The NEW 17-5A

[Drake]

I thought I'd start a thread about this new district and its upcoming football season. Why not use KT's cool board to have our own 17-5A sub-board? I have a lot to learn about all these schools anyway. I know that Cy Falls Eagles should be one of the top area teams and contend for the Regional Championship, but I don't know much else about them or the other schools. Maybe a good start would be to learn their mascots. Want to help me fill in the list CFMom?

The NEW 17-5A:

Cy Creek
Cy Fairbanks
Cy Falls Eagles
Cy Ridge
Cy Springs
Jersey Village
Langham Creek
Strake Jesuit Crusaders

[CyFallsMom]

The NEW 17-5A:

Cy Creek
Cy Fairbanks
Cy Falls Eagles
Cy Ridge
Cy Springs
Jersey Village
Langham Creek
Strake Jesuit Crusaders

You know I would love to! I'll tell you what I know and let the more knowledgeable out there fill in the blanks:

Cypress Creek, mascot is the Cougars, colors are Blue and Silver. Named after a creek that runs through the area. Had a really good athletic program out there a few years ago then they slacked off but they are coming back into the picture. They are running neck and neck with our very talented basketball team for District championship -looks like they will be co-champs. They are out off of 249 and Perry road, near Willowbrook (Cy Fair covers 200 square miles by the way).

Cy Fair, mascot is the Bobcats, colors are Maroon and White. This is the old dame of the district. The first school - it goes back eons - I believe back to the 30's or 40's...however, the district began in the late 1800's so you could even say it goes back that far. Very good athletic and arts programs. Located right on 290 at Telge Rd.

Cypress Falls, mascot is the Golden Eagles, colors are Green and Gold. This just happens to be my favorite school in the district:) Perennial powers in just about every sport (am I showing my favortism yet). I think all of the Strake people know about our football team! Located at Huffmeister and 290 - almost within spitting distance of Cy Fair.

Cy Ridge, mascot is the Rams, colors are Green and Blue. One of the newer schools. They went to the playoffs in football and basketball their first varsity year using all the athletes they "stole" from Falls;) They have slacked off a bit this year - I guess rebuilding. They are located on Eldridge near 290 across from Traders Village.

Cy Springs, mascot is the Panthers, colors are Red and Blue. Pretty good athletic program - basketball has surprised quite a few this year including us. Big student body - I think they are near 4000 this year. Located on Fry Rd. at FM529.

Jersey Village, mascot is the Falcons, colors are Purple and Gold. Is on the site of a former dairy farm, hence the name. Second oldest school in the district. Very competitive athletic program, especially football. Almost always in the running for district title. It took us 10 years from the opening of Falls to finally beat them - that was sweet. They are located at Sam Houston Tollway and 290.

Langham Creek, mascot is the Lobos, colors are Red and Black. Named after one of the creeks that runs through the area and actually crosses I-10. Very comparable to Falls with their athletics. They are usually near the top of the standings in a few of their sports. I consider them our biggest in-district rival. They are located on FM 529 @ Barker Cypress.

17-5a is an extremely competitive district and most teams are still in the running near the end. The past two years in football there have been Tri-Champs and Co-Champs. If you can survive this district, you will do well in the playoffs usually or you will fall flat on your face from sheer exhaustion!!

Now that I have written a book, is that enough information to digest for now? One more thing, some schools like to use Cypress and some are okay with the "Cy". Falls likes Cypress for the most part.

[cfbobcat]

The NEW 17-5A:

Cy Creek Cougars
Cy Fairbanks Bobcats
Cy Falls Golden Eagles
Cy Ridge Rams
Cy Springs Panthers
Jersey Village Falcons
Langham Creek Lobos
Strake Jesuit Crusaders

I am pretty happy with having Strake in 17-5A. I think they are going to be a heck of a district opponent and I understand they are returning some pretty good players. Cy-Fair has to travel to your place to open their district schedule. It should be fun.

I wish there were more avid 17-5A posters around here. We have a few die hards, but not near enough in my opinion.

