Kilgore Faces Stafford, Overton Meets Goldthwaite in Playoff Showdowns

As the high school football playoffs intensify, two captivating matchups are set for Friday, November 10, 2023. In the area round, the Kilgore Bulldogs will take on the Stafford Spartans at 19:00 at Berton A. Yates Stadium, while the Overton Mustangs will face the Goldthwaite Eagles at the same time at Groesbeck Stadium.

Kilgore Bulldogs vs. Stafford Spartans

The Kilgore Bulldogs, boasting a record of 10 wins and 1 loss, enter this playoff clash with considerable momentum. The team has outscored opponents 454 to 125 this season, showcasing a formidable defense that has held rivals to a touchdown or less in six of their eleven games. Quarterback Kayson Brooks has been a standout performer, completing 151 of 225 passes for 2,361 yards and 25 touchdowns, along with an impressive six rushing touchdowns on 198 yards from 45 carries.

The Stafford Spartans, with a record of 6-5, have demonstrated resilience after a rocky start to the season. After beginning with two losses and a record of 1-4, they rallied to win five of their last six games, including a decisive 49-7 victory over Wheatley last week. Key player Nate Ray leads the Spartans, having thrown for 1,509 yards and 26 touchdowns this season.

This matchup marks the second playoff encounter between Kilgore and Stafford, the first being a closely contested game in 2021, where Kilgore emerged victorious with a score of 28-26.

Overton Mustangs vs. Goldthwaite Eagles

In another exciting contest, the Overton Mustangs, currently at 7-4, will clash with the Goldthwaite Eagles, who hold an 8-3 record. This will be the inaugural meeting between the two teams. Overton’s quarterback, Rylan Holleman, is coming off a record-setting performance where he scored five rushing touchdowns in their bi-district win against West Sabine. Holleman has thrown for 1,506 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, while also contributing significantly on the ground with 1,152 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.

Goldthwaite, known for its strong defense, has recorded five shutout victories this season, though they also faced two shutout losses. The Eagles triumphed in a thrilling 36-34 bi-district win over Maud that extended into five overtime periods. With both teams averaging nearly 40 points per game, this matchup promises to be a high-scoring affair.

Both games will determine who advances to the next round of the playoffs, with Kilgore and Stafford’s winner set to face either Bridge City or Navasota. As the playoffs progress, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere at the stadiums, with both matchups featuring talented players eager to make their mark.