Gladewater Knocks Off Defending State Champ Pleasant Grove

TEXARKANA -- The Gladewater Bears remained unbeaten Friday night with their biggest win to date.

Keston Wilson's 25-yard fumble return for a touchdown with 27 seconds remaining sent Gladewater to a thrilling 44-37 win over defending Class 4A Division II state champion Pleasant Grove, ending the Hawks' 19-game winning streak.

Gladewater (4-0) will head into its District 8-3A Division I opener next Friday night at Winnsboro undefeated after it won only two games all of last season.

Bears sophomore running back Eli Carter eclipsed the 200-yard rushing mark for the fourth consecutive week, going for 233 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 995 rushing yards on the season.

Pleasant Grove (3-1) kicker Dillon Williams tied the game, 37-37, with a 40-yard field with 2:44 remaining.

Gladewater had two defensive scores on the night, and scored on safety. The Bears gave up 415 rushing yards, but made up for it by forcing four Pleasant Grove turnovers.

The Hawks were led by James Wiggins, who ran for 191 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Bruce Garrett added 144 yards on the ground and two TD's.

Pleasant Grove plays host to Chapel Hill next Friday night.