The Blinn College football season will conclude this week when the Buccaneers host No. 3 Kilgore College for both teams’ regular-season finale.
The two squads clash in a Southwest Junior College Football Conference contest at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, on the turf of Cub Stadium in Brenham, Texas.
“Kilgore is obviously a very good football team, and they’re ranked as high as they are for a reason. It’s going to be a good test for us and a fun one to play at home,” Blinn head coach Ryan Mahon said.
The Buccaneers and Rangers find themselves in contrasting positions ahead of Saturday. At 7-1 overall, Kilgore is vying for a national championship while Blinn (3-5) has its eyes set on the future.
Buccaneer freshman Rylan Wooten is set to make the second start of his collegiate career after helping Blinn defeat Northeast Oklahoma A&M College on the road last week. Because of rainy conditions, the dual-threat passer was limited through the air against NEO, but he made up for it with his feet to the tune of 171 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Wooten, a product of Brenham High School, has provided Blinn with a spark, starting in the second half of a Week 8 road loss to Tyler Junior College. He has accounted for two passing and four rushing touchdowns in his extended playing time.
“The goal for this offense is to keep drives going and put points on the board,” Wooten said. “We want to go out there and get first downs, wear out the opposing defense, and give our own defense a little breather so they can build some momentum of their own out there. This week is going to be a tough game, but I’m confident that we can come out, as prepared as we are, and shock somebody.”
Freshman running back Kelton Weathers also shined in the victory over NEO. Weathers finished with 105 yards on the ground and is expected to start against the Rangers. Weathers is second on the team this season with 342 yards to go with a pair of scores.
Blinn’s defense will be tasked with stopping a Kilgore offense that has made its mark through the air.?
Sophomore quarterback Cameron Peters has tossed for 1,627 yards and 23 touchdowns with just four interceptions this fall. His top target, sophomore wide receiver Michael Phoenix, has hauled in 26 passes for 480 yards and seven touchdowns.
Blinn sophomore linebacker Caden Holt said he’s confident the Buccaneer defense can build off its effort against NEO last week. Blinn limited NEO to just 173 yards and recovered two fumbles in the win. Holt led the way with a team-high 12 tackles and two sacks.
“All three levels of our defense are going to be important in slowing Kilgore down this week,” Blinn sophomore linebacker Caden Holt said. “I have faith in our defensive backs to lock down Kilgore’s receivers so our pass rushers can get to the quarterback, and it’s really just going to take a collective effort from the entire defensive unit if we want to be successful. Kilgore is definitely a great team, but every team is beatable. If we stop the run, limit their receivers, and do our jobs the way we know how, I believe we can end this season with a ‘W.'”
The Buccaneers will celebrate Sophomore Day prior to Saturday’s opening kickoff and recognize 22 second-year players.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 44 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
