Oct 2013 THS Cougar Claw

Can’t take the heat?

Stay out of their way.

The Cougar Claw Tomball High School Oct. 2013 Vol. 57, Issue 1 THSCougarClaw.com

Homecoming Week has a ’50s feel Complete schedule Page 3

How you get your

Diploma is about to get a lot more complicated in new system.

Page 2

Students get a jump on careers as firefighters.

Page 6

What are Endorsements?

THE COUGAR CLAW: NEWS

How you get your

Diploma

is about to get a lot more complicated.

In addition to the required classes to graduation, students will add an “endorsement” or specialty by earning 4 credits toward a specialized focus.

Options for Endorsements include:

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathemat (STEM) Business & Industry Public Services

Story by

Arts & Humanities

Leanne Haas

Multidisciplinary Studies

A

lbert Einstein said: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Critics have accused public schools of taking this approach. Students have been forced to take classes that they feel are useless in relation to their future careers. Some students want to be writers. Others, doctors. Some want to be welders.

So why would an aspiring writer need to spend even a semester in a pre-cal class? Why would a future welder need two years of a foreign language?

Some students feel they are fish being forced to climb trees just to graduate high school, and the Texas legislature seems to be taking note.

House Bill 5, passed in the Texas Senate this year, is due to go into effect next school year.

This bill will drastically change graduation requirements.

HB5 has also changed the number of EOC subject tests from 15 to just 5, which will affect this school year’s standardized testing as well as years to come.

Starting with next year’s freshmen, gradua-

opt into the new plan as well. However, the classes that will be accepted have yet to be determined. The state is scheduled to meet in January to work out details.

For many underclassmen, it will be best to stay on the old graduation requirements. But for others, once classes are determined, it’s worth at least looking at the new options.

Future veterinarians won’t feel like fish - Superintendent Huey Kinchen trying to climb trees when they are spending more time in their aquatic and equine science tion requirements will consist of a minimum of classes while taking AP biology, nor will as3 years of math, science, and social studies, and piring writers feel out of place in their creative 4 years of English, in addition to electives and writing, newspaper and advanced English an “endorsement.” classes.

Students will choose what discipline of study “Personally, this bill really speaks to me,” they would like to focus on, much like a major said senior Faith Clause. “As a prospective neuin college, and can take more classes in that rosurgeon, I would have loved the opportunity particular subject to prepare themselves for to take as many science courses as possible.” future careers.

The unique thing about the new graduation Students can choose one of five “endorserequirements, though, is that it doesn’t only ments” to focus on, including: Science, Techfocus to prospective college students. nology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); “This bill gives students the opportunity to Business and Industry; Public Services; Arts explore other fields,” said Dietta Colbertson, and Humanities; and Multidisciplinary. spokesperson for the Texas Board of EducaCurrent underclassmen will be allowed to tion.

Any time (students) have more choices that f it their interest, they have more tie-in to the school.

Old Plan

New Plan

Recommended Degree Plan

Mathematics Four credits: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, 1 additional credit

Mathematics Three credits: Algebra 1, Geometry, 1 additional credit

Science Four credits: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 1 additional credit Social Studies Four credits: World History, World Geography, U.S. History, Government (1/2), Economics (1/2) PE: One Credit Foreign Languages: Two credits in the same language Fine Arts: One Credit Speech: Half-credit

Both plans require 26 hours to graduate

English Language Arts Four credits: English 1, English 2, English 3, English 4

English Language Arts Four credits: English 1, English 2, English 3, English 4 or any advanced English course

Science Three credits: Biology, IPC or an advanced science course, any additional advanced science course Social Studies Three credits: World History OR World Geography OR a combined class, U.S. History, Government (1/2), Economics (1/2) PE: One Credit Foreign Languages: Two credits in the same language OR computer programming languages OR other exceptions Fine Arts: One Credit Speech: Not required

Electives: Five and a half credits

Electives: Five credits PLUS any Endorsement for an additional four credits

More vocational classes are expected to be established to accommodate the new graduation plan – classes in addition to the current woodshop, dentistry, welding or HOSA classes.

These are classes that students can take to be certified and get a job in that field without going to college.

TISD Superintendent Huey Kinchen believes that HB5 will hopefully encourage students to stay in school rather than drop out.

“Any time (students) have more choices that fit their interest, they have more tie-in to the school,” he said.

