Cy Ridge Relying On Defense To Keep Momentum Going

Things fell into place nicely for Cy Ridge during their 11-3 run in 2016. The Rams rolled into the 6A Division II state quarterfinals last season before falling to Katy Cinco Ranch, 34-17. The offense averaged 37 points a game while allowing just over 25 points a game. Trelon Smith was the workhorse at running back and the piston that got the Rams offense moving.

Cy Ridge opened the season with five wins before losing to Cy Fair. The Rams won two more before losing to District 17-6A champion Cy Ranch. Cy Ridge won its regular season finale and then impressive playoff wins over Houston Westside, Katy Taylor and Clear Brook.

The 2016 campaign was especially important coming off back-to-back losing seasons. The Rams hope to ride that momentum into 2017.

Key Losses
RB Trelon Smith, DL D’Juan Matthews, WR Kevin LeDee, OL Tyrese Williams

Trelon Smith racked up 2,191 rushing yards with 29 touchdowns while running away with the District 17-6A Offensive MVP award. He added 327 receiving yards and four more touchdowns from his running back position.

LeDee had team highs in receptions (54), receiving yards (705) and touchdown catches (6).

Matthews was a unanimous first-team selection on the 17-6A all-district team.

Key Returners
QB Tyson Williams, DL Melik Owens, DE Tyler Cockle

Though the Rams depended heavily on Smith at running back, Tyson Williams completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,621 yards and 11 touchdowns. Williams also ran for 569 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Melik Owens was named the 17-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year after posting 59 tackles, 38 of them solo. Owens also registered an eye-popping 12.5 sacks during his junior campaign.

Cockle was second on the team with five sacks during his sophomore year in 2016.

Verdict
The Rams are losing their top threats on offense in Smith and LeDee and important offensive linemen in Tyrese Williams and Jose Soltero.

If the Rams are going to get it done on offense and make the playoffs again, they’ll need to rely on the arm and legs of quarterback Tyson Williams, who was a second-team all-district pick in 2016.

The Rams have more talent returning on the defensive side of the ball. The defense should hold stout while the offense reloads and gets ready to make a run in the 2017 season.

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