Week nine preview: Battle for district supremacy highlights slate of games

THE WOODLANDS, Texas- Week nine of the high school football season kicks off Friday and runs through Saturday as we feature a game that has first place implications.

The Woodlands Highlanders (6-1, 3-0) vs. The Oak Ridge War Eagles (6-2, 3-1)

Next Up:The Woodlands will be looking for a stranglehold on the district as they take on rival Oak Ridge at 7:30 p.m., at Woodforest Bank Stadium on Friday, October 24th. This game will be broadcast OnDemand at woodlandsonline.com.

Last Week: The War Eagles ground out a victory against College Park 20-13, while the Woodlands were on a bye after beating College Park, 17-6, two weeks ago.

What to Watch For: Running back play. With regards to Atascocita, the best two running backs in the district will be on display at Woodforest on Friday night. The team that establishes the ground game first will be in prime position for the win.

Analysis: The War Eagles have running back Kwame Etwi (1065 rush yards, 299 receiving, 18 total touchdowns), The Highlanders have running back Patrick Carr (716 rush yards, eight touchdowns). Both running backs put their team on their back and won their last games late in the fourth quarter against College Park. Both teams have strong quarterback play in Braden Letney for Oak Ridge (1014 passing yards, 198 rushing, 12 total touchdowns), and The Woodlands has Matt Bonaguidi and Chris Andritsos (927 total passing yards, 230 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns). Both teams are deep at wide receiver. Both teams will be fired up looking for top billing in district 16-6A. Enough similarities for you? This game has all the makings of the ‘game of the year’ in the district, however the difference may come down to The Woodlands getting a bye week to rest and prepare, and their defense having a stronger year in terms of turnovers and tackling. There’s no rest for the weary in this one, so look for the team that stays strong in the fourth quarter to walk away the winners in this contest.

The College Park Cavaliers (0-3, 1-6) vs. The Summer Creek Bulldogs (3-4, 2-1)

Next Up:The Cavaliers will be looking to pick up a district win against the Bulldogs on Saturday, October 25th at 6:00 p.m., at Woodforest Bank Stadium. This game will be broadcast LIVE at woodlandsonline.com.

Last Week: College Park was bested by Oak Ridge late in the fourth quarter, 20-13, while Summer Creek dropped a contest to Atascocita 27-15, after starting 2-0 in 16-6A.

What to Watch For: Ball distribution. Summer Creek has six players with over 100 total yards on the season, while the Cavaliers have four. Look for both teams to utilize all their weapons to keep the defenses on their toes throughout the game.

Analysis: College Park has been playing good football, and as Coach Carson has noted, they are one play away from winning their last two games. To get over the hump they will need to play turnover-free football, and utilize their ground attack with quarterback Robert Ferguson (135 yards rushing, 553 passing), as well as fullback Dane Nichols, and running backs A.J. Sanders and Dominic Garcia, who all have over 200 yards rushing. Throw in misdirection and play-action passing to their deep threats Greg Maxie and Will Rabson, and the game will be close late. The defense will need to key in on Bulldog running back De’unte Chatman (733 yards rushing and ten touchdowns), as well as dual-threat quarterback Isaiah Bean (467 yards passing, 163 yards rushing, seven total touchdowns) to force quick Summer Creek possessions. Penetration into the backfield will allow College Park to walk away with a win in this game. Give the Bulldog offense time to work their way down the field, and the night may be a long one for Cavalier fans.

The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors (7-0, 4-0) vs Tomball Rosehill Christian (2-5, 0-4)

Next Up: The top team in MaxPreps TAPPS Division III rankings, TWCA returns home to take on Tomball Rosehill Christian at 7:00 p.m., on Friday, October 24th from Warrior Stadium.

Last Week: TWCA traveled to Beaumont to thrash Legacy Christian Academy 71-18, while Rosehill Christian lost a home game to St. Joseph Catholic 47-20.

What to Watch For: A quick start for The Woodlands Christian Academy. TWCA is routinely jumping to early leads, going up by double digits in the first half against good teams like St. Joseph Catholic and Bay Area Christian. Now they get a team that is struggling to find a rhythm, reaching 20 points just once since the first game of the year.

Analysis: The Woodlands Christian Academy has nearly 3000 yards of total offense (2836 to be exact) on the season, and should be able to run away in this game. Look for Luke Hudson, Jack Bento, and Dirk Sanford, to all add to their high touchdown totals (40 all together), and for the defense to get plenty of turnovers as the game becomes more and more lopsided. The TWCA defense will need to keep and eye on dual-threat quarterback Jon Hendrix (268 yards passing, 410 yards rushing, eight total touchdowns), but corral him and this game shouldn’t cause consternation for the TWCA fanbase. Rosehill Christian has surrendered 40+ points in four of their last five contests; that trend is expected to continue Friday night.

The Legacy Prep Christian Academy Lions (0-7, 0-4) vs. Lutheran North Lions (0-6, 0-4)

Next Up: Legacy Prep host winless Lutheran North on Friday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m., from Lion stadium.

Last Week: Legacy Prep was defeated by Bay Area 59-8, while Lutheran North dropped a game to Brazos Christian 59-26.

What To Watch For: Defensive dominance. Lutheran North scored 12 points over their first five games before netting 26 last week, while Legacy Prep has only surpassed 14 points in one game. Expect the defenses to make life hard for the offenses in this game.

Analysis: Someone is going to get their first win of the season on Friday. Legacy Prep appears to be playing better, having just put up 30 points two weeks ago. Look for Travis May (415 rush yards, 123 pass yards, four touchdowns) and Benjamin Bargainer (268 rush yards and four scores), to try and get Legacy Prep out in front early. Lutheran North has been shutout in their three previous games before last week, losing by a score of 153-0. If Legacy Prep can get an early turnover and jump in front, they may mark this weekend as their first victory in school history.

The John Cooper Dragons (2-6) vs. San Antonio Saint Mary’s Hall Barons (6-1)

Next Up: The Dragons will host the Barons on Friday, October 24, at 7:00 p.m., at Dragon field.

Last Week: John Cooper defeated Tomball Christian Homeschool 42-37, while the Barons suffered their first loss of the season at St. Andrews, 31-29.

What to Watch For: Offensive execution. John Cooper has put together strong offensive games, going for over 400 total yards last week. After not allowing more than seven points in their first five games of the year, the Barons have allowed 55 points in their last two contests.

Analysis: If John Cooper can execute on offense, the Barons defense is susceptible to being broken down. Last game quarterback Michael Gerber threw for 276 yards and four total touchdowns, and two-way player Andrew Coleman ran for 65 yards and two scores, while catching seven balls for 83 yards and two more scores. He also led the team with eight tackles on defense. Last week the Barons were down 21-6 at halftime, and were never really in the game until a furious comeback late in the fourth quarter. If the Dragons can keep rolling on offense and step on the pedal, they can run away with the game. Saint Mary’s isn’t 6-1 without reason, so the longer the game stays close, the better the odds the Barons come out ahead in this game.