Football: Cougars find way to the top

After losing top running back Jermichael Selders just before the start of the season, Cy Creek didn’t take time to look at what might have been and now shares the 17-5A lead with three games to go.

Senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton has been a catalyst, along with an impressive offensive line, and junior Devan Demas has filled in nicely for the senior Selders.

"Keeton is a nice guy to have around," Cy Creek coach Greg McCaig said.

"After Selders went down, he thought he had to shoulder all of the load, but he’s really settled down and let the game come to him.

"He’s trusting the guys around him, and he’s a great leader, especially to the young players."

The offensive front of seniors Kyle Bockeloh, Dylan Johnson, Adam Welch and Will Marchand, and junior Virak Tho allows Keeton time to throw or roam, and opens lanes for Demas.

"Demas was counted on to be part of the team, but not this much, and he’s doing a phenomenal job," McCaig said.

"We of course really miss Selders, but Demas has allowed us to continue to do the things that can make us successful."

Cy Creek takes a 5-1 district mark and a 5-2 season record into its matchup with Cy Woods at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22 at Pridgeon Stadium.

The Cougars’ only district loss was to Cy-Fair 34-31 on Sept. 25.

"The district is as balanced as I’ve seen it," McCaig said.

"It’s the way it normally is, and the success of Langham Creek, and Cy Ranch already evolving into a solid playoff contender, are great example of why you have to be on all the time.

"When it’s all over, the fourth-place finisher may have as many as five or six losses, and there’s going to be a real scramble for all of the playoff berths down the stretch."

Cy Woods junior Craig Nowak showed why he’s the man to beat in District 17-5A after a strong showing in the elite division at the Nike South Invitational last week at The Woodlands.

Nowak was right there among the state’s and area’s best, and finished third at 15 minutes, 30.70 seconds.

Craig Lutz, a senior from Lewisville Marcus, won the race at 14:55.50, with College Park senior Brian Gohlke second at 15:23.90.

Nowak is the defending district champion who went on to place seventh at regionals and 15th at state as a sophomore.

He was third in district as a freshman.

The 17-5A meet is Oct. 29 in Tomball.

Cy Woods and Cy-Fair have clinched 17-5A playoff berths, Cy Ranch is very close, and fourth place and the last spot may come down to a district finale on Oct. 26.

Cy Woods has pretty much dominated during its 15-0 start, and Cy-Fair has a two-game cushion with three to go for second place.

Cy Ranch has this week’s toughest schedule hosting Cy-Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 19, and visiting Cy Falls on Friday, Oct. 22, and fourth place may not be decided until Jersey Village entertains Cy Falls on Oct. 26.

The playoffs begin Nov. 1-2.