Overview: The defending 6A (Division II) state champions Katy Tigers have dominated the district and there is nothing to indicate that will change this season. But things get interesting in the district after that. You figure there will be seven teams vying for three other playoff spots. Cinco Ranch and Strake Jesuit have enough coming back for second and third place in the district. Seven Lakes is talented but young while Morton Ranch and Taylor could make things interesting. The Tigers are looking to make history this season by becoming the first school to win nine titles in Texas.
Players to watch:
Deondrick Glass, RB, Katy: As a backup last season, it was easy to explosive ability of this freshman running back. Now as a 5-foot-10, 185-pound sophomore, Glass has what it takes to be the next high-profile running back in the Tigers backfield. He also has the attention of major colleges after rushing for 670 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
Corey Bethley, DE, Katy: Bethley is one of the most talented and coveted defensive players in the area this year. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end recorded 62 tackles and 16 sacks last season for the Tigers.
Ben Mathiasmeier, S, Cinco Rancho: Easily one of the hardest hitting safeties in the area and he always seems to be around the ball. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior had 76 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery last season.
Kenneth Pleasant, OL, Seven Lakes: Pleasant is a big body with good athleticism who will open up a lot of holes this season while also keeping the quarterback safe. At 6-foot-7 and 310 pounds, Pleasant is one of the best offensive linemen in the state this season.
George Ikott, LB, Strake Jesuit: The Crusaders defense should be solid this season and big reason for that is Ikott. He is a consistent playmaker who has a nose for the ball. Last season, he had 79 tackles, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
Important games:
Aug. 26, Katy at Austin Westlake: The eight-time state champions and last season’s 6A Division II title winner will get a taste of high-level Division I talent right off the bat in this season openers against last year’s Division I finalists Austin Westlake. This will be a huge test for the Katy Tigers.
Sept. 16, Cinco Ranch vs. Katy: This is always an interesting matchup for supremacy in Katy. The Tigers will be heavily favored but this could be the year Cinco Ranch surprises them.
Sept. 23, Cinco Ranch vs. Strake Jesuit: These two are widely believed to be the two best teams in the district not known as the Katy Tigers. This early season matchup could very well decide second place in the district.
Oct 15, Seven Lakes vs. Katy Tigers: In a district where the top three teams seem pretty safe bets, the real battle will be for fourth place and the final playoff spot out of the district. Katy Taylor has improved while Seven Lakes is young but talented.
Predictions:
1. Katy
2. Cinco Ranch
3. Strake Jesuit
4. Seven Lakes
5. Katy Taylor
6. Tompkins
7. Morton Ranch
8. Mayde Creek
