Kilgore and Stephenville have 1st scoreless UIL State half since 2004.

Arlington, TX — AT&T Stadium

The UIL 4A Division I State Championship kicked off at 11 a.m. Friday morning inside AT&T Stadium, with Kilgore and Stephenville battling through a hard-hitting, defense-dominated first half that ended scoreless at halftime.

Kilgore won the opening coin toss, but Stephenville quickly set the tone defensively. On Kilgore’s first possession, Stephenville’s Hudson Butchee (#45) came up with an interception, giving the Yellow Jackets early momentum. However, Kilgore’s defense immediately responded.

La’Keyleon Graves (#4) delivered a massive sack to stall Stephenville’s drive, followed by another sack on fourth down by Isaiah Watters (#5), forcing a turnover and swinging possession back to the Bulldogs.

The first quarter was filled with momentum shifts and mistakes on both sides. Kilgore put the ball on the ground shortly after, with Cooper Fergason (#5) recovering the fumble for Stephenville, a call that was reviewed and upheld. Despite the short field, Stephenville was unable to capitalize, missing a field goal attempt to keep the game scoreless.

As the first quarter came to a close, both teams continued to struggle to convert on key downs, with defenses controlling the line of scrimmage.

The second quarter brought more of the same intensity. Stephenville moved the ball methodically but stalled out again when Kilgore’s Bi’syn Williams (#0) forced and recovered a fumble at the 46-yard line. The play went under review and was upheld, marking Kilgore’s third forced turnover of the half.

Kilgore attempted to take advantage of the opportunity, pushing the ball inside the red zone. However, penalties and negative plays slowed the drive. A personal foul was assessed to Stephenville’s Jackson Richmond (#0) after a punch, followed by a holding call on Kilgore that pushed the Bulldogs backward. The drive ultimately ended with an interception by Stephenville’s Willis Jackson (#8).

With under two minutes remaining in the half, both teams traded possessions and punts. Stephenville was unable to mount a final scoring drive, and the teams headed to the locker room deadlocked at 0–0, underscoring the defensive battle unfolding on the championship stage.

Stay with TXAN 24 News for second-half updates, highlights, and final coverage from AT&T Stadium.