Football in Conroe has been around almost as long as the city itself.
When the Tigers’ first football team took the field back in 1912, the city was officially just eight years old after being incorporated in 1904.
“It’s a very proud community with rich tradition,” Conroe head coach Cedric Hardeman said. “We’re a program that takes pride in the history that we have every day.”
Last season, the Tigers and Hardeman added another chapter to that rich tradition as Conroe qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
The Tigers started 2-0 in district play for the first time since 2008, riding that hot start to a third-placed finish in District 13-6A in 2021.
“It was a huge accomplishment,” Hardeman said. “It was a testament of the hard work that the kids put in and the daily grind of trying to perfect successful habits.”
It’s been since 2012…but…
WE ARE IN!!#2021Playoffs #SicEmTigers🐅 pic.twitter.com/toZuaQK0gR
— Conroe Tiger Football (@ConroeTigersFB) November 3, 2021
Last year, the Tigers relied on an offense that averaged over 28 points per game. If they’re to find similar success this year, their receiving corps will be a big reason why.
Division I prospect Louis Williams III (1,367 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2021) is back after the leading the Tigers in receiving yards the past two years, while Cameron Thomas (901 yards and 11 touchdowns) transfers in after he finished as New Caney’s leading receiver a year ago.
“Third [Williams III] is a competitor; he’s a dog, (and) he’s super talented, but what people really don’t know is his work ethic and how it exceeds even his talent,” Hardeman said. “And Thomas was second team all-state last year, but you’d never know just by his demeanor. Quiet kid. Comes out and works and is a team guy.”
Chapter 4 loa………😈 @BallerTribe 📸 pic.twitter.com/g8ton9C9Sf
— IMH1MLW3 (@Louiswilliams3i) March 29, 2022
In addition to Williams and Thomas, Hardeman also mentioned receivers Nigel Leday (193 receiving yards) Braylon Reece, and Tice Williams as ones to keep an eye on. He is also expecting big things out of running back Nic Medina after he saw some carries last season as a sophomore.
And although Conroe will have to replace dual threat quarterback Clayton Garlock, who accounted for 4,000 yards of offense and 35 touchdowns a year ago, the Tigers are used to replacing quarterbacks under Hardeman. This year, they will have their fifth starting quarterback in five years.
Hardeman said former NFL quarterback and current Conroe offensive coordinator Rhett Bomar has played a key role in developing each of those quarterbacks. Bomar has been working with this year’s expected starter Javarious Hatchett (139 passing yards and two touchdowns) since eighth grade, giving Hardeman full trust that Hatchett will be ready come this fall.
Elsewhere on offense, Jacob Pitzer and Damarcus Wilridge return to anchor the offensive line. Just in the past week, Wilridge received an offer from Southern, while Pitzer picked one up from Hardin-Simmons.
#AGTG Extremely Blessed to receive my first D1 offer from Southern University pic.twitter.com/tBX6p522P7
— Damarcus Wilridge (@demarc07) May 19, 2022
With plenty of talent at the skill positions and Pitzer and Wilridge up front, Hardeman is excited to see the Conroe offense this fall.
“That side is pretty talented,” Hardeman said. “We’re going to put a lot on them.”
On the other side of the ball, Hardeman admits his Tiger defense fell short of expectations last year after allowing over 37 points per game.
“I think the kids returning on that side of the ball really took that to heart in offseason,” Hardeman said. “You know, understanding that we’re trying to become better individually so we can be better collectively. And you can see that growth.”
Up front, defensive tackle Braylen Thomas (39 tackles) and defensive end Lisandro Demagistris (57 total tackles) are back as three-year starters. Behind them, the Tigers are planning to shift Braydon Jones (42 total tackles) from defensive end to linebacker this season, while linebacker Brock Ireland (60 total tackles) is back for his second year on defense after he was moved over from receiver last offseason.
I’m always in the area be alert🦹🏾♂️🔟 #SicEmTigers🐅 pic.twitter.com/JNVlx6ZDxW
— braydon jones (@blightshow10) March 25, 2022
And with six returning starters defensively, Hardeman is hoping that the Tigers can make some strides as they do battle in a competitive District 13-6A. After the district consisted of just six teams the past two years, Caney Creek, Cleveland, and New Caney all join the fray this year.
With eight of those nine teams located in Montgomery County in addition to New Caney bringing in its résumé of seven-straight playoff berths, Hardeman expects competition to be fierce for the four playoff spots.
“It’s a competitive district; you have familiarity with all the different schools that have competed against each other the years,” Hardeman said. “The kids grow up kind of knowing each other and when you have that familiarity, it’s a little tougher from the standpoint of game planning. Every game is a dogfight.”
And with an eight-game district slate this year, it means that the Tigers will have just two tune-up games before jumping into crucial district contests. However, Hardeman said his message to his players will be to control what they can control and to represent their community with pride as they seek to earn their second-straight playoff appearance.
“We come out every day and we work,” Hardeman said. “We have pride in what we do, and every day we just try to go out there and be a better version of ourselves than the day before.”
2022 Conroe Tigers Football Schedule
(Bold Designates District 13-6A Game)
8/26 at Katy Paetow 6:00 PM
9/2 vs Aldine Eisenhower 7:00 PM
9/9 vs Conroe Caney Creek 7:00 PM
9/16 vs Willis 7:00 PM
9/23 at The Woodlands 7:00 PM
9/30 vs Conroe Oak Ridge 7:00 PM
10/7 at New Caney 7:00 PM
10/21 vs Conroe Grand Oaks 7:00 PM
10/28 at Cleveland 7:00 PM
11/4 vs The Woodlands College Park 7:00 PM
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