Friday Night Lights: Overtime Thrillers and Homecoming Wins Across East Texas

EAST TEXAS — Week 8 of high school football brought drama, grit, and plenty of hometown pride across the Pineywoods — including three homecoming celebrations and one rivalry showdown that stretched into double overtime.

Evadale 44, Deweyville 36 (2OT)

It doesn’t get more East Texas than this. The 10th River Bowl between Evadale and Deweyville was one for the record books — a slugfest that went not one, but two overtimes before the Rebels came out on top. Deweyville’s powerful ground game had Evadale on the ropes more than once, but the Rebels’ defense held strong, stopping the Pirates’ final push just two yards short to seal a 44–36 victory and bring the River Bowl Trophy back to Evadale.

Newton 72, Kountze 0 (Homecoming)

The Newton Eagles dominated from kickoff to final whistle, steamrolling Kountze in a 72–0 shutout on homecoming night. The Eagles’ offense fired on all cylinders, with big plays on both sides of the ball. It was the kind of statement win Newton fans love to see as district play heats up.

2025 Newton High School Homecoming Queen and King, Macie Jacks and Braylon Watson. Photo Courtesy of Newton ISD.

Chester 70, Legacy Christian 24 (Homecoming)

The Chester Yellowjackets made sure homecoming was a celebration to remember, lighting up the scoreboard with 70 points over Legacy Christian. Chester’s offense couldn’t be stopped, mixing deep passes with punishing runs that kept the defense guessing all night.

Lauren Citrano, crowned Chester High School’s 2025 Homecoming Queen. Photo courtesy of Chester ISD.

Warren 7, Trinity 36 (Homecoming)

The Warren Warriors battled hard on homecoming night but fell to a strong Trinity team, 36-7. The loss moves Warren to 0-7 on the season, while the crowd still celebrated the night’s highlight — the crowning of 2025 Homecoming Queen Emma Smith.

Emma Smith, crowned Warren High School’s 2025 Homecoming Queen. Photo courtesy of Warren ISD.

Jasper 12, Hamshire-Fannett 35

The Jasper Bulldogs faced a tough road test Friday, falling to the Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns, 35–12. Jasper now sits at 1–6 on the season and looks to bounce back in next week’s district matchup.

Buna 14, Anahuac 32

The Buna Cougars fell 32–14 to Anahuac in district play Friday night. The loss drops Buna to 2–5 on the season as they look to rebound in next week’s matchup.

Kirbyville 22, Orangefield 50

The Kirbyville Wildcats battled on the road but fell to the Orangefield Bobcats, 50-22. The loss drops Kirbyville in its district run as it looks ahead to next week’s matchup.

Woodville 23, Anderson-Shiro 21

The Woodville Eagles earned a 23–21 road win over Anderson-Shiro on Friday night. The victory improves Woodville’s record in district play as the Eagles continue their push toward the postseason.

Burkeville 6, Brazosport Christian 52

The Burkeville Mustangs fell 52–6 to Brazosport Christian on Friday night. The Mustangs continue to gain experience through district play as their rebuilding season progresses.

West Sabine 60, Hull-Daisetta 0

The West Sabine Tigers dominated Friday night, shutting out Hull-Daisetta 60–0 in district play. The Tigers’ offense scored early and often as they notched another statement win.