By George Slaughter
The west (home team) side of Legacy Stadium. (George Slaughter photo)
The Paetow Panthers hope to improve their record to 3-0 when they play Clements at 6 p.m. Thursday at Legacy Stadium. The Panthers, in only their third football season, and second with a varsity program, are coming off a 64-0 victory over Northbrook last week.
Coach B.J. Gotte said the Panthers as making optimistic progress. He described the program as being on schedule, but it would become more clear by season’s end as to where things stand overall.
“Our program numbers are growing, and now with us being in our third year of existence, we have an overall better understanding of our schemes on offense, defense, and special teams,” Gotte said. “We now are in the position of needing to go out in game situations and prove we have made progress as a program.”
The Rangers are 1-1 after defeating Spring Woods 49-0 last week. The Rangers and Panthers met last year, a game that Paetow won 30-28.
On offense, Gotte said the Panthers must execute and control the line of scrimmage.
“Defensively they have size in the front seven, and secondary players that are involved in the run and pass game,” Gotte said. “We will need to control the line of scrimmage on offense if we want to have success.”
On defense, Gotte said the Panthers must limit big plays by the Clements offense.
“It will be a new test for us this year,” Gotte said. “They are skilled on offense with a savvy quarterback (John Perry) who is the returning starter from last year. He is a coach’s kid, so he has grown up around the game and we will need to be at our best on defense this Thursday.”
The Clements-Paetow matchup is the first of seven scheduled games involving Katy-area teams. Here’s a preview of the other contests.
Morton Ranch Mavericks vs. Westside Wolves
The Mavericks play the Wolves at 7 p.m. Thursday at Delmar Stadium. Morton Ranch is 1-1 after losing to Cy Ridge 14-0. Westside is 2-0 after defeating Austin 30-16.
IPN-Mexico Aquinas Blancas vs. Katy Tigers
The Aquinas Blancas (White Eagles) play the Tigers at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Legacy Stadium. IPN (for National Polytechnic Institute) played the Tigers last season, losing 63-0. Katy is 2-0 after defeating Atascocita 56-14 Friday.
Cinco Ranch Cougars vs. Pearland Oilers
The Cougars play the Oilers at 7 p.m. Friday at The Rig. Cinco Ranch is 0-2 after losing to Jersey Village 35-14. Pearland is 2-0 after defeating Spring Branch Memorial 49-23.
Mayde Creek Rams vs. Aldine Nimitz Cougars
The Rams play the Cougars at 7 p.m. Friday at Thome Stadium. Mayde Creek is 2-0 after defeating Fort Bend Austin 24-21. Aldine Nimitz is 2-0 after defeating Sterling, 16-14.
Fort Bend Austin Bulldogs vs. Seven Lakes Spartans
The Bulldogs play the Spartans at 7:30 p.m. at Rhodes Stadium. Fort Bend Austin is 0-2 after losing to Mayde Creek 24-21. Seven Lakes is 1-1 after beating LaPorte 28-23.
Deer Park Deer vs. Taylor Mustangs
The Deer play the Mustangs at 6 p.m. Saturday at Legacy Stadium. Deer Park is 2-0 after defeating Clear Creek, 28-27. Taylor is 1-1 after defeating Cy Springs, 28-14.
Alvin Yellowjackets vs. Tompkins Falcons
The Yellowjackets meet the Falcons at 7 p.m. Saturday at Rhodes Stadium. Alvin is 0-2 after losing to Fort Bend Kempner, 35-0. Tompkins is 2-0 after defeating Klein Cain, 42-24