Football - News
Cougars, Panthers ready for rematch
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By Michael Sudhalter
The Cy Creek and Klein Oak High football teams have improved a great deal since they last met on Sept. 6.
Both teams have won a district championship since the Panthers’ 38-29 victory over the Cougars at Klein Memorial Stadium.
The two 8-1 teams will meet at 6 p.m. at the Berry Center in the second round of the UIL Class 5A Division II playoffs. The winner will advance to play Dallas Lake Highlands (9-2) or Tyler (6-5) next week.
“I’m responsible to make sure our kids are mentally focused to win,” Klein Oak coach David Smith said. “Everyone thinks they’re going to come back and beat us this time. We’re better in a lot of areas, and I know they are too. We look forward to the competition.”
Cy Creek coach Greg McCaig said the season opener marked the varsity debut for several of his players. The Cougars have won eight straight since that loss.
“The onus of the pressure is on Klein Oak because it’s hard to beat a team twice in a year,” McCaig said.“We have to play good, solid fundamental football. We blew a couple of assignments on Ossam Cook last time. If we can hold Cook down, it’ll give us a greater chance to be successful.”
While some teams have been successfully slowing the Panthers down and playing a game of ball control, McCaig said the Cougars will stay with their high-powered offense.
“Our kids play better at the tempo that we play,” McCaig said. “For the most part, you have to do the things that got you there. We have to play to our strengths.”
Both teams have won a district championship since the Panthers’ 38-29 victory over the Cougars at Klein Memorial Stadium.
The two 8-1 teams will meet at 6 p.m. at the Berry Center in the second round of the UIL Class 5A Division II playoffs. The winner will advance to play Dallas Lake Highlands (9-2) or Tyler (6-5) next week.
“I’m responsible to make sure our kids are mentally focused to win,” Klein Oak coach David Smith said. “Everyone thinks they’re going to come back and beat us this time. We’re better in a lot of areas, and I know they are too. We look forward to the competition.”
Cy Creek coach Greg McCaig said the season opener marked the varsity debut for several of his players. The Cougars have won eight straight since that loss.
“The onus of the pressure is on Klein Oak because it’s hard to beat a team twice in a year,” McCaig said.“We have to play good, solid fundamental football. We blew a couple of assignments on Ossam Cook last time. If we can hold Cook down, it’ll give us a greater chance to be successful.”
While some teams have been successfully slowing the Panthers down and playing a game of ball control, McCaig said the Cougars will stay with their high-powered offense.
“Our kids play better at the tempo that we play,” McCaig said. “For the most part, you have to do the things that got you there. We have to play to our strengths.”
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