6A Team of the Week: Cypress Park Tigers
Cypress Park had to be wondering if it was just not meant to be. The Tigers entered 2026 on a 41-game losing streak.
In week one, they came up short to Alief Hastings 23-21. Last week, they watched a 27-14 fourth quarter lead evaporate in a 28-27 defeat to Cypress Ridge.
“We’ve been close,” Cypress Park head coach Donald Lawrence said. “Our kids have experienced the disappointment of walking off that field knowing there were opportunities to win, but they never stopped competing.”
This week, it was finally the Tigers’ turn. After trailing 12-0 to Cypress Creek in the first half, Cypress Park rallied back to force overtime with the game tied at 12.
After Cypress Park’s defense got a stop, the offense delivered. On fourth-and-four, Triston Whipple fired a dart to Chris Owoeye for the game-winning 19-yard touchdown. Just like that, Cypress Park had its first victory since November 6, 2021.
“What impressed me most was their competitive spirit. They didn’t carry the disappointment of the previous weeks onto the field as baggage. They used those experiences to become better,” Lawrence said. “And when the game got tight and went to overtime, there wasn’t panic. There was belief. Our kids trusted each other, trusted the plan and competed.”
For the first time since Nov. 6, 2021 (1,771 days) @CyParkFootball adds a “W” to their record! The Tigers defeat Cy Creek, 18-12, in a thrilling overtime victory! #CFISDspirit #ChooseCFISD #txhsfb 🏈 pic.twitter.com/aeAS4RSBCb
— Abbie Geveshausen (@CFISDAbbie) September 13, 2026
Running back Will Warren led the offense on the night with 143 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Whipple was a dual threat with 99 passing yards and 80 yards on the ground, and Basheel Ware also had a rushing touchdown along with 52 yards on six carries. Defensively, linebacker Kaden Watkins was all over the field with 15 tackles and three tackles for loss, while defensive back Lovell Iverson pitched in with ten tackles.
It was a night for Cypress Park to celebrate, especially with a bye this week, but second-year head coach Donald Lawrence hopes it’s the start of something bigger.
