Photo Courtesy of Cypress Fairbanks ISD
Conner Weigman
Originally Appeared on VYPE
HOUSTON – David Raffield didn't know when it would happen.
When Bridgeland football would be a force to be reckoned with. When the Bears could contend for a playoff spot. When the program that has its first senior class in 2019 could be in the conversation for a district crown.
Apparently, 2019 was the year.
Bridgeland has stormed out of the gates to a 4-0 record overall – setting a new program record for wins in a season after going 3-7 a year ago – and on top of that 2-0 in District 14-6A.
"It's been one of those things, yes we thought we could get here," Raffield said. "When? We didn't set a timetable. We said we are taking no shortcuts and just going to work hard. We're really seeing the kids grow and develop at a very rapid rate in the last few months. It's exciting."
The most recent of those two wins in district play is one that Raffield would consider a program-defining victory.Beating reigning District 14-6A Champion Cypress Ranch 48-14 on Saturday.
"It's definitely a huge program win," Raffield said. "For three years this group of kids has been working to get to this point. This group of seniors, for them to go out and defeat the district champs and send notice that we're a team to be reckoned with is huge for the longevity of this program."
The success of the Bridgeland Bears has sent the community into a frenzy.
The story continues HERE
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The Houston Texans have a big challenge in store as they look to start the season with a win against the Colts this Sunday. When these two teams met in Week 2 last year, the Colts dominated the Texans, despite losing their QB Anthony Richardson to a concussion after the first quarter.
Keeping Richardson contained on Sunday will go a long way in increasing the Texans' chances of coming home with a win. The Texans defense will have their hands full containing the Colts backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Scoring touchdowns with their wide receivers could prove difficult, as the Texans allowed the second-fewest TDs (10) to the receiver position in 2023.
Limiting running back Jonathan Taylor will also be a top priority. While the Texans had an elite defense against the run last season, they struggled with Taylor in Week 18 as he almost rushed for 200 yards.
Houston's D allowed only four carries to running backs in 2023 that went for 20 or more yards. Two of which were to Taylor in the final game of the regular season.
Finally, DeMeco Ryans and company have to find a way to get pressure on the QB. They only had one QB hit and zero sacks on Richardson and Garner Minshew the first time they faced off last year.
On offense, the Texans have two big x-factors to watch for on Sunday. The offensive line that suited up to play the Colts in Week 2 last season is completely different from this year.
The o-line was ravaged with injuries to start the 2023 campaign, so we expect a big jump in productivity in the trenches this year.
Another big addition in 2024 is the presence of running back Joe Mixon. The running game only produced 2 yards per rush in Week 2 against Indy last year, so there's clearly room for improvement.
Be sure to watch the video above for our in-depth preview of Texans-Colts!
And catch Texans on Tap (a Texans podcast) live on our SportsMapTexans YouTube channel following every game this season!