Football: Week 5 preview

The Woodlands Highlanders (3-2, 1-0) at A&M Consolidated Tigers (3-1, 1-0)

Up Next: The Highlanders face a big District 14-5A test when they go on the road to College Station to take on the Tigers at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last Week: The Highlanders opened District 14-5A play with an impressive 56-2 victory over Conroe. The Tigers were challenged to the end before prevailing 42-41 over Lufkin.

What to Watch For: An improving Highlanders defense against a Tigers offense that has scored 40 points in three of four games this season. The Woodlands has allowed a grand total of 2 points total over its last two games. A&M Consolidated averages scoring 42 points per game.

Analysis: The winner of this game has a leg up on the district championship race. The Highlanders hold a 6-4 edge all-time in the series but haven’t beaten the Tigers since 1999 and are currently on a two-game losing streak against them, including last year’s 21-14 setback. They’ll get their revenge if Patrick Carr and the running game control the clock and quarterback Dylan Larsen continues to take care of the football, keeping an explosive Tigers offense off the field. The Highlanders offense and defense combined to score 56 points last week and look for more against a Tigers defense that has yielded 41 points in three different games this season.

Oak Ridge War Eagles (5-0, 1-0) vs. College Park Cavaliers (3-1, 0-0)

Up Next: Oak Ridge hosts College Park in this neighboring District 14-5A battle at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Woodforest Bank Stadium.

Last Week: Oak Ridge rallied late at Bryan for a 36-33 victory to remain unbeaten. College Park had a bye week leading into its district opener with the War Eagles.

What to Watch For: The classic matchup between what seems to be an unstoppable Oak Ridge offense vs. College Park’s stout defense, the strongest they’ll have faced so far this season. The War Eagles have averaged 46 points per game so far this season while the Cavaliers defense is yielding an average of only 13 points per contest. Oak Ridge averages nearly eight yards per rush with junior running back Kwami Etwi and sophomore quarterback Braden Letney leading the way. College Park counters with top tacklers Tristan Newman, Greg Biehn and Connor Weaverling.

Analysis: If this game is anything like last year’s heart stopping finish, that went Oak Ridge’s way, it is a must-see event. The War Eagles took a big step last week, winning on the road in comeback fashion, and a victory over College Park solidifies them as a playoff contender. The Cavaliers’ defense has to slow down Oak Ridge’s rushing attack if it hopes to open district on the right foot and avenge last year’s stinging loss.

The John Cooper School Dragons (3-2) vs. Rosehill Christian Eagles (3-0)

Up Next: The John Cooper School hosts Rosehill Christian in a 7 p.m. Friday game.

Last Week: The Dragons won for the third consecutive week with a 28-14 victory over Kinkaid JV. Rosehill had a bye week.

What to Watch For: Michael Gerber and the Dragons passing game against an Eagles defense that has already recorded six sacks and nine pass interceptions this season. Gerber threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns last week. But the Eagles defense has given up a total of eight points in the first three games of 2013, recording shutouts in each of the first two games.

Analysis: The Dragons offensive line must protect Gerber, who in turn has to protect the football, to extend the current three-game win streak.