Celina Storms Back to Glory, Claims Ninth State Title with Rout of Kilgore
ARLINGTON — For the first time in 17 years, Celina climbed the championship stage. And the Bobcats didn’t just win — they dominated. Behind a dazzling performance from sophomore quarterback Bowe Bentley, Celina overwhelmed Kilgore 55–21 Friday night at AT&T Stadium to capture the Class 4A Division I crown.
The victory marked the program’s ninth UIL state championship, tying Katy and Richland Springs for third all-time in Texas high school football. Only Aledo (12) and Carthage (10) have more.
Bentley Lights It Up
Bentley, tabbed a four-star recruit in the Class of 2026, was unstoppable. He threw five touchdown passes — two apiece to Ethan Rucker and Colton Rodriguez, plus a 21-yarder to Wyatt Villareal — while finishing with 265 yards on 9-of-14 passing. He added 68 yards on the ground for good measure. Unsurprisingly, he walked away with Offensive MVP honors.
Rucker set the tone early, hauling in scores of 40 and 44 yards to help Celina jump out fast. Rodriguez later took over, torching Kilgore’s secondary with 149 yards on five catches, including backbreaking TD grabs of 50 and 63 yards in the third quarter.
Bobcat Avalanche
Kilgore briefly led 14–13 early in the second quarter after Javon Towns broke loose on a 20-yard screen. From that moment, Celina slammed the door — rattling off 41 unanswered points.
Kicker Braden Johnson booted two field goals to start the surge before Bentley and company poured it on through the air. Then the defense joined the party. Linebacker Luke Biagini jumped a pass and raced 27 yards to the end zone, earning Defensive MVP honors. Minutes later, Harrison Williams added a 7-yard rushing score, stretching the advantage to 48–14.
By the time Bentley zipped his fifth TD pass late in the third, the game was long decided.
Kilgore Fights but Fades
The Bulldogs (14–2) landed punches early, but Celina’s depth and speed proved too much. Quarterback Kayson Brooks accounted for both of Kilgore’s touchdown passes while throwing for 120 yards and rushing for a team-high 69. Still, turnovers and stalled drives doomed any hopes of keeping pace.
The Return of a Giant
Celina’s 456 yards of offense against a Kilgore defense that had bullied opponents all season was a reminder of why the Bobcats remain one of the state’s bluebloods. With Friday’s runaway, they snapped a 17-year title drought and announced their return to the elite ranks of Texas high school football.
“We’ve been chasing this moment for a long time,” said Bentley after the win. “This is just the beginning.”