[cyfallsbooster]

welcome, strakedrake and all other sj supporters. get ready for a challenge each week in this district. as 'mom' stated, we usually get down to the last weekend of the season to see who makes the playoffs and who goes home. this past season, i think it was 5 or 6 of the 9 teams were in the playoff spot hunt the very last weekend. we lucked out and the numbers worked in falls' favor. you will very seldom see an undefeated district champ in this district. most of it depends on how each team matches up with the others. for the '05 playoff results: cy-creek did well until running into katy; cy-fair scared the snot out of westfield by giving them a much better game than expected; and of course you know about fall's run. great to see "new blood" in the district, but, i still stand by my opinions previously stated. but, that discussion will be for other threads. here, it will be 175a discussions and support.:D

[Drake]

Awesome responses you all, and great overviews CFMom... Thanks.

I agree CFbooster, this could be a thread to talk about the 17-5A football teams and all that's associated with that. I know of many SJ supporters that read this board but do not participate because sometimes we're made to feel unwelcome... Maybe this sort of thread could be productive, or at least informative, and promote participation from those that would otherwise skip it... Regardless, we'll probably be seeing lots of each other over the next couple of seasons with 7 on 7 and regular season, it'll be fun to have someone to talk to and gain differing perspectives from...

[cyfallsbooster]

Awesome responses you all, and great overviews CFMom... Thanks.

I agree CFbooster, this could be a thread to talk about the 17-5A football teams and all that's associated with that. I know of many SJ supporters that read this board but do not participate because sometimes we're made to feel unwelcome... Maybe this sort of thread could be productive, or at least informative, and promote participation from those that would otherwise skip it... Regardless, we'll probably be seeing lots of each other over the next couple of seasons with 7 on 7 and regular season, it'll be fun to have someone to talk to and gain differing perspectives from...
agreed. looking forward to the competition. and i think you may find it easier coming out 290 to our facilities rather than i-10 to katy's. still slow, but not as much traffic and not quite as far.

[Drake]

agreed. looking forward to the competition. and i think you may find it easier coming out 290 to our facilities rather than i-10 to katy's. still slow, but not as much traffic and not quite as far.Let me ask you... SJ is really close to the Bellaire exit on Beltway 8... Assuming an EZTag, would Beltway 8 North be the best (fastest) way to get over to the Cypress schools in the early evening?

[Drake]

By the way... SJ will have its new facilities completed next fall just in time for 17-5A competition:

http://magis.strakejesuit.org/GreaterGlory/athletic_center.htm

[cyfallsbooster]

Let me ask you... SJ is really close to the Bellaire exit on Beltway 8... Assuming an EZTag, would Beltway 8 North be the best (fastest) way to get over to the Cypress schools in the early evening?
absolutely! when i saw bellaire i was thinking "the city of". sorry about that. up the beltway and then west on 290 a few miles and you are in the area.

[hornfan713]

As a Strake alum, I can't wait for this competition. It should be a great district to watch next season. hopefully i can make it down from austin for a few games. btw, Drake, any word on a non-district schedule set for the crusaders yet?

[StrakeJesuit1990]

We are SJ!

Go Crusaders!

A.M.D.G.

[TheOnceandFutureKnight]

agreed. looking forward to the competition. and i think you may find it easier coming out 290 to our facilities rather than i-10 to katy's. still slow, but not as much traffic and not quite as far.

Errrr, Westpark Tollway = Strake to Cinco Ranch in 15 minutes.

[Drake]

As a Strake alum, I can't wait for this competition. It should be a great district to watch next season. hopefully i can make it down from austin for a few games. btw, Drake, any word on a non-district schedule set for the crusaders yet?Been told that the first game will be St. Thomas and the 2nd game will be Baytown Lee. But my source (my son) isn't always the most reliable... I guess we'll have a third non-district game. It would be cool if they could arrange a renewal of the Strake – Dallas Jesuit rivalry, maybe at a neutral site somewhere between Dallas and Houston (like Sam Houston State's stadium?)

