There was much uncertainty surrounding this football season for multiple reasons such as COVID-19 and the move up to Class 6A.

However, the Coogs have proven they’re up for a challenge, continuously improving and practicing hard regardless of the unique circumstances.

Despite now facing schools with much larger enrollment, they are currently 5-2, 2-2 in district play, with only two games left in the season. They’re at a critical point in which victories are key, especially with the playoffs looming. 

“It would be exciting to go [to playoffs],” senior varsity player Mickey Nolen said. “We are doing everything we can.”

The Coogs sit in an uncertain playoff position, currently in fourth with only the top four teams advancing. The team needs to win both of their upcoming games in order to secure a spot.

“If we win, we’ll go, but if not we have to depend on other teams to lose,” Nolen said. “I think we can do it; we’re a strong team, excited to be where we are, and we trust everybody.”

However, this will not be a simple feat for the Coogs. They face Klein Cain and Klein in the last two games of the season, both of which will be tough opponents. 

“We’re feeling good,” Nolen said. “Cain’s a pretty good opponent, we know what we’re doing against them, though. We walked into Oak a 27-point underdog and still came out on top, so we know what it’s like to come from behind.” 

Coming off a big win against Klein Oak – the team that currently sits just above Tomball on the leaderboard – the Coogs are hoping to get another win against Klein Cain (4-2, 3-1). The Hurricanes will be an especially difficult team for the Coogs, stacked with the No. 1-ranked running back in the nation in the 2022 class, Jaydon Blue.

Yet another tough matchup comes the day after Thanksgiving against Klein (3-2, 1-2). After missing the playoffs last year despite a .500 season, the Bearkats will be motivated to make the playoffs this year. The Coogs need to pull out a win in this game to have a shot at advancing, especially since this is the last game of the season.

If the Coogs continue to play how they have against the past few Klein ISD powerhouses, a win could be on the horizon. A split against these schools would put the Coogs at 3-3 on the season, an uncertain but possible playoff position, but a win against both would more than likely ensure that the Coogs advance to playoffs in their first year in 6A.