Week 9 games

BULLARD -- Fighting for its playoff life in the District 16-3A race, Bullard pushed Gilmer for more than three quarters before the Buckeyes' offense proved too much.

PALESTINE — A district-title matchup next week was looming, and the Palestine Wildcats could have easily overlooked winless Mexia.

WHITEHOUSE -- The Tigers ran into a hot and confident Whitehouse team Friday night, and for all of that, they were a play away from putting a scare into the undefeated Wildcats.

BIG SANDY -- Big Sandy running back Josh Jackson rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns and the Wildcats defense shut down Carlisle in a 26-3 District 9-A Division I matchup.

CANTON -- The Canton Eagles used a powerful rushing attack to thwart the Brownsboro Bears, 35-13, at Birdwell Stadium on Friday, setting up a showdown with the Van Vandals for the District 15-3A title next Friday.

JACKSONVILLE -- The Jacksonville Indians clinched a playoff spot in their final home game of the season, beating the Lindale Eagles, 27-23, on Friday night at the Tomato Bowl.

ATHENS — The Athens Hornets are peaking at the right time. The Hornets won their second straight game to stay alive in the District 15-3A playoff race, hammering the Mineola Yellowjackets on Friday night, 42-13, at Bruce Field.

TYLER -- The Longview Lobos worked on Friday to keep two separate streaks alive in their victory over Tyler Lee. The Lobos successfully extended their streak over the Red Raiders to 10 wins in a row and inched closer to their 12th consecutive playoff appearance in the process, defeating Lee 52-6 at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

NACOGDOCHES — The District 16-4A showdown between John Tyler and Whitehouse is now set.

KILGORE -- The fourth-ranked Kilgore Bulldogs have relied on their suffocating defense all year long, but they needed a couple big plays from their offense to remain unbeaten.