[htownfootball]

Here is a tentative 2006 football schedule:



September 2 vs. St. Thomas TBD
September 8 vs. Baytown Lee Baytown
September 15 vs. Cinco Ranch Jesuit
September 29 vs Cy Fair Jesuit
October 7 vs Langham Creek Berry
October 13 vs Cy Falls Jesuit
October 21 vs Cy Springs Berry
October 27 vs Cy Creek Jesuit
November 4 vs Cy Ridge Pridgeon
November 10 vs Jersey Village Jesuit

from the strake jesuit website

I am glad Jesuit is only playing one private school in STH for the city bragging rights factor. Cinco Ranch should really test strake and I think it is a good last non-district game. I do not know much about the Cypress schools other than that Jersey Village gets beat by Katy every year and Cy Falls was really good this year.

[KatyTigerDad0407]

September 15 vs. Cinco Ranch Jesuit
October 13 vs Cy Falls Jesuit
These are 2 175a games I plan on attending in the Fall. I would like to see Cy Falls home schedule as I would love to check out that new stadium. Hopefully it will be available in the post season.

Any predictions on the four playoff teams from this district? When is Cy Woods gonna begin play?

[CyFallsMom]

Cy Woods won't play for another 2 years. They'll start with JV and then the other sports will probably play varsity next year but football won't until 2008

[Drake]

I am glad Jesuit is only playing one private school in STH for the city bragging rights factor. Cinco Ranch should really test strake and I think it is a good last non-district game. I do not know much about the Cypress schools other than that Jersey Village gets beat by Katy every year and Cy Falls was really good this year.Thanks for the schedule update HTOWN... I concur that Cinco Ranch will be a great test for SJ, I just hope we can test'em back... I think they'll be pretty tough this year and even give Katy a run for their crown... I also think St. Thomas and Baytown Lee will be much improved so considering those three non-districts and the 17-5A schedule, SJ will have no let-up all year long and will need a bunch of new faces to step up to even approach this past season's success.

Next question CFMom... Who will be the best/worst teams in 17-5A this year?

[CyFallsMom]

This is just my opinion so any of you 17-5a lurkers feel free to add yours as well. Cy Falls is definitely in that mix at the top due to the sheer numbers of starters returning and the OC staying intact. Also, perennial contenders Cy Fair (I believe they have quite a few returning too) and Jersey Village should be in that same mix. Cy Creek and Langham Creek had good seasons last year when nobody expected them to do well at all but I know nothing about them for next year as far as returning players. LC didn't win a game the year before and this year they played very well and were still in the playoff hunt until the last weekend and Cy Creek went 2 deep into the playoffs. Cy Springs and Cy Ridge have a way of surprising teams at times so don't count them out. It's really hard to predict because, again, it is SO competitive that it is almost like the teams are playing themselves at times. We have learned to not take any team lightly.

[CyFalls#1]

To my knowledge, 17-5a has never had an undefeated district champ. Too much balance and too many good athletes spread across the teams to allow this to happen in the past. But I'm taking bets on this record being broken in '06 .... :D

[CyFallsMom]

To my knowledge, 17-5a has never had an undefeated district champ. Too much balance and too many good athletes spread across the teams to allow this to happen in the past. But I'm taking bets on this record being broken in '06 ....

I'm RIGHT there with ya!! Not actually taking bets, just hoping that we do very well.

[cyfallsbooster]

These are 2 175a games I plan on attending in the Fall. I would like to see Cy Falls home schedule as I would love to check out that new stadium. Hopefully it will be available in the post season.

Any predictions on the four playoff teams from this district? When is Cy Woods gonna begin play?
I would think the district would make it available during the playoffs. But, it would probably need to be in the early rounds since it only has 12,000 seating capacity. But it will still be one of the best looking stadiums around. They are beginning to wrap up the construction now. Will be complete by the end of this month. After that, just a matter of cleaning up and dialing in.

[cyfallsbooster]

By the way... SJ will have its new facilities completed next fall just in time for 17-5A competition:

http://magis.strakejesuit.org/GreaterGlory/athletic_center.htm
very nice facility. should be good for the sports.

