6A Team of the Week: Klein Oak Panthers
Klein Oak’s district opener did not go the way the Panthers envisioned as they fell to Magnolia 60-21.
However, they showed incredible resolve this past week, rebounding to knock off state ranked Klein Cain 33-32.
Freshman running back Micah Rhodes had a monumental performance, racking up 155 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. His final touchdown ended up being the game-deciding one as Klein Cain missed a potential game-winning kick as time expired.
“We’ve been sorting through some things from the start of the season with injuries to some key players on both sides of the ball, along with overcoming some internal obstacles,” Klein Oak head coach Brandon Carpenter said. “A huge credit to our players for not allowing a difficult loss to define how we approached our preparation and execution in a pivotal district game versus a state ranked opponent.”
Klein Oak picks up a huge 33-32 win to start district play over #19 Klein Cain on homecoming night. Freshman running back Micah Rhodes was phenomenal, with three touchdowns including the go-ahead score in the final minute. Here’s the highlights from @Texan_Live: #TXHSFB pic.twitter.com/MeNtGM4X6p
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) September 20, 2024
Rhodes may have led the rushing attack, but he wasn’t the sole weapon out of the backfield. Senior Courtland Guillory also had six carries for 76 yards, while quarterback Jay Osorio was efficient handling the passing game. He threw the ball just 11 times, but completed eight of those passes for 86 yards.
Defensively, Guillory finished with seven tackles, while defensive backs Calvin Molegraaf and Preston Tyson pitched in with six and five apiece respectively.
Klein Oak’s District 15-6A is shaping up to have an extremely competitive playoff race. Only one out of its nine teams is 0-2 in district play so far.
The Panthers will hope this past Thursday’s win will jumpstart their season as they travel to Klein Forest on Friday for another game that could be key in deciding the final playoff spots come season’s end.
Previous 6A Teams of the Week
Week One: Arlington Sam Houston
Week Two: North Crowley
Week Three: San Antonio Roosevelt
