HS Football: Klein Cain knocks off The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Losing back to back district games isn’t something The Woodlands is used to. Not winning the district, or even missing the playoffs, is even rarer for this program. However, after a lethargic performance in Friday’s 28-14 loss to Klein Cain, those scenarios are officially on the table in District 15-6A.

After Klein Cain dropped a close game to Conroe, another team on the rise in 15-6A, the Hurricanes came out eager to show they belong in the contender’s conversation. When Cain jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half, it was clear the year two version of Klein Cain meant business.

One of the key components of Klein Cain’s victory was their ability to keep drives alive by converting on third down. With less than a minute remaining in the first quarter, Hurricanes quarterback Luke Pardee and wide receiver Cole Monago turned a 3rd and 25 into an 84-yard touchdown. Monago caught the pass one-handed in stride to stun the crowd for the game’s first score.

The Woodlands running back Jobarre Reed would have tied the game after his 40-yard rushing touchdown, but a holding penalty would bring the ball back and force a punt. Klein Cain took advantage of their second chance by putting together another clinical multi-play drive capped off by Jaydon Blue’s one-yard rushing TD to take a 14 point lead midway through the second quarter.

The Highlanders' first score would come with 18 seconds left in the half. Ben Mills would punch it in from the one-yard line to get The Woodlands back in the game. The Woodlands was able to capitalize on a Cain fake punt that was negated by a holding penalty.

The second half felt like a repeat of the first half. The Hurricanes would convert third downs with big plays and break the game open with a 40-yard rushing TD by Jaydon Blue. Klein Cain wouldn’t have to wait long to jump out to a 21-point lead when a bad snap recovered by the Hurricanes set themselves up in the red zone. Pardee would find Zach Siefkas across the middle for a 9-yard touchdown pass midway through the third quarter.

Jobarre Reed’s 5-yard TD late in the third quarter cut back into the Hurricanes’ lead but it never truly felt like The Woodlands was starting a comeback. The team just never looked like they were prepared for a tough battle in Friday’s game. The game tape will be filled with mistakes and mental errors. A couple of turnovers late made sure The Woodlands would have at least two district losses for the first time in 12 years.

Klein Cain’s win has The Woodlands currently on the wrong side of the playoff line at 2-2, while the Hurricanes join Conroe, Klein Collins, and Klein Oak as teams with just one loss in District 15-6A. The Highlanders will take on Klein next Saturday in a must-win game.