The Pine Tree Pirates traveled to Kilgore Friday night to kick off District 9-4A Division I play but were handed a tough 35-7 defeat by the No. 3-ranked Kilgore Bulldogs at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. Despite the loss, Pine Tree showed flashes of effort and determination against a well-rounded and disciplined Kilgore team.
Kilgore dominated on both sides of the ball, rushing for 185 yards and passing for another 185, while consistently moving the chains with 21 first downs. The Bulldogs’ senior quarterback Kayson Brooks was efficient and effective, completing 16 of 19 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns, along with 53 yards rushing.
The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 7-0 lead on a two-yard touchdown run less than four minutes into the game. Kilgore then took control in the second quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points to lead 28-0 at halftime.
Pine Tree’s offense showed signs of life early in the third quarter, driving 86 yards on an 11-play drive, but the effort stalled when the Pirates turned the ball over on downs inside the five-yard line. Kilgore quickly answered with a 96-yard drive capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 35-0.
Defensively, the Pirates struggled to contain Kilgore’s balanced attack, limiting the Bulldogs to just 29 rushing yards but unable to prevent big plays. Pine Tree’s junior quarterback Colton Croft finished with 226 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Pirates finally got on the scoreboard late with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Croft to senior Ashton Valentine.
The loss drops Pine Tree to 2-3 on the season as they prepare to return home next week to host Mabank. Meanwhile, Kilgore improves to 4-1 and will travel to face Henderson on October 3. The Pirates will look to regroup, learn from this challenging district opener, and build toward stronger performances in the weeks ahead.
