‘Dogs, Lions renew rivalry with playoff seed at stake
HENDERSON – Did y’all hear there’s a few big games tonight?
Maybe read that on ETBlitz.com?
You read correctly.
One of them: Henderson versus Kilgore. They’ve done it more than a few times. It’s one of the longest-running series in East Texas.
The Lions and Bulldogs square off once again tonight at Henderson ISD Lion Stadium, playing for playoff positioning in District 8-4A, Division I standings in the regular-season finale for both teams.
The winner finishes third and the loser fourth, behind Lindale (9-0, 6-0) and Pine Tree (6-3, 5-1) in the fast-approaching playoffs, beginning next week.
Other games involving district teams tonight see Pine Tree visiting Bullard, Jacksonville at Lindale and Palestine at Chapel Hill. All game times are 7:30 p.m.
Hear the game live on KDOK 105.3-FM, and online at Chalk Hill Communications, LLC Stream | StreamingPulse Live Radio with the outstanding team of the Ragin’ Red Broadcasting crew, calling Kilgore football for over 45 years.
And there are a few legitimate outlets that are likely streaming the game live online, including right here: KWRD Henderson – YouTube. That’s also the call of the game by Henderson’s great Mark McLain.
The Ragin’ Red assured its 30th playoff appearance in 32 years since 1994 with a 41-20 victory over Chapel Hill a week ago. Henderson is returning to the postseason for the first time since 2019 when the Lions finished third and were eliminated in bi-district by Midlothian-Heritage.
Henderson and Kilgore have split the last three games with Kilgore winning last season here 27-12, Henderson took the 2024 contest in Kilgore 27-24, and the Bulldogs won the 2023 meeting in Henderson 46-17.
“Henderson is a big rivalry game with a lot on the line for both football teams. Playoff seeding for both teams and momentum going into the playoffs,” said Kilgore coach and Athletic Director Clint Fuller. “We’re having a good week. They’re a good football team. We’ll need to be at our best. They’ve got a really good quarterback and two, no three, really good receivers.”
Asked about the turnaround his team made this season, Henderson coach Ricky Meeks replied, “I’m very proud of our team and what we’ve accomplished. Being able to get ourselves into the playoffs this year for the first time in some time is a great accomplishment for our kids and I’m very proud of them for that.
“Getting back to the postseason is huge for our program and our foundation for future seasons. It keeps us moving in the right direction as we continue to build our program and develop our kids,” Meeks continued.
For the season, the Lions are averaging 34.5 points per game and allowing 33.8, compared to Kilgore averaging 38.6 and allowing opponents 33.7.
Each team’s district losses came against Lindale and Pine Tree.
In last week’s win over Chapel Hill, Kilgore running backs Maddox Wright and Rayshaun Williams combined for 355 rushing yards with Wright gaining 213 yards on 23 carries, scoring once, while Williams added 142 yards on 13 carries, scoring twice.
“That always starts with the offensive line,” Fuller continued. Starters across the O-line are right tackle Jeff Easley, right guard Landon Ector, center Aldo Loredo, left guard Chance Landon and left tackle Fabian Abeldano.
Wright’s performance gives the junior 1,049 yards on 109 carries and a dozen touchdowns. He’s averaging 9.6 yards per carry. Meanwhile Williams, a senior, has rushed for 840 yards and 11 scores. He’s averaging 7.6 yards a carry.
Kilgore quarterback Braddox Johnson has completed 100-of-156 passes for 1,276 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s thrown six interceptions. Five different receivers have 11 or more receptions. They are Tyler Johnigan (28-514, 8 Tds), De’Andre Thurmond (15-249, 6), T.K. White (13-106, 1), Wright (12-102) and Williams (11-83).
Henderson’s defense is anchored by juniors Kartavious Muckleroy and Cordaveon Walton. Muckleroy has 63 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and three sacks, while Walton follows with 60 tackles with six tackles for loss. Sophomore Michael Russell follows with 52 tackles with 1 tackle for loss.
Sophomore Kevin Davis leads in fumble recoveries with three. Russell, Walton and Justin Howard have two fumble recoveries and four other players have one each. Davis, Amere Davis, Aumaz Jackson, Cardell Tatum and Kolby Smith also each have interceptions.
Lions’ quarterback Blake Meeks has completed 137-of-203 passes for 1,748 yards and nine touchdowns. His primary receivers are Brailon Walker, Aumaz Jackson, Aiden Perry and Russell.
Walker has 49 receptions for 848 yards and five touchdowns. Jackson (27-388), Perry (22-197, 2) and Russell (10-84).
Senior Jayden Bishop has been the Lions leading rusher with 534 yards and eight touchdowns. Others of note are Russell (76-414, 16) and Jay Fry (22-135, 3).
The Ragin’ Red defense is anchored by inside linebacker Blade Chitwood, defensive tackle Cris Smith and safety Brenton Mumphrey, who have combined for 256 tackles. Chitwood leads with 109 with an interception followed by Smith with 78 stops, including a couple of sacks and Mumphrey with 69 tackles.
Other leaders are defensive end Zarak Hall with 46 tackles and a sack, Williams, an outside linebacker, with 54 tackles, along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery and OLB De’Andre Thurmond with 63 stops and an interception.
Junior cornerback Keion Sanders leads the Bulldogs in interceptions with four and cornerback Tyler Johnigan has 31 tackles and two picks.
Coming off a 30-point loss to Pine Tree a week ago, asked about the matchup against the Bulldogs, Meeks said, “It speaks for itself. It’s a rivalry game, the pride of two communities, that’s all you need to know. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere and a physical battle.”