Cougars blitz past Bulldogs with first‑quarter avalanche

Published On: November 10, 2025Categories: High School, News

Helena‑West Helena Central 50, Star City 7

HELENA–WEST HELENA — Central turned a Week 10 finale into a track meet, burying Star City 50–7 behind a blistering first quarter and the poise of sophomore quarterback KJ Gilcreast. The Cougars led 36–0 after 12 minutes and never looked back.

Gilcreast accounted for five touchdowns — three through the air and two on the ground — repeatedly exploiting single coverage and scrambling lanes. His 95‑yard strike in the first quarter broke the game open, and a 30‑yard keeper midway through the second sent the margin to 44–0.

Star City showed fight. Sophomore Jamarian Spencer stepped in at quarterback after an early injury shuffle, and the Bulldogs settled behind the run game of Caleb Hampton. Spencer later slipped a middle screen to RB/FS Parker Winn, who weaved 30 yards for Star City’s lone score late in the half. Senior Nery Vargas added the PAT.

Defensively, the Bulldogs flashed at times — senior Tyler Grant knifed into the backfield for stops, and junior Kynan “Kai” Griffith battled on the perimeter — but Central’s tempo and field position repeatedly tilted the field. The Cougars added a fourth‑quarter pick‑six to cap the night.

For Star City, sophomore Justin Holloway took early snaps at quarterback, while junior Drew Morgan handled returns and snaps in the secondary. The Bulldogs close the season winless but with underclassmen gaining meaningful reps heading into the offseason. Central’s defense forced three turnovers and won the line with a rotating front that smothered inside runs and limited deep shots.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Central – KJ Gilcreast 6‑yard pass (kick failed), CEN 6‑0.
Central – Gilcreast 7‑yard run (two‑point run good), CEN 14‑0.
Central – Gilcreast 35‑yard pass (two‑point pass failed), CEN 20‑0.
Central – Gilcreast 95‑yard pass (two‑point run good), CEN 28‑0.
Central – 25‑yard run (two‑point run good), CEN 36‑0.

2nd Quarter
Central – Gilcreast 30‑yard run (two‑point pass good), CEN 44‑0.
Star City – Parker Winn 30‑yard screen from Jamarian Spencer (Nery Vargas kick), CEN 44‑7.

3rd Quarter
No scoring.

4th Quarter
Central – 30‑yard interception return (kick failed), CEN 50‑7.

Players who stood out

KJ Gilcreast (Central QB) — 5 total TDs (3 pass, 2 rush), including a 95‑yard strike.
Parker Winn (Star City RB/FS) — 30‑yard TD reception; two‑way minutes.
Jamarian Spencer (Star City) — emergency QB led the scoring drive.
Zamarion McKinney (Central WR) — multiple chunk receptions that flipped field position
Caleb Hampton (Star City) — team‑best rushing night (unofficial), steady yards after contact.