KILGORE – A high-octane start didn’t pay off for the Kilgore Bulldogs, who fell to 0-2 for the second straight season Friday night in their home opener, a 29-27 setback to Gladewater.

Time will tell if coach Mike Wood’s 2016 Bulldogs can do at least the same as the 2015 version: overcome that 0-2 start to win a district title, or more.

Kilgore quarterback Patrick Jackson broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run on the Bulldogs’ first play from scrimmage against the Bears (1-0), who played their first true game of the season after a storm-shortened season opener a week ago against Carthage.

The Bulldogs added to their lead on a 35-yard run by tailback Melek Hamilton, and doubled up Gladewater, 14-0.

The Bears punched back quickly, though, a 36-yard touchdown by quarterback Cameron Calloway, and then a 1-yard touchdown by Calloway on Gladewater’s next drive, made possible by an interception by Isaiah Davis. Davis picked off Jackson, then returned it to Kilgore’s 2-yard-line. Calloway scored two plays later.

The Bears didn’t kick the game-tying extra point, though, electing instead to fake it and allow Calloway to try and scramble for the two-point conversion. He got there, putting Gladewater in front, 15-14.

The lead was short-lived. Kilgore scored on its next possession, a 19-yard pass from Jackson to Wheat, and took a 21-15 lead into halftime.

The Bulldogs stretched their lead to 27-15 on their first drive of the second half, getting a big play from Hamilton, a 64-yard score. The extra point was missed, allowing Kilgore to be up only 12.

Gladewater’s Davis scored on an 11-yard run later in the quarter, then again on a 60-yarder early in the fourth quarter, to put the Bears up by two, 29-27. Kilgore recovered a Gladewater fumble late in the contest, and with just under a minute left, missed a 42-yard field goal that would’ve put the Bulldogs in front by one. Gladewater took over on downs and ran out the remaining 30 seconds of the contest for the victory.

The Bears will host Center next week. Kilgore plays at Pine Tree.

More From East Texas Sports Network