Tyler Junior College's No. 14-ranked Apaches are scheduled to play the Kilgore College Rangers in a critical Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) matchup on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The game, the 135th all-time meeting between the rivals, will kick off at 3 p.m. at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium in Kilgore. Both teams hold identical 2-2 conference records, making the outcome significant for their playoff aspirations with only four weeks remaining in the regular season.
Kilgore College currently leads the historical series against Tyler Junior College with a record of 67-65-2. The first contest between the two teams occurred in 1947, which Tyler won 7-6. The series has seen two ties, in 1970 and 1978, and has gone into overtime on four occasions. The Apaches enter Saturday's game having won three consecutive matchups against the Rangers; Kilgore's last victory in the rivalry was in 2023. TJC's overall season record stands at 4-2, while Kilgore College holds a 3-3 overall record.
The battle for playoff berths remains tight within the SWJCFC. Trinity Valley leads the conference with a 4-0 record, followed by Navarro at 2-1. Snow College, TJC, and Kilgore College are all tied at 2-2. Further down the standings are New Mexico Military and Cisco, both at 1-2, with Blinn at 0-3. The results of Saturday's game will directly impact the standing of both TJC and Kilgore College in this competitive environment.
The TJC offense is led by quarterback Luke Ullirch, who has thrown for 995 yards, completing 96 of 150 attempts, with six touchdowns and five interceptions. Ullirch also contributes to the ground game, having rushed for 330 yards on 56 attempts. Despite missing the last two games due to injury, Ashton Searl remains the Apaches' leading rusher with 393 yards and six touchdowns on 56 carries. Khalil Ewell, who also serves as a standout returner, is second in rushing with 380 yards and two touchdowns on 55 carries. The receiving corps distributes targets broadly, with Montrell Wade and Leeland Douglas each recording 15 receptions for 158 and 105 yards (with one touchdown) respectively. Braylyn Brandon has 14 receptions for 149 yards, Ewell has 12 receptions for 115 yards, Bradyn Walker has 7 receptions for 167 yards and three touchdowns, Kai McMillian has 7 receptions for 116 yards, and Camron Vines has 6 receptions for 126 yards.
Kilgore College employs a two-quarterback system. Christian Nunley has completed 18 of 34 passes for 154 yards and four interceptions, while also rushing for 170 yards on 13 carries. Alijah Freeman has thrown for 319 yards and two touchdowns on 22 of 47 attempts, with four interceptions. The Rangers' primary rushers are James Johnson Jr., with 256 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, and Ryan Rasco, who has gained 157 yards on 22 carries. Key receivers for Kilgore include Jalen Mayon, who has 9 receptions for 160 yards and one touchdown, and Brandon Ward, who has one reception for 101 yards.
Following Saturday's game, the Tyler Junior College Apaches will have an open date next week. They are then scheduled to host their final two regular season games at home: against Navarro on October 17 at 3 p.m., and against New Mexico Military on October 24 at 2 p.m. Kilgore College will also have an open date on October 17 before concluding their season with two road games. The Rangers will play Navarro in Corsicana on October 10 at 3 p.m., and then Cisco on October 24 at 2 p.m.
