The Woodlands take control of District 15-6A with win over Conroe

THE WOODLANDS, Texas— The Woodlands Highlanders defeated the Conroe Tigers in an old-school rivalry matchup Friday night at Moorhead Stadium 45-13. Conroe’s high-powered offense couldn’t keep up with Highlander running back Bryeton Gilford, who scored four touchdowns in the first half.

The Highlanders wasted no time making an impact on the game as Austin Winfield intercepted Conroe quarterback Jay Smith on the first play of the game. Gilford would score his first of four touchdowns just moments later. The junior standout had touchdown runs of 21, 8, 42, and 43 yards, easily putting him over the century mark for the game.

Conroe’s explosive offense quickly shook off the interception from the first drive, going the length of the field, ending with a Jay Smith 4 yard touchdown pass to Michael Guitterez. The score would be the only one for the Tigers in the first half. With the rain playing a factor in the passing game, Smith would throw two more interceptions in the half to Carter Doucet and Jacob Kutchback.

The Woodlands junior running back Brandon Wheeler opened up the scoring in the second half with a 14-yard touchdown run that extended the Highlanders lead to 38-7. Conroe’s offense would quickly answer with a score of their own when Jay Smith connected with Michael Phoenix for a 60-yard touchdown. With the game winding down, the Highlanders added one last score on a Ben Mills pass to Cole Dodson late in the fourth quarter.

The Highlanders move to 6-2 and extend their win streak to six in a row. With a Klein Collins loss to Klein earlier in the night, The Woodlands now holds sole possession of first place in District 15-6A. The two teams will meet next week as the Highlanders look to win outright.