Kilgore’s A.J. Davis is ETSN.fm + Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week

Kilgore has played the most consistent defense of any team in East Texas this season, and that defense came up big again in Friday's 14-10 win against rival Henderson.

Kilgore (8-0, 4-0), ranked fourth in the AP's Class 3A poll, remained undefeated with the victory, and senior middle linebacker A.J. Davis was a huge reason. Davis, a 6-foot, 220-pounder, racked up a game-high 18 tackles, including three for loss, to lead the Bulldogs to the victory. Davis is the ETSN.fm Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week.

Davis entered his senior season coming off a 179-tackle junior campaign. He's started at middle linebacker for the Dogs since his sophomore season, when he collected more than 120 tackles.

Davis is on pace for another big year. He enters Friday's colossal District 16-3A regular-season finale at Gilmer with a team-high 85 tackles, 10 for loss, one sack, and two forced fumbles.

Kilgore held Henderson (5-4, 3-2) to 4.0 yards per play Friday, when the Dogs limited the Lions 3.3 yards per carry and 222 total yards. Henderson's 10 points marked the second time this season has reached double figures against Kilgore all season. The Bulldogs allow an East Texas-best 5.9 points per game.

Davis is the third Kilgore Bulldog selected as the ETSN.fm Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week, joining junior defensive back Benny Colbert and junior defensive lineman LaDarrin Anthony, who are cousins. Anthony leads a Kilgore defensive front that has helped free up Davis and the linebackers, amassing 8 1/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss so far this season. Colbert is second on the team with three interceptions and first with two kick blocks.