By George Slaughter
A new week brings new opportunities. For the Tompkins Falcons, coming off an emotional 35-30 loss to Katy last week, the opportunity comes against the other undefeated team in District 19-6A.
Mayde Creek is 5-0 overall and 1-0 in district play after a 41-10 win against Cinco Ranch. The five wins are the most the Rams have posted since the 2008 season, when they finished 5-5. Mayde Creek’s last winning season came in 2007, when it finished 6-5.
This year’s Rams squad is led by running backs Julius Loughridge (55 carries for 482 yards and six touchdowns), Daniel Huery (23 carries for 265 yards and three touchdowns). Quarterback John Zolacha, who has completed 14 of 25 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, leads the passing attack. Huery is his favorite target, with 15 catches for 290 yards and two touchdowns.
Tompkins knows something about breakthrough seasons. Last year’s Tompkins team enjoyed its first winning season and first playoff berth in school history. The Falcons have continued that momentum this season, winning all but the Katy game in decisive fashion.
Offensive leaders for Tompkins include running backs R.J. Smith (73 rushes for 628 yards and 13 touchdowns) and Marquis Shoulders (43 rushes for 506 yards and eight touchdowns). Quarterback Jalen Milroe has completed 62 of 86 passes for 1,368 yards and 15 touchdowns against only one interception. Top receivers include Gabe Atkin (16 catches for 463 yards and four touchdowns) and Anthony Munoz (11 catches for 227 yards and four touchdowns).
The Falcons play the Rams at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rhodes Stadium.
Seven Lakes has a bye week. The Spartans are 3-3 overall and 0-2 in district. Here’s an overview of the other games involving Katy-area teams.
Taylor Mustangs vs. Cinco Ranch Cougars
The Mustangs play the Cougars at 6 p.m. Thursday at Legacy Stadium.
Taylor is 4-2 and 2-0 after its 45-10 win against Cinco Ranch. The Cougars are 0-6 and 0-2 after losing 41-10 against Morton Ranch.
Bryan Rudder Rangers vs. Paetow Panthers
The Rangers play the Panthers at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Legacy Stadium.
Rudder is 3-2 and 1-1 after its 45-16 loss to Lamar Consolidated. Paetow is 5-0 and 2-0 after its 61-6 win against Lake Creek.
Katy Tigers vs. Morton Ranch Mavericks
The Tigers play the Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Rhodes Stadium.
Katy is 5-0 and 1-0 after its win against Tompkins. Morton Ranch is 4-2 and 1-1 after its win against Cinco Ranch.