House Bill 5 is appealing to some students who would otherwise drop out because it allows a cut-back on what some feel are unnecessary classes which have been required for graduation in the past. This allows more room for vocational classes and takes stress off of

As a prospective neurosurgeon, I would have loved the opportunity to take as many science courses as possible.

- senior Faith Clause

students who are not so academically inclined in every subject.

Along with a cut to core class requirements, foreign language will undergo a major change.

While still required, students may have options such as computer programming to meet that requirement.

Some students, however, believe learning a second language is essential.

“Being bilingual will help you get a real job,” said junior Michael Rodriguez, though he admits he feels he has been “cheated” having to take two years of a foreign language, just for the requirement to be changed.

Even if a class is not required, it likely would still be available, and in some cases students may find it helpful.

Senior Ryan Yockey, having taken algebra 2 the previous year, believes the class is necessary because “a lot of students will find it harder in classes like Pre-cal or Physics”.

For now, few details of the new plan are available, nor will they be for some time. The task of preparing and educating students about their options will be in the hands of the counselors, who must guide students in making wise choices when they go to choose their classes for these coming years.

Staff

Drew Gilman

Editor-in chief: Leanne Haas Sports Editor: Leandra Carty News Editor: Jynn Schubert

THE COUGAR CLAW: OPINION/EDITORIALS

Feature Editor: Micaela Lapeer Online Editor: Adam Bergeron Video Editor: Drew Gilman Staff Writers: Julian Gite, Valentina Munoz, Maria Ramirez, Wendy Salazar Design by Bailey Swanson & Tyler Swanson Editorial Cartoonist: Drew Gilman For more on the Cougar Claw staff, check out our online edition at THSCougarClaw.com Letters to the Editor Policy: The Cougar Claw publishes letters to the editor in both print and online editions. These can come from students, parents,faculty/staff and others with an intrest in school. Letters will be edited for grammar and length, but the author’s intent and point of view will never be compromised. All letters must be signed.

Questions, comments or concerns, contact adviser Jerry Fordyce at: jerryfordyce@tomballisd.net phone: (281) 357-3220 fax: (281) 357-3248 The Cougar Claw Newspaper Tomball High School 30330 Quinn Rd. Tomball, TX 77375

Rally for the anti-pep rally Adam Bergeron With the new school year in full swing, many changes are evident as well. One that surprised many is the end of the unofficial “anti-pep rally” – which allowed students who didn’t want to attend football pep rallies to sit in another gym and study and talk quietly with friends.

Many students are upset with the decision, and are asking why the change was made.

Should students be forced to show school spirit?

Some students and faculty may really enjoy the pep rally and get into the spirit of the event, but it’s unrealistic to expect every student to feel the same way.

For those who want to skip out on the pep rally, the reasons are endless – wanting to avoid the crowd, the noise level, fatigue of watching the same old shenanigans. For some, dealing with the crowd and noise can cause serious – and unnecessary – stress.

For those who preferred the “anti-pep rally” it became an escape of sorts. It was a chance to study for a big test or finish homework before leaving for a job after school.

While the school’s desire for all students to be proud of the athletic program’s accomplishments is understandable, and while it’s true that with a smaller school it’s an opportunity to fit all students into the gym as once, the school should immediately reconsider its abandonment of the pep rally alternative.

Getting into the spirit of homecoming Staff Commentary Let’s say football isn’t your thing. You’d rather spend a Friday night playing the latest game or catching a movie. That’s fine.

But homecoming is special. And here’s why.

First, there’s the parade on Wednesday night down Main Street. If your club or team is invited to participate, you should definitely take advantage. Why? Because here’s a news flash: When you get out of high school, odds are pretty good you won’t be invited to march in a parade again. So don’t miss out.

Then there’s the dress-up days this week. This is a chance to stretch the boundaries of dress code, to

express your personality and have a little fun with fashion. Again, this is a limited opportunity.

And then there’s the game Friday. The game itself is secondary to the social aspect. It’s a see-and-be-seen kind of moment. And you don’t want to miss seeing the homecoming queen crowned at halftime.

Finally, there’s the dance on Saturday. This is the first big dance of the year, a chance to dress up in your finest and enjoy yourselves. If you’re a senior, this is particularly important, as this will be your last homecoming dance. Don’t make the mistake of skipping out, even if you don’t have a date. Go with friends and hang out. You won’t be the only single there.

It’s all about opportunities. Don’t miss this one.

Our view

GUEST COMMENTARY

School still has history on its side

Depression, bullying go hand-in-hand Schools need to address mental health Megan McGlynn Bullying and suicide.

