Football Recap: Shepherd Starts off Right with Win over Kirbyville

Shepherd had to kick off their season on the road on Friday, but they showed no ill effects. They took down the Kirbyville Wildcats 38-21. For the Pirates, this counts as revenge for the 34-14 win the Wildcats walked away with the last time they faced one another back in August of 2024.

Shepherd's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jacorey Davis, who rushed for 127 yards and three scores on only 15 carries. Davis' longest rush was for an impressive 63 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total. Another player making a difference was Benjamin Coyle, who rushed for 137 yards and one TD on only five carries.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Shepherd was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 379 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 215 rushing yards in 11 consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Pirates

Interceptions

Ryan Orozco	1
Diego Orozco	1
Brayden White	1

Shepherd didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Ryan Orozco, Diego Orozco, and Brayden White picked up one apiece.

Looking ahead, Shepherd will welcome Coldspring-Oakhurst at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Kirbyville, they are headed away from home for the first time to challenge Bridge City at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.