Saturday, October 14, 2017

Know Your Enemy: Cypress Lakes Spartans

Week 6: Cypress Woods Wildcats (2-3) vs. Cypress Lakes Spartans (0-5)
7:00 PM Saturday, October 21, 2017
Cy-Fair FCU Stadium

Photo by Billy Schuerman

Previously on Cy Woods Football...

Jacob Kitterman's 22-yard field goal with 34 seconds remaining broke a 21-21 tie in Cy Falls' favor and gave them a 24-21 victory. It was a horror show of a fourth quarter for the Cats as they had two 15-yard penalties, one of which was an unsportsmanlike conduct that resulted in Tim Dendy's ejection. Oh, and the Eagles outscored them 17-7 in the final period.

Collin Fewox posted 14 tackles and delivered some punishing hits. Arkievrick Vitatoe ran for 57 yards on 6 carries, which included an 18-yard touchdown.

The Enemy: Cypress Lakes Spartans

2016 record: 2-8, 1-8 (10th) in District 17-6A
Did not qualify for playoffs

Cy Lakes season-to-date

L 42-7 @ Cy-Fair
L 44-8 vs. Cy Creek
L 40-26 @ Cy Falls
L 14-0 vs. Cy Ridge
L 28-7 vs. Langham Creek

With their loss to Langham Creek last Friday, Cy Lakes is the first team eliminated from playoff contention in District 17-6A this season.

All-Time Series

Cy Woods leads 7-0.

Previous Meetings

October 13, 2016: Woods 36, Lakes 33
October 9, 2015: Woods 70, Lakes 20 (Homecoming VIII)
October 10, 2014: Woods 52, Lakes 10 (Cy Lakes Homecoming)
September 28, 2013: Woods 34, Lakes 14
September 29, 2012: Woods 63, Lakes 13
October 6, 2011: Woods 63, Lakes 14
October 7, 2010: Woods 34, Lakes 0

Players to Watch

Le'Teddrian "Ted" Solomon - SR WR/P #1
Khaliq Mateen - SOPH QB #5
O'Shea Jackson - JR DL #44
Tyler Dudley - SR LB #33
Archie Bijou - SR LB #6
Malik Green - JR LB #34
Jordan Lamotte - JR DB #14
Julian Hall - SR DB #16

2¢ on Lakes


Normally, a 2-8 record is a harbinger of sweeping changes. At Cy Lakes, however, 2-8 represented a step forward towards respectability. The 2016 season marked the first time that the Spartans won more than one game and they were competitive in a majority of their outings. It could be argued that they were a handful of plays away from finishing 4-6, 5-5, or... dare I say it, 6-4. They couldn't quite close the deal against Creek and Woods and hung tough against Ridge and Springs before the Rams and Panthers wound up pulling away late.

There was probably a justifiable sense of optimism surrounding the Spartans heading into 2017. They probably expected to continue building upon that 2-8 record and possibly put themselves in position to challenge for a playoff spot, or at least spoil someone else's hopes.

Unfortunately, this season has been eerily reminiscent of the six seasons prior to 2016, in which they won a grand total of four games. Has it undone the progress they made last year? It's certainly a step back, but the kids in this program cannot lose faith.

The Lakes defense has had some talented defensive backs come through in their short history. Drake Moore led the district in interceptions in 2013. Julian Hall had four last season, which was good for a five-way tie for 2nd place. Brenden Lemon had three last year and four in 2015. Jordan Lamotte is the next in line; he currently leads the district with three interceptions, while Hall picked off Chris Herron twice last week. Tyler Dudley leads a solid linebacking corps that also features Archie Bijou and a rising junior in Malik Green. O'Shea Jackson has had a solid season in the trenches.

Lakes lost their incumbent starting quarterback, Tyrese Miller, to an injury. As a result, they've had to throw Khaliq Mateen, who was playing freshman B-team football last season, into the fire. He's performed admirably, especially as a passer, but the Spartans have been held to single digits in four of their first five games. Ted Solomon is a three-year starter at various positions; he's been a quarterback, defensive back, wide receiver, and the punter. Solomon has been one of the district's best punters, which, unfortunately, he's done too much of over his career. As an offensive player, he's been their main threat in the passing game. Solomon will bring it every game. Against Falls, he won a jump ball in the end zone and scored another touchdown while dragging a Falls defender for five yards as he crossed the goal line.

Don't be fooled by the record... Lakes has a few players that can cause problems for the Cats.

Last Time These Two Teams Met

It took a 99-yard drive in the closing minutes for the Wildcats to snatch a 36-33 victory from the jaws of defeat. Yes, 2016 was that kind of year for Cy Woods football.

Nijah Surtain's 32-yard catch-and-run with 23 seconds left was the game-winner. Jacob Kainer threw for 264 yards and four touchdowns, while Jack Barrientez ran for 123 yards and a touchdown and added two more scores via the passing game. Myles Wilson had 13 tackles, while Collin Fewox put up 11 and also had an interception.

Sub-Varsity Game Information

The JV will travel to Cy Lakes, while the freshmen play at Cy Woods. Game times are at 5:00 and 7:00 on Thursday.

Location of Cypress Lakes High School

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