KATY-The Katy Tigers shockingly blew out cross-town rival Cinco Ranch late Friday night in a bruising 30-0 shutout.
Cinco Ranch, a team that went all the way to the state semi-finals last year, did not come out as the team poised to make another title run. Rather, the Cougars showcased a rough display of turnovers all throughout the game. This would be the ultimate “it” factor in the game as the Cougars ended the game with five interceptions and had five total completions in the first half.
The Tiger’s defense by and large was the MVP of Friday night’s contest. Defensive lineman Moro Ojamo and Michael Matus wreaked havoc all night on the Cinco Ranch offense, each helping the other combine for multiple tackles-for-loss as well as a handful of sacks.
“We got some turnovers which was great for us,” said Katy head coach Gary Joseph. “Our guys up front caused that pressure; it’s a team effort.”
Turnovers converted into points for Katy late in the first quarter.
After and impressive 80-yard touchdown drive by Katy, Cinco Ranch looked to score some points of their own as they started at the midfield point following a punt.Three plays later on third and five, Tiger’s defensive back Jianni Angulo picked off an ill-advised pass and straddled the out of bounds line as he tip-toed to the end zone for the touchdown with 1:19 left in the first quarter.
14-0, Tigers.
The pressure brought upfront to the Cinco Ranch offense never let up either. The Cougars failed to reach the end zone the rest of the first half. And on their best drive of the game late in the second quarter, another forced pass resulted in an interception. Mistake after costly mistake deeply ailed Cinco Ranch’s offense.
In a sport where turnovers are more valuable than touchdowns, throwing multiple picks in each half of the game almost always results in a win for the opposing team. Such was the case Friday night.
Katy only added insult to injury after their dominant first half in the ensuing quarters of play. Kicker and Texas A&m commit Seth Small chipped in 35-yard and a 36-yard field goals in the second half. Star running-back Deondrick Glass scored a touchdown in the fourth, this one being a diving three-yard score with 10:25 left in the game.
“[Glass] wanted the football tonight,” said Coach Joseph when asked about Glass’ playing time. “He got upset when we didn’t give it to him but that’s what I want. I want to see him want the ball.” Glass, a junior at Katy, saw more reps this week as he is still recovering from multiple health issues—one being illness in the previous week and the other, more seriously, being his knee. He tore his meniscus as well as his ACL in his right knee in the postseason last year.
Knee ligament injuries can be tough for athletes to recover from, even more so for players at the running back position. Thankfully for Katy, it looks like Glass hasn’t even missed a step since his injury. Coach Joseph said he was, “excited to have [Glass] back, not just for us but for him as well being a junior.”
Needless to say, it was a special night for all Tiger’s players and fans. There’s nothing quite like beating your archrival 30-0… especially on homecoming night.
Feature Photo by Chris Brown, TexasHSFootball.com
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