Bears fall short in district repeat

BASTROP — Bastrop’s bid to repeat as district champions ended Friday night with their first loss of the season, falling 48-14 to the Liberty Hill Panthers.

The Panthers (8-2, 7-0 district) clinched the outright district title behind a powerful rushing attack and suffocating defensive front. The Bears (9-1, 6-1) finished as runner-up and secured a home playoff game to open the postseason.

Liberty Hill struck first midway through the opening quarter on a 6-yard touchdown run by Richard Downing. Bastrop answered with a steady drive capped by a 3-yard rushing score from senior utility player Gary Jefferson, tying the game at 7 after one quarter.