Freshmen Phenoms
Freshmen lead the way for Class 6A playoff programs; predictions
Matt Malatesta
Dec 1, 2017, 6:00 am
Friendswood freshman Luke Grden. Vype
Originally appeared on Vype.com.
Ready for a Playoff Fun Fact?
Of the 10 Houston-area programs remaining in the Class 6A postseason, three have freshman starters at quarterback.
What?
Yes, North Shore, Katy and Friendswood put the ball in the hands of athletes who can’t even drive a car yet.
Mustang Dematrius Davis took over after midseason and looks the part with his feet and arm. The east Houston star already has an offer from Baylor. Katy’s Bronson McClelland does more than just hand off the ball to Deondrick Glass and Josh Ogelsby. He is well-trained and has a big future. Friendswood’s Luke Grden is 14-years-old and has a live arm. He’s the future of Mustang football.
But that just seems a little nerve-racking for Jon Kay, Gary Joseph and Robert Koopman, who play their best available player.
It’s the regional semis, folks. Let’s get ready for a wild weekend of big-boy Houston-area football.
Here are the predictions.
…
CLASS 6A
REGION III
DI
Katy vs Atascocita, NRG Stadium, Friday at 7 pm
I know, I know. Atascocita was 3-0 at NRG Stadium last year making their run to the state Final Four. Take it easy Eagle fans. The Katy D is giving up like a touchdown a game. Unless that defense can hold down two of the top RBs in the state, Katy does their thing. Eagle QB Jack Roe has over 2,900 yards from scrimmage, but Katy eats QBs for brunch.
Katy by 14
…
Lamar vs North Shore, Friday at 7 pm
This is a complete battle of Houston heavyweights. North Shore is a few years away from being dominant again and Lamar is experienced with tons of DI talent. So this is a battle of the young stars of North Shore and the College Ballers at Lamar. Lamar makes plays on special teams, offense and defense. The 'Shore' is relying on a freshman QB Dematrius Davis.
Lamar by 4
…
CLASS 6A
REGION III
DII
Cy-Fair vs Friendswood, TDECU Stadium, Friday, 7 pm
Trenton Kennedy has rushed for over 1,418 for Cy-Fair, who will out-physical the Mustangs. Friendswood's 14-year-old QB is legit for the future, however. Bobcats defense is too tough.
Cy-Fair by 14
…
Langham Creek vs Kingwood, TDECU Stadium, Saturday, Noon
The Lobos are so explosive with QB Herron, Mehn at RB and Eke at WR. If the defense gets a few stops, Langham stampedes past Kingwood.
Langham Creek by 17
…
Region II
Longview vs Klein Collins, McLane Stadium, Saturday at 2 pm
This will be Klein Collins’ toughest test of the year. Longview is no joke and very balanced on offense. They have only one loss and beat Rockwall, who beat The Woodlands and took Sasche to the wire. Longview is legit. Klein Collins is as well with their heavy set backfield with Spiller (OU-commit) and Powell. Rhyne is gritty at QB. The defense could be the best in H-Town.
Tigers by 1
…
Lufkin vs Westfield, Texan Drive, Saturday at 1 pm
Lufkin’s offense has NOT seen anything like the Westfield defense. Mustang QB Gipson is a true dual-threat and has recently received a DI offer from Memphis as a junior. He’s dialed in.
Westfield by 17
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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!