The long-awaited football clash between Kilgore and Mabank unfolded at Panther Stadium on October 26, 2023, with Kilgore securing a decisive victory. The final score reflected Kilgore’s dominance, highlighting their impressive season record of 8-1, including a perfect 5-0 in district play, while Mabank fell to 2-8, continuing their struggles with an ongoing losing streak.
Kilgore’s standout player, Kayson Brooks, showcased his outstanding skills, completing 131 of 202 passes for a remarkable 1,909 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. He also contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 181 yards and six touchdowns on 43 carries. Another key player, Rayshaun Williams, added to Kilgore’s offensive arsenal with 1,236 rushing yards and ten touchdowns from 148 carries.
The defensive side for Kilgore was equally impressive. Isaiah Watters delivered a stellar performance with 89 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks, proving to be a formidable presence on the field. Meanwhile, La’Keyleon Graves not only caught 32 passes for 429 yards and six touchdowns but also made significant contributions defensively, with 87 tackles and four interceptions.
In contrast, Mabank’s performance struggled throughout the match. Despite a commendable effort from Jaxon Copeland, who threw for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, the team could not capitalize on their opportunities. Copeland’s passing struggles were compounded by seven interceptions this season. Jaedyn Thompson led the ground game with an impressive 1,045 yards and eleven touchdowns, but it was not enough to turn the tide for Mabank.
Kilgore has demonstrated remarkable resilience since their season-opening loss to Carthage on August 29, winning eight consecutive games by an average margin of 29.5 points. On the other hand, Mabank’s situation has worsened, suffering six consecutive losses since their brief winning streak against Kemp and Wills Point.
As the season progresses, Kilgore aims to maintain their winning momentum, while Mabank must regroup and address their shortcomings to improve their performance in upcoming matches. The outcome of this game emphasizes the stark contrast between the two teams and sets the stage for Kilgore’s continuing pursuit of a successful season.
