By George Slaughter
Katy News photo
The high school football playoffs begin Thursday, and feature a blend of new and familiar faces.
Paetow is making its first ever playoff appearance in only its second season of varsity football. Meanwhile, Mayde Creek returns to the playoffs for the first time since 1997. The Rams are the first of the five Katy-area teams to kick off the playoffs, as they’ll face Fort Bend Bush Thursday night.
The Tompkins Falcons can relate to Paetow’s and Mayde Creek’s breakout seasons. Last year, the Falcons made the playoffs for the first time in Tompkins school history. The Falcons return to the playoffs this year and, like their Katy-area counterparts, have high hopes for post-season success.
Taylor is making its fifth playoff appearance in the last six years. Katy has won its 11th consecutive district championship.
Here’s a preview of the playoff games involving Katy-area teams.
Fort Bend Bush Broncos vs. Mayde Creek Rams
The Broncos play the Rams at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Legacy Stadium.
Coach Allen Aldridge’s Broncos are 5-5 overall and went 3-4 in District 20-6A play. Coach Mike Rabe’s Rams are 8-2 overall and went 5-2 in District 19-6A play.
Tompkins Falcons vs. Fort Bend Travis Tigers
The Falcons play the Tigers at 7 p.m. Thursday at Mercer Stadium.
Coach Todd McVey’s Falcons are the District 19-6A runner-up, and enter the game with a 9-1 overall record and 5-1 district record. Coach Trey Sisson’s Tigers are the District 20-6A champions, and enter the game with a 10-0 overall record and 7-0 district record.
Ridge Point Panthers vs. Katy Tigers
The Panthers play the Tigers at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Legacy Stadium.
Coach Brett Sniffin’s Panthers are the District 20-6A runner-up, and enter the game with an 8-2 overall record and a 6-1 district record. Coach Gary Joseph’s Tigers are the District 19-6A champions, and enter the game with a 10-0 overall record and 6-0 district record.
Paetow Panthers vs. Whitehouse Wildcats
The Panthers play the Wildcats at 7:30 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium in Whitehouse.
Coach B.J. Gotte’s Panthers enter the game with an 8-2 overall record and a 5-2 District 10-5A record. Coach Marcus Gold’s Wildcats are the District 9-5A runner-up, and enter the game with a 7-3 overall record and a 6-1 district record.
Taylor Mustangs vs. Fort Bend Elkins Knights
The Mustangs play the Knights at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hall Stadium in Missouri City.
Coach Chad Simmons’s Mustangs are 5-5 overall and 3-3 in District 19-6A. Coach Dean Brantley’s Knights are 8-2 overall and 5-2 in District 20-6A.