KILGORE, Texas – The 12th-ranked Kilgore Rangers held off 20th-ranked Blinn College 49-40 here Saturday despite five touchdowns and more than 250 receiving yards from Buccaneer wide receiver Damion Ratley.
Blinn quarterback Jake Hubenak threw for six touchdowns and more than 500 yards, but was also intercepted three times. Sophomore wide receiver Dede Westbrook caught one touchdown pass and finished with more than 100 receiving yards, and sophomore running back DeVante Mays added more than 100 yards on the ground.
"The kids played hard, we're just beating ourselves," Blinn coach Keith Thomas said.
The Buccaneers lost four fumbles on the afternoon to finish with seven turnovers, and made four trips to the red zone without scoring.
Blinn recovered a pair of Navarro fumbles and sophomore defensive back Ron Knowles picked off a pass.
The win improved Kilgore to 7-1 on the season and 4-1 in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference, while the Buccaneers fell to 4-3 on the season and 2-3 in conference. To qualify for the conference playoffs, Blinn will have to win its Homecoming game against Navarro College on Saturday, Oct. 25. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Cub Stadium.
Prior to the game, the Blinn Alumni &Friends Association will hold its annual meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Brenham campus Student Center, followed by the Alumni Lettermen's Association annual meeting at 10:30. At 11:30, the Hall of Honor luncheon will be held in the banquet room.
About Blinn College
Founded in 1883, Blinn is a comprehensive community college committed to educational excellence and to individual and community enhancement. With an enrollment of 19,317 students, Blinn ranks among the nation's leaders in transferring students to leading four-year universities and has received national recognition for its affordable educational excellence.
As part of its commitment to student success, Blinn is implementing a Quality Enhancement Plan titled "Destination Success: First-Year Focus," which utilizes learning communities to support first-year college students.
For enrollment information and to learn about financial aid opportunities, visit: www.blinn.edu.