2015 Record: 0-1
Let's be real here. There is absolutely no reason for me to sugarcoat a 41-point loss. I have watched nearly every Cy Woods football game, and I have never seen a Wildcat football team botch so many snaps. I have never seen the offense have so many plays where they lost 10 or more yards, either. I have never seen a defense miss so many tackles. Put all of those together and, well... you will get what happened Saturday afternoon at Reliant Stadium. There were few, if any, redeeming values to this game. It was definitely a bottom-5 game in this team's history. All the miscues just ended up snowballing and the Cats ended up getting buried under all of it.
But...... if I remember correctly, the Cats got smacked by Klein Collins to open 2014, and ultimately, they ended up having a fine season. Just relax. Repeat after me and take a deep breath in between: It's only the first game. If you plan on voicing your complaints to me, that will be my answer. If you follow sports outside of Cy Woods football, then surely you realize that blowout wins/losses are a part of sports. They will be alright.
Also... with this loss, Cy Woods was swept by Klein Collins, program-wise.
So, What Happened Was...
Not good, to say the least.
Justin Pratt opened the scoring with a 1-yard run. "Justin Pratt touchdown" would be the running theme of the afternoon. Bryson Powers scored the first points of the season on a 2-yard run, but Pratt seized control of this game in a hurry.
End 1st: Klein Collins 14, Cy Woods 7
The wheels completely fell off for the Wildcats in the 2nd quarter. Let's just leave it at that.
Halftime: Klein Collins 34, Cy Woods 7
Tre' Hart's 56-yard touchdown catch opened up the scoring in the 2nd half, but again, it was all Tigers.
End 3rd: Klein Collins 48, Cy Woods 14
The Tigers added a couple more touchdowns in the final stanza for good measure. Austin Goffney had an impressive run as he broke about 4 tackles and tightroped his way down the sideline and into the endzone from 20 yards out.
Final: Klein Collins 62, Cy Woods 21
Ground
So many bad snaps, and all the scrambling around in an attempt to recover the loose balls ended up wrecking a few very promising drives for the Wildcats.
C.J. Jones: 7 carries, 66 yards
Jared Taylor: 3 carries, 45 yards
Jack Barrientez: 4 carries, 18 yards
R.J. Harmon: 4 carries, 4 yards
Josh Carter: 1 carry, 2 yards
Jordan Johnson: 1 carry, 1 yard
Bryson Powers: 13 carries, -22 yards, TD
There were also 4 carries that were attributed to no one. The Wildcats lost 31 yards on those 4 "carries."
Air
The Tigers' pass rush terrorized Bryson Powers and Austin Goffney all day. Bryson did throw a touchdown pass, but he was under siege and threw a couple of picks, one of which came on a very unfortunate deflection.
Bryson Powers: 6-16, 133 yards, TD, 2 INT
Austin Goffney: 2-6, 33 yards
Tre' Hart was one of the few bright spots for the Wildcats as he caught 5 passes for 128 yards, which included a 56-yard touchdown. He was one of only 3 players to catch a pass for the Wildcats.
Tre' Hart: 5 rec, 128 yards, TD
Jared Taylor: 2 rec, 18 yards
C.J. Jones: 1 rec, 20 yards
Defense
Just like last year, the Wildcat defense had no answer for Justin Pratt. The theme on defense was missed tackles. 3rd down defense was a serious issue last year, and after this game, that aspect still needs rectifying. Klein Collins converted 10 (8-14 on 3rd, 2-2 on 4th) of their 16 late-down opportunities.
Special Teams
Luis Reyes hit all 3 of his extra points. The Tigers decided to pooch kick for much of the game, even with their lopsided lead.
C.J. Jones: 4 kicks returned, 51 yards; 2 punts returned, 17 yards
Jared Taylor: 4 kicks returned, 37 yards
Kason Franklin: 2 kicks returned, 17 yards
Jordan Johnson: 3 punts, 95 yards, long of 42
Seth Despres: 2 punts, 62 yards, long of 36
Man of the Match
I suppose Tre' Hart wins it with his 128-yard performance. He accounted for 77% of the receiving yards that were compiled.
Looking Ahead
After a bye week, the Wildcats will begin District 17-6A play, which represents the actual season, in case you were wondering, against the Cypress Ridge Rams on Friday, September 11 at the Berry Center.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 1
This is the final post of the Cy Woods All-Time Roster.
Tyler Williamson, also known as "T-Time," was a cornerback in 2008. He was the first Wildcat to wear #1. Tyler was the fastest player in the program and was by far the best athlete in the Class of 2009. He ran a 4.3 (flat) 40, but that was back when our 40 times were hand-timed. He holds the school record in the long jump.
After Cy Woods, Tyler accepted a track and field scholarship at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He sprinted and jumped, but the long jump was his event. His personal best in the event at UTSA was 25 feet, 8.75 inches, which was a school record that has since been broken. He also holds the UTSA indoor record, when he jumped 25 feet, 0.5 inches at the New Balance Invitational in 2012. In 2010, he was the Southland Conference champion in the outdoor long jump and was a two-time indoor champion in the Southland, winning 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he was the outdoor long jump champion in the Western Athletic Conference.
After concluding his college career, Tyler became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and launched Kinetic, a personal training service, mainly focusing on footwork (speed, agility, etc.). He has left that venture behind, but he is still working as a personal trainer in The Woodlands. Although I do not know Tyler well, I know that he is a former Division I athlete who was among the best in the country in his discipline. If you are a Wildcat football player looking to improve athletically, I feel that he would be more than happy to help out.
Side note: While at UTSA, Tyler saved a child who was drowning.
