KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
November 14, 2019
By Jennifer Miko
High school football post season games kick off today. Five Katy teams have made it to the playoffs, with this season’s undefeated Tigers leading the charge. Here’s your schedule of the bi-district matchups to cheer on the home teams: Katy, Mayde Creek, Paetow, Taylor, and Tompkins.
Katy High School Running Back Ron Hoff; Photo courtesy: Rams Reyna
The Katy Tigers, ranked number one in the state by Max Preps, continue the hunt for their ninth state title. In the bi-district playoffs, they will face off against the Ridge Point Panthers from Missouri City Friday night at 6:30 pm in Legacy Stadium in Katy.
The Ridge Point Panthers finished the regular season 8-2 and have won six straight bi-district titles. Are the Tigers ready for their first matchup against Panthers?
“We prepared the same way for all our first-round match ups, knowing that we must focus, not turn the ball over, and press the kicking game,” says Katy Tigers Head Coach Gary Joseph. “The kids must do their jobs and not try and do too much.”
Numbers Don't Lie
The Tigers wrapped up a 10-0 regular season, winning their 11th consecutive district championship. The USA Today Sports Super 25 Expert Rankings currently list the Katy Tigers as 7th in the nation. Although the team outscored opponents 467-75, Coach Joseph keeps his players grounded.
“(It’s) never about the last game, it is about the next. It is about how we prepare,” says Coach Joseph.
Moving the Ball
Senior Ron Hoff, made an impressive first-year appearance with the Tigers racking up 1123 rushing yards during the regular season. He ran for about 140 yards per game, crossing the line for 14 touchdowns.
“Ron Hoff has consistently performed for us at a high level, making the tough yards when we have needed them, helping us convert on third and fourth down throughout the season,” says Coach Joseph.
Since the start of the season, Coach Joseph says his team has seen the most growth and improvement in maturity, confidence and paying attention to detail.
Tompkins High School Quarterback Jalen Milroe; Photo courtesy: Rams Reyna
District Teams in the Playoffs
The Tompkins Falcons, led by the strong arm of quarterback Jalen Milroe, finished their regular season at 9-1. Their only loss came from a tight game against Katy, 35-30. Tompkins joins Katy in the tough 6A Division 1 playoffs race this year. Tompkins advanced to the third round of the playoffs last year when they were in Division 2.
Mayde Creek returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The Rams had an impressive 8-2 season. They will be joined by Taylor in the Class 6A Division 2 playoff brackets. The Mustangs, who finished the regular season an even 5-5, have reached post-season play five times in the last six seasons.
Paetow earned its first trip to the post season this year. The Panthers won 8 and lost 2 in their second season with a varsity team. They will be competing against 5A-Division 2 teams and play the (7-3) Whitehouse Wildcats Friday night.
Bi-District Schedule for Katy High School Football Teams
Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 pm
District 19-6A Division 2 Region III
(5-5) Fort Bend Bush Broncos vs. (8-2) Mayde Creek Rams
Legacy Stadium, Katy
Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 pm
District 19-6A Division 1 Region III
(9-1) Tompkins Falcons vs. (10-0) Fort Bend Travis Tigers
Mercer Stadium, Richmond, TX
Friday, November 15 at 6:30 pm
District 19-6A Division 1 Region III
(8-2) Ridge Point Panthers vs. (10-0) Katy Tigers
Legacy Stadium, Katy
Friday, November 15 at 7:30 pm
District 19-5A Division 2 Region III
(8-2) Paetow Panthers vs. (7-3) Whitehouse Wildcats
Wildcat Stadium, Whitehouse, TX
Saturday, November 16 at 1:00 pm
(5-5) Taylor Mustangs vs. (8-2) Fort Bend Elkins Knights
District 19-6A Division 2 Region III
Hall Stadium, Missouri City
Click on the UIL website for the complete high school football playoff brackets.