setting the tone for the match. Little Cypress-Mauriceville, finishing the season with a record of 6-5, struggled to keep pace with Kilgore’s explosive offense and formidable defense.

The Bulldogs showcased their versatility, scoring on offense, defense, and special teams. The game featured a blocked punt that resulted in a safety, a fumble return for a touchdown, two passing touchdowns, and four rushing touchdowns. Kilgore’s defense was equally impressive, limiting the Bears to just 49 yards in the first half and a total of 165 yards throughout the game.

Quarterback Kayson Brooks played a pivotal role in Kilgore’s victory, completing 15 of 18 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Rayshaun Williams contributed significantly, rushing for 97 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries, along with a 60-yard receiving touchdown.

The Bulldogs quickly built a substantial lead. After Sanders’ kickoff return, the defense forced a three-and-out, allowing Kilgore to score again on its first offensive play. Takieran White took a shuttle pass from Brooks and sprinted 79 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0. A subsequent 99-yard drive culminated in a 9-yard rushing touchdown by Williams, making it 21-0 with less than three minutes remaining in the opening quarter.

Kilgore continued to dominate, with Bi’Syn Williams blocking a punt that went out of the back of the end zone for a safety, pushing the score to 23-0. The Bulldogs added to their tally with a 37-yard run by Williams just before the end of the first quarter, bringing the score to 30-0.

A 22-yard field goal from Eddie Jimenez early in the second quarter increased Kilgore’s lead to 33-0. The Bulldogs’ defense then got in on the action when Cameron Christian recovered a fumble at the LC-M 5-yard line and scored, extending the lead to 40-0. Brooks connected with Williams for a 60-yard touchdown pass with just under three minutes left in the half, making it 47-0.

As the game progressed, Kilgore continued to showcase their strength, with Williams scoring again on a 5-yard run to push the lead to 54-0. The Bears finally found the end zone early in the fourth quarter, with J’Lynn Morris scoring on a 1-yard run, but Kilgore quickly responded with a 62-yard touchdown run by Maddox Wright. Morris managed to score once more on a 1-yard run, but the final whistle confirmed Kilgore’s emphatic victory at 61-14.

This playoff win not only highlights Kilgore’s skill and preparation but also sets the stage for their upcoming challenge against Stafford, as they continue their pursuit of a championship title.