Karleskint Leads Bulldogs to Fourth Straight Southtown Showdown Victory
Wylie junior quarterback finding his rhythm as Bulldogs roll past Cooper
🎥 Watch the full BCH Sports report featuring Jadin Karleskint below.
Under the Friday night lights at Hugh Sandifer Stadium, Wylie junior quarterback Jadin Karleskint delivered the kind of performance that every Bulldog fan will remember. Calm, confident, and clutch — Karleskint led Wylie to a 29–22 come-from-behind win over crosstown rival Abilene Cooper, marking the Bulldogs’ fourth straight victory in the Southtown Showdown.
According to BigCountryHomepage.com, Karleskint completed 80% of his passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 65 yards to lead the team on the ground. Two of those scores came on one-play drives — including an 81-yard strike to Blaze Ruffin and a 21-yard touchdown pass to Michael Peña-Perez.
“It feels good,” Karleskint said after the win. “Being the quarterback, just take care of the ball and get it to the playmakers and try to limit the turnovers. The offense is clicking more. I’m getting more confidence every game. We’re getting our chemistry up with reps in practice — over and over again — and coming out here ready to work.”
That confidence showed late. Protecting a 29–22 lead, Karleskint and the offense drained the final 6:25 off the clock, picking up key first downs on the ground. His 7- and 11-yard runs sealed the victory as Wylie’s offensive line powered through the final stretch.
“He’s a very athletic kid,” teammate Landry Pate said. “He can get around in the pocket and throw the ball. He’s very versatile. It’s pretty fun to watch. If he can’t make a throw, he can run — it’s either one of the two.”
The win keeps Wylie atop the District 2-5A standings (2–0) heading into another big test this week — a road matchup against Amarillo Palo Duro, who dominated Wichita Falls Memorial 48–6.
Reporting credit: BigCountryHomepage.com and Greg Jaklewicz, Wylie ISD