John Polivka, a linebacker, wore 1 in 2009. He was originally a cornerback before moving over to linebacker, and he appeared on all of the special teams in the 2009 season. John also competed as a powerlifter for the Wildcats.
Patrick Gant, a starting wide receiver and team captain in 2010, was the next Wildcat to wear #1. Pat also played baseball at Cy Woods and went on to play wide receiver at Prairie View A&M. He's now a tax lawyer.
Mason Roberts, a wide receiver/quarterback, made the varsity in 2011, his sophomore year. His mother, Linda, is the athletics secretary at Cy Woods, and his father, Robbie, was a former Secret Service agent. His older sister, Susan, played soccer for the Wildcats.
In his three years on the team, Mason evolved into a dangerous weapon for the Wildcats thanks to his versatility. He was a three-year starter at wide receiver and was also the starting quarterback for part of the 2012 season. Mason is currently a wide receiver at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Jordan Johnson, a wide receiver/punter, switched to #1 in 2014, his junior year, after getting called up as a sophomore. He was assigned #88 after being called up in 2013.
In his two full seasons on the varsity, Jordan established himself as a home run threat and was an honorable mention All-District selection in 2014. As a punter, he was a 2nd-team pick. Jordan also featured prominently as a returner as teams made a concerted effort to kick away from C.J. Jones.
As a senior, Jordan was a first-team All-District selection in District 17-6A following a season in which he caught 22 passes for 710 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 10 touchdown catches tied the Cy Woods single-season record for touchdown catches in a season, a feat that has also been achieved by Fred Anderson in 2010 and Gary Tesch in 2011. In addition, his 14 career touchdown receptions puts him in a tie for the top spot with Gary and C.J. His 94-yard touchdown reception against Creek is the longest offensive touchdown in Cy Woods history.
His older brother, Eric, played as a cornerback from 2011-12, and just as his brother did, Jordan also competed in track & field for the Wildcats, specializing in the sprints and the jumps. I think he preferred jumping. He currently competes in track and field at the collegiate level for Texas A&M.
Tyler Williamson, also known as "T-Time," was a cornerback in 2008. He was the first Wildcat to wear #1. Tyler was the fastest player in the program and was by far the best athlete in the Class of 2009. He ran a 4.3 (flat) 40, but that was back when our 40 times were hand-timed. He holds the school record in the long jump.
After Cy Woods, Tyler accepted a track and field scholarship at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He sprinted and jumped, but the long jump was his event. His personal best in the event at UTSA was 25 feet, 8.75 inches, which was a school record that has since been broken. He also holds the UTSA indoor record, when he jumped 25 feet, 0.5 inches at the New Balance Invitational in 2012. In 2010, he was the Southland Conference champion in the outdoor long jump and was a two-time indoor champion in the Southland, winning 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he was the outdoor long jump champion in the Western Athletic Conference.
After concluding his college career, Tyler became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and launched Kinetic, a personal training service, mainly focusing on footwork (speed, agility, etc.). He has left that venture behind, but he is still working as a personal trainer in The Woodlands. Although I do not know Tyler well, I know that he is a former Division I athlete who was among the best in the country in his discipline. If you are a Wildcat football player looking to improve athletically, I feel that he would be more than happy to help out.
Side note: While at UTSA, Tyler saved a child who was drowning.
Tyler Williamson, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2008
#TBT CEO Tyler Williamson of UTSA Long Jumping @ NCAAs. Tyler's career best was 25ft8in. #KINETIC #WhoTrainsU ? pic.twitter.com/ZlQbkYKDCy
— KINETIC (@kinetictx) June 4, 2015
Tyler Williamson, UTSA Roadrunners track & field, 2009-13
John Polivka, a linebacker, wore 1 in 2009. He was originally a cornerback before moving over to linebacker, and he appeared on all of the special teams in the 2009 season. John also competed as a powerlifter for the Wildcats.
John Polivka (middle), 2009
Patrick Gant, a starting wide receiver and team captain in 2010, was the next Wildcat to wear #1. Pat also played baseball at Cy Woods and went on to play wide receiver at Prairie View A&M. He's now a tax lawyer.
Patrick Gant, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2010
One of his old profile pictures on Facebook
Patrick Gant, Prairie View A&M Panthers, 2011-15
Mason Roberts, a wide receiver/quarterback, made the varsity in 2011, his sophomore year. His mother, Linda, is the athletics secretary at Cy Woods, and his father, Robbie, was a former Secret Service agent. His older sister, Susan, played soccer for the Wildcats.
In his three years on the team, Mason evolved into a dangerous weapon for the Wildcats thanks to his versatility. He was a three-year starter at wide receiver and was also the starting quarterback for part of the 2012 season. Mason is currently a wide receiver at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Mason Roberts, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2011-13
Nicholls State Colonels, 2014-present
In his two full seasons on the varsity, Jordan established himself as a home run threat and was an honorable mention All-District selection in 2014. As a punter, he was a 2nd-team pick. Jordan also featured prominently as a returner as teams made a concerted effort to kick away from C.J. Jones.
As a senior, Jordan was a first-team All-District selection in District 17-6A following a season in which he caught 22 passes for 710 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 10 touchdown catches tied the Cy Woods single-season record for touchdown catches in a season, a feat that has also been achieved by Fred Anderson in 2010 and Gary Tesch in 2011. In addition, his 14 career touchdown receptions puts him in a tie for the top spot with Gary and C.J. His 94-yard touchdown reception against Creek is the longest offensive touchdown in Cy Woods history.
His older brother, Eric, played as a cornerback from 2011-12, and just as his brother did, Jordan also competed in track & field for the Wildcats, specializing in the sprints and the jumps. I think he preferred jumping. He currently competes in track and field at the collegiate level for Texas A&M.
