As Straight Forward As it Gets
Katy opened district 19-6A with a 57-0 shutout of the Morton Ranch Mavericks. For the Tigers, the game offered a clean slate and a chance to get off on the right foot in the games that matter. Overall, Katy made the game about as straightforward as it gets thanks to the advantage it enjoyed on both sides of the football after playing two very challenging opponents in non-district. Photo credit: Ramiro Rams Reyna Jr.
There were some new faces on the defensive side of the ball. Wes Sewell and David Olotu-Judah were two starting lineup newcomers. Sewell was stepping in for district MVP Jeremiah Smith at the will linebacker position. Olotu-Judah/”DOJ” (or the Department of Justice – Katy branch as I call him) is a sub-varsity move up to try and help Katy’s injury hit situation which got worse with Smith’s injury against Atascocita.
Key Takeaways
What I thought was really cool is that both of these players got interceptions and made a positive contribution to the team. This is what it takes over a season. Next man up has to be a thing in an effective team and not just words. These two found ways to contribute immediately, and that’s exactly the sort of thing Katy can build around each week.
The mission is get %1 better each day. I remember hearing a Katy coach in the late 1900s tell us that each day we either get better or we get worse. We never stay the same. The choice is ours as to which one it will be each time we step onto the field (practice or game). And if we aren’t working, our opponent is. We will get what we give.
Back to the game, on offense, Katy created explosive plays in the running game which was good to see particularly from the backfield leader Trey Hill. It is something we did not see enough of in the first two games even though it did improve at Atascocita. As the blocking gels and the unit gains reps, hopefully this will stay consistent through district. Also, I enjoyed Tony Manual channeling Earl Campbell on a few plays.
Looking forward
Now, Katy needs to work on its ability to get down the field vertically in the passing game. The offense needs to find someone(s) who can get behind the defense when called upon and exploit what the improving run game will create and execution from the quarterback position to make it happen. Katy has not shown signs of this yet, but it is needed and have no doubt they are working hard behind the scenes to improve this. All the top level teams in the state have big play ability. Fayo George continues to be a reliable safety valve and touchdown magnet in the flat area. Keep it coming. I want him over 10 touchdowns by playoff time.
Katy has Cinco Ranch on a quick turnaround next Thursday night to try and move to 2-0 in district. Cinco clobbered Seven Lakes 42-3 in their district opener.
