The Cooldown: Week 1

Cover Photo courtesy of The Houston Chronicle.

Week one of the 2021 high school football season started off with a bang in the Houston area. Some teams impressed, some did what they were supposed to and some indicated a step back from 2020.

Here are recaps of a few of the best games in the area last weekend, other interesting news and notes, and a look-ahead to week two action.

The Woodlands survives back-and-forth bout with Langham Creek

The season kicked off on Thursday night and The Woodlands and Langham Creek made sure to not disappoint fans who have waited eight months to see some football.

The Highlanders ultimately prevailed 48-42, but neither team ever led by more than seven points. JoBarre Reed gave The Woodlands the go-ahead score on an electric 41-yard touchdown run before Evan Durbin iced the game a few minutes later, picking off Lobo quarterback Tanner Murray in the end zone.

Aside from that costly interception, Murray had a fantastic night with 277 yards through the air and three total touchdowns – two through the air and one on the ground. That was matched by The Woodlands first-year starter Mabrey Mettauer, who accounted for three passing and one rushing score, with 207 yards on 20-for-27 passing.

The running back play was equally as good. Reed racked up 109 yards in addition to his 41-yard game winning scamper, while Jayden Landry finished with 128 yards on the ground and another 86 yards as a receiver for Langham Creek.

Both teams looked great in the season opener and could look to make waves in their respective districts. The Woodlands will look to take back the district title from rival College Park while Langham Creek looks to make the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Right now, I’d bet on both of those things happening.

Dickinson rallies to upset Manvel

Dickinson took a step back in 2020, finishing just 6-3 after back-to-back 10-2 seasons that saw the Gators win district 24-6A. But a year later, Dickinson looks to be back to its old ways after a strong opening night win against 5A No. 2 Manvel.

Despite going down 16-6 early, Dickinson utilized a strong game from quarterback Luke Martin to get the win. Martin accounted for four touchdowns, two apiece on the ground and through the air, including a 67-yard touchdown run. That effort was matched by Manvel running back De’Monte Seymore, who carried 22 times for 152 yards and four scores to lead the scoring effort for the Mavs.

This game saw plenty of wacky plays including a Manvel blocked field goal attempt returned for a touchdown by Dickinson as time expired in the first half. That 10-point swing essentially gave Dickinson the win. That was after Manvel blocked a Dickinson extra point after the Gators’ first touchdown of the night. Those blocked kicks could be why Manvel pushed a potential game-tying field goal wide right as time expired.

After the game, many touted it as a “massive upset” on Twitter. I’m not so sure that’s entirely the case given that Dickinson is a strong 6A program while Manvel is one of the best in 5A. An upset for sure, but these are both strong programs no doubt. Manvel should still be one of the top dogs in 5A, while Dickinson looks to reclaim the 24-6A district title – though they’ll have to go through Clear Falls, who looked great in an opening night 31-7 thrashing of Dawson – to accomplish that.