HS Football: Conroe takes on Klein Collins in District 15-6A showdown

CONROE, TX -- With three weeks left in the season, this Friday night’s contest between Conroe and Klein Collins will have huge playoff implications as the district football season starts to wind down.

Conroe currently sits in the last playoff spot in fourth place at 3-2, a half-game behind The Woodlands and two full games behind Klein Collins and Klein Oak at 5-1 respectively. A win by either team will set their course for the rest of the season, a loss could jeopardize a top seed for Klein Collins and potentially a playoff spot for Conroe.

Conroe is currently tied with Klein Cain, also 3-2, but holds the playoff tiebreaker over the Hurricanes with their week five 59-56 win. Klein Cain plays Oak Ridge (1-4) Thursday night at Klein Memorial Stadium in a must-win game for the Hurricanes.

Conroe enters Friday night with the #2 offense (470 yds/gm) in District 15-6A, Klein Collins enters with the #1 defense (213 yds/gm). KC also brings the top rushing attack (273 yds/gm) with RB’s Braelon Bridges (2020, 1,207 yds, 2nd) and Jonathan Lewis (2021, 527 yds, 7th) having outstanding seasons.

“We have to stick to the basics,” said Conroe head coach Cedric Hardeman on the “Conroe Sports Report” podcast.

“Coach Mitchell and his guys do a tremendous job, not just with schemes but with developing players. Bridges was a guy last year that I thought highly of, even when he was backing up [Texas A&M freshman Isaiah] Spiller. We just have to execute well, play gap sound, and tackle well.”

Conroe has weapons of their own with senior quarterback Christian Pack having an MVP season (2,627 Tot yds, 28 TD’s) along with Houston’s top receiver in Michael Phoenix (902 yds, 14 TD’s). The game will most likely come down to which defense can stop the offense.

“They play hard-nosed ball,” said Hardeman.

“Very physical ball club, talented and well-coached, we’re going to have to play our best ball game to give ourselves a chance this Friday. They’re going to play their brand of football and we’re going to have to play clean and play our best game.”

Next week Conroe visits Klein Forest and Klein Collins hosts The Woodlands.