Gladewater’s season ends vs. Malakoff

TYLER – Malakoff has long been known as one of the state’s best small-school football programs.

The Tigers cemented that reputation again here at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium on Thursday night.

Malakoff ran its 2026 season record to 11-0 with a 55-14 win over the Gladewater Bears in Thursday’s UIL Class 3A, Division I first round, or bi-district round, playoff game.

Malakoff moves on to round two, the area round, where they’ll meet Pilot Point (8-3) – Pilot Point beat Mexia, also Thursday evening.

For coach Jermaine Lewis and the Gladewater Bears, it was a first round exit. The Bears finish the 2026 season, Lewis’s second at the helm of the Bears, with a 4-7 overall record.

Gladewater led early when quarterback Achilles Hess connected with Deston Sheridan for a 25-yard touchdown. Hess also scored on an 8-yard run in the third quarter.

Tray Watts had 135yards rushing on 28carries. Caleb Budro was good on both extra points.

For Malakoff, Karori Jones had 92 yards rushing, which included a 58-yard touchdown.

Tigers running back Germarquise Robinson scored four times, and finished having with 160 yards rushing.

Hess finished with a 6-of-13 night for 76 yards, and unfortunately was intercepted three times in addition to the touchdown.

Sheridan finished with four catches for 69 yards and the score.