The Bullard Lady Panthers remain unbeaten in district with a win at Athens. (Bullard Soccer)

Staff Reports

Bullard picked up a 2-0 win over Athens in District 14-4A girls soccer action.

The game was scoreless until a Rylie Graul goal with 27:07 left in the first half.

With 4:56 left in the game, Charley Whitehead tacked on a second goal for the Lady Panthers.

“The girls played an outstanding defensive game only allowing five shots with two of those being on frame,” Bullard head girls soccer coach Tiffany Cooksey said. “Bullard outshot Athens 12 to five. Our defensive players worked very well together, but Niyah Gee was very comfortable on the back line, reading every play that would come her way. Rylie Graul was also a defensive threat in the midfield, denying the opponent’s passes and helping possess the game. I am very proud of the girls being as persistent as they are and not giving up. We have had quite the challenging season — one for the books — but these kiddos keep showing up with fight relentlessly.”

Athens won at Bullard in 2024 in a shootout for the Lady Panthers’ lone district loss.

A Bullard win against Cumberland on Friday will give the Lady Panthers (16-1, 13-0) the first undefeated district season in program history. The match is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Friday.

Bullard JV lost to Athens 5-0, finishing third in district, and will play at Tyler High at 4 p.m. Friday.