QUEEN CITY, Texas – On Friday night the Bulldogs turned a 10‑point deficit into a 14‑point triumph, beating Mineral Springs 44‑30 on their brand‑new field. The win marks Queen City’s first three‑game winning streak in 15 years and puts the team at 3‑1 heading into district play.
Second‑half surge
Trailing 24‑14 early in the third quarter after a 69‑yard scoring drive by Mineral Springs quarterback Jamerian Staten, Coach Kevin Reaves reminded his players of the message he has preached all summer: fight, finish, and play together as brothers. “They fought. They played hard to the very end,” Reaves said after the game.
The Bulldogs answered with three long, clock‑draining drives and two key defensive stands, taking the lead and never looking back. Reaves praised the visitors for their athleticism but noted their lack of depth, saying the Bulldogs’ goal was simply to keep fighting until victory prevailed.
Key performances
Staten put up a strong individual effort, carrying the ball 29 times for 214 yards and three touchdowns while completing six of 11 passes for 96 yards. Yet Queen City’s depth proved decisive. The Bulldogs rushed 48 times for 332 yards and five touchdowns. Semaj Booth led the ground attack with 131 yards and four scores, while Kendrick Young added 74 rushing yards, a touchdown, and an 80‑yard kickoff return.
Defensively, the Bulldogs forced a crucial sack on fourth down late in the fourth quarter, giving the offense a short field that resulted in Booth’s final touchdown, sealing the 44‑30 margin.
Looking ahead
Coach Reaves highlighted the growing confidence across the roster, noting that five to seven players now touch the ball each night. “We have weapons,” he said. “It just needed some fine‑tuning.” The Bulldogs open district competition next Friday when they host De Kalb.
Mineral Springs coach Jarrod Jackson, despite the loss, remained optimistic. He praised his team’s effort and the experience gained by a sophomore‑heavy roster that reached the second round of the playoffs a year ago. “Our quarterback and running back are both sophomores. Two of our wide receivers are sophomores,” Jackson said. “They’ve already got a lot of Friday‑night experience and things are looking up at Mineral Springs.”
Community impact
The victory is a morale boost for a program that has not enjoyed a winning season in 13 years. Parents and community members gathered at the new field, cheering the Bulldogs’ perseverance and celebrating a sign of renewed football pride in Queen City.
As the Bulldogs continue their march toward district play, the team’s blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent offers a hopeful outlook for the rest of the season.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
