Highlanders show offensive power in high-scoring showdown

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands outscored Lufkin 63-42 on Friday in front of a sold-out crowd at Woodforest Stadium.

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The Woodlands received the opening kick-off and marched down the field, using a mix of passes, runs and quarterback options. In the red zone, quarterback Eric Schmid hit Chris Stewart for an 18-yard touchdown play. The extra point was good, putting The Woodlands up 7-0.

Michael Tolbet of Lufkin returned the ensuing kickoff to the Panther’s 31-yard line. Lufkin's first offensive possession got off to a rocky start with an incomplete pass. The only positive play in their drive involved Kordell Rodgers placing a screen pass into the hands of Lufkin's star player of the night, Malik Jackson, for an eight-yard gain. Lufkin went three-and-out and punted the ball to The Woodlands.

The second drive for The Woodlands was short and sweet, with a 26-yard pass on first down that put TWHS at midfield. With a confident arm, Scmid made a 49-yard throw to Dylan Casey for the second Woodlands touchdown of the night. After the extra point, The Woodlands led 14-0.

Lufkin started their second possession on the 25 yard line. On their second play, Rodgers almost threw an interception to Ethan Bonner followed by a false start. However, going for it on fourth down proved to be worth the gamble. Rodgers threw a 45-yard bomb to Jackson. The score was 14-7.

On The Woodlands’ third possession, they put together three passes, seven runs and a quarterback option to go 75 yards. Jordan Talford scored on two-yard run. The Woodlands increased their lead to 21-7.

After an early flag for false start, Lufkin's offense put together a 75-yard scoring drive. Jackson dominated again with 49 yards of offense, scoring on a 35-yard pass. Both offenses looked like well-oiled machines. The score was 21-14.

After a 16-yard kick return, The Woodlands started their fourth possession from their 31 yard line. Schmid made an athletic 14-yard option play on second down to put The Woodlands at midfield. His head remained in the game after a big hit though, and he aired the ball 51 yards down the field to Kesean Carter to score The Woodland's fourth touchdown of the game, making the score 28-14.

Lufkin got the ball back on their own 20 after The Woodlands’ kickoff, ready to start their fourth drive. Lufkin put together a 12-play drive. A late-hit penalty put them in the end zone after a one-yard run by Kahlil Brown. The extra kick was good putting Lufkin down by only 7 with about five minutes left in the first half.

TWHS took the field at their own 33-yard line after Lufkin's kickoff. At this point in the game, The Woodlands’ offense was unstoppable, scoring on all four possessions. This drive would be no different, as the offense scored again on a three-yard touchdown pass to Grant Murphy. With yet another extra point, TWHS went up 35-21.

In the second half, both sides seemed unable to make many stops.

The Woodlands’ offense picked up where they left off. After scoring on a three-yard run, the score was 42-21. On that drive, Schmid fumbled the ball, but Carlos Ramos recovered.

Lufkin answered quickly. Jamel Richemond caught a seven-yard touchdown pass to put the score at 42-28.

TWHS continued to use every page in their playbook. They put together a three-play touchdown drive after Lufkin opted for an unsuccessful onside kick. Scoring their seventh touchdown of the game, The Woodlands offense seemed unstoppable. TWHS, still hot from their last touchdown, put up another seven points after a play in the red zone broke down, causing Schmid to scramble safely into the end zone. At this point, with TWHS comfortably in the lead, Lufkin put together an 82-yard drive, consisting of 15 plays, to make the score 56-35.

The fourth quarter went fast, as TWHS ran the ball to chew up the clock. Both teams scored again, making the final score 63-42.