top of page

East Texas Teams Struggling at State: Can Kilgore and Carthage Turn the Tide?

Writer: Donovan BridgeforthDonovan Bridgeforth


EAST TEXAS (TXAN 24) — It’s been a tough week for East Texas at the UIL State Football Championships, with local teams starting 0-3 in their quest for state titles. As Friday’s games approach, Kilgore and Carthage are ready to take the field and represent the region with pride, hoping to turn things around.


Three East Texas teams have already competed in the state finals, and unfortunately, all fell short of victory:


Oakwood (6-Man Football): The Panthers came up short in their 6-man state championship appearance.

Woodville: The Eagles faced the powerhouse Gunter Tigers, losing 28-0 in a game dominated by Gunter’s defense.

Malakoff: The Tigers struggled to contain the explosive offense of Columbus, ultimately falling 48-14.


With three teams down, East Texas fans are now rallying behind Kilgore and Carthage, who take the field on Friday in critical matchups.

Kilgore vs. Celina:


The Kilgore Bulldogs are set to clash with the Celina Bobcats in a battle of two storied programs. Both teams boast deep playoff experience and impressive seasons, but Kilgore will need to bring their A-game to overcome Celina’s potent offense.


Carthage vs. Waco La Vega:


The Carthage Bulldogs, a perennial powerhouse, will face Waco La Vega in what promises to be a physical showdown. Known for their championship program, Carthage will lean on their strong defense and balanced offense to secure a win and uphold East Texas’ reputation for producing elite football talent.


For East Texas teams, the state championships are about more than just trophies. They represent community pride, hard work, and the storied tradition of football in the Piney Woods. Kilgore and Carthage now carry the hopes of the region, aiming to bring titles back home and break the current losing streak.


For Kilgore and Carthage, the key to victory will be execution and discipline. Both teams will need to limit mistakes, capitalize on scoring opportunities, and control the tempo to outlast their opponents.


As East Texas enters today’s games with an 0-3 record, all eyes will be on Kilgore and Carthage to deliver winning performances.

Stay tuned to TXAN 24 News for live updates, scores, and highlights from the UIL State Football Championships. Let’s cheer on our Bulldogs as they fight to bring state titles back to East Texas!

Comments


Untitled
TXAN 24 News Coverage

©2025 TXAN 24 News Inc.

bottom of page