Photo by Cameron Brooks
Jordan Johnson, 2013-15; wore #88 in 2013
Texas A&M Aggies track & field, 2016-present
Luis Reyes wore #1 in 2016, his senior season. He finished his Cy Woods career with 187 points scored, the most by a Wildcat kicker.
Photo by Matt Ramos or Billy Schuerman
Luis Reyes, 2014-16
Greg Blaser earned second-team All-District 17-6A honors as the punter in 2017. He is currently a kicker and punter at Texas Wesleyan, which recently restarted its football program.
Greg Blaser, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2017
Texas Wesleyan Rams, 2018-present
Christian Scott switched to #1 in 2018, his junior year, and eventually became a two-year starter at A-back.
Christian was an honorable mention All-District 14-6A selection in 2018 and a 2nd-team selection in 2019. He'll continue his football career at Bethel College, an NAIA school in Kansas.
Photo by Tom Dendy
Christian Scott, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2017-19; wore #37 in 2017
Bethel Threshers, starting in fall 2020
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 2
2 days to go. Let's look at the Wildcats who have worn #2.
Jarel Richard, a starting cornerback in 2008, was the first Wildcat to wear #2. Jarel served in the Navy.
Von'Darrick Jones, a safety, was the next Wildcat to wear #2. He also wore this number when he was at Jersey Village. He made the varsity at JV as a sophomore in 2007 and played two seasons there. Von'Darrick transferred to Cy Woods during the second semester of junior year. If you are unfamiliar with Jersey Village football from that time period, they usually brought up the rear in Cy-Fair ISD. I don't remember him ever talking about his time at Jersey Village much, but I could tell that he got tired of the losing.
At Cy Woods, he got a fresh start. Von'Darrick might have been a Falcon first, but he quickly acclimated himself to the culture at Cy Woods and became a starter and a team captain in the 2009 season. After Cy Woods, he played at Trinity University in San Antonio. As a player, Von'Darrick was a three-time 1st-team All-SCAC performer from 2011-13 and served as a team captain for the 2013 season.
In 2015, he served as a graduate assistant on Trinity's coaching staff.
Casey Hicks, a wide receiver in 2010, was the next Wildcat to wear #2.
Jamaul Tompkins, a safety, made the varsity in 2010, his junior year, and wore #28 that season. He became a starter in 2011 and switched to #2. Jamaul was 25% of the most feared secondary in Cy Woods history: he, Josh Holley, Deonte Davis, and Alfred "Bama" Pullom were merciless, and they backed up their talking with some punishing hits. After Cy Woods, Jamaul signed with Midwestern State University, a Division II school located in Wichita Falls, and played there for a couple of seasons. His brother, Michael Akita, is a senior defensive back.
Peter Zachary "Chuck" Garza, a running back, wore #2 when he was called up to the varsity in 2012, his junior year. He became Samuel Stewart's primary backup in 2013 and also saw some action as a safety. Chuck mainly liked making defenders miss, but he was a pretty tough runner, too. Collegiately, he played wide receiver at Bethany College in Kansas.
Justin Lawson, a cornerback, wore #2 in 2014. His older brothers were all involved in Cy Woods athletics; David, his oldest brother, was a wide receiver and a sprinter in 2009, and his other older brother, Davonne, was a student athletic trainer from 2009-13.
Jarel Richard, a starting cornerback in 2008, was the first Wildcat to wear #2. Jarel served in the Navy.
Jarel Richard, 2008
Von'Darrick Jones, a safety, was the next Wildcat to wear #2. He also wore this number when he was at Jersey Village. He made the varsity at JV as a sophomore in 2007 and played two seasons there. Von'Darrick transferred to Cy Woods during the second semester of junior year. If you are unfamiliar with Jersey Village football from that time period, they usually brought up the rear in Cy-Fair ISD. I don't remember him ever talking about his time at Jersey Village much, but I could tell that he got tired of the losing.
At Cy Woods, he got a fresh start. Von'Darrick might have been a Falcon first, but he quickly acclimated himself to the culture at Cy Woods and became a starter and a team captain in the 2009 season. After Cy Woods, he played at Trinity University in San Antonio. As a player, Von'Darrick was a three-time 1st-team All-SCAC performer from 2011-13 and served as a team captain for the 2013 season.
In 2015, he served as a graduate assistant on Trinity's coaching staff.
Von'Darrick Jones, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2009; played at Jersey Village in 2007 and 2008
Photo uploaded by him to his Facebook page.
Von'Darrick Jones, Trinity Tigers, 2010-14 (as a player), 2015 (as a coach)
Casey Hicks, a wide receiver in 2010, was the next Wildcat to wear #2.
Jamaul Tompkins, a safety, made the varsity in 2010, his junior year, and wore #28 that season. He became a starter in 2011 and switched to #2. Jamaul was 25% of the most feared secondary in Cy Woods history: he, Josh Holley, Deonte Davis, and Alfred "Bama" Pullom were merciless, and they backed up their talking with some punishing hits. After Cy Woods, Jamaul signed with Midwestern State University, a Division II school located in Wichita Falls, and played there for a couple of seasons. His brother, Michael Akita, is a senior defensive back.
Jamaul Tompkins (left), Cypress Woods Wildcats 2010-11; wore #28 in 2010
Midwestern State Mustangs, 2012-13
Peter Zachary "Chuck" Garza, a running back, wore #2 when he was called up to the varsity in 2012, his junior year. He became Samuel Stewart's primary backup in 2013 and also saw some action as a safety. Chuck mainly liked making defenders miss, but he was a pretty tough runner, too. Collegiately, he played wide receiver at Bethany College in Kansas.
