Hornets fall to Kilgore, 42-13
KILGORE -- Athens drove into Kilgore's red zone three times in the first half Friday night but only came away with seven points. Those missed opportunities allowed the Bulldogs to build a 21-7 halftime lead that led to a 42-13 loss for the Hornets.
Athens' record falls to 4-5 for the year, while No. 6 Kilgore improved to 8-1.
Coach Zac Harrell was aggressive all night and it paid off with the offense being able to move the ball. On their first-half scoring drive, the Hornets converted on 4th-and-2 from their own 18.
The Hornets were led by Grant Yudizky with six catches for 79 yards and Jaden Crane with four catches for 68 yards. Jorien Ray had three catches for 47 yards.
Jamauri Manning also had a big game with 40 yards from scrimmage, including an 11-yard touchdown run, plus a 52-yard kickoff return.
Coach Harrell continued his aggressiveness in the second half, calling an onside kick to start the third quarter. Brenson McNeil recovered the ball for Athens, but after a long discussion, the referees called the Hornets for illegal procedure on the play.
The Hornets were forced to kick off again and this time Kilgore was ready and took over on their own 34. One play later, Bulldog Isaiah Ross broke free for a 66-yard touchdown run to move the score to 28-7.
The Hornets fought back to cut the score to 28-13 later in the half, but were unable to get any closer.
Athens will wrap up the season at home next week when the Hornets play host to the Mabank Panthers. Mabank is 6-3 and beat Henderson Friday night.
SCORING SUMMARY
KILGORE (1Q 7:14): Isaiah Ross 13-yard run. Chris Baldazo kick. 7-0
ATHENS (1Q 2:30): Ty Arroyo 2-yard run. Zsaid Inestroza kick. 7-7
KILGORE (1Q 1:27): Isaiah Ross 2-yard run. Chris Baldazo kick. 14-7
KILGORE (2Q 9:40): Matthew Tyeskie 40-yard pass to Matthew Hardy. Chris Baldazo kick. 21-7
KILGORE (3Q 11:34): Isaiah Ross 66-yard run. Chris Baldazo kick. 28-7
ATHENS (3Q 4:53): Jamauri Manning 11-yard run. Kick blocked. 28-13
KILGORE (3Q 0:24): Isaiah Ross 25-yard run. Chris Baldazo kick. 35-13
KILGORE (4Q 11:30): Matthew Tyeskie 32-yard pass to Matthew Hardy. Chris Baldazo kick. 42-13
The posts are free thanks to our sponsors: Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, and Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Majestic Recovery & Towing, and Hope Springs Water.
Please consider sharing this email with your friends and encouraging them to sign up for the blog. Don't rely on Facebook for your local information.