[gldneagles]

Thanks for the schedule update HTOWN... I concur that Cinco Ranch will be a great test for SJ, I just hope we can test'em back... I think they'll be pretty tough this year and even give Katy a run for their crown... I also think St. Thomas and Baytown Lee will be much improved so considering those three non-districts and the 17-5A schedule, SJ will have no let-up all year long and will need a bunch of new faces to step up to even approach this past season's success.

Next question CFMom... Who will be the best/worst teams in 17-5A this year?
tough question (as it is each year). fair will be there, they always are and had a great season this past year. creek could be there, usually are, but i think last season was thier "up" year. falls i think will finish 3rd. good returning talent but still need to work on intensity. jv will be back strong. last year was a surprise the way they struggled at the first. they finished strong. langham will be good. always are and i think they will have good talent this next year. springs has tremendous talent coming up. they were young this past season. ridge will always have the talent. need to see how the discipline developes. strake will have talent but will be young. thier soph class that made playoffs last season will be juniors this next. should make for interesting games each week.

[cfbobcat]

My early predictions. Keep in mind that I am not exactly sure how good Strake will be.

1. Falls
2. Fair
3. Village
4. Creek/Strake

Again, no disrespect to any of the parties involved. These are just my opinions at the moment. They are subject to change when I gather more info.

As usual, I think the race for the playoffs will be compelling. I think Falls will be the clear cut favorite to win the district title. Fair will be steady, as they always are. They have a stud tailback returning and will be solid offensively. Village is always loaded with athletes and should do well after a down season. To be honest, I hate placing Creek so low after their success last year, but I just don't know enough about them right now. I include Strake because they had a great year last season and I don't think we should count them out this time around.

Thoughts?

[htownfootball]

I think that is a fair place to put Strake because despite major losses such as stephen tyree and jonathan moore plus an array of top notch role players, strake is in fact returning some strong players that made big impacts last year.
The sophomore WR who caught the game winning pass over FB Marshall is Davis Burck and is back
The sophomore WR who ran routes with Bucknell basketball program-bound Stephen Tyree is back in Moses Ogbonnaya he also covered the backfield with Tyree.
The 2 sophomore FB's who stepped up when starting RB jefferson went down are back.
the offensive line is back and is only losing 1 starter.

QB position is a question and could go to either of the following:
1) Jeff McVaney- Will be a Junior for the 06 season. returning varsity letterman as a FB last year who played great. He lead his freshman A team to a 19-5A championship in 04. Played QB late in games.
2) Moses Ogbonnaya- played qb late in games or when starter Tim Bandy was hurt. His brother Chris played QB until an injury put him out. He is the brother of a Longhorn RB.
3) A transfer from 2 years ago from Baytown Lee who played JV football QB vs. SJ as a freshman. he transfered his 2nd semester freshman year and is now eligible to play.

anything I missed strakedrake?

[hornfan713]

htown,

the transfer from Baytown Lee was Josh Jones. From what I've seen, the kid has skills, and some good field vision. I hope that his spark transfers to the varsity field against 17-5A.

[Drake]

anything I missed strakedrake?Sounds like you have a pretty good knowledge of whats going on at SJ...

In general... While SJ does have some returning players that made big contributions last year, the kids they lost to graduation were huge impact players, played key skilled positions, and were all team leaders... Big shoes to fill in my opinion. Also, (I'm not complaining here) because of the size of the school, SJ will always have depth issues so avoiding injuries will be a difference maker...

I think this is a tougher district top to bottom than the one SJ came from because of the size of the kids and the depth of the teams... Our kids will have to work especially hard in the offseason to prepare for it... I think making the playoffs is realistic goal... Of course, our coaches and players will set the bar much higher, so don't count us out...

[Drake]

I'm curious why the CY teams don't get more respect? Now that I'm finding out about the teams it seems that these are all good schools with competitive athletics, and yet, everyone was shocked at how well CyFalls did last year... Is it like the SEC in football where its just a case of everyone beating up on each other and impossible for anyone to go unscathed? Why didn't the rest of us know that much aboutcha?

