Kilgore High School will face off against Mabank High School on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 19:30 local time at Panther Stadium in Mabank, Texas. This matchup features a stark contrast in team performance this season, with Kilgore boasting an impressive record of 8 wins and 1 loss, including a perfect 5-0 in district play. In contrast, Mabank struggles with a 2-7 record and has yet to secure a win in the district, sitting at 0-5.
Kilgore’s recent form is remarkable. Since their opening-game loss to Carthage on August 29, the team has rebounded strongly, securing eight consecutive victories with an average winning margin of 29.5 points. The team’s offensive prowess is led by quarterback Kayson Brooks, who has completed 131 passes out of 202 attempts for a total of 1,909 yards, scoring 22 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions. He also contributes on the ground, with 43 carries for 181 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns.
Another key player for Kilgore is Rayshaun Williams, who has made a significant impact with 148 carries for 1,236 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also catching 10 passes for 120 yards. Isaiah Watters adds to the team’s strength with a balanced performance, accumulating 46 carries for 187 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns, along with 89 tackles on defense.
Kilgore’s receiving corps features La’Keyleon Graves and Dre Sanders. Graves has recorded 32 receptions for 429 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Sanders has added 26 catches for 275 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defensive unit is also formidable, with players like Brayden Williams, who has made 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries, and Cameron Christian, who has 46 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
In contrast, Mabank has faced significant challenges this season. After starting strong with back-to-back wins against Kemp and Wills Point, the team has lost six straight games, with an average defeat margin of 43.5 points. Quarterback Jaxon Copeland has completed 54 out of 144 passes for 875 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, while also contributing 76 carries for 433 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Mabank’s offensive efforts are bolstered by running back Jaedyn Thompson, who has amassed 161 carries for 1,045 yards and 11 touchdowns. The receiving threats for Mabank include Wayne Langford, with 16 catches for 259 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Bryson Morris, who has 11 catches for 221 yards and 3 touchdowns.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal encounter, the stakes are high for both sides. Kilgore seeks to maintain their winning streak and solidify their position in the district, while Mabank aims to break their losing streak and gain momentum as the season progresses. The atmosphere at Panther Stadium is expected to be charged, as fans from both sides come together to support their teams in this crucial matchup.
