The Woodlands Highlanders cap off second-half comeback against Klein Oak Panthers

THE WOODLANDS, Texas— The Woodlands High School got their first opportunity against the new district additions Friday night against Klein Oak. The Highlanders get their third straight victory and remain undefeated in district with their 21-19 win over Klein Oak.



The Highlanders found themselves down quickly when a Casey Sunseri fumble was taken back for a Klein Oak score early in the first half. The play seemed to be over until the Panther’s Kris Kleypus picked up the loose ball and walked in for the game’s opening score. There was a dramatic turn of events on the ensuing kickoff when Highlander Malik Johnson went 92-yards for the game-tying score.



Klein Oak added another score before the end of the quarter, going the length of the field, putting the Panthers up 14-7. The scoring wasn’t over for the Panthers in the first half. Highlander running back Bryeton Gilford was tackled in the end zone for a safety just before halftime. The Woodlands defensive captain Sean Stavinoha gathered his second sack of the half after the Highlander safety. The Highlanders entered halftime with a 16-7 deficit.

The Woodlands opened up the second half by piecing together an impressive drive, capped off by a Bryeton Gilford touchdown. The drive seemed to set a spark for the Highlanders, as the next possession for the Panthers resulted in a fumble recovered by Ben Langston. The Highlanders took the lead late in the third quarter when Casey Sunseri found Cole Dodson for the 25-yard score. The pass to Dodson would end up as the game-winner for the Highlanders.

The Woodlands moves to 3-2 overall, 3-0 in District 15-6A. The Highlanders next district matchup will be the Klein Cain Hurricanes at Klein Memorial Oct. 6 at 7:00 pm.