SEASON OUTLOOK
Katy made the Texas 5A-Division I quarterfinals last year and expects to contend for the title this season as well.
Photo by Jim Redman
Toughest game: North Shore (Houston). The Lions aren't easing into their season, not one bit. Katy was the only team to beat North Shore last year, doing so twice, and once again opens with the Houston school. Then it's Alief Taylor the next week, which finished 10-2 last season.
Local look: Pearland was a bit of a surprise champion last year, and presents Katy with another Houston-area foe to get past for a 5A-I state title. Both Klein Collins and Klein Oak are worth keeping an eye on, as is The Woodlands.
Overall outlook: Katy is always good. For a team that has been in the state final four times in the past seven years, and in the quarterfinals the other three, anything short of a deep playoff run is an outright disappointment. This year's team has the experience at quarterback, the explosiveness at running back and a defense-savvy coach — that sure looks like the ingredients for a state title run. The secondary may be the biggest question mark, so if the defensive backs do their parts, it's an all-around solid team. Predicting the playoffs is nearly impossible, but look for Katy to romp through its regular season, especially in district play.
Coach quote: "I expect the same all the time. We expect to play for a state championship. We plan on playing 16 games a year. Our non-district schedule is really tough, so it'll give us a gauge."
- Gary Joseph
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