Lindale, Texas – The Lindale Eagles secured a dramatic 49-42 home victory against the Kilgore Bulldogs on Friday night, overcoming an initial 28-7 deficit in the first quarter. The win snapped a six-game losing streak against Kilgore, placing the Eagles with an 8-0 overall record and a 5-0 mark in District 8-4A Division I.
The Bulldogs established an immediate lead, with Maddox Wright sprinting 60 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, putting Kilgore ahead 7-0. After both teams exchanged punts, Lindale evened the score with a 58-yard touchdown run by Hank Thurman. Kilgore quickly responded, regaining the lead 14 seconds later with an 80-yard scoring run from Wright. The Bulldogs extended their advantage when Braddox Johnson connected with Tyler Johnigan for a 16-yard touchdown, following a fumble recovery by Rayshaun Williams in Lindale territory, making the score 21-7. Williams then added a 54-yard touchdown run, pushing Kilgore's lead to 28-7 with 2:18 remaining in the first quarter.
Lindale began its comeback late in the opening quarter. A 52-yard run by Thurman set up quarterback David Lindig for a 15-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 28-14. On the subsequent kickoff, Wesley Butler forced a fumble, which Lincoln Laing recovered for the Eagles. This turnover quickly led to a 30-yard touchdown pass from Lindig to Thurman, bringing the score to 28-21. On Kilgore’s next offensive play, Andrew Foster intercepted a Johnson pass, giving Lindale possession at the Kilgore 19-yard line. The Eagles capitalized with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Lindig to Reed Carnathan, tying the game at 28.
Kilgore briefly reclaimed the lead with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Takieran White, making it 35-28. However, Lindale's Thurman scored his second rushing touchdown of the half with a 4-yard run, knotting the score at 35 as the teams headed into halftime.
In the second half, Lindale took its first lead of the game with a 24-yard touchdown run by Thurman after a drive that consumed over five minutes, bringing the score to 42-35. Kilgore countered late in the third quarter after an interception by Keion Sanders. Johnson connected with De’Andre Thurmond for a 35-yard touchdown pass on fourth down, tying the game again at 42 with 11:49 left in the final quarter.
Lindale secured the decisive score following an unsuccessful onside kick attempt by Kilgore. Thurman carried the ball 43 yards for his fifth touchdown of the night, giving the Eagles a 49-42 lead with 10:49 remaining. Kilgore mounted a 14-play drive lasting over six minutes in an attempt to tie the game. However, a tackle for loss by Butler, followed by a sack and another tackle for loss by Judson Beeler, stalled the drive and forced a turnover on downs. Lindale then secured three first-down runs—one by sophomore Brayden Davis and two by Thurman—to run out the clock and seal the victory.
Lindale head football coach Chris Cochran acknowledged Kilgore as a "very talented football team," emphasizing his pre-game assessment. He added that the game was "back and forth," and expressed pride in how the team responded. Lincoln Laing credited Wesley Butler for the fumble recovery that shifted momentum, noting the ball "fell in my lap." Judson Beeler highlighted the team's focus on "going 1-0 every play" and their resilience, stating that they made "really good adjustments" at halftime. Thurman described the win as feeling "amazing because of all of the work," and credited his offensive line and receivers, explaining his role was to "just make one guy miss."
Lindale finished the game with 495 total yards, including 404 on the ground. Thurman was a primary force, with 28 carries for 324 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with a 30-yard touchdown reception. Lindig contributed with 91 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and one rushing touchdown. Kilgore totaled 444 yards, with 302 rushing yards. Wright led Kilgore’s ground attack with 13 carries for 206 yards and two touchdowns, while Williams added 13 carries for 101 yards and a score. Johnson completed 10 of 17 passes for 142 yards and three touchdowns.
With games remaining against Palestine and Jacksonville, Lindale (8-0, 5-0) now holds a strong position for the District 8-4A Division I championship. Kilgore (3-4, 3-2) is scheduled to host Chapel Hill next week.