[CyFalls#1]

I think the assessment(s) are pretty accurate given the returning players and the like ... my prediction(s):

1) CyFalls - returning starters, leadership at key positions and hunger will make this team the team to beat;
2) JV - good athletes and speed; settled on a QB toward the end of the season who is productive;
3) SJ - need to answer the QB question; but good lineplay (in playoffs) and solid team; minimal mistakes
4) CyFair / CyCreek - CyFair with too many OL and DL departing; major strength of team last year; solid at TB if injury-free; need to replace other skill position players; CyCreek with scheme and potential game-breaking RB; need to find QB and others to complement; holes also to fill defensively
6) CySprings - RB makes this team go almost by himself
7) CyRidge - tough going to replace QB and other skill position players
8) Langham - replace 3 yr starter at QB

[cfbobcat]

Cy-Fair schools have been knocked lately because they haven't made much noise in the playoffs. However, this year was different. Creek advanced to the second round and lost to Katy. Everyone knows about Falls. And my Bobcats of Cy-Fair went toe-to-toe with Westfield in the state quarter-finals, giving the Mustangs all they wanted before falling to 35-28. Hopefully our 4 representatives next year at least get past the first round with 2 making some more noise. The only way to get notice and respect is to win.

[CyFalls#1]

Strake:

Its amazed me that the district overall doesn't seem to garner much respect statewide. The '05 version had a combined 6 wins in the postseason and placed a team in the D I and D II quarterfinals in Fair and Falls. Its not a stretch to say that either of these teams could've made it to the finals, especially Falls.

From a recruiting perspective, with exception to CyFalls and perhaps JV, most of the schools are overlooked. I'm not sure as to why this happens, but it does. Perception on average play and competition?

The district has been chopped up quite a bit with growth and rezoning. This growth has catapulted CFISD to enrollment > 80,000. Schools in this cannot build "legacy" programs with so much change.

[CyFallsMom]

Hey, CFBobcat, I think everyone knows about Fair now too!! They were right up there with the Golden Eagles and had a great season. I am so looking forward to next year.

[Drake]

Me too CFMom... I guess spring football is next and then 7on7, but it won't be long until fall practice... Did the CY schools participate actively in 7on7 last year? 7on7 isn't anything like the real season, but it's a good "fix" between spring and fall... oh, and what sort of surface does the Cy stadiums have?

[cfbobcat]

Yes, CFISD participates in 7 on 7. I believe Cy-Creek's HC is the president of the association or whatever you call it. I have heard the new stadium will have field turf and that the "old" stadium will be upgraded from the astro turf to field turf. I do not know how true this is. I guess we'll see.

Strake, what surface do you guys have?

CyFallsMom, I hope it didn't sound like I was trying to gloss over what Falls did by calling attention to Fair's accomplishments. Both teams had tremendous seasons and should be in the hunt next year.

Falls should be considered the favorite to win district due to all their returning talent. Fair has to rebuild the O and D lines so they will be a little iffy until they get established.

[Drake]

Strake, what surface do you guys have?That grassy turf stuff...

[CyFallsMom]

CyFallsMom, I hope it didn't sound like I was trying to gloss over what Falls did by calling attention to Fair's accomplishments. Both teams had tremendous seasons and should be in the hunt next year.

did it again - every time I edit it enters my entry twice - weird - see below

[CyFallsMom]

CyFallsMom, I hope it didn't sound like I was trying to gloss over what Falls did by calling attention to Fair's accomplishments. Both teams had tremendous seasons and should be in the hunt next year.

Oh my gosh - NOT at all - I think the Cy Fair program is equal to our program in many ways. What I was trying to say was that everyone now knows about both of our programs - we made our mark!! I was so impressed by Cy Fair last year and both should definitely do well this year, barring any injuries and such. I would never think that of you - you are one of the good guys:) I just wish Westfield and Katy hadn't got in the way:rolleyes:

[cyfallsbooster]

apparently we need to be careful about touting falls as having the inside track on next year's district race. if i remember correctly, in '05 the same thing was said and they were ranked #4 in the city. they ended up making the playoffs by numbers rather than dominance. i can still hear the chant of "over-rated" in the 4th quarter of the fair game to open district play. and no slam on the fair students for doing so. i thought it was deserved also. hopefully, the eagles learned last season that talent is not enough, they must also have intensity in order to make that talent work for oneself.

i agree that the cfisd schools have not recieved the attention in the past due to very seldom getting past the 2nd round in the playoffs. i think jv was the only one to go deeper and that was in the mid-90's (i believe). i also agree with the point that we do "beat up" on each other during the season. the teams are all fairly equal each week and every team has to put forth all effort to win. therefore, the district ends up with several key injuries towards the end. but, it is fun each week because you can go root for your team each week and the outcome is never assured before hand.