Peter Garza, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2012-13
Bethany Swedes, 2014-17
Justin Lawson, a cornerback, wore #2 in 2014. His older brothers were all involved in Cy Woods athletics; David, his oldest brother, was a wide receiver and a sprinter in 2009, and his other older brother, Davonne, was a student athletic trainer from 2009-13.
Justin Lawson, 2014
C.J. Jones switched to #2 as a junior in 2015 and continued to build upon his breakout sophomore season. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his senior season in 2016. He walked on at Texas A&M in 2017, where he redshirted in his only season with the Aggies. He currently plays at Blinn, looking to make a comeback.
Photo by Billy Schuerman
C.J. Jones, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2014-16
Texas A&M Aggies, 2017
Dallas Caldwell, an A-back, wore #2 in 2017. He also ran the 200 and the 4x200 relay for the Wildcats.
Dallas Caldwell, 2017
Cameron Sowell switched to #2 in 2018 and was the Wildcats' primary home run threat in the passing game in his final two seasons. He was a two-time 2nd-team All-District 14-6A selection in 2018 and 2019.
Cam has one of the most memorable catches in Cy Woods football history: against Tomball Memorial in the 2019 District 14-6A opener, he went full extension to make a one-handed catch and then trapped the ball against his helmet to secure the ball. This play helped set up a game-winning field goal.
Photo by Tom Dendy
Cameron Sowell, 2017-19
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 3
Hayden Dobbs, a starting linebacker and team captain in 2008, was the first Wildcat to wear 3. He was one of the top performers on the defense and earned a 1st-team All-District 15-5A selection. After Cy Woods, he moved on to play at McNeese State and coached at Cy Park for a year before making a career change.
Derek Nelson, a wide receiver, wore 3 in 2009. He joined the Army after graduating and was an officer with the Houston Police Department.
Derek passed away in March 2020.
Phillip "P.J./Peedy" Johnson, a cornerback, wore 3 in 2010. He was one of the primary backups and occasionally started. Coach Neill once asked him what the ZIP code of Cypress was and he replied "713!!!"
Demetri King was a wide receiver in 2011.
Jake Seaboch switched to 3 in 2012, his senior year, after getting assigned 87 following his call-up in 2011. He was a starting wide receiver in 2012 and returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Cy Lakes.
Devin Hokanson was the next Wildcat to wear #3. He was also a starting wide receiver and was known for his excellent hands. Devin played for a season at Bethany College in Kansas.
Reid Epps wore 3 in 2014. His cousin, Chad, played as a safety in 2008. His younger sister, Hannah, played softball for the Wildcats.
Jacob Kainer made the varsity in 2015, his sophomore year, and served as the backup quarterback. He became the starter in 2016 and was supposed to start again in 2017, but he suffered an injury before the first game against Cy Springs.
Jacob couldn't catch a break. He broke his leg as a sophomore. He got the starting job in 2016 but struggled as he was probably dealing with the mental effects of such a catastrophic injury. He was set to be the starter again in 2017 but got hurt in the build-up to the season opener.
He was also a standout lacrosse player in high school. Jacob began his college football career as a tight end at Tyler Junior College and then moved on to the University of Tulsa.
Hayden Dobbs, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2008
One of his old profile pictures on Facebook.
Hayden Dobbs, McNeese State Cowboys, 2009-13
Derek Nelson, a wide receiver, wore 3 in 2009. He joined the Army after graduating and was an officer with the Houston Police Department.
Derek passed away in March 2020.
Derek Nelson (1991-2020), 2009
Phillip "P.J./Peedy" Johnson, a cornerback, wore 3 in 2010. He was one of the primary backups and occasionally started. Coach Neill once asked him what the ZIP code of Cypress was and he replied "713!!!"
Phillip Johnson, 2010
Demetri King was a wide receiver in 2011.
Demetri King, 2011
Jake Seaboch switched to 3 in 2012, his senior year, after getting assigned 87 following his call-up in 2011. He was a starting wide receiver in 2012 and returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Cy Lakes.
Jake Seaboch, 2011-12; wore #87 in 2011
Devin Hokanson was the next Wildcat to wear #3. He was also a starting wide receiver and was known for his excellent hands. Devin played for a season at Bethany College in Kansas.
Devin Hokanson, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2013
Bethany Swedes, 2014
Reid Epps wore 3 in 2014. His cousin, Chad, played as a safety in 2008. His younger sister, Hannah, played softball for the Wildcats.
Reid Epps, 2014
Jacob couldn't catch a break. He broke his leg as a sophomore. He got the starting job in 2016 but struggled as he was probably dealing with the mental effects of such a catastrophic injury. He was set to be the starter again in 2017 but got hurt in the build-up to the season opener.
He was also a standout lacrosse player in high school. Jacob began his college football career as a tight end at Tyler Junior College and then moved on to the University of Tulsa.
Jacob Kainer, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2015-17
Tyler Apaches, 2018-19
Tulsa Golden Hurricane, beginning in fall 2020
Tevis Adams switched to #3 in his junior year after wearing #33 as a sophomore in 2017. He was mainly a backup in his three seasons; he was a starter early in his junior season, which was cut short due to an injury.
Photo by Tom Dendy
Tevis Adams, 2017-19
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 4
Let's start off with a guy who was arguably the best player in the first decade of Cy Woods football.
Bryce Callahan, a safety, was the undisputed best athlete in the Class of 2010 at Cypress Woods High School. Bryce was one of those people who could have excelled at any skill position on the field. He could have been a force in basketball or baseball, too. He was a born athlete; everything just came naturally to him.
