The Cooldown: Week Eight
Cover Photo via @_EricRodriguez1 on Twitter.
Week eight featured some interesting matchups. Pasadena Dobie has been one of the top surprises in the area this season and they took on Atascocita. In addition to that, we got a great game from Travis and Dawson continued to impress as well.
1. Travis Tops Ridge Point
Travis took down Ridge Point for the first time in school history with a 27-23 win on Thursday, and they were able to do it without deep threat wide receiver Parker Washington.
Quarterback Eric Rodriguez impressed again, throwing for 298 yards and two scores. The win keeps Travis at a perfect 7-0 this season and Ridge Point was the most likely team left on the schedule to defeat what is shaping up to be the best team in school history.
The hard-fought win is Travis’ first against Ridge Point and it doubles as the Panthers first district loss since joining Class 6A. Ridge Point has been a stalwart at the top of the district standings for four years, and Travis has all but ended that run if it can win one of its last three games.
Both of these teams are a virtual lock for the playoffs, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Travis win a few playoff games. That’s no light statement considering all the great teams in 6A Division I in the Houston area, including two teams who are ranked nationally.
2. Atascocita Routs Dobie
Pasadena Dobie has been a surprise in the Houston area this season. The Longhorns went in to their showdown with Atascocita feeling good with a perfect record. They did not leave the field feeling good but in fairness, Atascocita is one of the top teams in the state at the 6A level.
The Eagles' 61-6 blow out win against the previously undefeated Longhorns served as a reminder to everyone that they’re still one of the most dominant teams in the area.
The 6-0 start for Dobie is its best since 1999, but Atascocita increased its district winning streak to 23 games with the blow out. Eagle quarterback Brice Matthews had a nice night with 269 yards and three touchdowns through the air to lead Atascocita.
Looking down the road, the Eagles won’t be able to make it to the coveted state championships without beating Katy, who they lost to in blowout fashion earlier in the season. As I mentioned in the last section, Houston is loaded with talent in 6A Division I. Atascocita is as good as nearly anyone, but it’s a tough road to have to take down the winner of the potential third round rematch between Katy and North Shore. For now, the Eagles will focus on keeping their district winning streak alive to finish the season at 9-1.
3. Pearland Dawson Keeps Rolling
Another week, another district win for Dawson.
After being picked to finish fourth in District 23-6A by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the Eagles have blown past their toughest test in Pearland and have gained total control of the playoff race.
They defeated George Ranch 33-14 to move to 6-1 on the season. Kicker Carter Brown provided the majority of the offensive, hitting on four field goals and a couple of extra points to outscore George Ranch by himself.
In a district filled with good-not-great teams, the Eagles will face Alief Taylor next week in an important showdown for playoff seeding. A win will all but secure the top spot for the Division I playoffs. As mentioned with Travis and Atascocita, we could see a lot of teams that are 8-2 or better lose in the first or second round of the playoffs. The greater Houston area is swimming in talent in 6A Division I.