BREAKING NEWS: Kilgore Bulldogs have surged to a commanding 49-29 victory over Lindale Eagles in a high-stakes matchup at Eagle Stadium, propelling them closer to the District 9-4A Division I championship. This decisive win unfolded on October 20, 2023, with both teams entering as state-ranked contenders.
In an exhilarating game, Kilgore showcased their dominance, led by standout performances from senior Lakeyleon Graves and quarterback Kayson Brooks. “Our kids were incredibly focused, and they understand what it takes to be at their best every Friday night,” said Kilgore head coach Clint Fuller.
The Bulldogs wasted no time establishing their offense, opening the scoring with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Brooks to Dre’ Sanders in the first quarter. They quickly built a lead, extending it to 21-6 by halftime, despite Lindale’s attempts to close the gap.
Emerging from halftime, Graves turned the tide with two explosive touchdowns within the first 4:10, increasing Kilgore’s lead from 21-9 to a staggering 35-9. His first touchdown came from a 45-yard interception return, marking a pivotal moment in the game.
“Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games, and that’s exactly what he did,” said Coach Fuller about Graves’ performance.
Graves ended the night with four catches for 79 yards and a touchdown, making significant contributions that shifted momentum in Kilgore’s favor. Brooks also excelled, completing 19 of 29 passes for 324 yards and four touchdowns, while adding a rushing touchdown.
Lindale’s offense, led by quarterback David Lindig, struggled to keep pace, despite a strong showing from their running back Hank Thurman, who rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Lindig finished with 246 yards through the air and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Kilgore’s relentless attack.
As the game progressed, Kilgore’s defense held firm, ultimately limiting Lindale’s scoring opportunities after their initial surge. The Bulldogs finished with an impressive 516 total yards compared to Lindale’s 424 yards.
Looking ahead, Kilgore (7-1, 4-0) is set to host Palestine on October 24, while Lindale (6-1, 2-1) plans to bounce back against Mabank. With this victory, Kilgore has positioned themselves as strong contenders for the district title, leaving fans eager for the next matchup.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Kilgore continues its pursuit of the championship glory!
