KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
November 15, 2019
By Jennifer Miko
Two Katy high school football teams won their bi-district matchups last night. In 6A-Division 1 Region 3, Tompkins defeated Fort Bend Travis. Mayde Creek beat Fort Bend Bush in the 6A-Division 2 Region contest.
Tompkins High School Football in playoffs; Photo courtesy: Chris Colihan
The Tompkins Falcons entered the bi-district game against the Fort Bend Travis Tigers ranked 123 nationally and 20 in the state. Falcons quarterback Jalen Milroe racked up almost 2000 yards during the regular season, connecting for 23 touchdowns. The team finished with a 9-1 record, losing a close game to district rival Katy Tigers.
Tompkins Football Offensive Coordinator Mark Hopkins says, "Milroe’s the most competitive player and best leader I've coached. He lights up the room when he walks through the door.”
Milroe, the 6’8” junior, helped put significant points on the board in last night’s game at Mercer Stadium in Sugar Land. He connected for three touchdowns and rushed one yard into the endzone.
Racking up the Points
Fort Bend Travis scored first, but Tompkins answered quickly with a 53-yard touchdown run by Marquis Shoulders.
In the second quarter, Milroe found Garrett Mack for a 30-yard touchdown and then Connor Kinslow with a 47-yard pass to put Tompkins up 21-14 at the end of the first half.
With less than 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, on 4th and 8th, Milroe found Shoulders again, this time with a 33-yard touchdown pass. Kicker Hunter Huckaby's PAT stretched the Falcons' lead to 28-14. Milroe ran in from the one-yard line for Tompkins’ final touchdown of the night.
Fort Bend Travis would go on to score 14 points in the fourth, but the Falcons’ defense wouldn’t give up more than that, and Tompkins took the win - 35-28.
Coach’s Corner
Coach Todd McVey has groomed the Falcons over the past three years, and the bi-district win shows their growth as a team.
“Our team is motivated by wanting to continue to improve individually, improve their craft,” says Coach McVey, adding “and continue to build our program to contend in 19-6A and also in the state.”
Coach McVey was recently awarded the Houston Texans Coach of the Week award and received $2500 for the Tompkins football program.
At the beginning of this football season, Mayde Creek High School Head Football Coach Mike Rabe said his players had been working to come together as a team. "Being more consistent in all aspects of life," Coach Rabe said, "being committed to something greater than oneself, being dependable and holding others accountable."
The Mayde Creek Rams finished their regular season 8-2 (4-2 in the District), posting the most victories for the team since 1997. Coach Rabe, has led the team for five years, and helped bring them back to the playoffs, after an eleven-year absence.
Rams vs. the Broncos
In the bi-district matchup between Mayde Creek and Fort Bend Bush’s Broncos, the Rams fought hard for the win. During cold and damp conditions in Legacy Stadium, the Thursday night lights shined brightly for the home team.
After a scoreless first quarter, Fort Bend Bush ran in for a touchdown, and completed the PAT for a 7-0 lead. Mayde Creek didn’t waste much time to get points on the board, sending them to halftime tied at 7-7.
Throughout the game, both teams allowed several fumbles. But the most damaging was Fort Bend Bush’s defensive fumble recovery for a touchdown to tie the game at 14-14, with the PAT. In the third quarter, Mayde Creek’s quarterback Donte Jones recovered his own near-fumble converting a bobbled play into a 36-yard touchdown.
With seven minutes left in the 4th, Julius Loughridge ran for a 12-yard touchdown helping his team take the lead 27-14. Fort Bend Bush scored one more time in the fourth, but that wasn’t enough for the Rams who took the victory 27-21.
Coach's Corner
"We talk to our players about effort and execution," says Coach Rabe. "If you can train yourself to give 100% in effort and execute your assignment (or job) in a flawless manner, there is no need for motivation."
In the next round of the playoffs, the Rams visit the (7-4) Cypress Creek Cougars. The game will be held at Ken Pridgeon Stadium, 11355 Falcon Road, Houston, on Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 pm.
Visit the stadium’s website for information about their clear bag policy.