We all assume that they are connected in every case involving teens. What some people don’t realize are the many other possible reasons behind suicide, rather than just bullying.

The Huffington Post published the article “Bullying and Suicide: The Dangerous Mistake We Make” on Feb. 2, 2012, by Katherine Bindley. To be honest, I’m very surprised more people aren’t talking about this.

It’s important to know not only for our school systems and staff, but for parents of kids in high school.

This article tells the stories of multiple teens in high school who committed suicide, and their reasons behind it. Many of the parents blamed everything on bullying. But studies have now proven that bullying may not be the only reason.

Depression, anxiety and stress are all major issues that school systems and teachers seem to forget about, including parents. Bullying is an important aspect, and should not be ignored. But it also shouldn’t be put as the main cause of the suicide.

Nicole Cardarelli, 27, admits that killing yourself because of bullying was easier to understand; she believed that for years after her brother Greg’s suicide in 2004.

In high school, Greg had met a “girl” online that he thought was serious. It turned out that it was two of his friends playing a prank on him.

Hours later, he had killed himself.

At the time, Nicole didn’t see the signs that Greg was already troubled. But in recent years, she has thought about his behavior in the few months before he died. “I

believe he was depressed,” she said recently.

Even though suicides often prove to have many different factors, most experts still say that bullying can be harmful and worsen depression, and increase suicide risk, and its seriousness shouldn’t be minimized.

I know this wasn’t entirely on bullying. But I felt like people need to know this. In the Huffington Post article, it says something that stands out to me: “Clayton Cook, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Washington, argues that because mental health issues are often a common thread running through bullying and suicide, schools should not have a narrowly focused solution.”

This is what I want to change in schools, including THS. Bullying is an important factor, don’t get me wrong. But we shouldn’t train all of our focus on that.

We should open up to our students.

Surprisingly enough, a lot of teens have depression.

And I feel like we don’t do enough to help.

Doing more school activities, and talking about current events, could help many teens of both bullying and depression status.

I’m not saying I’m entirely right, but I’m not entirely wrong either.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the TeenLine at

713-529-TEEN

It is a 24-hour hotline staffed by volunteers trained to help with any problem, big or small.

Since the opening of Tomball Memorial, we have found ourselves asking again and again; what separates us from them? What keeps us on the map, against our neighbors with a brand new campus, brand new students (and more of them), and brand new everything? The answer is simple.

Tradition.

Ask anybody out on Main Street what the local High School is, and the first that comes to mind is almost always the time-honored Tomball High. Walk into the student publications room and you’ll see framed up on the wall our first ever issue from 1964 and the first yearbook from ’46, and many issue in-between.

Walk into the Band Hall and take a look at the years and years of awards, pilling up over time from growing excellence, every season better than the last.

The fact of the matter is, Tomball High has played a prominent role in Tomball History.

Next time you think about Memorial’s shiny new campus, just think about the stories we have that they won’t have for decades- the rich variety of alumni that have walked through these halls.

So as Memorial prepares for their first graduating class, remember the more than 100 years of students our school has sent out into the world, working hard every day to make us, Tomball High School, The Pride of Texas.

Your view We encourage readers to share their opinion, either through letters to the editor or submitted guest commentaries.

Please drop off any letters or commentaries in Room 1201, or e-mail them to us at jerryfordyce@tomballisd.net.

strong

“

I try not to worry ... it doesn’t do me or her any good.

Hero S

Courageous

protect

family

enior Prom and soot-covered fire gear. Most of the time, these two subjects shouldn’t be in the same sentence.

But it’s all relative to senior Sydni Bradley, a “junior firefighter” for the Plantersville Fire Department.

Sydni got Leanne Haas her start over the summer after her step-mom, a volunteer of five months, convinced her to give it a try.

And she loved it.

“After seeing me do it for a while she had been eager to join,” said Jennifer Bradley, Sydni’s step-mother.

She quickly developed a bond with the all-volunteer-based department, earning the nicknames “Red” and “Wildfire,” depending on the day.

And when the senior arrived to a meeting one day during the week trying to sell her fellow firemen heavy duty trash bags to raise money for prom tickets, they told her to keep the bags. They all pitched in 8 bucks each, and that was the end of it.

Two weeks later, a junior firefighter named Harry asked her to prom, and she said yes.

A timid Sydni admits that he didn’t make a big deal asking her to the dance.

“He was quite quiet about it, which I’m grateful for,” she said.

