KILGORE BOYS SOCCER CLINCHES DISTRICT | Youth movement, attitude driving Bulldogs, winners of 17 straight district championships
From special reports
That championship aura – it still exists in the Kilgore High School locker room.
Kilgore High School’s soccer Bulldogs clinched yet another district championship on Monday night, wrapping up District 15-4A with an 8-0 win over Tatum.
Kilgore is 11-1-1 in district play, and 17-2-1 overall, and will complete its regular season with two more games: a home game Friday night against Center, at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium, and then a playoff warm-up game is scheduled against Longview on March 17.
The Bulldogs, coached by Hector Peralez and Mason McCormack, returned to the state tournament in Georgetown a year ago.
Scoring for Kilgore at Tatum: Freshman Jayden Alfaro and Enrique Salazar, a sophomore, each scored twice, and then five different players scored the additional eight goals: Jordy Sandoval, another sophomore, had a goal, as did sophomore Jonathan Perez, and freshman Isaiah Nabor and Ethan Reyes. Sandoval and Salazar were returners from last year.
Other soccer programs in the district are playing tonight, but that win for KHS clinched the district championship. ETBlitz.com will have standings and scores after all the teams in both the boys and girls sides of the district have completed the early-week games.
New faces
Last year, Kilgore’s journey to the state semifinals was powered by 10 senior leaders.
Their departure left significant shoes to fill, but the resolve within the program remained unshaken. The boys recognized that high standards and expectations were integral to the program, and that the pursuit of a 17th consecutive district championship would not tolerate excuses or lack of effort. Their resounding 8-0 victory over Tatum last night not only showcased their readiness but also secured that almost ridiculous-sounding 17th straight district title, underscoring a seamless transition.
With 10 vacancies, the rebuilding process began just 13 days post the heartbreaking loss to Boerne in Georgetown. The tryouts introduced 15 talented freshmen from a pool of 30, demonstrating the depth and future of Kilgore soccer. These newcomers – 10 of whom have already earned varsity minutes – showcased resilience and potential. Among them, four have become consistent starters.
Leadership transition is equally crucial. Senior Gustavo Trejo and junior Eddie Jimenez have risen as pivotal figures. Trejo, adept at gauging team morale, effectively bridges the gap between the players and coaching directives. His proactive approach helps preempt challenges. Meanwhile, from his goalkeeper vantage, Jimenez orchestrates the field dynamics, ensuring that practice efforts translate into match-day excellence through rigorous accountability.
The team also relies on returning players like Javier Baide, Jordy Sandoval, Enrique Salazar, Peyton Roberts, and Ruben Rodriguez, who have escalated their roles significantly. This blend of seasoned players and fresh talent underscores a robust team evolution.
Standards and expectations
The ethos of “Keep stacking your days,” as iterated by coach Peralez, echoes through the team’s ethos. Starting from summer workouts to fall cross-country runs, the team has built chemistry and strength daily. This incremental improvement ethos underscores that progress need not always be monumental; consistent, small gains are equally pivotal.
Clinching the district title is a testament to the tenacity and unity of this young team, but Peralez and McCormack believe it’s merely the beginning of their ambitions. As they set their sights on surpassing last year’s achievements, every practice and every match is a step towards not just defending their legacy but also defining their future.
The players understand that the path ahead is demanding, yet their commitment to the ethos of “Keep stacking your days” ensures that they approach each challenge with relentless determination and an unwavering belief in their collective strength. The Kilgore boys are not just preparing to meet expectations: they are striving to exceed them, proving that despite new faces, the spirit and standards of Kilgore soccer remain unyielding.
The playoffs
University Interscholastic League playoffs begin for all classifications on March 20-22, the bi-district round. The regional finals are March 31-April 1, and the state championship games begin April 10, at Birkelbach Stadium in Georgetown.