Bonham -- The Bonham Warriors played their most complete game of the season in a dominating 30-7 win over the North Lamar Panthers. Bonham fans enjoyed the one-sided game that could have been even more of a blowout if Bonham hadn't missed two short-yardage scoring opportunities and given the Panthers their only touchdown of the night.

But Koltin Kinkade didn't miss many opportunities as he carried for two touchdowns, including a 40-yarder, and returned an interception 55 yards for another score.

Bonham's defense simply smothered the North Lamar running game. In fact, the first points of the game came early in the second stanza when linebacker Levi Haggard and safety Dra Smith trapped Panther running back Ryan McCray in his own end zone for a safety and a 2-0 lead.

An accurate North Lamar punt had pinned Bonham down deep in Warrior territory in the close game when Koltin Kinkade shot through a nice hole over left tackle and bounced outside for a footrace down to the North Lamar 45-yard line. Jordan Smith went over right tackle for nine yards. Dra Smith moved the chains on a keeper. Then Smith went to the air, connecting with Cody Austin on an eight-yard gain. With the Panthers' defense on its heels, Kinkade went in from nine yards out and the PAT gave Bonham a 9-0 lead at halftime.

Both teams punted the ball very effectively all night and another impressive North Lamar punt rolled dead at the Bonham three-yard line. The Panthers turned field position into seven points when the Warriors coughed up the ball and the North Lamar defense recovered in the Bonham end zone for a quick touchdown and suddenly it was back to a two-point game, 9-7.

It didn't take Bonham long to answer when the offensive line opened a gaping hole and Kinkade exploded up the middle for a 40-yard touchdown that stretched the Warriors' lead to 16-7.

On North Lamar's next drive, Kinkade picked off an errant pass and raced 55 yards for another touchdown.

Bonham had a 23-7 advantage going into the fourth quarter.

It was a night of big plays and every player in Purple seemed to have moment in the spotlight.  Cody Austin scooped a North Lamar fumble and took it 70 yards to pay dirt. 

When the Panthers were on the prowl, it was Eric Soto's turn to shine as the big-play specialist stepped in front of a North Lamar receiver and returned the ball deep in Panther territory.

Time ran out with Bonham knocking on the door, but Warrior fans were thrilled with a 30-7 win.

This sets the stage for an exciting District 10-3A opener next Friday when the 4-2 Bonham Warriors step into the Tigers' den at 6-0 Commerce. 

additional photos to run next week