By George Slaughter
Last season, the Tompkins Falcons were the surprise team in District 19-6A, finishing with both their first-ever winning record and playoff berth. The momentum has continued into this season, at least for the opening week, as Tompkins won its opener against Fort Bend Austin, 66-14.
Tompkins hopes to continue their momentum when they play Klein Cain at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Legacy Stadium.
The Hurricanes won their opener, 56-27, over Cypress Parks.
“Coach James Clancy does a great job getting his kids ready to play,” Tompkins coach Todd McVey said. “On offense, they are led by the steady play of the quarterback, Luke Pardee, who is well-versed in their hurry up offense. The back, Jaydon Blue, is very explosive, so our defense has its hands full. The receiver Matt Golden is someone else we must account for, he’s very explosive. Their offensive line is solid and get great push at the point of attack. They are led by Cedric Melton.”
The Cain defense presents challenges for the Falcons as well.
“Their defense on the back end has two really good safeties in Jalen Thomas and Darius Albright,” McVey said. “They are very athletic. The two defensive ends, Cash Sexton and Javion Tatum, do a great job up front. The bottom line is that we have our hands full with Klein Cain. They are a well-coached football team that is hungry and plays hard each snap. It should be a great game Friday night.”
The Cain-Tompkins matchup isn’t the only game that will excite Katy-area high school football fans this week. Here’s an overview of the other games.
Morton Ranch Mavericks vs. Cy Ridge Eagles
The Mavericks play the Eagles at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Pridgeon Stadium in Houston. Both teams are 1-0. The Mavericks defeated Cypress Lakes, 20-14. The Rams, meanwhile, defeated Cypress Woods, 31-14.
Taylor Mustangs vs. Cy Springs Panthers
The Mustangs play the Panthers 7 p.m. Thursday at Cy Fair FCU Stadium in Cypress. Both teams are looking to rebound after tough opening week losses. Taylor fell, 69-7, against Atascocita. Cy Springs fell to Pearland, 52-3.
Katy Tigers vs. Atascocita Eagles
The Tigers play the Eagles at 7 p.m. Friday at Turner Stadium in Humble. Both teams began their season with big wins. Katy defeated state champion North Shore, 24-21. Atascocita defeated Taylor, 69-7.
Paetow Panthers vs. Northbrook Raiders
The Panthers play the Raiders at 7 p.m. Friday at Tully Stadium in Houston. The Panthers defeated Stafford, 35-7 last week. The Raiders lost to Humble, 55-8.
Seven Lakes Spartans vs. LaPorte Bulldogs
The Spartans play the Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Stadium in LaPorte. The Spartans lost to Memorial, 17-13. The Bulldogs beat Clear Brook, 42-10.
Jersey Village Falcons vs. Cinco Ranch Cougars
The Falcons play the Cougars at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Rhodes Stadium. Both teams are looking to rebound after opening week losses. The Falcons lost 20-7 to Alief Hastings. The Cougars lost 44-3 to Cypress Ranch in Chris Dudley’s head coaching debut.
Fort Bend Austin Bulldogs vs. Mayde Creek Rams
The Bulldogs play the Rams at 6 p.m. Saturday at Legacy Stadium. The Bulldogs hope to turn things around after losing 66-14 to Tompkins. Mayde Creek won its opener, defeating Conroe 35-22.