[Amused]

Cyfallsbooster - based on what we saw of Cy Falls this year, they are going to be very, very tough next fall. Seems to be a good mix of kids coming back. You all should enjoy a fun year.

[CyFallsMom]

apparently we need to be careful about touting falls as having the inside track on next year's district race. if i remember correctly, in '05 the same thing was said and they were ranked #4 in the city. they ended up making the playoffs by numbers rather than dominance. i can still hear the chant of "over-rated" in the 4th quarter of the fair game to open district play. and no slam on the fair students for doing so. i thought it was deserved also. hopefully, the eagles learned last season that talent is not enough, they must also have intensity in order to make that talent work for oneself.

If you remember, I posted last fall (early fall) that I thought they were reading too much of the press clippings - I was SO aggravated by the way they were playing when I knew the level they COULD play at - it was there all along but they had to put the puzzle together. Well, they put that puzzle together and it is pretty much intact for next season.

You are right - they need INTENSITY the ENTIRE season...they really had it during the playoffs and they need to cultivate that for the whole season starting with game one. The QB question mark is taken care of and that was a big ??? last season at the beginning. I hate to see Brekke go - what a competitor he is! I don't think we were overrated - I just don't think we had the same size wheels on at all times. I will say it now - go on the record so to speak - I think 2006 is going to be a special season for the Cypress Falls Golden Eagles...I feel it just like I felt it about the Longhorns this year. The past two seasons have been pretty special but I think it gets better. I may be proven wrong but I don't think so...I think those boys will rise to the occasion and will play good, steady ball with one goal in mind.

[cyfallsbooster]

If you remember, I posted last fall (early fall) that I thought they were reading too much of the press clippings - I was SO aggravated by the way they were playing when I knew the level they COULD play at - it was there all along but they had to put the puzzle together. Well, they put that puzzle together and it is pretty much intact for next season.
yes, i do remember. you and i were both suggesting that. that is why i will continue to try and remind the kids about that subject. beleive me, i really want to see the kids realize their full potential this next year. it was really fun to see them come on the way they did in the playoffs this past season. hope they can do that and more this next season.

[Drake]

I will say it now - go on the record so to speak - I think 2006 is going to be a special season for the Cypress Falls Golden Eagles...How special? And what are you going by? One "almost" against Katy?

[CyFallsMom]

How special? And what are you going by? One "almost" against Katy?

I'm just voicing my opinion. It wasn't just an "almost" - it was amazing. The majority of the same team will be on the field next year - barring injuries, it should be a fun season.

[Drake]

I'm just voicing my opinion. It wasn't just an "almost" - it was amazing. The majority of the same team will be on the field next year - barring injuries, it should be a fun season.You still didn't answer the question :) How special? Regional Champ? State Champ? District Runner-up? :D

[CyFallsMom]

again, Strake, just my opinion. I think it will be at least the Regional Championship. We've been there twice in the past two years and tasted it and I'm sure we have some hungry guys on that team.

[DOC223]

Here's another 17-5a fan in the house...
Cy Creek will be listed in region3 at #10 at best. Creek team next yr will be much improved from last. Creek returns agruebly one of the best or if not the best overall back in 17-5a or greater Hou. They also have added some N.O Flavor. Creek don't look like the Creek of 2 yrs ago. These preseason talks are often early and rarely are correct in the final talley but fun! remember.. It not always about the talents or how much you have. I don't see it with Fair and Strake next yr. Fair loses it's entire OL and most of it primary players on Defense alone with it's TE and QB. Don't know bout Strake but they will need to adjust to the teams play in this their new district and I don't think they can do this next yr. McCaig has improved that program every yr and I see next yr being no different. creek relies on a system as best as anyone. Remember this is a team that have tough wins(no disrespect) against Falls 2 yrs in a row with what some say inferior talent and barely lost to fair on a last sec KR. the Katy game was a thumping and a wake-up. Heard some rumbling that next yr Creeks back will finally get the chance to have a FB as xtra blocker and run more of a conventional attack than the spread to open up holes. I pick Creek wins district 17-5a with the new Flavor or Orlean's

