After over a month since Katy played two tough non-district opponents to start the season, the Tigers made light work of a gentle start to 19-6A and enters the Jordan match-up 4-0 in district and 5-1 overall. After allowing 37 and 41 points in its first two games, Katy hasn’t allowed more than 7 points in its last four games. Undefeated Jordan is the biggest challenge for Katy since Atascocita, and as Katy looks to break Jordans streak, I am looking forward to seeing how Katy looks after some time to tune up.
Jordan struggling with Seven Lakes is interesting in the immediate lead up to the big game (28-14 win and that flattered the Warriors). I saw it hinted Jordan was minus a couple of key guys, but even so the result is still one that raises your eyebrows. Jordan, based on my impression of them, is an outfit prone to playing to the level of their competition. Jordan beat Tompkins 24-14, so they’ve had two close district games so far. Athletically, they have a good level overall as a team and are much improved on defense. I don’t see them as a Region 3 level contender, but they are good enough to make Katy work hard for a win. They treated Katy like their Super Bowl last year, and I expect the same again.
First real district test
I am interested to see what kind of performance Katy brings in its biggest match-up test since losing to Atascocita. Neither Katy nor Jordan reached impressive heights last year after playing a very chippy game against one another in district. Jordan’s season essentially fell apart, and Katy ultimately proved to not be at a state contending level.
It’ll be interesting to see if this year’s version of the game is any calmer or if bad blood is still flowing. I believe Katy would benefit more from a methodical approach, avoiding letting negative emotions dominate. They should invest the necessary preparation and effort that a crucial game demands, refraining from impulsive actions. Jordan’s defense will expose Katy’s blocking abilities and highlight their progress or shortcomings this season. Jordan’s front line is capable of causing problems for Katy if the Tigers are vulnerable physically or tactically. Jordan appears to favor an attack-minded, swarming approach on defense. Is Katy genuinely improving, or have the Tigers just benefitted from playing the weaker teams in district?
I watched back Jordan’s game against Cinco (52-12 win) and they’ve improved a lot on defense. Jimmy (#8) up front on the DL (who played for Katy as a freshman) is showing his potential this season and has been unblockable. The Alo brothers (Jeremy and Rocky) are the safeties this year. Senior Brayden Coffie (#9) is a very, very good MLB. They have a solid looking unit overall and are the primary reason why Jordan is sitting at 7-0 so far.
What to look for
I will be interested to see how Katy manages the match-ups and attempts to find space and areas to attack. I would expect Katy to try and work in the fullback and tight ends more in this kind of game against an opponent that can pin its ears back and cause problems in the backfield unless you make them think a little bit more than they want to. This is a good preview for playoff level defense, and a game where Katy needs to show it has progressed enough to get into some of the fun stuff in the toolbox.
On offense
On offense, Jordan has 4 very good skill players in my opinion (#0 Zion Jones, #2 Chad Gasper, #5 Tanner West and #3 Andrew Marsh). The Warriors have played junior Beau Bryant at QB this year, and they base their attack around quickly distributing to the players I just mentioned. They utilize the screen game heavily and will leverage motion and run fakes to hit their playmakers like West quickly in the flat and let them gain yards after the catch. West caused Katy more problems than anyone last year (3 TDs) along with Sample (graduated). Bryant is not as comfortable getting deep downfield yet, but he is a good athlete and can pick up yards on the ground.
On defense
Katy’s defensive line has been having more of an impact since district play started, and I think this game tells us more about Katy’s interior linebackers. If Katy is going to play at a Region 3/State contending level by playoff time, this is the kind of game where the Tigers should show maturity and progression. Local distractions aside, this is about what happens between the lines in a football game. The winner most likely will be district champion and playoff seeding also becomes a factor if Cinco beats Tompkins Thursday night (making Katy and Jordan the Division 2 reps).
So what’s the gameplan?
Katy’s mistake last year was letting emotion negatively impact the way it played. If Jordan’s M.O. is to talk trash, try to get under Katy’s skin, and push the envelope, I say let the penalty yardage be as one-sided against them as they’re willing to make it. This gets back to the issue of maturity I highlighted. If Katy is going to be a serious tackle football team, this is the time to show it. Respond with football. Respond on the scoreboard. Keep marching forward towards the goals of the season.
