Rhodes Report: A Trifecta for Katy ISD

For Katy ISD, Cinco Ranch, Katy, Mayde Creek, and Taylor all advanced to the bi-district round of the playoffs. And all but one team has lived to fight another so let’s call it a Trifecta for the district. Here once again bringing you all of the highlights in the Gridiron Ace to bring you your recaps of your favorite teams from action in the Region III bi-district round of the playoffs. This report is exclusive for the readers of OnlyKaty magazine.

The playoffs: Round One Rhodes Report:

Battle of the cats goes to Cinco Ranch

Sometimes the idea of talking four teams to the playoffs baffles me because many times the games are lukewarm and there seems to be too many blowouts. Which brings up my next point in the Cinco Ranch/Alief Taylor game. The Cougars put a major smack down on the Lions with a 50-14 victory Saturday night.

To make matters worse (or better), Cinco Ranch scored all of these points in the first half. The offense put up 462 yards of offense and the defense held their opponent to 287 yards and forced eight turnovers (five fumbles, three interceptions-one returned for TD).

Quarterback Shane Ros led the way throwing for 227 yards and three touchdowns. On the receiving end, Collin Buteaux caught four passes for 132 yards and scored the game’s first touchdown from 40 yards out. The season’s go-to guy, Tyler Mack, had four receptions for 41 yards and two touchdowns.

On the ground, Adam Hirtz had 17 carries for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

The Cougars played a nearly flawless game and had only three total penalties. They advance to the area round and face Aldine Eisenhower.

Mustang vs. Mustang: Taylor wins

It has been quite some time since the Taylor football team has felt the joy of a playoff victory. In fact all the players who contributed to the 17-3 win over Houston Memorial Thursday night at Rhodes Stadium were not even born yet.

But Taylor managed to handle business in all phases of the game to come away with the win. Running back Steven Sartory scored the game’s only offensive touchdown on a 1-yard run. He ended up with 106 yards on the night.

Taylor’s other points came from a mishap by Memorial on a punt attempt when the ball soared clear over the punter’s head and ended up in the end zone and Josh Thomas came out of the pile with the ball.

Though the scoreboard may not reflect it, but Taylor capitalized on Memorial’s seven penalties. And they did this by controlling the clock.

Taylor will move on and face the District 20-5A champions Lamar.

Katy back into form

After falling to Cinco Ranch in the last game of the season, you had to know that this Katy team was going to get back on track. Of course that was at the expense of Stratford. The Tiger ground game racked up 379 yards (501 yards total) in the 42-7 win Saturday afternoon.

Running back Michael Webber led the way with 15 carries for 163 yards and two touchdowns. He was closely followed by teammate Will Jeffery who had 138 yards and two touchdowns.

When Katy looked to pass the ball around a bit, Parker Ray made it happen. He was 8-of-13 for 122 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. His primary targets were Kyle (5-61-TD) Hirschfelder and Taylor Brandt (2-48-TD)

The Tigers advance to the area round to face a tough Humble team.

Wounded, but came to fight

Mayde Creek went into the game missing a few key components. Running back Chris West and wide receiver Sheriff Thomas were both in street clothes as the Rams faced off against a hard-hitting Strake Jesuit team.

And while Mayde Creek gave it a shot, the Rams fell short as their season ends in bi-district after a 37-21 loss Thursday night at Rhodes Stadium.

After falling behind 27-7 at halftime, things were not looking to good for Mayde Creek. Of course, 12 penalties for 103 yards is a lot to over come as well.

Leading the way for the Rams was receiver Tommie Cross who had five catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns. DePriest Johnson had three receptions for 23 yards and a score as well. Quarterback Lucas Leonard threw for 216 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

On the ground, Devown Hines had 74 yards. The Rams finished the season 5-5.

This week’s pertinent area round match ups

• Cinco Ranch vs. Aldine Eisenhower, Friday 7 p.m.-Rhodes
• Katy vs. Humble, Friday 7:30 p.m.-Turner
• Taylor vs. Lamar, Saturday 1 p.m.-Delmar

Ace’s forecast:

As I see it, both Katy and Cinco Ranch should come away with wins. The Cougars will have to make sure the defensive secondary is ready, as the Eagles will air it out with quarterback Kenneth Guiton in the shotgun. For the Tigers, Humble quarterback Keith Baker will be the likely focus. If the Baker factor is taken out of the game, Katy should roll. In the case with Taylor, the Mustangs may be a little over power. The running game with Lamar has been traditionally strong and the defense will have to take their game play to the next level to come away victorious. Plus, when the Redskins go to the air, wide receiver Josh Gordon is one of the best in the state. He is tough cover.

Ace’s quick picks:

• Cinco Ranch over Eisenhower by two touchdowns
• Katy over Humble by a touchdown
• Taylor falls to Lamar by two touchdowns

If there are topics you would like to see discussed or for questions and comments in regards to The Rhodes Report, please email crazyaceq@yahoo.com. Your question could be a side bar in next week’s edition of the Rhodes Report.