Celina added another chapter to its storied history, claiming its ninth state championship with a resounding 55-21 win over Kilgore in the 4A Division I State Title Game at AT&T Stadium. The Bobcats showcased their offensive firepower and relentless defense, cementing a perfect 16-0 season under head coach Bill Elliott.
The game started with Celina on the attack, taking advantage of a short kickoff and excellent field position. Quarterback Bowe Bentley wasted no time, connecting with Ethan Rucker for a 34-yard touchdown pass just 1:08 into the game. Kilgore responded with a methodical drive, capped by Isaiah Watters’ short touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7 midway through the first quarter.
Celina quickly regained control on the next possession. Bentley once again found Rucker, this time for a 60-yard touchdown strike. Although the extra point was blocked, Celina went ahead 13-7. Kilgore countered with a composed drive, led by quarterback Kayson Brooks, who connected with Javon Towns on a 20-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter to give the Bulldogs a 14-13 lead.
The Bobcats responded with poise. Kicker Braden Johnson drilled a 35-yard field goal to put Celina back on top, 16-14. The Bobcats’ defense then forced Kilgore into a three-and-out, setting up another scoring opportunity. Celina’s offense continued to move the ball effectively, and Johnson added another field goal, extending the lead to 19-14 late in the second quarter.
With just over a minute left in the half, Celina capitalized again. Bentley connected with Colton Rodriguez on a spectacular 50-yard touchdown pass. A successful two-point conversion to Wyatt Villarreal gave Celina a 27-14 lead heading into halftime.
The second half began with Kilgore struggling to find its rhythm. Celina quickly took advantage, with Rodriguez hauling in a 63-yard touchdown reception to push the lead to 34-14.
Touchdown @celina_football
Score 34-14 Bobcats#TXHSFB #UILState pic.twitter.com/J57i15osx2— Texas HS Football (@texashsfootball) December 20, 2024
Moments later, linebacker Luke Biagini intercepted a Brooks pass and returned it for a touchdown, making it 41-14 and all but sealing the game.
Celina’s defense continued to dominate, forcing another interception—this time by Rucker. The offense capitalized with a Harrison Williams eight-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 48-14. Bentley capped his brilliant performance with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Villarreal, making it 55-14 late in the third quarter.
Kilgore showed some fight in the fourth quarter as Brooks connected with La’Keyleon Graves on a 21-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 55-21. However, the Bobcats controlled the clock on their final possession, running out the remaining time to secure their emphatic victory.
Bentley led the charge for Celina with five total touchdowns, including four through the air. Rucker, Rodriguez, and Villarreal each made pivotal plays in the passing game, while Williams anchored the ground attack. The Bobcats’ defense, led by Biagini and Rucker, forced multiple turnovers and stifled Kilgore’s offensive efforts.
For Kilgore, Brooks and Watters provided sparks, but the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome Celina’s balanced attack and relentless defense. Despite the loss, Kilgore capped an impressive season with a 13-3 record and a trip to the state final.
Celina’s victory marks its return to the top of Texas high school football, reinforcing the program’s status as a perennial powerhouse. The Bobcats’ flawless season and dominant championship performance will be remembered as one of the great campaigns in the school’s illustrious history.
Photos from Stan Martin