In addition to being a leader on the defense, he also served as the primary punt returner and delivered some electrifying moments, returning three of them for touchdowns in 2009. Overall, he returned four punts for touchdowns, which is also a record for return touchdowns (kick, punt, fumble, interception). He was also deployed as a wide receiver whenever the Wildcats needed a quick score. Bryce recorded seven interceptions in 2009, a school record for picks in a season. He intercepted 13 passes in his two seasons at Cy Woods, also a record.
Bryce was a first-team All-District 15-5A selection in both his junior and senior seasons. Bryce became the first Wildcat selected to an All-State team when he was a first-team selection in 2009. He was also selected as a Texas High School Coaches' Association All-Star. His half-brother, Wade Carson, played as a linebacker at Cy Woods from 2013-14.
After Cy Woods, Bryce played as a cornerback at Rice, where he played a starring role in the revival of Rice Owls football, and the accolades continued to roll in for him. He was selected as a Freshman All-American by the Sporting News, a Freshman All-Conference USA selection, and an honorable mention All-Conference USA player in 2011. Bryce was a two-time 2nd-team All-Conference USA selection in 2013 and 2014. He played in three bowl games in his career, winning the Armed Forces Bowl (against Colton Huntsman's Air Force squad) in 2012 and the Hawaii Bowl in 2014. After his final collegiate game in the Hawaii Bowl, Bryce was selected to participate in the East-West Shrine Game. His 13 career interceptions at Rice ranks second in school history.
Bryce was not selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, but he didn't have to wait long for his chance as he signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears, thus becoming the first Wildcat alumnus in the National Football League. In his rookie season, Bryce played an integral role for the Bears defense, primarily playing as the nickel (3rd) cornerback. He was actually placed on waivers once that season, but he eventually regained his spot on the Bears and became one of their top rookies on defense.
One of the highlights of his rookie season occurred on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field, where he broke up an Aaron Rodgers pass in the endzone at the end of the game to seal a 17-13 victory for the Bears. Bryce also returned a punt for a touchdown against San Francisco, but that score was wiped out because of a penalty. Instead, he was credited with a 34-yard punt return. Bryce finished his rookie season with 21 total tackles (20 solo), a sack, and three pass breakups in nine games (three starts).
Bryce finished with 31 tackles and five pass breakups in 2016. In 2017, he took a significant step forward and became an integral part of the Bears' defense. Bryce recorded his first career interception in Week 6 against Joe Flacco and the Ravens and intercepted another pass in Week 16 against the Browns. In the 2017 regular-season finale, Bryce scored his first NFL touchdown on a 59-yard punt return against the Vikings.
Bryce further solidified his status as a rising star in 2018 as he added two more interceptions to go along with two sacks, one of which forced a fumble from Ben Roethlisberger. His first interception in 2018 came late in the fourth quarter and helped seal a 16-14 victory for the Bears in Arizona.
After spending his first four NFL seasons with the Bears, Bryce Callahan signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2019.
Nathaniel Crea, the kicker in 2010, was the next Wildcat to wear #4. Nathaniel possessed a strong leg and was a beneficiary of the Wildcats' high-octane offense, scoring 94 points, which was a record that stood until 2014, when Luis Reyes broke it by one point.
Taylor Welch, a safety, wore 4 in 2011.
Kendrick Jacobs, a cornerback/running back, wore 4 in 2012.
Stevie Polly, a starting cornerback in 2013, was the next Wildcat to wear this number. He was a 2nd-team All-District 17-5A selection.
Nick Bailey, a cornerback, wore #4 in 2014. Nick was slowed by an injury early in the 2014 season, but his role in the defense became more prominent as the season progressed. His brother, Jarrett, played as a cornerback in 2012 and 2013. Their younger sister, Kennedy, is one of the top hurdlers (100 and 300) in the country.
Nick played for one season at Stephen F. Austin.
Bryce Callahan, a safety, was the undisputed best athlete in the Class of 2010 at Cypress Woods High School. Bryce was one of those people who could have excelled at any skill position on the field. He could have been a force in basketball or baseball, too. He was a born athlete; everything just came naturally to him.
In addition to being a leader on the defense, he also served as the primary punt returner and delivered some electrifying moments, returning three of them for touchdowns in 2009. Overall, he returned four punts for touchdowns, which is also a record for return touchdowns (kick, punt, fumble, interception). He was also deployed as a wide receiver whenever the Wildcats needed a quick score. Bryce recorded seven interceptions in 2009, a school record for picks in a season. He intercepted 13 passes in his two seasons at Cy Woods, also a record.
Bryce was a first-team All-District 15-5A selection in both his junior and senior seasons. Bryce became the first Wildcat selected to an All-State team when he was a first-team selection in 2009. He was also selected as a Texas High School Coaches' Association All-Star. His half-brother, Wade Carson, played as a linebacker at Cy Woods from 2013-14.
After Cy Woods, Bryce played as a cornerback at Rice, where he played a starring role in the revival of Rice Owls football, and the accolades continued to roll in for him. He was selected as a Freshman All-American by the Sporting News, a Freshman All-Conference USA selection, and an honorable mention All-Conference USA player in 2011. Bryce was a two-time 2nd-team All-Conference USA selection in 2013 and 2014. He played in three bowl games in his career, winning the Armed Forces Bowl (against Colton Huntsman's Air Force squad) in 2012 and the Hawaii Bowl in 2014. After his final collegiate game in the Hawaii Bowl, Bryce was selected to participate in the East-West Shrine Game. His 13 career interceptions at Rice ranks second in school history.
Bryce was not selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, but he didn't have to wait long for his chance as he signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears, thus becoming the first Wildcat alumnus in the National Football League. In his rookie season, Bryce played an integral role for the Bears defense, primarily playing as the nickel (3rd) cornerback. He was actually placed on waivers once that season, but he eventually regained his spot on the Bears and became one of their top rookies on defense.
