Panthers dominate in Catskin, 50–8

Bunkie captures sixth straight win in historic rivalry

Seventy-five Catskin games, generations of memories and another year of bragging rights for the Bunkie Panthers.

Bunkie made sure the Catskin Trophy would remain in Panther territory Friday night, Nov. 6, defeating longtime rival Marksville 50-8 in the 75th annual meeting between the two schools.

The Panthers dominated from the opening quarter, building a 29-0 halftime lead and stretching their advantage to 43-0 before the Tigers scored in the fourth quarter.

Leading the way was Bunkie running back Ketron Watson, who turned in a remarkable performance with 339 rushing yards and five touchdowns. His scoring runs included long bursts of 79, 44 and 77 yards, according to the game report submitted by Philip Timothy.

Watson's performance also added another milestone to an already impressive season. The senior was recognized for breaking Bunkie's single-season rushing record, an accomplishment celebrated by his coaches and the Panther football community.

Bunkie quarterback Austin Fitzgerald contributed two touchdown passes, connecting with Kayden Dobbins on a 39-yard scoring play and Xavier Stafford on an 8-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

The Panthers scored eight points in the opening period, added 21 in the second and put another 14 on the board in the third. A final seven points in the fourth quarter brought their total to 50.

Marksville avoided the shutout in the final period when quarterback Jaden Price connected with Kaiden Robinson on a 68-yard touchdown pass. Price then found Braylan Woods for the two-point conversion.

The Panthers finished with 472 yards of total offense, including 352 rushing yards, according to Timothy's game statistics. Marksville recorded 270 total yards.

The victory was especially meaningful for Bunkie, which has now claimed six consecutive Catskin victories. According to Bunkie Panther Football, the Panthers hold a 40-33-2 advantage in the all-time series.

For generations of students, former players, coaches and families throughout Avoyelles Parish, the annual rivalry represents school pride, hometown loyalty and memories that last well beyond the final whistle.

With the win, the Panthers completed the regular season at 6-4 and turned their attention to the playoffs. Bunkie, the No. 11 seed in Division III Select, was scheduled to host No. 22 St. Louis Catholic at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Coach Gene Britton Stadium.

Marksville finished the regular season at 8-2 and will host Rayville in the opening round of the playoffs Friday, Nov. 13.

For now, the Panthers have the trophy, the victory and another year of Catskin bragging rights.

Bunkie players and cheerleaders celebrate their 50-8 win over Marksville in the 75th Annual Catskin Game.