Football: Week 6 preview

It’s Week 6 of the high school football season and while the Oak Ridge High School football team - 2-0 in District 14-5A play and 6-0 for the first time at the 5A level - looks on from the sidelines with a bye week, there are some very intriguing matchups as the contenders continue to separate themselves from the pretenders.

The Woodlands Highlanders (4-2, 2-0) vs. Lufkin Panthers (1-4, 0-1)

Up Next: The Woodlands hosts Lufkin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Woodforest Bank Stadium in a key District 14-5A showdown that for years has decided the league title.

Last Week: The Highlanders took a huge step forward in the chase for the District 14-5A title with a 24-7 victory at A&M Consolidated. Lufkin had a bye week after opening district play with a heartbreaking 42-41 loss at home to A&M Consolidated.

What to Watch For: The Woodlands defense against a potent Lufkin offense. Last week the Highlanders bent but did not break against a similarly high-powered offense in A&M Consolidated. Keeping the Panthers, who average 35 points per game, out of the end zone - as it did against the Tigers last week – will be the key. The Highlanders defense has allowed just one touchdown over the last three games, limiting a Tigers offense that scored an average of 40-plus points per game, to just 7.

Analysis: Lufkin hasn’t lost five games in a row since…..well, it hasn’t lost five games in a season in close to 20 years. But after opening the season with a 52-28 victory over Tyler the Panthers have lost the last four. They’ll be hoppin’ mad when they enter Woodforest on Saturday afternoon and the Highlanders will have to duplicate its efforts from last week at College Station in order to remain one of just two unbeatens in district play. Another outstanding game from junior quarterback Chris Andritsos, a rushing attack led by Patrick Carr, coupled with an opportunistic defense is the formula.

College Park Cavaliers (3-2, 0-1) vs. Conroe Tigers (4-2, 1-1)

Up Next: College Park looks to get in the win column in district play when it hosts Conroe at 7:30 p.m. Friday for Homecoming at Woodforest Bank Stadium.

Last Week: The Cavaliers dropped a heartstopping 21-14 decision to Oak Ridge in their district opener. Conroe got back to its winning ways with a 21-14 victory over Bryan.

What to Watch For: Conroe quarterback Stedman Bell vs. the College Park defense. Conroe’s all-everything quarterback returned to the lineup last week, following a shoulder injury, to guide the Tigers to a much-needed victory. Bell completed 12-of-14 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 51 yards on six carries.

Analysis: Both teams are in the same boat. With one loss already in district play, each looks to get back in the playoff chase with a victory on Friday. Second-half turnovers have been the Cavaliers’ downfall the last two weeks. If they can take care of the football and get another big game from their defense, it could be a joyous Homecoming for the Cavaliers.

The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors (3-2) vs. Rosehill Christian Eagles (3-1)

Up Next: The Warriors open TAPPS District 6 Division III play at 7 p.m. Friday when they host Rosehill Christian.

Last Week: The Warriors had a bye week while Rosehill was defeated 48-7 by The John Cooper School.

What to Watch For: A potent Warriors offense against an Eagles defense that gave up 48 points to The John Cooper School last week. Luke Hudson could be headed for another field day. The Warriors’ sophomore running back ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns in their last outing, a 47-0 blanking of The Village. Hudson also scored on defense, returning an interception 58 yards for a touchdown.

Analysis: Hudson is averaging more than 100 yards rushing per game this season and from all indications is in line for another on Friday and add to his 11 touchdown total.

The John Cooper School Dragons (4-2) at St. John’s Mavericks JV (1-4)

Up Next: The Dragons hit the road for a 6 p.m. Thursday meeting with the St. John’s junior varsity team.

Last Week: The Dragons rolled past Rosehill 48-7 for their fourth consecutive victory. St. John’s dropped a 42-0 decision to Episcopal.

What to Watch For: Cooper’s improving defense against a Mavericks offense that has scored just three touchdowns this season and no more than one in any game. The Dragons defense has allowed just 35 points over the last four games, all victories.

Analysis: Dragons quarterback Michael Gerber has not thrown an interception in four consecutive games for the Dragons. If he can continue to protect the football, the winning streak could continue.