One of the highlights of his rookie season occurred on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field, where he broke up an Aaron Rodgers pass in the endzone at the end of the game to seal a 17-13 victory for the Bears. Bryce also returned a punt for a touchdown against San Francisco, but that score was wiped out because of a penalty. Instead, he was credited with a 34-yard punt return. Bryce finished his rookie season with 21 total tackles (20 solo), a sack, and three pass breakups in nine games (three starts).
Bryce finished with 31 tackles and five pass breakups in 2016. In 2017, he took a significant step forward and became an integral part of the Bears' defense. Bryce recorded his first career interception in Week 6 against Joe Flacco and the Ravens and intercepted another pass in Week 16 against the Browns. In the 2017 regular-season finale, Bryce scored his first NFL touchdown on a 59-yard punt return against the Vikings.
Bryce further solidified his status as a rising star in 2018 as he added two more interceptions to go along with two sacks, one of which forced a fumble from Ben Roethlisberger. His first interception in 2018 came late in the fourth quarter and helped seal a 16-14 victory for the Bears in Arizona.
After spending his first four NFL seasons with the Bears, Bryce Callahan signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2019.
Bryce Callahan, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2008-09
Bryce Callahan, Rice Owls, 2010-14
Nathaniel Crea, the kicker in 2010, was the next Wildcat to wear #4. Nathaniel possessed a strong leg and was a beneficiary of the Wildcats' high-octane offense, scoring 94 points, which was a record that stood until 2014, when Luis Reyes broke it by one point.
Nathaniel Crea, 2010
Taylor Welch, a safety, wore 4 in 2011.
Taylor Welch, 2011
Kendrick Jacobs, a cornerback/running back, wore 4 in 2012.
Kendrick Jacobs, 2012
Stevie Polly, a starting cornerback in 2013, was the next Wildcat to wear this number. He was a 2nd-team All-District 17-5A selection.
Stevie Polly, 2013
Nick Bailey, a cornerback, wore #4 in 2014. Nick was slowed by an injury early in the 2014 season, but his role in the defense became more prominent as the season progressed. His brother, Jarrett, played as a cornerback in 2012 and 2013. Their younger sister, Kennedy, is one of the top hurdlers (100 and 300) in the country.
Nick played for one season at Stephen F. Austin.
Nick Bailey, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2014
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, 2015
Collin Fewox, a safety, made the varsity in 2015, his sophomore year and primarily served as a backup in his first season. He finished as a two-year starter at safety for the Wildcats.
Collin Fewox, 2015-17
After getting a taste of varsity football as a sophomore in 2017, Chase Richter switched to #4 and eventually became a two-year starter at safety for the Wildcats. As a senior, he was also the primary punt returner and he earned 1st-team All-District 14-6A honors as a safety and a return specialist.
Chase was also the starting center fielder and the closer for the Wildcat baseball team and he'll move on to play college baseball by taking the junior college route; he will begin his college baseball career at Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant.
Photo by Tom Dendy
Chase Richter, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2017-19
Northeast Texas Eagles baseball, beginning in spring 2021
Monday, August 24, 2015
Know Your Enemy: Klein Collins Tigers
Week 1: Cypress Woods Wildcats @ Klein Collins Tigers
4:00 PM, Saturday, August 29, 2015
Reliant Stadium
The Enemy: Klein Collins Tigers
2014: 11-2, 6-1 (2nd) in District 15-6A
Playoffs: 6A Division I, Region II regional semifinalist, lost 34-14 to Dallas Skyline
(A Few) Players to Watch on the Other Side
RB Justin Pratt, QB Nate Edmonds, WR Quinton Newton, OL Dante Bivens, OL Cooper Williams, DB Ernest Watts, LB Cameron Goode
All-Time Series
Klein Collins leads 2-1.
Previous Meetings
August 29, 2014: Klein Collins 42, Woods 14
August 29, 2013: Woods 21, Klein Collins 0
September 1, 2012: Klein Collins 35, Woods 14 (game played at BBVA Compass Stadium)
2¢ on Klein Collins
After a down year in 2013, the Tigers returned to their usual excellent form. They'll be bringing back a majority of their starters, most notably their starting offensive backfield in Nate Edmonds and Justin Pratt, who both ran rampant (literally) against the Wildcats in last year's meeting. The Tigers are expected to mount a serious challenge to Westfield, who has run the Spring/Klein district in recent years.
Pratt finished last season with just over 2,400 yards on the ground, and he's the feature back in a smashmouth running game. He is one of 3 returning running backs in Class 6A who ran for over 2,000 yards in 2014. His QB, Edmonds, pitched in with 22 rushing touchdowns of his own. Newton is an elusive deep threat outside, while Bivens and Williams are the anchors of a physical offensive line.
On defense, Goode and Watts were both 1st-team All-District selections from a year ago. This is an outstanding unit that will count on both of those guys to lead. The Tigers allowed just under 17 points per game (playoff games included) in 2014, which was the lowest mark in District 15-6A.
Last Time These Two Teams Met
In the 2014 season opener for both teams, it was all Klein Collins as they raced out to a 35-0 lead and cruised to a 42-14 victory. Almost nothing went the Wildcats' way that night.
Well, Luis Reyes successfully executed two onside kicks in a row, so I guess that's a silver lining.
Location of Reliant Stadium
I'm sure most of you have been here before. Considering Houston traffic, it would probably be wise to leave several hours in advance. Maybe hang out in Rice Village before the game?
$12 for parking? Come on....
