Football: Week 4 preview

It is Week 4 and the much anticipated District 14-5A high school football season is upon us. The Woodlands High School football team and the Oak Ridge High School football team each kick off league play on the road Friday while College Park is idle and opens 14-5A play next week.

The Woodlands Highlanders (2-2) at Conroe Tigers (3-1)

Next Up: The Woodlands travels to Buddy Moorhead Stadium to open the District 14-5A season against the resurgent Tigers at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last Week: The Highlanders ran past Monterrey Tech 31-0 and recorded their second shutout of the season. Conroe suffered its first loss of the season last week, a 39-23 setback at home to Clear Lake.

What to Watch For: The Highlanders defense against a Conroe offense that could be without standout quarterback Stedman Bell, who suffered a shoulder injury in last week’s loss to Clear Lake. Bell’s return in uncertain. The Woodlands defense is coming off a shutout and look to throw more zeros at the potentially short-handed Tigers.

Analysis: Without Stedman Bell, the Conroe offense won’t be the same. The Tigers scored six points in the second half last week without him and suffered three interceptions, one a pick-six. The Woodlands possesses enough weapons to put points on the board with the continued development of quarterback Dylan Larsen, receivers Tyler Patrick, Bayley Novak and Robert Le Goubin, and a ground game led by Patrick Carr.

Oak Ridge War Eagles (4-0) at Bryan Vikings (2-2)

Next Up: The Oak Ridge War Eagles travel to Bryan for a 7:30 p.m. District 14-5A opener.

Last Week: The War Eagles remained undefeated with another impressive victory, 59-21, over Nimitz. Bryan dropped a 42-17 decision at Pflugerville Hendrickson.

What to Watch For: Oak Ridge’s high-flying offense against a suspect Bryan Vikings defense. The War Eagles only appear to be getting better on offense. After scoring in the 30s their first two games, the War Eagles have rolled up 45 and 59 points in order the last two weeks.

Analysis: This is a must-win for an Oak Ridge program still looking for a little respect. Even against a Bryan team that no one expects to challenge for a playoff spot, it is imperative for the War Eagles to win this district game on the road. Bryan is 2-0 at home so far this season.

The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors (2-2) vs. The Village School Vikings (1-1)

Next Up: The Warriors are home for a 7 p.m. non-district game with The Village.

Last Week: The Warriors won their Homecoming Game, shutting out KIPP Generations 42-0.

What to Watch For: The Warriors’ running game against a Vikings defense that has allowed some yards this season. Luke Hudson and Raul Giorgi have plowed through a couple of defenses this season, including KIPP Generations’. Hudson went for 163 and four scores while Giorgi added another 73 and a score. Both averaged more than 10 yards per carry.

Analysis: If the Warriors can get their running game going, it’ll be a long night for the visitors, who lost to KIPP Academy 42-0 before rebounding for a 34-16 victory over Northside.

The John Cooper School Dragons (2-2) at Kinkaid JV Falcons (3-0)

Next Up: The Dragons are on the road this week to take on the Kinkaid Falcons junior varsity team in a 6 p.m. Thursday clash.

Last Week: The Dragons blanked the Northside Lions 48-0 to run their win streak to two games. Kinkaid JV toppled College Station High School’s JV by a 32-22 score.

What to Watch For: After pitching a shutout last week, can the Dragons duplicate that effort against a high-powered Falcons offense? Kinkaid scored 43 (43-8 over St. Pius) and 54 (54-14 over Houston Christian) points in its first two games this season.

Analysis: The Dragons defeated the junior varsity team from future SPC foe Episcopal, 17-14. A victory over a very strong Kinkaid JV would build a lot of confidence for the Dragons as they look forward to competing in the conference.