But the job isn’t always fluffy. You have to get down and dirty - and you can’t afford mistakes.

“It’s constant training on calls because you always learn something new,” Bradley said. “Every Tuesday she does two hours of hard core training, and sometimes on weekends.”

Caring

dedicated

Fight.

selfless brave

”

Sydni feels that although training is rigorous, especially while trying to balance schoolwork in between, it is worth it in the end. And when she needs to use her skills learned in training, “it just comes natural,” she said.

“I try not to worry about Sydni being a junior firefighter, because it doesn’t do me or her any good to worry” said Kelly Hancock, Sydni’s mom.

Sydni has been trained to take safety precautions, taking into account the condition of her surroundings, wind, possible exits, and humidity levels.

Because Sydni is under 18 years old, however, she is not allowed to enter structurally-unsound buildings. But she is constantly behind the scenes, whether it be filing reports or handling equipment that could pose a real threat if not handled carefully.

“There’s so much to learn,” said Sydni, “Like not knowing how to use an air pack could easily become fatal.”

Just a few months ago, Sydni wasn’t sure what she wanted to do in life. She found her senior year quickly approaching, with little direction.

“I think this experience has opened doors for Sydni that otherwise she wouldn’t have had, and I am glad that her step-mom asked her to be a part of it,” said Kelsey Bradley, Sydni’s mom.

Sydni’s department has offered to pay for her to take forestry classes at Texas A&M next summer.

Currently, she is looking forward to graduation fearlessly and confidently.

“I’m really excited because this is going to be my life.”

Sydni Bradley (left) was drawn into firefighting by her step-mom, Jennifer Bradley.

”

“ He’s always just loved to help people.

“D

ylan, get the cornstarch!” his father yelled as Dylan Parker ran back into the house he had left just minutes before, unexpectedly to the rest of his family, after waking up to a fire started by an alarm clock, consuming his bedroom wall.

“I still have no idea why or how I woke up,” he said, recalling waking up to find his wall on fire, Leanne Haas minutes before the smoke alarm went off.

“Dad, there’s a fire in my room,” he huffed.

“I’ll deal with it later…” his father, a truck driver with a wild sleep schedule, mumbled before fully awakening from his dream state to take action.

The family evacuated the house.

“It wasn’t that exciting, actually, like it is in the movies,” Dylan recalled.

He was told to stay and wait outside, but his eleven-year-old mind told him it would be a good idea to go back into a burning house.

He searched in the kitchen for a moment, but the common household ingredient couldn’t be found.

No cornstarch? I guess this fire extinguisher will do.

He probably wouldn’t have found an extinguisher if it wasn’t for the fact that his dad, a fuel-truck driver, had just gotten a new one for his truck, and had left it in the house.

Six years later, senior Dylan Parker is still helping to extinguish flames, though it doesn’t do him much good searching for the corn starch when there’s a firetruck behind him.

He was introduced to the Tomball Fire Department while volunteering for ROTC in 2011 when the state was experiencing a drought, and Magnolia’s fields and forests were ablaze.

Dylan quickly realized the fulfillment he found in helping his community over-

www.sevenapples.net Photo by: Justin Ulmer

come a trying situation, and he wanted to become a part of the team that sacrificed their time and safety for others.

“He’s always just loved to help people, and I like to think I’ve helped him to be responsible and honest,” said Karen Austin, Dylan’s mother, “I think that he got a lot of those traits from his dad, also.”

Dylan was 12 years old when his father passed away.

It started on a bright summer’s day.

Dylan woke up, ate breakfast, and watched cartoons like any other kid would do. He didn’t bother to wake up his dad when he failed to awake early that morning, his dad having recently injured his leg in an accident.

“I thought, ‘good, he’s getting some much-needed rest’,” he recalled.

But he kept checking on him, thinking his father was still sleeping. Dylan checked on his father again when he realized it was noon.

“Dad, wake up” he pleaded.

He was unresponsive. Dylan realized his eyes were not shut. They were wide open.

He didn’t know it at the time, but his father had entered a coma. Dylan called an ambulance.

He passed away Nov. 9th, 8:24 pm.

Dylan’s father inspired him to become a firefighter. He wanted to save lives.

“I never wanted to feel like that again,” he said, recalling the bitter feeling of helpless confusion that came over him that day.

In July, Dylan became a certified EMT, having been a junior firefighter for nearly two years.

And it was only a few weeks later after receiving certification that Dylan witnessed a dump truck flip onto its side on the freeway. He pulled over to help.

