If one were to describe Humble ISD's football programs heading into 2017 in one word, that word would be adversity. Each school had its own adversity to overcome to begin the school year and football season. However, on a district level, Humble ISD was able to accomplish something it never had before. Humble ISD sent three schools to the class 6A football playoffs for the first time in history. In addition, four of Humble ISD's five schools with athletic programs reached the postseason (only Humble High School failed to make the playoffs).
Not only is this accomplishment fantastic on the surface, but deep down as well. When one dwells on the struggles and adversity in which each Humble ISD school had to overcome during the offseason and to begin the year, the success of each is simply remarkable.
For starters, the Kingwood Mustangs overcame one of the biggest obstacles of all to make a postseason appearance. Days before the start of the 2017-18 school year, when Texas was hit by Hurricane Harvey, the campus of Kingwood High School was engulfed by over six-feet of water. Therefore, the school was shut down for the entire school year (students are now expected to return a few months before the year ends). Kingwood students then found out they would share a campus with Summer Creek. On top of the location change, the Mustangs lost a majority of their football equipment to the flood, as well. They missed multiple practices and if it hadn't been for the generosity of many other schools, Kingwood wouldn't have had a football season.
But they did. Not only did the Mustangs have a football season; they've had a successful one thus far. Despite relocation, starting the season 0-3 and losing their starting quarterback early in the season due to injury, the Mustangs managed to make the playoffs. Now, Kingwood will take on South Houston in a rematch of last year's bi-district round as the Mustangs look to advance to the area round for a second consecutive season. Kingwood travels to South Houston on Friday, Nov. 17 for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Trojans in the first round.
In addition to Kingwood, the Mustangs' campus host for the year, Summer Creek, has had success that's been a pleasant surprise to many. In seasons past, the Bulldogs dominated the 4A scene. Summer Creek was nearly a lock for the district championship each and every year. However, since moving up to class 6A, the Bulldogs have struggled immensely. They failed to make the playoffs for three consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. But that all changed in 2017. The Bulldogs, playing on a nine-game schedule, finished with a 6-3 record. They captured third place in District 21-6A and managed to make the 6A playoffs for the first time in the school's young history. Summer Creek will host La Porte on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the bi-district round.
Rounding out Humble ISD's 6A playoff class is Atascocita. Not only did the Eagles make the postseason, they secured their first 6A district title. In years past, Atascocita has come second in district to schools such as The Woodlands and North Shore. However, it took another step in the direction of securing its name as a perennial powerhouse in the state with a district championship in 2017. The Eagles finished the regular season with an 8-1 record, despite question marks surrounding the offense heading into the season. The Eagles have overcome injury and depth speculation, but managed to dominate competition nonetheless. While their school didn't suffer any physical damage like Kingwood or they didn't face a haunting history like Summer Creek, the Eagles overcame challenges of their own this season. The Eagles will play host to Pasadena Memorial in the bi-district round on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. from Turner Stadium in Humble.
Humble ISD was given an additional treat at the end of this season, as well. Kingwood Park, with the help of some teams within its district, was able to squeak into the playoffs during the last week of the season. The Panthers, who finished last season 2-8, completely flipped the script in 2017. Due to the hurricane, Kingwood Park only played eight games, all eight of which were in district play. Therefore, the margin for error was incredibly slim. When the Panthers began the season 1-3, things looked to be heading in the wrong direction and fans were treated to a bit of deja vu from last season. However, K-Park got its act together and turned the season around. The playoffs were a long-shot, a lot of things needed to go the Panthers' way, but most importantly, they needed to win. And win they did. The Panthers won their remaining four games and with a bit of assistance, clinched a playoff berth. The Panthers are Humble ISD's sole school in the 5A playoffs and fourth school in the postseason overall. Kingwood Park will face off against Port Arthur Memorial on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at a neutral site to decide the winner of the bi-district round.
No matter the results from each Humble ISD schools' playoff games, each and every school played a vital part in the success of the district this season. Humble ISD continued to set athletic records, despite an abundance of adversity being thrown at each one of the schools.