[CyFalls#1]

Strake:

CFMom won't give you a bold prediction - but I will ... State Champs. I'm not saying that Falls will run roughshod through district play - because as you'll soon see - it is a very competitive district with talent spread across many of the schools. But I am saying this team has the pieces in place to make a very deep run through the playoffs, assuming the injury bug is kept at bay.

What you faced in the '05 playoffs was a team starting 17 juniors - including a QB in his 3rd start. That team didn't have an "almost" against Katy - it had a "should've" game. When you are leading 28-10 with a first and goal on Katy's 10 with 1 minute remaining in the 3rd quarter, the game should've been put away. But that failure serves as motivation for this year.

That said, I don't see another team with the complete package to match Falls - size/tenacity on both lines, speed and game breaking ability at the skill positions, playmaking ability on defense. Players make plays, leaders lead and speed kills -- this team has all of those and then some. Add in the incoming talent and if you're a Falls backer you can't wait for August to get here!

[CyFallsMom]

CyFalls #1 - I like you already!! You said what I wanted to say but just couldn't get up the nerve. I hope you are right on target with your predictions!!

[rwilleby]

What you faced in the '05 playoffs was a team starting 17 juniors - including a QB in his 3rd start. That team didn't have an "almost" against Katy - it had a "should've" game. When you are leading 28-10 with a first and goal on Katy's 10 with 1 minute remaining in the 3rd quarter, the game should've been put away. But that failure serves as motivation for this year.

Whewwww! What a game and I agree with your comment... ONE of the most exciting games I have ever witnessed... Second only to the 2003 SLC game! Emotion, emotion, emotion everywhere... I hope we get to see you guys again in 2006 (at least I think I do!)...

[Drake]

Strake:

CFMom won't give you a bold prediction - but I will ... State Champs. I'm not saying that Falls will run roughshod through district play - because as you'll soon see - it is a very competitive district with talent spread across many of the schools. But I am saying this team has the pieces in place to make a very deep run through the playoffs, assuming the injury bug is kept at bay.

What you faced in the '05 playoffs was a team starting 17 juniors - including a QB in his 3rd start. That team didn't have an "almost" against Katy - it had a "should've" game. When you are leading 28-10 with a first and goal on Katy's 10 with 1 minute remaining in the 3rd quarter, the game should've been put away. But that failure serves as motivation for this year.

That said, I don't see another team with the complete package to match Falls - size/tenacity on both lines, speed and game breaking ability at the skill positions, playmaking ability on defense. Players make plays, leaders lead and speed kills -- this team has all of those and then some. Add in the incoming talent and if you're a Falls backer you can't wait for August to get here!Very persuasive post. There's a difference between high hopes and high expectations, especially to a teenage boy... I hope they can handle the burden of their fans' expectations...

[cyfallsbooster]

Very persuasive post. There's a difference between high hopes and high expectations, especially to a teenage boy... I hope they can handle the burden of their fans' expectations...
Very well put.
i agree they have most if not all the "right pieces" as far as coaching and personnel go. i just really HOPE the players came to understand this past season the other intangibles required for doing what us fans are EXPECTING of them. but, whatever the outcome of next year, if the kids give it their all each week, they can end the season with their heads up. no shame in giving it your all and coming up short. the only shame in life is not giving it your best effort.

[CyFallsMom]

Very well put.
i agree they have most if not all the "right pieces" as far as coaching and personnel go. i just really HOPE the players came to understand this past season the other intangibles required for doing what us fans are EXPECTING of them.