For Freshman games: Location of Klein Collins High School
4:00 PM, Saturday, August 29, 2015
Reliant Stadium
The Enemy: Klein Collins Tigers
2014: 11-2, 6-1 (2nd) in District 15-6A
Playoffs: 6A Division I, Region II regional semifinalist, lost 34-14 to Dallas Skyline
(A Few) Players to Watch on the Other Side
RB Justin Pratt, QB Nate Edmonds, WR Quinton Newton, OL Dante Bivens, OL Cooper Williams, DB Ernest Watts, LB Cameron Goode
All-Time Series
Klein Collins leads 2-1.
Previous Meetings
August 29, 2014: Klein Collins 42, Woods 14
August 29, 2013: Woods 21, Klein Collins 0
September 1, 2012: Klein Collins 35, Woods 14 (game played at BBVA Compass Stadium)
2¢ on Klein Collins
After a down year in 2013, the Tigers returned to their usual excellent form. They'll be bringing back a majority of their starters, most notably their starting offensive backfield in Nate Edmonds and Justin Pratt, who both ran rampant (literally) against the Wildcats in last year's meeting. The Tigers are expected to mount a serious challenge to Westfield, who has run the Spring/Klein district in recent years.
Pratt finished last season with just over 2,400 yards on the ground, and he's the feature back in a smashmouth running game. He is one of 3 returning running backs in Class 6A who ran for over 2,000 yards in 2014. His QB, Edmonds, pitched in with 22 rushing touchdowns of his own. Newton is an elusive deep threat outside, while Bivens and Williams are the anchors of a physical offensive line.
On defense, Goode and Watts were both 1st-team All-District selections from a year ago. This is an outstanding unit that will count on both of those guys to lead. The Tigers allowed just under 17 points per game (playoff games included) in 2014, which was the lowest mark in District 15-6A.
Last Time These Two Teams Met
In the 2014 season opener for both teams, it was all Klein Collins as they raced out to a 35-0 lead and cruised to a 42-14 victory. Almost nothing went the Wildcats' way that night.
Well, Luis Reyes successfully executed two onside kicks in a row, so I guess that's a silver lining.
Location of Reliant Stadium
I'm sure most of you have been here before. Considering Houston traffic, it would probably be wise to leave several hours in advance. Maybe hang out in Rice Village before the game?
$12 for parking? Come on....
For Freshman games: Location of Klein Collins High School
Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 5
Brad Korndorffer, a starting wide receiver in 2008, was the first Wildcat to wear 5. He was one of the fastest players in the program and was a 1st-team All-District 15-5A selection after leading the Wildcats in receptions (40) and receiving yards (579).
Byron Moore, another wide receiver, wore 5 in 2009. He is a cousin of former NFL wide receiver Limas Sweed, who starred at UT before getting drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After wearing 21 as a playoff call-up in 2009, Fredrick Anderson became the starting running back and switched to 5 in 2010. That year, Fred set two records that were broken in 2014: most rushing yards in a season (1,036), and most rushing touchdowns in a season (20). He is tied with Samuel Stewart for third in Cy Woods history with 21 rushing touchdowns.
Fred moved on to the next level, playing at Prairie View A&M.
Gustavo Rabadan, the kicker in 2011, was the next Wildcat to wear 5.
Cameron Lorch, a wide receiver/quarterback, wore 5 in 2012. His twin sister, Jordan, was a student trainer and played soccer for the Wildcats.
Jared Taylor, a wide receiver, made the varsity in 2013, his sophomore year. His older brother, James, swam at Cy Woods, and their cousin, Dominique Harris, was a standout wide receiver at Langham Creek.
Jared became a starter in 2014, finishing second on the team with 529 receiving yards and two touchdowns. As a senior, he served as a team captain for the 2015 season, alongside Austin Greaves, R.J. Harmon, and Tre' Hart. Jared also competed as a sprinter for the Wildcat and holds the school records in the 100 and 200 meters. At the District 17-6A meet in 2016, he finished first in the 100m and the 200m. He's the second Wildcat to win in the 100 at the district meet since Tyler Williamson did so in 2008 and 2009. Jared is also the second Wildcat to win the 200 after Bryce Callahan won it in 2010. He is the first Wildcat to win both events at one district meet.
Jared is continuing his track career at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Brad Korndorffer, 2008
Byron Moore, another wide receiver, wore 5 in 2009. He is a cousin of former NFL wide receiver Limas Sweed, who starred at UT before getting drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Byron Moore, 2009
Fred moved on to the next level, playing at Prairie View A&M.
Fred Anderson, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2009-10
Prairie View A&M Panthers, 2011-15
Gustavo Rabadan, the kicker in 2011, was the next Wildcat to wear 5.
Gus Rabadan, 2011
Cameron Lorch, a wide receiver/quarterback, wore 5 in 2012. His twin sister, Jordan, was a student trainer and played soccer for the Wildcats.
Jared Taylor, a wide receiver, made the varsity in 2013, his sophomore year. His older brother, James, swam at Cy Woods, and their cousin, Dominique Harris, was a standout wide receiver at Langham Creek.
Jared became a starter in 2014, finishing second on the team with 529 receiving yards and two touchdowns. As a senior, he served as a team captain for the 2015 season, alongside Austin Greaves, R.J. Harmon, and Tre' Hart. Jared also competed as a sprinter for the Wildcat and holds the school records in the 100 and 200 meters. At the District 17-6A meet in 2016, he finished first in the 100m and the 200m. He's the second Wildcat to win in the 100 at the district meet since Tyler Williamson did so in 2008 and 2009. Jared is also the second Wildcat to win the 200 after Bryce Callahan won it in 2010. He is the first Wildcat to win both events at one district meet.
