Stephenville Triumphs Over Kilgore, Secures Seventh State Title

Stephenville claimed its seventh state championship with a commanding 10-0 victory over the Kilgore Bulldogs in the Class 4A Division I title game held at AT&T Stadium on March 10, 2023. The Yellowjackets’ defense proved relentless, securing four takeaways and blanking a Kilgore team that had not experienced a shutout since the 2019 season.

The match showcased the defensive prowess of both teams, culminating in a scoreless first half. Stephenville, which concluded the season with an impressive 16-0 record, achieved its fourth shutout of the year while restricting opponents to a touchdown or less in nine games. Kilgore, concluding its season at 14-2, had entered the game with a reputation for strong defense, allowing only 17 points across five playoff matches.

Willis Jackson emerged as a standout player for the Yellowjackets, accounting for two of the team’s interceptions. His early interception halted one of Kilgore’s promising drives, and a second interception late in the game sealed the victory for Stephenville. This marked a significant turnaround for Jackson, who had not recorded an interception in the previous 15 games.

The game began with both teams displaying tight defenses. Early on, Hudson Butchee of Stephenville intercepted Kayson Brooks, but Kilgore’s Isaiah Watters responded with a sack on the Yellowjackets’ first drive. A fumble by Brooks allowed Stephenville to regain possession, yet Brighton DeVivo missed a 41-yard field goal attempt, keeping the score locked at 0-0.

Kilgore’s best opportunity to score in the first half came when Bi’Syn Williams returned a fumble 39 yards into Stephenville territory. The Bulldogs managed to reach a first-and-goal situation at the 8-yard line, but Jackson’s interception in the end zone thwarted the threat.

Trot Jordan ignited the scoring for Stephenville shortly after halftime, completing a 40-yard touchdown pass to Adan Jerkins just 2 minutes into the third quarter. Kilgore’s Eddie Jimenez attempted a 46-yard field goal midway through the third but failed to convert, allowing Stephenville to extend its lead with a 41-yard field goal from DeVivo with just under 9 minutes remaining in the game.

Kilgore attempted to mount a comeback with two additional possessions. However, one ended with a sack on fourth down, while Jackson’s second interception effectively closed the door on any hopes for the Bulldogs.

As the final minutes ticked down, Stephenville controlled the clock, ultimately celebrating its seventh state title, joining previous championship teams from 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2012, and 2021. This victory not only underscores the Yellowjackets’ sustained excellence in Texas high school football but also highlights their defensive strategy, which had proven successful throughout the season.