QB Keeton helps Cy Creek rally past Cy Ridge 22-18

As a three-year starter for Cypress Creek, quarterback Chucky Keeton knows he’s counted on to make big plays for the Cougars.

With the game and a share of the District 17-5A championship on the line, Keeton did just that, stepping up and rallying the Cougars to a 22-18 win over Cypress Ridge at the Berry Center.

Keeton’s touchdown run of 15 yards with 1:38 left completed a comeback for Cy Creek in the final nine minutes of the game.

Earlier in the fourth, trailing 18-8, Keeton hit Jarred Gipson on a 79-yard touchdown pass to get Cy Creek to within 18-15. He was 5-for-5 passing for 157 yards in the final quarter, which doubled his passing yardage from the rest of the game.

District reign continues

“Chucky is such a competitor and he really inspires our team’s play as our leader,” Cy Creek coach Greg McCaig said. “He and everyone else contributed to this win.”

Cy Creek (7-3, 7-2) is tied for first with Cy-Fair. A Cypress Woods victory over Cypress Springs today would mean a three-way tie for the district title.

Besides getting a share of 17-5A, the victory also secured the number two seed for the Cougars in the Class 5A Division I playoffs. Cy Creek will take on Alief Hastings Nov. 12 at Crump Stadium.

The Cougars have won or shared a piece of the district championship for three straight years, an unprecedented feat in their district.

“This victory was for the entire team,” McCain said. “Our defense played their butts off and responded well when we needed them. I am so dang proud of these guys.”

After Andy Wickman gave the Rams an early lead with a 47-yard field goal, Keeton rushed for a 3-yard score to give the Cougars an 8-3 advantage. His run came one play after hitting a 34-yard pass completion to Will Chenowith.

Behind most of game

Cy Ridge answered on their next possession as Andrew Gonzales found Johnnie Tolbert II for a 29-yard scoring toss. Gonzales then hit Glenn Jackson for the 2-point conversion to give the Rams an 11-8 lead at halftime.

With 3:19 left in the third quarter, Cy Ridge then went 62 yards in 11 plays, capped by a Gonzales score from the 3.

Trailing by 10 heading into the fourth, the stage was set for Keeton leading the rally.