The Cougars faced the Wildcats on Friday in the Patriotic Game, which delivered on the energy and hype that was built up all week for the rivalry. The Cougars took care of business 36-27 in a game that had excitement down to the wire.
The Patriotic game is one of the most anticipated events all year for Tomball and all of the programs that are involved in the show but this was also an especially important game for the Cougars as they were looking to improve to a 7-0 record for the first time since 1991 as well as extend their first place lead in district, and a win would also end the Wildcats’ season by knocking them out of playoff contention.
To begin the game, the Cougars kicked off to the Wildcats and in just a few plays Wildcats QB Aiden Martin gets picked off by Jorge Concepcion for one of three Cougars defensive interceptions two of which came from Concepcion, and that would turn around into a touchdown for the Cougars. From there the first half was an all-out battle in which both teams traded punches, and the first half would end 20-14 for the Cougars as they also received the second-half kickoff.
Coming out of halftime the Cougars came out firing as they scored to open the half and the defense stood up and got multiple stops in key situations to allow the Cougars to get the ball back and take it down the field, using a lot of the clock and getting points out of drives when they needed it. Overall, the story of the 3rd quarter was dominance from the Cougars, as they grew their lead to 20 and they had the ball.
In the 4th quarter the Cougars had another wane in consistency as defense allowed a couple scores that tightened the game and offense found itself running dry as far as points go, and the game came down to a six-point deficit where the Cougars had to recover an onside kick, and they would then take a drive to milk the clock and kick a game-icing field goal that extended the lead to nine, the game ended on an interception with zeros on the clock to seal victory 36-27.
The game was overall a good win where the defense and offense both played a strong game and special teams was a standout difference as the Cougars had two good kick returns, a blocked kick, a forced bad punt due to pressure as well as the game sealing field goal. Other than a few hiccups and small areas to clean up, a great team win with this team leaving a historic mark on this program, the first undefeated team through seven games in 33 years.
The Cougars now sit at 7-0 and first in district ahead of a big matchup against Magnolia that will be a major factor in deciding the district standings. Tomball clinches a playoff spot and sits firmly in the driver’s seat in the race for district with a win over Magnolia.
Player Highlights:
#0 Oswaldo Morales- 190 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs
#3 Jaxyn Faldyn- 185 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 108 rushing yards
#7 Malik Johnny- 2 catches, 33 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD
#14 Abel Quiroz- 3 catches, 48 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs
#17 Hunter Rathke- 3 catches, 42 receiving yards, 60 return yards
Defensive highlights:
#8 Jorge Concepcion- 2 INTs
#13 Connor Lowe- 6 total tackles, 1 PBU
#15 Braeden Schneider- 18 total tackles, 1 TFL
#20 Dayton Navy- 5 total tackles, 1 INT
#98 Lucas Pernas- 4 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 QB hurry
Enjoy these photos from the game.
