The Most Wonderful Time of the Year…
The Texas High School Football Playoffs kicked off Thursday night in Cypress, with the Klein Collins Tigers (5-5, 5-3) taking on the Cy-Woods Wildcats (8-2, 5-2) in the first round of 6A-D2.
After starting the season 0-3, Klein Collins turned things around, finishing 5-2 in their last seven games. Their offense improved significantly, going from 16 points per game in the first three games to 33 points per game in the final stretch.
Cy-Woods, on the other hand, bounced back from missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2017. With a high-powered offense and a tough defense, the Wildcats started their year 7-0 and competed for the district title in week 11. Both teams entered the playoffs as seasoned contenders ready to make a deep run.
First Half Highlights
Klein Collins opened strong. On their first possession, Braydon Schoggin found Kajuan Gathers down the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead.
After trading punts, Cy-Woods drove deep into Klein Collins territory but turned the ball over on downs. The Tigers capitalized quickly with Schoggin connecting on a 40-yard pass to Micah Hampton, followed by a 20-yard touchdown run by Gathers, extending their lead to 14-0.
Cy-Woods responded with a 1-yard touchdown run by Max Terral but couldn’t hold Klein Collins before the half. The Tigers capped a 79-yard drive with a 27-yard field goal by Benjamin Pena, taking a 17-7 lead into halftime.
Second Half Momentum Shifts
The Tigers continued their dominance early in the second half. Jose Eljach forced a fumble recovered by Gavin Dartez, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Schoggin. Though the PAT hit the upright, Klein Collins led 23-7.
Chaos ensued. Cy-Woods fumbled again, recovered by Klein Collins. But the Tigers immediately gave the ball back, leading to Cy-Woods’ Michael Williams returning the fumble for a touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion, the score tightened to 23-15.
On the ensuing kickoff, Klein Collins’ Ty’Drick Finley broke free for a 95-yard return touchdown. Despite a missed PAT, the Tigers stretched their lead to 29-15.
A Wild Finish
Cy-Woods wasn’t done. They marched downfield but failed to convert on 4th down. Moments later, AJ Canton returned a punt 66 yards for a Cy-Woods touchdown, narrowing the gap to 29-22.
Klein Collins answered with an 11-play drive, capped by Pena’s 30-yard field goal, extending the lead to 32-22. But Cy-Woods struck back with a late touchdown—a 33-yard grab by Brandon Brown—to pull within 32-29.
Cy-Woods recovered the onside kick, moving into Klein Collins territory. However, the Tigers’ defense held firm, forcing an incomplete pass on 4th down to seal the 32-29 victory.
Moving Forward
With the win, Klein Collins advances to the second round, where they will face the winner of Westfield vs. College Park.
Watch the full replay of the game here: nfhs-network.pxf.io/6ybXPq
