BASSFIELD – The West Lincoln Bears were dominated by the defending Class 2A state champion Bassfield Yellowjackets in a 59-6 loss Friday night in Region 7-2A action.

The Bears’ offense struggled against the strong defensive line of the Yellowjackets and were unable to push the ball into scoring position during the first quarter.

Offensively, Bassfield relied on a speedy running game to put 27 points up during the first quarter.

The Yellowjackets continued their domination in the second, tacking 18 additional points on the scoreboard and went into halftime leading 45-0.

In the second half, West Lincoln was unable to stop the Yellowjackets as they added seven additional points in the third.

In the fourth quarter, Bassfield scored another touchdown.

Trailing 59-0 in the final period, the Bears were able to score on a 12-yard pass by Jayden Rushing to Chase Owens in the back corner of the endzone.

“Bassfield is an exceptional football program,” said West Lincoln Coach Charlie Jackson. “They are very disciplined, and they don’t make very many mistakes. Their speed makes it a challenge to compete; however, I am proud of the fight our guys showed last night. They never quit.

“It was amazing to see some of our guys growing up on the field,” said Jackson. “It is a new day in West Lincoln football, and I am proud of my boys and how they are responding to a difficult stretch of games. I am also proud of my coaching staff. They come every week and give everything they can. I am very fortunate to coach at West Lincoln with this group of athletes and coaches”.

Offensively, the Bears completed 13-of-30 passes for 142 yards. Chase Owen was the top receiver for West Lincoln with 111 yards, followed by Lofton Sills with 26 yards.

Defensively, Julian Anderson and Liam Rutland led West Lincoln with five tackles each.

The Bears (2-4, 1-0) must get ready for next week’s Region 7-2A test as they travel to play the No.1-ranked team in the district, the Amite County Trojans. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.