The Woodlands football open up 2018 playoffs against Aldine Davis

The Woodlands Highlanders football finished the 2018 regular season 7-3 overall (7-1 in District 15-6A), earning them a share of the district championship with Klein Collins. The Highlanders first playoff appearance under first-year head coach Jim Rapp will be on Friday, Nov. 16 at Woodforest Bank Stadium at 7:00 PM.

After a few bumps in the road early on in Jim Rapp’s first season as Highlanders head coach, The Woodlands has earned a playoff appearance for the 22nd consecutive season. A season that produced a 0-2 start, saw a six-game win streak, and a share of the district title. The Highlander defense has been the strength for Rapp’s team, allowing a mere 15 points per contest this season. Led by a handful of productive players on all levels of the defense, Austin Winfield, Alex Atabong, Ben Langston, Carter Doucet, and Sean Stavinoha have been able to slow down some of District 15-6A’s best offensive units.

While the Highlander defense has been more than solid for a majority of the season, the offense continues to do their part. Quarterback Casey Sunseri and running back Bryeton Gilford have carried the load in an offense averaging over 30 points per game. Add in playmakers Malik Johnson and Cole Dodson and the Highlanders offense gives them great balance on both sides of the ball.

Standing in the way of the Highlanders playoff run will be the 6-4 Aldine Davis Falcons. Similar to the Highlanders, the Falcons have multiple offensive and defensive skilled players capable of producing game-changing plays. Quarterback Demarcus Barlow Jr., who also lines up at running back, has been able to hurt defenses with not only his arm but also his legs. On the defensive side of the ball, captain Jonzell Prudhomme an outside linebacker with over six division 1 collegiate offers, has been a staple in the Falcons best season in school history.

The Highlanders will take on the Aldine Davis Falcons in the first round of playoffs Friday, Nov. 16 at Woodforest Bank Stadium. Watch game highlights on Woodlands Online presented by Hal Watson Air Conditioning.