Is the driver conscious? Can he feel pain? Yes? Good. That means his spine is in tact.

He goes through the process he

”

learned in training over and over in his mind, constantly telling himself, “I have to check for…”

Grabbing his hand and supporting his shoulder, Dylan pulled the driver, who came out of the accident uninjured, out of his truck.

He then blocked off the accident with orange cones that he has kept in his truck wherever he goes since receiving his certification, and called for backup.

Though he wasn’t on call that day, Dylan believes the incident shows that because of his training as an EMT he can be even more prepared for situations he finds himself in, whether he is on call or off-duty.

“The more training, the more prepared you are for anything,” he said.

Dylan has seen many things over the past two years as a junior firefighter; car wrecks, wildfires, burning buildings, and hysterical witnesses. That’s when his training kicks in, and his instincts take over.

“It’s second-nature,” he said, “You don’t have time to freeze and say ‘wow’.”

Dylan doesn’t consider himself as some fearless hero, though. He simply enjoys helping people, and it’s the reason he loves what he does.

Dylan Parker is a volunteer junior firefighter with the Tomball Fire Department.

What are your plans for the busy week ahead?

THE COUGAR CLAW: features

We went out and asked students what they were planning for homecoming week. Here’s what you told us!

Waylon S

eber (sop

homore)

tti (junior)

etcittina

Lauren P

Katherine

Strohman

n (senior)

What are you doing instead of the game?

“I’m probably going to sleep.”

What are you going to eat before the dance?

What spirit day are you most excited for?

“School spirit day”

Are you going to homecoming this year?

“No I’m going to Klein’s homecoming.”

Where are you getting your dress?

“Dillards or Macy’s”- Lauren Petcittinatti (junior)

“Steak”

What are you most excited for?

“The theme!”

What spirit day are you most excited for?

“50’s day!”

What music do you hope they’ll play at the dance?

h

Charleig

)

“Anything from Naked & Famous. Basically anything indie.”

homore

er (sop Gallagh

How did you ask/get asked to homecoming?

“We were on my roof and our song came on.

We started dancing and then he asked me.”

Damaniq

Phillip (ju

nior)

What are you doing instead of the homecoming dance?

“I might study.”

What are you most excited for?

“To have fun. I’m excited for the game because I’m in football.”

What spirit day are you most excited for?

“Cancer awareness colours because I had aplastic anemia when I was three.”

Homecoming Week schedule Tuesday, Oct. 15 Show your support for cancer surviviors!

Examples: Yellow- all survivors; Pink- breast cancer; Melanoma- Black; Thyroid - Turquoise; Lung- white; pancreatic - purple.

Wednesday, Oct. 16 “S’port your school” Wear you favorite team colors!

Friday, Oct. 18 Show your school spirit!

Mum’s the word!

Concert calendar Selena Gomez Nov. 2, Toyota Center Buzzfest XXXI Nov. 2, Cynthia Woods Two Door Cinema Club Nov. 5, Bayou Music Center August Burns Red Nov. 9, House of Blues Rhianna Nov. 11, Toyota Center

Drake Thursday, Oct. 17 Nov. 13, Toyota Center “Nerd Day” Twenty One Pilots THINK GEEK - Who let the Nov. 15, House of Blues nerds out?

Kate Nash

HOMECOMING PARADE: Wednesday Main Street from Tomball Intermediate to Train Depot 6:30 - 7p.m.

COMMUNITY PEP-RALLY: at Historic Train Depot 7-7:45 p.m.

HOMECOMING GAME: Friday 7p.m. Kickoff HOMECOMING DANCE: Saturday 8-11 p.m., THS

Nov. 15, Fitzgerald’s Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis Nov. 27, Reliant Arena Justin Timberlake Dec. 5, Toyota Center The Story So Far, Stick to Your Guns, Such Gold, Rotting Out, Heart to Heart Dec. 6, Fitzgerald’s Kanye West Dec. 7, Toyota Center Beyonce Dec. 10, Toyota Center Jay Z, Magna Carter Dec. 19, Toyota Center Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec. 27, Toyota Center

THE COUGAR CLAW: SPORTS

After an exhausting game, the Lady Cougars discuss their winning moves.

The team is 3-1 in District 22-4A play and in good shape for the playoffs.

Katie Boehnke (5) taps up what will become the game’s final score as Addie Davis (7) moves in to assist as the Lady Cougars post another key district victory. Photo by Jessica Sagstetter.

