HS Football: Conroe Tigers preview

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The 2019 season was the beginning of a turnaround for the Conroe Tigers football program. After multiple losing seasons, Coach Cedric Hardeman led the Tigers to a 5-5 record and had the team in the District 15-6A playoff race.

After a glimpse of what could be to come for the Conroe Tigers, everyone around the program has fully bought in and is determined to see Conroe become a consistent playoff team. The Tigers’ next challenge will be finding a way to take the next step with players who won’t have as much varsity experience.

2019 Recap

Record: 5-5 (4-4 in district)

Wins: Aldine Davis, College Park, Klein Cain, Klein, Klein Forest
Losses: Mayde Creek, Klein Oak, The Woodlands, Klein Collins, Oak Ridge

Playoffs: DNQ

2020 Outlook

An explosive offense led by QB Christian Pack was a major part of the Tigers’ success last season. Conroe will have to replicate that productivity without him and other key players on the offensive side of the ball in 2020 as only two offensive starters will be lining up in black and gold once again this season.

Conroe will depend on senior Jalen Williams, who has experience at QB, RB, and WR, to be one of their leading playmakers while the rest of the offense takes shape. Williams can certainly be that guy as just about every team in the district has been stunned by his skills at some point. He’s even a threat on special teams as a returner, so Conroe will expect another season of big plays out of Williams wherever he lines up in 2020.

While the defense lost a great player in DL Dominique Ratcliff, the Conroe defense does return five starters. Layne O’Dell and Jaden Williams will be lurking in the secondary for the Tigers while LB Tyler Trantham will lead the way in stopping the run game. Expect to see O’Dell making plays near the line of scrimmage as well, as he has been effective in the role of linebacker/nickel for the Tigers.

2019 was all about proving Conroe has the potential to be a strong team in this district. With only six teams in District 13-6A, 2020 will be about the Tigers taking advantage of a less crowded district and putting the pieces together to create a top four team.