Jared is continuing his track career at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Jared Taylor, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2013-15
Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners track and field, 2016-present
Jack Barrientez switched to #5 for his final two seasons at Cy Woods. He was primarily a running back in 2016 but ended up playing both ways as a safety, running back, and receiver in 2017. Jack also started the 2017 season opener at quarterback. His 99-yard touchdown reception against Cy Ranch in 2017 is the longest offensive play in Cy Woods history.
Jack Barrientez, 2015-17
Tylan Foster, a linebacker/safety, was a late-season call-up in 2017, his sophomore year, and he wore #27. He switched to #5 for his first full season as a varsity football player, where he eventually became a starter in the middle of the season. Tylan was a 2nd-team All-District 14-6A selection as a senior in 2019.
Photo by Tom Dendy
Tylan Foster, 2017-19
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Cy Woods All-Time Roster: Number 6
Isaiah Battle, a wide receiver, made the first team in 2008, his junior year. After getting his feet wet that season, he became a starter in 2009 and was a unanimous 1st-team All-District 15-5A selection and the Offensive MVP of the district with one of the most incredible individual performances in team history.
The Predator, as he was also known, put up 1,109 yards that season, which remains a Cy Woods single-season record. Isaiah is the only Wildcat receiver to have a 1,000-yard season. He had 66 catches that season, which is also a Cy Woods single-season record and the only time that a Wildcat has had more than 50 receptions in a season.
Isaiah was just unbelievable. He came up huge in clutch situations, like when he single-handedly moved the Wildcats down the field for the game-winning drive against Cy Creek. Against Skyline, he caught the go-ahead touchdown pass, which eventually turned into the game-winner. What he did in 2009 was one of the most impressive individual performances by a Wildcat football player.
He was selected to play in the Bayou Bowl, an All-Star game pitting Texas high school players against Louisiana players. Isaiah also competed for the Wildcats during track season as a sprinter and a jumper.
After Cy Woods, Isaiah signed with Blinn, then completed his college career at Texas State. In 2012, he set a new Texas State record with a 98-yard touchdown reception.
The next player to wear #6 was Jon Milhollon, a defensive back in 2010.
Chase Ragusa was a two-year starter at wide receiver who made the varsity in 2011, his junior year. He was hampered by an injury as a senior, though. After Cy Woods, Chase played two seasons at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio before transferring to Texas Lutheran to play for a season.
Taylor Tesch wore 6 in 2013, his junior year, and his first full season on the varsity. He switched to 7 in 2014. For more on him, please refer to #7.
Michael Wirt, a starting cornerback, wore 6 in 2014. He, along with Bryson Powers and Jake Jones, recorded 3 interceptions in 2014. Together, they led the team in that category. However, he was the only one who returned a pick for a touchdown. Michael also played fútbol for the Wildcats as a midfielder.
The Predator, as he was also known, put up 1,109 yards that season, which remains a Cy Woods single-season record. Isaiah is the only Wildcat receiver to have a 1,000-yard season. He had 66 catches that season, which is also a Cy Woods single-season record and the only time that a Wildcat has had more than 50 receptions in a season.
Isaiah was just unbelievable. He came up huge in clutch situations, like when he single-handedly moved the Wildcats down the field for the game-winning drive against Cy Creek. Against Skyline, he caught the go-ahead touchdown pass, which eventually turned into the game-winner. What he did in 2009 was one of the most impressive individual performances by a Wildcat football player.
He was selected to play in the Bayou Bowl, an All-Star game pitting Texas high school players against Louisiana players. Isaiah also competed for the Wildcats during track season as a sprinter and a jumper.
After Cy Woods, Isaiah signed with Blinn, then completed his college career at Texas State. In 2012, he set a new Texas State record with a 98-yard touchdown reception.
Isaiah Battle, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2008-09
One of his old profile pictures on Facebook
Isaiah Battle, Blinn Buccaneers, 2010-11
Photo by Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News
Isaiah Battle, Texas State Bobcats, 2012-14
The next player to wear #6 was Jon Milhollon, a defensive back in 2010.
Jon Milhollon, 2010
Chase Ragusa was a two-year starter at wide receiver who made the varsity in 2011, his junior year. He was hampered by an injury as a senior, though. After Cy Woods, Chase played two seasons at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio before transferring to Texas Lutheran to play for a season.
Chase Ragusa, Cypress Woods Wildcats, 2011-12
Incarnate Word Cardinals, 2013-14
Texas Lutheran Bulldogs, 2015
Taylor Tesch wore 6 in 2013, his junior year, and his first full season on the varsity. He switched to 7 in 2014. For more on him, please refer to #7.
Taylor Tesch, 2012-14; wore #82 in 2012 and #7 in 2014
Michael Wirt, a starting cornerback, wore 6 in 2014. He, along with Bryson Powers and Jake Jones, recorded 3 interceptions in 2014. Together, they led the team in that category. However, he was the only one who returned a pick for a touchdown. Michael also played fútbol for the Wildcats as a midfielder.
Michael Wirt, 2014
Seth Despres, a wide receiver, wore #6 in 2015. His younger brother, Sean, played quarterback and linebacker for the Wildcats.
Brennan Niles was a starting wide receiver in 2016.
Photo by Billy Schuerman
Brennan Niles, 2016
Jake Swonke was the kicker in 2017 and he earned first-team All-District 17-6A honors in his lone season of football.
Jake Swonke, 2017
Reagan Simmons made the varsity as a junior in 2018 and was a two-year starter at cornerback. As a senior in 2019, he earned 2nd-team All-District 14-6A honors as he intercepted two passes and returned them both for touchdowns. His older brother, Riley, played golf at Cy Woods.
Photo by Tom Dendy
Reagan Simmons, 2018-19
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