BULLARD -- Sophomore quarterback Cleet Bowman accounted for six touchdowns -- all in the first half -- to lead the Bullard Panthers to a 47-9 defeat of Melissa on Thursday night at Panther Stadium.

Bowman completed 12 of 14 attempts for 375 yards and five touchdowns, and added a 1-yard touchdown run all before halftime.

Bullard (6-3, 3-1 in District 5-4A Division II) rebounded from last week's narrow loss to defending state champion and second-ranked Gilmer by blitzing Melissa (1-8, 0-4) with 33 first-quarter points.

Bowman had touchdown passes of 45 and 65 yards to junior tight end and Texas commit Major Tennison. He also connected with Nick Costa (52 yards), D'Juan Martin (58), and Mikah Hughes (59 yards).

The Panthers also got an 8-yard touchdown run by Jacob Johnson.

Bullard finishes the regular season next Friday night at Canton.

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