Playoffs still in reach for volleyball squad Leandra Carty

have a long way to go, but remain confident.

“We get better and better After starting the varsity every time we play, and I volleyball season off 2-6 they come back and are 3-1 fully expect to go to the playoffs and win,” teammate in district. They also plan Katie Boehnke said. to work their way up the Boehnke wasn’t the only ladder to make playoffs. one expecting greatness out “The season is going pretty good, we beat Memo- of her team.

“We practice hard and we rial the first time we played all get along pretty well, and them which was exciting have good sportsmanship,” and hopefully we can keep Harman said. “We expect winning and make it to playoffs,” Allie Harman said. great things from our “We’re gonna do better than players, and our coaches to teach them and help them ever.” work their way to the top.”

The Lady Cougars still

Katie Boehnke (5) and Hope Forsythe (14) watch as Lady Cougars teammate Holly Jones chases after the ball during a home game this season. Photo by Jessica Sagstetter.

The Lady Cougars attack the volleyball at the net while on a road match this season. The Lady Cougars are 3-1 in district play, their only loss to Memorial.

Cross country gaining confidence Julian Gite

Oscar Wright maintains his pace in a recent meet. The team earned only one medal but came away pleased. Photos by Julian Gite

Sophomore Ewan Walker ran a personal best of 18:49.8 as the Tomball Cross Country team went to Bear Branch Park to compete at Nike South recently.

The varsity girls also ran a very good race with Alyssa Vigil finishing in 5th with a time of 13:31.7 on the 2-mile race.

The JV girls had two people medal with Madison Mills in 2nd place with a time of 14:34.8, and Candy Cleland in 4th with 14:55.4.

In the boys JV Division, freshman Jacob Beacham finished in 10th place with a time of 19:46.4 securing his place on varsity for the upcoming District Meet at Spring Creek Park.

The Cougars hope students come out to Spring Creek on Oct. 22 to support Jacob Beacham was satisfied after earning a medal at the Moonlight Madness them at the district meet.

Meet with his time of 11:56. He also medaled at the Nike South meet.

TALKING

ARE WE

Y Z A PLAYOFFS? R C

If things go right, the Cougars could face Memorial with a playoff spot on the line for the winner.

Key matchups...

These are key games if the Cougars want to earn a playoff spot.

The top four teams in district advance, and Tomball is currently tied for fourth place with Marshall, but since we lost to them, they own the tiebreaker advantage.

Tomball still plays two of the four teams ahead of it. It would greatly help if we beat Willowridge last Friday, after our publication.

10/18 (Homecoming): vs. Spring Woods (0-5. 0-2) A must-win for Tomball if it hopes to make the playoffs.

Cougar players walk off the field after claiming their first win of the season. The Cougars are 2-3, 1-1 in District 22-4A. Photo by Tommy Flanagan.

What is the team saying?

11/1: vs. Stratford (3-2, 2-0) The team to beat in district, Stratford and Ridge Point are likely to claim the top two spots. But if Tomball can upset one of these two teams, the Cougars are in good shape heading into the final week of the season.

Blake Arias (senior) RB/OLB “Our offensive line has really gotten better, and people play smarter; The younger guys have really stepped it up; they practice hard and they’ve gotten a lot better.”

Xavier Powell (senior)RB/S “I’m not happy about losing the first two games but I do see big time improvement in the team and with a confidence boost we will be expecting to go to playoffs.”

Weston Shattuck (captain, senior) QB/CB “We have definitely improved, and gotten a lot closer as a team. We have improved a lot in our maturity and that makes us better all together.”

Coach Danny Ramsey “Oh goodness, getting to the playoffs we can’t look too far ahead, and we obviously have to put in the effort and know who we need to beat. We also have to play as one, and be unified as a team.”

10/26: at Ridge Point (4-1, 2-0) Winning this would be very difficult but an upset would put Tomball in the running for one of the top two spots.

Cougar receiver Jacob Richerson helps throw a block in Tomball’s 27-14 victory against Mayde Creek. The Cougars have four games left and need victories in at least two of them to have a shot at the playoffs. Photo by Tommy Flanagan.

11/8: at Memorial (2-3, 0-2) Yes, that’s correct - AT Memorial.

That’s because we’re considered the visiting team at “Tomball Stadium” for the final game. But be nice to our cross-town rivals: If they beat Marshall the week before, they could put Tomball in position to be playing for that final playoff spot the final week of the season.

As if there wasn’t enough riding on this game already.