Kilgore Bulldogs Dominates LC-M Bears 61-14 in Playoff Showdown

The Kilgore Bulldogs delivered a powerful performance on November 3, 2023, defeating the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears 61-14 in a Class 4A Division I bi-district playoff game held at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. With this victory, Kilgore improves to a record of 10-1 and will advance to face Stafford in the area playoffs next week. In contrast, LC-M concludes its season with a 6-5 record.

Kilgore wasted no time establishing dominance. The game kicked off with a spectacular 86-yard touchdown return by Dre’ Sanders, setting the tone for the evening. Despite winning the coin toss and opting to kick, LC-M quickly found itself on the defensive. The Bulldogs capitalized on their early momentum, scoring on both offense and defense throughout the match.

Bulldogs’ Offensive and Defensive Prowess

Kilgore’s scoring spree included a blocked punt that resulted in a safety, a fumble return for a touchdown, a field goal, two passing touchdowns, and four rushing touchdowns. The Bulldogs’ defense was equally impressive, limiting LC-M to just 49 total yards in the first half and a mere 165 yards for the game.

Quarterback Kayson Brooks completed 15 of 18 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating precise control throughout the contest. Rayshaun Williams was a standout player, rushing for 97 yards and scoring three touchdowns on 12 carries, in addition to catching a 60-yard touchdown pass.

The Bulldogs’ scoring continued unabated. Following Sanders’ opening kickoff return, Kilgore’s defense forced a quick three-and-out, allowing the Bulldogs to strike again. On their first offensive play, Takieran White received a shuttle pass from Brooks and sprinted 79 yards into the end zone, extending the lead to 14-0.

Kilgore’s offense continued to flourish, driving 99 yards in 11 plays to score on a 9-yard run by Rayshaun Williams, pushing the lead to 21-0 with 2:48 left in the first quarter. A blocked punt by Bi’Syn Williams resulted in a safety, bringing the score to 23-0, and a final 37-yard run by Williams capped the first quarter at 30-0.

Defense Stands Tall

As the game progressed, Kilgore maintained its aggressive play. A 22-yard field goal by Eddie Jimenez early in the second quarter made the score 33-0. The Bulldogs’ defense contributed significantly to the scoreline when Cameron Christian recovered a fumble at the LC-M 5-yard line and scored, extending the lead to 40-0.

Before halftime, Brooks connected with Williams for a 60-yard touchdown pass, increasing the margin to 47-0. The Bulldogs added another touchdown in the third quarter with a 5-yard run by Williams, bringing the score to 54-0.

Although LC-M avoided a shutout with a 1-yard touchdown run by J’Lynn Morris early in the fourth quarter, Kilgore quickly responded with a 62-yard scoring run by Maddox Wright. Morris scored again on a short run, finalizing the score at 61-14.

Kilgore’s comprehensive victory highlights their readiness for the upcoming playoff match against Stafford. As for Little Cypress-Mauriceville, the team will reflect on a season that ended sooner than expected, but with moments of potential that will guide them into next year.