After a stellar performance in last season’s playoff’s, The Klein Oak Panther’s looked to regain the rhythm this season after a poor start. The Panther’s came into this game with three straight losses, and looked to pick up their first win against an old division foe; The Klein Forest Golden Eagles.
The game began with aggressive offensive play calling by Eagles head coach Ken Hammock; as the Eagles pounded the ball in for the touchdown with less than 5 minutes into the game, with the keeper by QB Matt Davis. Less than two minutes later, Klein Oak responded with a spectacular 68 yard run by Andy Wilson, who evened up the score 7-7. After quick scoring, the defense’s for both team’s seemed to be able to contain one another. But neither team’s defense would be able to contain either offense tonight, as the Eagle’s connected for the second touchdown of the night with a 6 yard run by Cory Idlebird. The Eagle’s would score once more before the half on a 41 yard bomb from Matt Davis, to Carlyle Roudett. The score at the half would be heavily in favor of Klein Forest 21-7. If the Panther’s wanted to earn their first win of the season the defense would have to step up big, in order to help the team halt the Eagle offense.
Klein Forest is off to a 4-0 start.
Courtesy of Klein Forest
The Panther’s came out striking the second half, taking the ball downfield more than 50 yards. The Panther’s were knocking on the door of the end zone, when a fumble occurred. The fumble opportunity was capitalized by the Eagle’s, as Dominque McDonald returned the fumble 79 yards for the touchdown. After a quick pep talk with the squad, coach David Smith orchestrated a 71 yard touchdown run by Alfred Baratti, that stated “that the Panther’s would not go down without a fight.” Klein Forest looked confident tonight, and ready for a challenge. This proved to be the case once again as Matt Davis connected with Carlyle Roudett for his second touchdown of the night, with a 25 yard fade into the end zone. Spirit’s were not as high after the Eagle touchdown on the Panther sideline. But there was a player who shined brilliantly on this night for the Panther’s. Andy Wilson QB for Klein Oak would show leadership on this drive as he moved his team downfield into Eagle territory. He would top it all off with a 12 yard run, for the touchdown; pushing his team downfield once again. But that was not it, in the next series he came out on fire, connecting passes, running, and putting his body on the line for his team. He took advantage of a miscommunication in the Eagle’s defense, and ran in 10 yards for his 3rd touchdown of the night; bringing Klein Oak only a touchdown away from taking the lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Klein Oak kicker Michael Shroble booted the ball into the end zone. Rather than downing the ball for a touchback Kalon Junious returned the kickoff untouched over 100 yards for the touchdown, for the final Eagle dagger in this game. The Panther offense would not throw in the flag yet, as QB Andy Wilson connected with Michael Starr with a 26 yard pass for the final touchdown of the night, that left a little over three minutes in the game. The Eagle’s were able to run out the clock, ending the hope’s of a Panther comeback.
On this night both team’s played very well, and both deserved to win, on this occasion the Klein Forest Golden Eagles came out on top with a final score of 39-34. Both teams head into their second match in district play. Klein Forest will visit Spring Westfield. Meanwhile Klein Oak looks for their first victory in district play against Klein.
