Photo by Tom Dendy
Cy Woods has not won a season opener since 2013 when they shut Klein Collins out 21-0. Since then, they've lost the first game in five consecutive seasons, losing by an average of 28.2 points. The 2017 season opener was the "closest" game they played, relatively speaking... and they lost that one by 18 points.
Don't get me wrong, I want to see this team win every time they step onto the football field. I hate to sound flippant, but to me, non-district games are the final phase of the preseason, even if they happen to count in the win-loss column. It would've been nice to win this game, and it'd be nice to see them beat Spring, but the real season starts September 14 in Tomball. Hopefully, they'll be able to work out whatever kinks they have between now and then.
When I spoke with Mr. Bird after the game, he raised the theory that they could be playing this portion of the schedule close to the vest and I'm inclined to agree; it wouldn't make any sense for the Cats would show everything they plan on doing this upcoming season in a non-district game that also happens to be the first game of the season...
Forcing five turnovers on defense was rather encouraging. Reagan Simmons and Tevis Adams recovered fumbles; Tevis's recovery occurred in the end zone so they got a touchdown out of it. Chase Richter recovered a fumble and also picked Smith off in the first quarter.
The busted coverages were not encouraging; Noah Smith connected with John Moten for a couple of touchdowns after Moten had gotten behind the secondary. They really couldn't stop Smith, who was involved in every Ridge offensive touchdown; he threw four touchdown passes, ran for two more, and accounted for 338 yards of offense.
What Happened
The Noah Smith Show.
He connected with Roderick Jelks for a 17-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring.
End of 1st quarter: Ridge 7, Woods 0
After Richter's interception, Jackson Jones capped off a 97-yard drive with the first Cy Woods points of the season, scoring on a one-yard run. Unfortunately, the wheels came off in spectacular fashion for the Cats right before halftime. Smith scrambled out of the pocket and found a wide-open John Moten for a 59-yard touchdown. The Cats muffed the ensuing kickoff and one play later, Smith put another touchdown on the board with a 22-yard run. This horror-show stretch was capped off when D.D. Redmond intercepted a Jackson pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown with seven seconds left in the first half.
Halftime: Ridge 26, Woods 7
Whoever was trying to cover Tyler Cockle slipped and fell, and Smith took advantage and found him for a 48-yard touchdown.
End of 3rd quarter: Ridge 33, Woods 7
Jake Tesch found the end zone on a six-yard run, but once again, Moten slipped behind everyone and Smith found him again, this time from 33 yards. The Rams threw the ball away on a pitch and Tevis Adams pounced on it for a score. Smith capped off the evening with a 39-yard touchdown run.
Final: Ridge 47, Woods 21
Ground
The Cats barely averaged over three yards per attempt. B-back production should be a focal point; they're going to need Darion Morgan and Trayse Holmes to average more than four yards a carry. Christian Scott took an end-around for 21 yards to put the Wildcats in the red zone on the 97-yard touchdown drive.
Trayse had a couple of nice, tough runs. They're gonna need a running back to step up because Jackson (or any quarterback, for that matter) really shouldn't be leading the team in rushing attempts on a consistent basis.
Stats from the Chronicle.
Jake Tesch: 5 rush, 14 yards, TD
Jackson Jones: 13 rush, 4 yards, TD
Trayse Holmes: 11 rush, 43 yards
Darion Morgan: 6 rush, 24 yards
Tre Mejia: 3 rush, 16 yards
Christian Scott: 2 rush, 17 yards
Carson Danner: 2 rush, 10 yards
Air
Redmond literally came out of nowhere for his pick six. Jackson probably saw Trayse wide open and his eyes lit up... only to see Redmond run the other way for a touchdown.
Nice to see them throw a little more, though.
Jackson Jones: 5-8, 88 yards, INT
Cameron Sowell is the early clubhouse leader for catch of the year... he made a one-handed snag while being held and that was one of the key plays on the 97-yard drive.
Connor Faulk: 2 catches, 31 yards
Cam Sowell: 1 catch, 37 yards
Jake Tesch: 1 catch, 15 yards
Christian Scott: 1 catch, 6 yards
Defense
The good news: They forced five turnovers and scored 21 points off those turnovers.
The bad news: The Rams scored 47, but seven of them can be pinned on the special teams (muffed kickoff) and seven more came on the pick six. They also let Noah Smith run roughshod on them.
Unfortunately, the Chronicle doesn't track tackles. Fortunately, MaxPreps sort of does! 19 Cats recorded at least one tackle with Chase Richter leading the way with seven. Jackson Turnbow and Mac Bird recorded six apiece.
Turnovers
Interceptions: Chase Richter
Fumbles recovered: Tevis Adams (returned for TD), Reagan Simmons, Chase Richter
Special Teams
Gustavo Olmedo hit all three of his extra-point attempts. Jake Tesch could become a factor in the return game; he had a couple of nice returns on kickoffs.
Cole Gerletti: 3 punts, 113 yards (37.7 average); long of 46, one punt inside 20
Jake Tesch: 5 kicks returned, 124 yards, long of 34
Christian Scott: 1 kick returned, 12 yards
Man of the Match
I'll go with Chase Richter for leading the team with seven tackles and forcing two turnovers.
Looking Ahead
The Wildcats will travel to Leonard George Stadium in Spring to take on the Spring Lions at 7:00 on Friday, September 7.
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