FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1 The Woodlands vs. Katy, 7 p.m. Friday, Rhodes: The general consensus with Katy every year is that the Tigers will not be challenged much before the third round of the playoffs. The Woodlands begs to differ. In the last six regular seasons, Katy is 58-2. Those two losses came to The Woodlands, including last year’s 24-7 setback at Woodforest. Katy has pummeled The Woodlands a couple of times in recent years, but this year’s Highlanders appear to be fit enough to contend for another victory. The Highlanders have given up only two touchdowns in two games, so don’t be surprised if this one is close in the fourth quarter.
2 Westfield vs. North Shore, 7 p.m. Thursday, GPISD: This is the final game in the Manvel-North Shore-Westfield round robin that began in the opening week. Last year Manvel won two games, but this time around it’s Westfield looking to go undefeated. North Shore is trying to avoid going 0-2 for a second time. Westfield proved just how good it might be with the victory over Manvel two weeks ago. The Mustangs can solidify that with another victory over North Shore. All three teams are in the top 10 in the area rankings. Westfield is No. 2 in the this week’s Associated Press Class 6A state rankings.
3 They need a win, please: Several local playoff regulars are off to winless starts this season. Memorial has been a model of consistency over the last decade, but losses to Stratford and Pearland have the Mustangs sitting at 0-2. The task does not get easier this week as they face Cinco Ranch on Saturday. Brenham and Ridge Point began the season with high hopes in Class 5A but have lost both of their games. Ridge Point has its toughest test yet Friday when it faces Stratford. Brenham will take on Westside. Madison has been in the postseason the last two years but will have to beat Terry on Friday to avoid an 0-3 start. Same goes for Angleton when it faces Chavez on Friday.
4 District play begins: While most teams are still preparing for the games that matter the most, four area districts begin league play this week. Among the noteworthy district openers are C.E. King against Dayton in 21-5A. In 23-6A, Travis takes on Alief Taylor on Saturday. Dawson visits Alvin in their 22-6A opener, while Cy-Fair takes on Cy Creek in 17-6A.
5 Pass-happy quartet: Two great games are a nice way to start, but will four area quarterbacks keep up their tremendous play for a third straight game? Sharpstown’s Cameron Allen leads the way with 11 touchdown passes against one interception. He’ll lead the Apollos against Furr on Thursday. St. Pius X’s Clay Roberts leads the area with 674 passing yards and has nine touchdowns. Timmy Ware has New Caney off to a 2-0 start thanks to his nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions. New Caney faces rival Porter on Friday. Atascocita’s Daveon Boyd has been the most accurate thus far, completing 80 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns and zero interceptions going into Friday’s game against Klein.