Kennedale head coach Richard Barrett during a high school football game against Benbrook at Clark Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Kennedale head coach Richard Barrett during a high school football game against Benbrook at Clark Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Valery Mendoza

Southwest HS Media

FORT WORTH

Kennedale entered Thursday night’s matchup against Benbrook at Herman Clark Stadium looking to remain unbeaten in District 5-4A Division I play.

The Wildcats did just that.

Kennedale (5-1, 3-0) jumped out to an early lead and never relinquished it, defeating Benbrook (3-3, 1-2) 42-20.

“We jumped on them early, and we performed really well offensively,” Kennedale head coach Richard Barrett said. “We got to clean some things up, and I know our kids are going to do that.”

Running back Lyrik Freeman set the tone for Kennedale, scoring on an 83-yard run with 4:41 remaining in the first quarter. The extra point gave the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.

Kennedale struck again before Benbrook could answer. Defensive back Braylon Young scored on a 34-yard play with 1:37 remaining in the first quarter, and the extra point extended the Wildcats’ lead to 14-0.

Benbrook responded in the second quarter when running back Cash Bergen scored on a 13-yard run with 8:53 remaining. The extra point cut Kennedale’s lead to 14-7.

Benbrook runs onto the field during a high school football game against Kennedale at Clark Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, October 8, 2026. Kennedale won 42-20. Benbrook runs onto the field during a high school football game against Kennedale at Clark Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, October 8, 2026. Kennedale won 42-20. Ava Diaz Southwest HS Media

The Wildcats answered almost immediately.

Quarterback Zarrian Carliss broke through the Benbrook defense for a 70-yard rushing touchdown. The extra point pushed Kennedale’s advantage to 21-7 with 7:58 remaining in the half.

After a Benbrook punt returned possession to Kennedale, Young added his second touchdown of the night on a 3-yard run. The extra point gave the Wildcats a 28-7 lead with 5:34 remaining before halftime.

Kennedale’s offense picked up where it left off after the break. Carliss broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run with 9:50 remaining in the third quarter. The extra point stretched the Wildcats’ lead to 35-7.

“I am feeling pretty good; we came out tonight and executed as we thought based on practice,” Carliss said. “Our O-line has been having some trouble, but today we blocked really well.”

Neither team scored again in the third quarter, and Kennedale carried its 35-7 lead into the fourth.

Benbrook found the end zone early in the final quarter when wide receiver Evan Smith scored on a 39-yard run. The Bobcats’ two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Kennedale with a 35-13 lead with 11:08 remaining.

The Wildcats answered once again.

Landon Watkins scored on a 5-yard run with 5:28 left, and the extra point increased Kennedale’s lead to 42-13.

Benbrook made one final push when Dorien Johnson scored a touchdown with 2:48 remaining, cutting the Wildcats’ lead to 42-20. The Bobcats later recovered a Kennedale fumble but could not overcome the deficit.

The victory improved Kennedale to 3-0 in district play, although Barrett said it is still too early for the Wildcats to start looking toward the postseason.

“It’s still too early to clinch a playoff spot, but we are 3-0, and I would rather be 3-0 than 0-3,” Barrett said.

For Kennedale, the focus now shifts to its next district matchup.

“We are going to enjoy the win we had tonight, and then we are going to get ready for Western Hills,” Barrett said.

Kennedale will host Western Hills on Friday, Oct. 16, while Benbrook will face Carter-Riverside on Thursday, Oct. 15, at Clark Stadium.