Kilgore Begins District With Victory Against Chapel Hill
CHAPEL HILL – It’s been a long, long time since the Kilgore Bulldogs had just one win this far into a football season.
It didn't last long.
Kilgore beat Chapel Hill, 38-20, here Friday night, winning the District 10-4A, Division I opener. Kilgore (2-4 overall, 1-0 district)) will host Henderson next Friday; Chapel Hill (1-5, 0-1) will host Carthage.
Chapel Hill couldn’t quit giving the ball to Kilgore. The Bulldogs – the Chapel Hill version – had five turnovers.
Kilgore scored twice in the first half, an 8-yard run by Tray Epps and a 1-yarder by Damien Parker. Epps had a huge night: he scored three touchdowns and had 242 rushing yards.
Chapel Hill scored just before halftime with a 34-yard connection between quarterback Tanner Rudd and Ronnie Williams; Williams did a balancing act to thrust the ball over the pylon, and scored. The extra point was blocked, and Kilgore led 14-6 at the half.
Kilgore stretched that out to 21-6, then 28-6 on a 73-yard touchdown run by Epps, then a 9-yard pass from Gus Witt to Daniel Sifford.
Chapel Hill punched its way back into the game with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Rudd to Kristion Little, recovered an onside kick, and then a 16-yard pass from Rudd to Ahmon Ford. That made it 28-20, but Kilgore managed a 30-yard field goal from Elivan Torres and another score by Epps, this one from 31 yards out, with just under four minutes left to seal the win.
Kilgore finished with 388 rushing yards, including Epps’ performance, and then 80 rushing yards by Kennieth Lacy. Kilgore intercepted Rudd three times.
Rudd threw for 315 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He completed 22-of-38 passes. Williams, Ford and Little caught the touchdowns, and Little led Chapel Hill with 72 rushing yards.