That's a problem when you have seasons liked Cy Falls did these past two years - the expectations go way UP. As far as I'm concerned, this past playoff season, they stepped it up quite a few notches from the previous year. Yes, we as fans "expect" a lot but these kids need to do it for themselves and their coaches more than anyone else! If they went out next year and won 3 games all year (like they did my son's sophomore year) I will still go to every game and support them with all the spirit I can muster just like I did that year...there are no losers in high school sports in my eyes.

All of the kids in all of the sports need support from fans other than just their parents and siblings. Sometimes we fans put them on a pedestal that they don't want to be on or we expect way too much from them. I sure hope they come out with all guns blazing next year and I hope they go all the way to that state championship but, if they don't, I'll still be proud to be a Golden Eagle fan and will still be a fan years after my kids have graduated.

By they way - and I'm switching to Baseball here for just a minute - just wanted to send my best to our short stop, Joey Kenworthy. He had a collision with another player during pratice last week and broke his leg in two places. My husband and I are crushed - Joey is the heartbeat and soul of that team. Hopefully he will be back in time for playoffs because it wouldn't be the same without him and his enormous heart and the energy he brings to the field:(

[cyfallsbooster]

By they way - and I'm switching to Baseball here for just a minute - just wanted to send my best to our short stop, Joey Kenworthy. He had a collision with another player during pratice last week and broke his leg in two places. My husband and I are crushed - Joey is the heartbeat and soul of that team. Hopefully he will be back in time for playoffs because it wouldn't be the same without him and his enormous heart and the energy he brings to the field:(
And his leadership and bat! Heard about it Monday. Crushing blow for the season. Expectations were possibly district champs this year. Without Joey, the Eagles may be fighting just to make the playoffs. :mad: Great kid. Good thing he already committed to Texas Tech.

[CyFallsMom]

And his leadership and bat! Heard about it Monday. Crushing blow for the season. Expectations were possibly district champs this year. Without Joey, the Eagles may be fighting just to make the playoffs. Great kid. Good thing he already committed to Texas Tech.

He is such a multi faceted player and great kid - he'll be back though! I think they'll still make playoffs - Coach MacDonald is awesome - he'll get them all together and just maybe they can use Joey as their inspiration:D

[Drake]

Since SJ has been re-aligned with the Cypress schools I've been paying a lot more attention to these schools and their achievements in the paper... Really amazing how competitive and accomplished those teams and their athletes are in all sports and activities... Right up there with the Kingwoods, Woodlands, and Katy's (areas) of Houston in just about every boys and girls competition... It's very impressive...

[cyfallsbooster]

Since SJ has been re-aligned with the Cypress schools I've been paying a lot more attention to these schools and their achievements in the paper... Really amazing how competitive and accomplished those teams and their athletes are in all sports and activities... Right up there with the Kingwoods, Woodlands, and Katy's (areas) of Houston in just about every boys and girls competition... It's very impressive...
Great talent base to draw from. Only problem is that talent is spread out amongst 8 schools. (Next year 9 and then 2 years from now 10. Along with all the re-zoning each time.)

[CyFallsMom]

Since SJ has been re-aligned with the Cypress schools I've been paying a lot more attention to these schools and their achievements in the paper... Really amazing how competitive and accomplished those teams and their athletes are in all sports and activities... Right up there with the Kingwoods, Woodlands, and Katy's (areas) of Houston in just about every boys and girls competition... It's very impressive...

There are some great athletes out in Cypress no doubt. At one pointlast month, Cy Falls was ranked in both girls and boys soccer and basketball polls at the same time! Cy Fair is another powerhouse - bottom line is, all the schools either are or are highly capable of being powerhouses in just about every sport. It will just make Strake Jesuit that much stronger to have to play all of them. Tomball was a good athletic school too but they will be moving on.

The most interesting for me, personally, is that my friend and I take a 2 or 3 mile walk a few times a week just through our neighborhood. In that span, we never cross any busy streets or any major thoroughfares and we walk through Cy Falls, Cy Fair and Langham Creek attendance zones. My girls go to and will graduate from Cy Falls in 2007 but our neighborhood is now zoned to Cy Fair for the next 3 years - LC territory is about 12 houses down from us - enough to make a sane person go crazy!!:eek: