Panthers Send Homecoming Crowd Home Happy with 48 – 0 Rout of Willis Wildkats

In front of a big and raucous Homecoming Crowd, the 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panther Football Team took care of business with a dominating defensive performance combined with its normal high octane offense to the tune of a 48 – 0 victory over the Willis Wildkats.   Oak rolled up 450 total yards compared to only 156 for Willis.  To make Homecoming even more special for the Panthers – Senior Defensive End Mark Hunter (81) and Senior Wide Receiver DeSean Hales (3) were both nominated for Homecoming King with DeSean taking home the crown based on voting by their peers.

First Quarter

Trent Doerner (9) opened the game with a booming kickoff and Logan Studdert (42) was the first man to hit the Willis return man who was polished off by Jacobe Shankle at the Willis 25 yard line.  Luke Muncie (23) snuffed out the first Wildkat rushing effort, Mark Hunter & Alex Mirenda (24) combined to make the second stop and Cody Davis (84) & Studdert forced Willis to punt by making a stop in the backfield.  The Panther offense took the field at their 27 yard line after the punt.  Hales started things off with a 19 yard scamper behind blocks by Kevin Forsch (73) & Zach Coleman (76).  The offense followed with a pair of 4 yard runs by Terrence Robinson (7) & Hales.  A mis-handled snap on 3rd down stalled this drive but a 38 yard boot by Wes Theiss (4) and a jarring tackle by special teams head hunter Kevin Williams (33) backed Willis deep in their territory.  It was three and out for the Wildkats after two stops by Mark Hunter and a pass defended by Craig Palmer (45).  Hales gave the Panthers excellent field position with his 22 yard punt return to the Oak 48.  Theiss promptly hit tight end Mike Rayburn (46) with a pass over the middle.  Rayburn made the safety miss and rumbled for a 33 yard gain.  After a sack, QB Theiss hit Robinson for an 8 yard gain and then found Rayburn open behind the linebackers for what looked like another first down.  Unfortunately the big tight end could not make the grab and Doerner came on to try a 42 yard field goal.  The kick was straight, but just about a yard short of the goal post.  Eight minutes into the game and the offense had shown signs of life, but the game was still scoreless.  Brian Corcoran (30), Muncie & Davis made plays to force another Willis punt that was returned 12 yards to the Oak 37 by Hales.  After a first down gain of only one yard, T-Rob broke the next play for a 62 yard touchdown jaunt behind blocks by Klein Oak’s huge tandem of guards – Forsch & Clint Naron (74).  Doerner added the point after kick to make the score Klein Oak 7 – Willis 0 with 2:25 left in the first quarter.  Demetrich Gilliam (48) made the special teams tackle on the ensuing kickoff. Two plays later, Jeremy Mayweather (5) gave the ball back to the Panthers by alertly pouncing on a mis-handled center/QB exchange.  The offense was back on the field at the Willis 26 yard line.  A holding penalty pushed the Panthers back a little, but Robinson broke the last play of the quarter for 30 yards on a QB draw with key blocks provided at the point of attack by Tyler Condiff (65) and downfield by Andy Wilson (6).    

Second Quarter

The drive ended successfully when Theiss hit Hales with a perfect strike in the end zone for a 10 yard touchdown.  Another Doerner PAT gave the good guys a 14 – 0 lead with only 6 seconds off the second quarter clock.  Shankle made his second tackle on special teams to stop Willis on the 32 yard line.  Willis achieved its initial first down of the game, but only because of a Panther personal foul.  Tackles by Sam Cotto (40) & Mayweather were followed by a run blitz by Mirenda that jarred the ball loose from the Wildkat carrier.  Studdert pounced on the fumble to give the Oak defense its second take away of the game.  Provided another short field to work with Robinson struck gold with his first pass attempt of the year.  His 45 yard bomb found Hales open for his second TD grab of the game.  Again Doerner provided the extra point to make the score Klein Oak 21 – Willis 0 with 8:32 to go in the half.  The defense continued its stellar play this time with Scott Arthur (10) & Chase Thomas (34) getting in on the action.  After a short punt, the offense was back on the field at its own 47 yard line.  A couple of backwards runs followed by an incompletion led to Theiss’ second punt.  This 41 yard effort settled at the Willis 18 yard line.  Willis was finally able to gain a couple of first downs (this time without the benefit of a penalty) but Mark Hunter caused a fumble to push Willis back and after an incompletion the Wildkats brought on their very busy punter.  This time DeSean returned the kick 11 yards to the 21.  Three running plays and a 46 yard punt with out a return by Theiss gave the ball to Willis with a few seconds left in the half.  Mayweather stopped the play to send the teams to the locker room with the score Klein Oak 21 – Willis 0.  At Half Time – Pageantry was everywhere as the homecoming court was introduced and the Homecoming King - our own DeSean Hales & Homecoming Queen – Mercedes Guitron were crowned.  Mark Hunter served as a member of the court.  Congratulations to DeSean and Mercedes.  We are sure they will represent Klein Oak well.

Third Quarter

Obviously scared of Oak’s deep return men, Willis attempted a pooch kickoff in the second half that was alertly fair caught by Arthur at the Oak 36.  Ossam Cook (22) got in on the offensive action with an 11 yard scamper behind a pancake by Coleman.  Robinson added a 12 yard run with blocking help from fellow QB Theiss.  After an incompletion, T-Rob busted for another first down with an 11 yard run & Ossam was sprung for 9 more by an outstanding block by Kenneth Hunter (75).  After a touchdown run by Hales was called back by holding, a well designed Theiss to Robinson screen pass netted 23 yards.  Robinson then took it the last three yards behind Forsch for his 3rd TD of the night.  Doerner added the kick to put the Panthers up 28 – 0 with 10:04 remaining in the 3rd.  Studdert pinned Willis deep in their end at the 14 with an open field stop on the kick off.  Mark Hunter made a stop followed by Mayweather snuffing out a pitch play.  Palmer brought down the receiver on a pass in the flat to force yet another Willis punt.  This kick went out of bounds at their own 45 giving the Panther “O” great field position once again.  The next drive was the T-Rob show with Terrence rushing for 44 of the 45 yards on three carries with the longest being a 37 yard effort behind pulling guard Naron.  The PAT was not good this time making the score Klein Oak 34 – Willis 0 with 5:53 remaining in the third. After the kickoff went out of bounds, Willis started from their 30 and went nowhere thanks to plays by Thomas, Muncie, and Cotto.  DeSean returned this punt 14 yards but ran approximately 80 yards from side to side during the effort.  After another long touchdown was called back due to holding, Theiss hit Rayburn for a 12 yard gain, and then passed to Arthur for 5 positive yards.  Ossam ran for 9 behind a pancake by offensive game MVP Forsch.  Showing their depth, another Panther runner – Walt Williams (21) provided back to back first down carries that netted 27 yards.  Theiss then decided to show off his running skills with a 4 yard run around right end with lead blocking provided by Kenny Hunter.  Doerner was again accurate on the PAT making the score Panthers 41 – Wildkats 0 with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter.  On the ensuing kickoff, John Moreno (37), special teams MVP for the game, parted Willis’ kick returner from the football to give Oak it’s third take-away of the game and another short field at the Willis 23 yard line.  John Michael Cook (43) started things off with a 3 yard run plus a penalty that took the ball down to the 10.  Andy Wilson stepped in at QB and showed some tough running with a 9 yard carry down to the 1 behind blocking provided by Matt Johnstone (59), Ryan Rivera (60), and Ryan Bump (12).  The third quarter ended on this play with the Panthers still up 41 – 0.

Fourth Quarter

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Wilson finished the scoring for the night with a one yard run behind blocking provided by Bradley Benditz (71), Steven Musslewhite (82) & Kyle McLeland (62).  Another successful point after made the score Klein Oak 48 – Willis 0 with 11:56 remaining in the game.  With the Panthers bringing in a bunch of fresh defenders, Willis took over again on offense and moved the ball a little.  The drive included tackles by Eduardo Sereno (35), Kilraine Jones (25), Lee Bell (2), Matt Burr (44), Thorne Cullivan (8), Kenny Williams & Blake Washington (31).  Willis was forced to punt once again after Marc Lopez (13) broke up a 3rd down pass play.  Cullivan returned the kick for 2 yards and Oak’s offense came back and started this drive at their 38 yard line. The only down moment of the game came as Wilson broke his left collar bone on the first running play of this series.  Injuries are part of football, but it always hard to see one of our own go down with one.  Mr. Wilson is such a tough competitor; it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back on the field before the end of the year.  The game continued with Theiss back in at QB.  John Michael Cook (43) carried 4 times for 20 yards behind McLeland, Ryan Koch (54), & Rivera.  The drive stalled and kicker turned back-up punter Doerner came in and booted a nice 33 yard kick with Sereno & Moreno making the special teams play.  Phillippe Heusdain (77), Anthony Breedlove (38), Burr, & Jim Chirdo (32) all had outstanding hits on the drive.  Willis did complete a long pass, but Steven Dean (41) made a TD saving tackle to preserve the Panther shutout.  Time would finally run out on the Wildkats with the final score Klein Oak Panthers 48 – Willis Wildkats 0.

Game Summary

Offensive statistical leaders for the game were as follows:  Robinson (170 yds on 17 carries, 3 rushing TDs, 2 receptions – 32 yards, 2-3 passing, 69 yards, 1 TD), Hales (26 yds, 4 carries, 3 receptions, 75 yds, 2 TD’s), Theiss (6-9 passing, 90 yds, 1 TD, 5 yds on 2 carries, 1 rushing TD), Rayburn (2 receptions, 45 yds), O. Cook (30 yds, 4 carries), W. Williams (29 yds, 3 carries),  J.M. Cook (20 yds, 4 carries), Arthur (1 reception, 7 yds), Wilson (11 yds, 3 carries, TD) and Doerner (6 – 7 PAT).

Safeties K. Williams & Muncie led the team in tackles with 9 & 8 respectively.  Other leading tacklers were defensive game MVP M. Hunter with 7 including one for a loss, Mirenda, Arthur and Thomas  - 6 each, Cotto & Palmer – 5 each, & Studdert, Shankle, & Dean with 4 each.  Mirenda, M. Hunter & Moreno all caused fumbles and Mayweather, Studdert, and Moreno recovered fumbles. 

This homecoming victory brings the record of the 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panthers Football Team to 2 Wins against No defeats.  The Panthers dominated on both sides of the ball and had virtually the entire roster of players provide positive plays in the effort.  Next on the Agenda – The Magnolia Bulldogs at Klein Memorial Stadium on Thursday night.  Stay Focused – Stay Hungry – and Keep the Train Rolling.  Oak’em Panthers. 

Klein Oak Panthers Run 2007 Record to 3 – 0
Pound the Magnolia Bulldogs 41 - 14

On a beautiful Thursday night at Klein Memorial Stadium, the 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panther Football Team kept their 2007 record spotless with another strong performance against a non-district foe.  The offense showed a more diverse look with over 200 yards passing to go along with the always potent ground attack.  The defense continued its dominance over the opponent’s defense – this week neutralizing the Bulldog option attack.  The Panthers raced out to a 34 – 0 lead before settling on the final score of 41 – 14 after giving up a couple of late touchdowns. 

First Quarter

Trent Doerner (9) kicked deep to open the game and Jacobe Shankle (26) made the special teams play to give Magnolia the ball on its 35 yard line.  Sophomore Luke Muncie (23) snuffed out the first run attempt.  Magnolia did manage a couple of first downs on the drive, and Craig Palmer (45) had to catch the Magnolia QB from behind to prevent a score.  The defenses stiffened as Muncie, Chase Thomas (34), Alex Mirenda (24), and Defensive Game MVP – Mark Hunter (81) all made big plays.  Magnolia was forced into a 37 yard field goal attempt that was unsuccessful giving the Oak offense its first chance on the 20.  Terrence Robinson (7) started things off with a 12 yard gain around left end after being sprung by left tackle – Kenny Hunter (75).  Terrence then faked the end around to DeSean Hales (3) and added 22 more yards to his growing rushing total for the year.  QB Wes Theiss (4) made it 3 straight plays and 3 first downs with an 11 yard completion to Hales.  After another 5 yard completion from Theiss to DeSean, T-Rob followed Zach Coleman (76) up the middle for 11 yards.  Ossam Cook (22) took over with two rushes for 16 yards, the last 6 for the score behind stellar blocking by Kenny Hunter, Tyler Condiff (65), and Kevin Forsch (73).  Doerner split the uprights to make the score 7 – 0 in favor of Oak with 4:15 remaining in the first quarter.  After Kenny Williams (33) made the tackle on the ensuing kickoff, Muncie was back in on the action again forcing a fumble on the option pitch.  Another tackle by Luke followed by a third down stop by Thomas forced Magnolia into their first punt.  Klein Oak’s offense set up shop on its 27.  After a couple of T-Rob carries, Hales scampered for the first down behind the blocking of tight end Mike Rayburn (46) and big Clint Naron (74).  The first quarter clock wound down with the score Klein Oak 7 – Magnolia 0. 

Second Quarter

The first play of the second stanza was a beautiful pass by Theiss to Robinson over his outside shoulder that netted 22 yards and another Panther first down.  T-Rob ran for 14 yards behind the downfield blocking of receivers Hales and Chris Starr (14).  Wes then fooled everyone with a nifty QB draw that netted 11 yards with the help of Naron & Coleman.  DeSean ran for 7 and then Robinson scored on a 9 yard run that featured a super-sonic spin move that was barely able to be caught on film.  Trent hit the kick straight and the score with 10:13 remaining in the half was Panthers 14 – Bulldogs 0.  Magnolia’s third possession started on their 20 yard line.  The Bulldogs thought about passing, but Mirenda sacked the quarterback to show them the error of that strategy.  Muncie & Thomas shut down the drive, but not before defensive tackle, Sam Cotto (40) went down with a neck stinger.  Sam was held out of the rest of the game, but recovered nicely in practice the next week.  The offense took over again on the 30.  Ossam followed lead blockers Kenny Hunter & Forsch for a 15 yard gain.  Theiss then hit Rayburn over the middle for a 13 yard first down.  After an incompletion, Coach Poth called the “Jail Break” screen to T-Rob.  This nicely designed play coupled with some hard to believe speed, resulted in a 40 yard touchdown throw, catch and run. Another accurate kick by Doerner caused the scoreboard to read Oak 21 – Magnolia 0 with 5:22 remaining in the half.  Magnolia gained a couple of first downs but Mark Hunter & Muncie continued to deal out punishment.  The young defensive back was driven from the game by an injured hand which was later determined to be minor.  Kenny Williams filled in nicely for Luke by teaming with Thomas for a stop and Mark Hunter stuffed Magnolia 7 yards deep in the backfield.  With their backs to the wall, the Bulldogs tried one more time to pass, this time getting it off, but the throw found the arms of Scott Arthur (10) who returned it to Klein Oak’s 30 yard line.  Coach Smith doesn’t call many plays during a game, so he tries to make them count.  He decided it was time for the skinny post to Hales.  Theiss liked the call also and hit the speedy UT bound receiver in stride 30 yards downfield.  DeSean covered the last 40 yards in record time.  Doerner, suffering from muscle fatigue due to the rapid fire offense, was off the mark.  The score was now Good Guys – 27 – Not as Good Guys – 0 with 1:14 remaining in the half.  Mark Hunter pounced on a fumble on Magnolia’s next play, but despite a 13 yard strike from Wes to T-Rob the offense stalled and Doerner came on for a 42 yard field goal attempt.  The kick had the distance, but was wide left sending the teams to their respective locker rooms with the halftime score – Klein Oak Panthers 27 – Magnolia Bulldogs 0. 

Third Quarter

Worried about the deep return men, many teams have resorted to short pooch kicks when kicking off to the Panthers.  Jeremy Mayweather (5) may make teams think twice about this strategy.  The speedy defensive back returned Magnolia’s pooch kick 31 yards and almost broke it all the way to give Klein Oak great field position at the Magnolia 36 yard line.  For once, the offense did not capitalize on the great field position as the drive stalled after 14 yards rushing by both Cook & Robinson bringing on Doerner to attempt a 23 yard field goal.  As it turned out, the senior kicker was suffering from a groin strain, which contributed to the second missed field goal of the game.  Not all was lost as Magnolia was stuck deep in its own end of the field.  Cody Davis (84), Logan Studdert (42), K. Williams & Thomas made sure the drive went nowhere.  Magnolia’s punt found the one place they did not want it to go – into the hands of Mr. Hales.  DeSean made the visitors pay by sprinting 58 yards for the team’s first special teams score of the season. Doerner was back on the mark and the score was now Oak 34 – Magnolia 0 with 3:49 still showing on the 3rd quarter clock.  The score would stay this way through the end of the quarter as Magnolia mounted a sustained drive. Andrew Holley (28) & Demetrich Gilliam (48) made some key stops, and Kevin Williams provided a great tackle in the backfield before the quarter ended. 

Fourth Quarter

Magnolia showed that they weren’t about to pack it in and go home by continuing this offensive possession successfully into the fourth quarter.  Despite good plays by Thorne Cullivan (8), Arthur and Studdert, Magnolia put their first points on the board using strong running by their QB on a keeper with 55 seconds off the fourth quarter clock.  The Panthers were still up 34 – 7 at this time.  A great kickoff by the Bulldog kicker pinned the Panther offense deep in its own territory.  T-Rob started the drive with an 8 yard gain, but the ball squirted loose, and was recovered by an opportunistic Bulldog defense.  Two plays later, Magnolia’s QB had his second score of the game.  With 10:02 remaining in the game the scoreboard read – Klein Oak 34 – Magnolia 14.  After giving up two scores in less than two minutes of the final stanza, it was time for the Panthers to regain their composure.  Again pinned deep in their territory on the 9 yard line it was time to light up the high octane attack once more.  Robinson was sprung at the point of attack by a good block from Rayburn and received extra help down field by Theiss & Starr.  The speedy athlete was brought down 63 yards later deep in Magnolia territory.  The Panther faithful in the stands breathed a sigh of relief.  Robinson reeled off another 14 yard run again with help from Rayburn, Theiss, & Kenny Hunter.  Walt Williams (21) got in for a couple of carries netting 8 yards and an important 4th down conversion.  After Theiss was sacked, the “Jail Break” screen was again employed and with the help of a crushing block by Coleman, Terrence found the end one for his 3rd touchdown of the day and Wes’ third TD pass of the game.  Trent was again on the mark and the score was a more comfortable – Oak 41 – Magnolia 14.  Magnolia took over one last time on their 27 after special team’s game MVP Kenny Williams made another stop.  Josh Brewer (56) gave the team a couple of nice stops to hold up the Bulldogs.  Jim Chirdo (32), Eduardo Sereno (35), Matt Burr (44), & John Moreno (37) all contributed big hits on the drive as time wound down.  Once the clock chimed zero, the final score was – Klein Oak Panthers 41 – Magnolia Bulldogs 14. 

Game Summary

Offensive statistical leaders for the game were as follows:  Robinson (175 yds on 15 carries, 4 receptions – 112 yards, 3 TDs), Hales (40 yds, 5 carries, 3 receptions 90 yds, 1 TD reception, 58 yard punt return for TD), Offensive Game MVP Theiss (8-14 passing, 204 yds, 3 TD passes, 15 yds on 4 carries), Rayburn (1 reception, 13 yds), O. Cook (51 yds, 7 carries, 1 TD), W. Williams (8 yds, 2 carries) and Doerner (5 – 6 PAT).

Defensive Game MVP Mark Hunter led the team in tackles with 12 (5 for losses).  Other leading tacklers were Kenny Williams with 10 including one for a loss, Muncie - 8, Thomas - 7, Arthur – 5, & Studdert, Corcoran, Mirenda (1 for loss), Cullivan, & Mayweather with 4 each.  Mayweather, Cotto & M. Hunter caused fumbles and Mark also recovered one. 

The defeat of the Magnolia Bulldogs brings the record of the 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panthers to 3 Wins – 0 losses.  Another fine effort by the Panthers will be used as a building block as the team looks forward to exacting revenge on the Woodlands Highlanders at Morehead Stadium in Conroe on Thursday night.  Keep up the good work players.  Oak’em Panthers. 

Klein Oak Panthers Survive First Big Test and Remain Undefeated by Blowing Past the Woodlands Highlanders 33 - 14

The 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panther Football Team traveled to Morehead Stadium in Conroe for their second consecutive Thursday night performance looking to exact revenge on the Woodlands Highlanders from a defeat in 2006.  Oak’s offense and return game were basically unstoppable.  This combined with a defensive performance that stymied the Highlanders except for two big plays gave the Panthers the result they were looking for; a victory over a perennial powerhouse and long time local rival. 

First Quarter

Special Teams Hit Man John Moreno (37) set the tone for game with a big hit on the Highlander return man, dropping him at the 22 yard line.  Cody Davis (84) & Sam Cotto (40) combined to make the first stop.  After a first down pass completion defended by Craig Palmer (45), Scott Arthur (10) & Brian Corcoran (30) combined on a couple of stops setting up a crucial third down play.  The Woodlands pulled out all the stops with a double reverse, flee-flicker pass downfield that hit their star receiver behind a confused Panther secondary.  The 56 yard pass and subsequent extra point put Oak on the wrong end of the scoreboard for the first time all season.  With 9:45 remaining in the first, the score was TWHS 7 – Oak 0.  The Woodlands decided they would try the “short kickoff” strategy as a way to keep the ball from Klein Oak’s dangerous deep return men.  Little did they know that Oak has dangerous return men all over the field.  Jeremy Mayweather (5) fielded the kickoff and returned it 30 yards deep into Highlander territory at their 32 yard line.  After throwing an incompletion just over the outstretched hands of DeSean Hales (3), QB Wes Theiss (4) took off around left end for a 7 yard gain.  Theiss then hit Hales with a 9 yard strike for Oak’s initial first down of the contest.  Ossam Cook (22) made it two first downs in a row with a 10 yard run behind big pulling guard Kevin Forsch (73).  Terrence Robinson (7) took the ball the rest of the way to paydirt through a huge hole created by Clint Naron (74) & Kenny Hunter (75).  The 6 yard TD and a Trent Doerner PAT made the score Klein Oak 7 – TWHS 7 with 8:14 remaining in the first.  Blake Washington (31) & Kenny Williams (33) combined to bring down the Woodlands’ return man at their 30 yard line.  Arthur, Corcoran, & Chase Thomas (34) promptly pushed the Highlanders back with a tackle in the backfield.  They gained some yardage back with a nice pass play and run, but this effort was abruptly ended by a highlight reel hit provided by Mayweather along the Woodlands sideline.  After a bad snap over their QB’s head, TWHS had to punt for the first time.  Hales returned the kick 15 yards to the Woodlands 40 yard line, again giving the Panthers great field position.  The offense stubbed its toe a little on this drive which ended in a Theiss 31 yard punt.  The Woodlands return man broke loose for a big gain, but was caught from behind by Mark Hunter (81).  It’s nice when your all-district defensive end/deep snapper can catch punt returners from behind.  Luckily for Oak, the play was also called back due to penalty and the Woodlands set up shop on their 15 yard line.  Tackles by Cotto & Davis with a fumble sandwiched in between were not enough to eliminate a first down, but an open field tackle by Arthur combined with a 3rd down stop by Luke Muncie (23) forced the Highlanders to punt for the second time.  This time DeSean broke off one of his patented returns that ended up 50 yards later on TWHS 18 yard line.  The quarter ended with Oak deep in its opponents territory but the score was still knotted Panthers 7 – Highlanders 7. 

Second Quarter

Hales added the last 18 yards of this scoring drive on two carries.  The 13 yard touchdown jaunt was through a hole provided by Mike Rayburn (46), Zach Coleman (76) & Kenny Hunter.  Doerner again added the extra point to put the Panthers up 14 – 7 over the Highlanders.  The Woodlands fumbled the ensuing sky kick but came out with the ball after the scrum was broken up.  Their offense took the field with poor field position at their 25 yard line.  Mark Hunter made the first play and Thorne Cullivan (8) & Palmer defended back to back first down passes.  After an incompletion, another Arthur tackle, a penalty, and another incompletion caused by the mad rush of Corcoran, Davis, & Logan Studdert (42) forced the Highlander punter back onto the field.  Hales added to his recruiting highlight tape by weaving through and around Highlander defenders for a 90 yard TD return.  DeSean won’t get all the stats for this one however as a yellow flag for holding was found deep in Panther territory.  Backed up to their 10 yard line, the offense went to Robinson for 2 carries and 8 yards.  Theiss forced a Woodlands offsides penalty for the first down with his hard count.  After an incompletion intended for Jordan Najvar (18) and a two yard run, Wes found his tight end Rayburn open behind the linebackers for a 20 yard pass and catch.   T-Rob broke off for 25 yards on a couple of carries with key blocks thrown by Rayburn, Forsch, & Coleman.  Theiss went back to the air when he found Hales open for a 24 yard gain.  Robinson converted his second rushing touchdown of the game from 12 yards out that started out as a rollout pass right that was snuffed out by a Highlander defender.  None of their 11 defenders could stop the speedy back as he changed directions and sprinted to the left half of the end zone, basically untouched.  This time the extra point kick was blocked and looked like it might be returned to give 2 points to the Woodlands.  John Michael Cook (43) did not give up on the play and denied TWHS the momentum of the return by bringing the opponent down from behind around midfield.  The score with 2:01 left in the half was Klein Oak 20 – TWHS – 7.  Eduardo Sereno (35) chased the Woodlands return man out of bounds on their 38 yard line.  The Woodlands completed a few short passes for a couple of first downs, but a holding penalty and an incompletion turned the ball over on downs to Oak on their 27 yard line with time running down in the half.  Theiss completed a pass to Robinson for 8 yards, but after an incompletion intended for Hales, time would run out on a very well played first half with the score still Klein Oak Panthers 20 – The Woodlands Highlanders 7. 

Third Quarter

TWHS, still believing Oak’s up-backs were the guys to kick to, hit the second half kickoff to Jacobe Shankle (26) at the 22 yard line.  Shankle returned the ball 17 yards to give the Panthers good field position again at their 39 yard line.  The offense acted like they weren’t quite ready for the second half and provided a drive that included a couple of short runs, a fumbled snap, two false starts and a penalty that negated a great punt by Theiss and open field tackle by Arthur.  Mixed in between these less than stellar plays were a first down completion from Theiss to T-Rob for 9 yards and a 9 yard run by Ossam behind Kenny Hunter.  Wes’ second punt was a 35 yarder that after a penalty on TWHS pushed them back to the 23 yard line.  Mark Hunter made a stop then Alex Mirenda (24) tackled the Highlander in the backfield.  TWHS did convert one first down, but defended passes by Muncie & Mayweather forced another Woodlands punt.  Again a yellow flag pushed Oak back to its own 11 yard line where another offensive possession would start.  The Panthers put the dagger in the heart of the home crowd with their best sustained drive of the year.  Terrence went for 14 yards behind a block by offensive game co-MVP Najvar.  DeSean followed Kenny Hunter & Coleman downfield for a 29 yard gain.  Tyler Condiff (65) sprung Hales for 9 yards and the 6’5” Najvar pancaked the unsuspecting cornerback to spring T-Rob for 6 more.  Terrence then carried for 4 times for 14 yards mostly behind the other offensive game co-MVP Naron.  Terrence’s 3rd TD run of the game came from 16 yards out when he followed the big bodies of Rayburn & Coleman towards paydirt.  Oak’s 2 point conversion attempt failed leaving the score Panthers 26 – Highlanders 7 with 2:22 remaining in the third quarter.  Matt Burr (44) & Leonard Bell (2) made the stop on the kickoff as TWHS set up on their 34 yard line.  Muncie came close to intercepting the first pass of this drive, but redeemed himself with a tackle on the next play.  Studdert batted another pass that was almost intercepted by Mayweather.  TWHS converted a first down however on a great catch by their wide-out.  The quarter ended with the score Oak 26 – TWHS 7.

Fourth Quarter

Mark Hunter started the fourth quarter with a bang by sacking the Woodlands QB for a big loss.  TWHS responded with a bang of their own by throwing the bomb downfield and finding the receiver behind the Panther secondary for a 46 yard TD completion.  The PAT made the game a little closer with the score Klein Oak 26 – TWHS 14 with less than a minute gone in the final stanza.  Arthur was the up-back du jour to return the Woodlands kickoff and Scottie did not disappoint by returning the kick 38 yards deep into the Woodlands territory.  After holding was called on a flanker reverse the game became the T-Rob/O-Line show.  T-Rob for 15 behind Condiff & Forsch, T-Rob for 4 behind a pulling block by Ryan Rivera (60), T-Rob for 18 inside a Rayburn block with help downfeld by Ossam, T-Rob for 5 more on two carries behind Naron.  PAT good by Doerner and Oak was now up by 3 scores again – 33 – 14 – with 8:07 remaining in the contest.  After TWHS set up at their 42 yard line, they were promptly knocked back to the 29 after a sack by Corcoran.  Arthur & Mayweather defended a couple of pass plays, and Mark Hunter had a sack negated by an offsides penalty.  TWHS would not give up and kept driving down field despite positive plays by Mirenda, Palmer, Mark Hunter, Mayweather & Corcoran.  The drive ended up unsuccessfully after Shankle jumped in front of the pass into the end zone for his second pick of the year.    The Panthers took the ball over on the 20 and ran the clock out with 5 Robinson running plays netting 51 yards.  One 24 yard effort was sparked by an excellent seal block by Rivera.  The clock ticked zero sending the Highlanders home un-happy at the hands of an ecstatic Klein Oak Panther team by the final score of Panthers 33 – Highlanders 14.

Game Summary

Offensive statistical leaders for the game were as follows:  Robinson (207 yds on 23 carries, 2 receptions – 20 yards, 4 TDs), Hales (65 yds, 6 carries, 1 TD rushing, 2 receptions, 33 yds, numerous return yards including 90 yard TD called back), Theiss (5-10 passing, 73 yds, 8 yds on 2 carries), Rayburn (1 reception, 20 yds), O. Cook (22 yds, 4 carries) and Doerner (3 – 4 PAT).

Defensive Game MVP Scott Arthur led the team in tackles with 10.  Other leading tacklers were Mark Hunter with 6 including one for a loss, Mayweather – 5, Corcoran 4 – one sack, Muncie, Cody Davis (1 for loss), Mirenda (1 for loss), Palmer, & Cullivan - 3 each.  Shankle provided the lone take-away with his interception.

Varsity Slipped and Slided Their Way Past Spring  38 - 21

The 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panther Football Team went on the road for their second consecutive road contest; this week under the “Friday Night Lights” of George Stadium in Spring.  The normal fierce rivalry between the two schools was fueled to a fever pitch because of the transfer of Terrence Robinson (7) from Spring to Oak a year and a half ago.  The Panthers, as a team, kept their head on the task at hand and came out victorious in their first District 16-5A contest of 2007.  The final score of Klein Oak 38 – Spring 21 was not as close as the numbers might indicate.  This extremely talented Panther team is proving that talent and hard work combine to make the team a formidable opponent each time they take the field. 

First Quarter

Taking the field after an abbreviated warm-up session caused by a pre-game downpour, Trent Doerner (9) got the show on the road with a deep kickoff.  Kevin Williams (33) got the first of his game high 12 tackles by bringing down Spring’s return man at the 37 yard line.  The defense was still getting used to the slick field when Spring headed downfield on a successful screen pass.  Jeremy Mayweather (5) saved the touchdown on the big gainer.  Luke Muncie (23) made a hard hit on Spring’s second play, but it resulted in another first down.  Three plays into the game and the Lions found paydirt putting the Panthers in the hole - Spring 7 – Oak 0 with less than a minute off the opening clock.  DeSean Hales (3) returned the Lion’s kickoff 19 yards to set up the Panther offense at in good shape on their 43 yard line.  Robinson tried to hit Hales with a long pass on first down, but it was snuffed out by a Lion defender.  A personal foul moved the ball downfield however.  Hales took off for 6 yards and then T-Rob hit DeSean for 8 yards on a swing pass.  Ossam Cook (22) was sprung for 5 yards by tackle Ryan Rivera (60).  Robinson ran behind pulling tight end Mike Rayburn (46) & Clint Naron (74) for 19 yards, and then stuck it to his former Spring teammates for the final 10 yards behind offensive game MVP John Michael Cook (43) & Zach Coleman (76).  After Doerner added the PAT, the score was knotted Oak 7 Spring 7 with 8:18 remaining in the first quarter.  Leonard Bell (2), Jacobe Shankle (26) & Matt Burr (44) combined to stop the returner at the Spring 33 yard line.  Spring began moving the ball again.  Mark Hunter (81) and Brian Corcoran (30) were denied a tackle in the Spring backfield by an offsides penalty.  Mayweather, Muncie, Hunter, Andrew Holley (28) and Cody Davis (84) all made tackles but Spring kept moving the ball. A big play was needed by the Panther defense to quell the momentum.  Corcoran and Alex Mirenda (24) were just what the doctor ordered.  Mirenda blitzed and clobbered Spring’s QB just as he handed off on a reverse.  Corcoran was not fooled, and stopped the runner deep in the backfield.  Alex had hit the QB so hard that he broke his own nose on the play.  Spring mistakenly called time out allowing Mirenda’s nose to heal and get back on the field.  Another Alex blitz caused an 11 yard loss pushing Spring to fourth and goal at the 30 yard line.  A penalty later, and they had to punt.  The kick was downed on the 16 yard line.  Robinson found a hole created by Rivera and Tyler Condiff (65) and sprung into the secondary.  From that point on it was a foot race, and T-Rob doesn’t lose many of those.  84 yards later, and a Doerner PAT made put Klein Oak on top 14 – 7 with a little more than a minute remaining in the first quarter.  The ensuing kickoff was defended by a never-quit play provided by John Moreno (37).  Moreno was knocked to the ground by a clip as he was about to make the initial stop, but jumped up and pursued the play eventually making the stop deep in Spring territory.   Craig Palmer (45) defended a pass, and Mirenda had another tackle in the backfield as time ran out on the first quarter with the score – Klein Oak 14 – Spring 7. 

Second Quarter

Spring started the second quarter with and incompletion and was forced to punt.  Hales brought the deep kick back 22 yards to the Oak 35 yard line.   Ossam carried for 3 yards, followed by two incompletions from QB Wes Theiss intended for Robinson forced the QB to drop back and punt.  Showing why he would be the special teams MVP of the game, Wes booted the kick 51 yards and pinned Spring inside the 10 yard line.  Another Spring personal foul pushed them back inside the 5.  The defense thought they had scored their first points of the year on a safety, but the officials thought someone lined up offsides, giving Spring some breathing room.  Corcoran, Davis, Hunter, and Sam Cotto (40) combined to shut down any more hope the Lions had on this drive forcing another punt.  This time DeSean returned the kick 6 yards to the Oak 44 yard line.  T-Rob ran for 1, then 5 behind blocks by John Michael, Condiff, & big Kevin Forsch (73).  Another 4 yard Robinson run and then it was DeSean’s turn.  He took the ball 26 yards on two carries down to the 9 yard line behind blocking at the point of attack by Coleman, and great downfield blocking by QB turned receiver Theiss and Chris Starr (14).  Robinson followed another devastating lead block by John Michael into the end zone.  Trent was reliable on the kick, and the score was now Panthers 21 – Lions 7 with 4:15 remaining in the second.  Doerner must have been pumped up by the play by his offense as he booted the kickoff out of the end zone for a touchback.  Spring set up shop on the 20 to try again to figure out the Panther defense.  After a stop by Davis and Hunter, Spring employed the successful screen pass again.  This play took the ball deep into Panther territory at the 13 where the receiver was run out by Scott Arthur (10) & Mayweather.  Mirenda made a stop, then Arthur took out the Lion runner with a hard hit.  Unfortunately Scotty was lost for the rest of the game with a concussion.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to this outstanding young man in hopes of a speedy recovery.  Spring closed the gap with a touchdown run to make the score Klein Oak 21 – Spring 14 with 2 minutes remaining in the half.  Two minutes can seem like an eternity for the Panther offense.  Palmer took the kickoff back for 10 strong yards to give Oak the ball on the 35 yard line.  Hales took off for 33 yards behind the blocking of John Michael and Naron again with help downfield by Theiss.  T-Rob added 23 yards on the next play with blocking help from receivers Jordan Najvar (18) and Starr.  DeSean then went right, then left and into the end zone for a 12 yard rushing score.  Doerner added the kick once more and the score was a more comfortable Panthers 28 – Lions 14 with 1:01 remaining in the half.  Bell made the special teams play bringing Spring’s return man down at the 22.  Williams, Cotto, & Davis made tackles to bring us to half time with the score still Klein Oak Panthers 28 – Spring Lions 14. 

Third Quarter

Klein Oak started on offense in the second half after Hales returned the squib kick 6 yards to the 35 yard line.  After one backwards play, Robinson blasted through a hole created by Rayburn and Forsch and turned on the afterburners to complete a 66 yard touchdown jaunt. Doerner’s 5th PAT of the game made the score Oak 35 – Spring 14 with less than a minute off the 3rd quarter clock.  Trent employed the sky kick and heat seeking missile Thorne Cullivan (8) was the first to hit Spring’s returner.  Palmer and Eduardo Sereno (35) finished the job to give Spring’s offense the ball at their 24 yard line.  The Lions again started moving the ball, but not without resistance from Corcoran, Chase Thomas (34) & Logan Studdert (42).  Mayweather defended a pass play, and Davis made a tackle downfield after Thomas tipped a pass that somehow ended up in the receiver’s hands.  Spring then tried to get fancy with a double reverse.  Davis was Cody on the spot when one of the handoffs was bobbled and jumped on the ball to give the Panther “D” their first take-away of the game.  The Panther “O” set up shop again on their 36 yard line.  QB Theiss then hit Hales over the middle for a 21 yard gain.  The catch was amazing as DeSean made the diving one handed grab from a fully prone position.  WOW.  Theiss rewarded his senior captain receiver with another toss on the next play, this time for a short gain.  Robinson and Ossam combined for 22 yards on two carries behind Naron and Forsch, but a couple of backwards plays forced Mr. Doerner on to attempt a 44 yard field goal.  Trent was up to the task as his kick split the uprights with plenty of distance to spare.  Oak was now ahead 38 – 14 with a little more than 2 minutes remaining in the third quarter.   Trent again sent the kickoff to the goal line, and special team’s stars Bell, Burr, and Sereno were again in on the tackle deep in Spring territory.  Muncie and Cullivan combined to stop a Lion’s pass play.  After a couple of incompletions caused by heavy pursuit by Oak’s D-Line, Spring was able to complete a nice pass for a first down, but Jacobe Shankle (26) made the receiver pay at the end.  The Spring Lions have a bunch of talent on their side of the ball.  This was proved on the next play as their running back got loose around the right side and eluded Panther defenders on a 30 yard run to paydirt.  With 1:07 remaining in the third, Spring had cut the deficit to 38 – 21 in favor of the “Good Guys”.  Hales returned the squib kick 11 yards to the Oak 31.  A couple of backward runs put the offense in a 3rd and 13 position as the 3rd quarter ended with the score Klein Oak Panthers 38 – Spring Lions 21. 

Fourth Quarter

Faced with the aforementioned 3rd and long, Theiss tried to find Hales for the first down completion but they did not connect.  Wes then booted a 38 yard punt and Williams made the open field tackle to give Spring the ball at their 32.  On the first play, defensive game MVP Williams made his self known again by intercepting an errant Spring pass.  The bad throw was caused by excellent pressure on the QB by Holley. Robinson sprung for 7 yards behind Condiff, but then was snuffed out twice by the Spring defense that performed much better in the second half.  Theiss came on and booted a 35 yard punt.  Spring was now in hurry up mode facing a 17 point deficit in the final stanza.  Hunter started this drive with a stop on the Lion running back.  Two incompletions followed and Spring had to punt.  This time they punted away from Oak’s return specialists and the ball went out of bounds on the 21 yard line.  The Panther offense sputtered on the next possession with a couple of short runs and a pass play that netted negative yardage.  With punter Theiss backed into his end zone, you could sense that the Lions could smell blood and an opportunity to get back in the game with a big special teams play.  Our punter is one cool cat however.  Wes calmly caught the high snap and quickly got off a 38 yard kick that was downed on the Panther 45.  Spring had good field position, but getting the punt off with no return was one of the key plays in this Panther victory.  Spring’s capable QB began moving the Lions down field using the short passing game.  Plays were defended by Muncie, Thomas, & Williams.  Once Spring got down inside the 10 yard line they went back to the run.  Mirenda made a stop.  Then Cotto and Blake Washington (31) combined on a tackle.  Spring was once again denied by Cotto and Corcoran.  On the next play, Spring’s running back looked to be reaching for the goal line when he lost control of the ball.  The fumble was alertly picked 3 yards deep in the end zone by Muncie.  The sophomore safety alertly headed down field and the stampede was on.  With excitement on the field and on the sidelines (If you see the game film, look for Kilraine Jones (25) along the sideline) weaved along the Panther sideline all the way down to the Spring 15 yard line before being brought down by his pursuers.  88 yards in all for the fumble return pretty much iced the game for Oak.  Kudo’s goes out to Spring’s big number 75 who never gave up on the play and ended up keeping Luke out of the end zone.  A couple of incompletions and a run for no yardage brought Trent back on the field to attempt a 32 yard field goal, but this kick was wide left.  No more points by the Panthers, but a 17 point lead with 2:31 remaining in the game seemed pretty secure.  Sophomore Demetrich Gilliam (48) chased the QB out of bounds on the first play.  Steven Dean (41) made the stop on a pass play and Anthony Breedlove (38) pounced on the QB after a fumbled snap.  Thomas made another play then Gilliam stunted from the outside linebacker position to sack the QB for a big loss.  All that was left for Spring was a 4th down “Hail Mary” pass that settled nicely in Washington’s arms for the junior’s first career interception.  One kneel down play by the offense sent the home crowd home disappointed after the Panthers invaded Lion territory and came out unscathed.  Final Score – Klein Oak Panthers 38 – Spring Lions 21. 

Game Summary

Offensive statistical leaders for the game were as follows:  Robinson (230 yds on 15 carries, 1 reception – 2 yards, 4 TDs, 2-3 passing, 18 yards), Hales (93 yds, 12 carries, 1 TD rushing, 5 receptions, 38 yds), Theiss (4-9 passing, 22 yds), O. Cook (11 yds, 3 carries) and Doerner (44 yd FG, 5-5 PAT).

Junior Safety Kevin Williams led the team in tackles with 12.  Other leading tacklers were Corcoran, Mirenda & Muncie with 8, Arthur – 7, Cotto – 6, Hunter & Cullivan – 5, Davis, Thomas, Palmer, & Mayweather - 4 each.  Davis & Hunter each had 2 tackles in the backfield.  Cotto, Corcoran, Mirenda, Thomas, & Gilliam all added one play for a loss.  Davis & Muncie each recovered a fumble (Luke with the big return) & Williams & Washington provided interceptions.

These Panther players are special.  This Panther Team has the chance to be VERY special.  Every aspect of this team is top notch – from the big play explosive offensive players, to the offensive line that continues to open the holes, to the passing game when it is needed, to the big play defensive group that provides highlight reel hits and take-away’s at record pace, to a soccer player turned kicker that has become a weapon, to a do it all, baseball playing, downfield blocking, pass throwing all district punter who can get us out of trouble with his kicks, to the unsung heroes of the kick and punt coverage team that continue to provide hit after hit with reckless abandon, to a tireless coaching staff.  Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors all are coming together as one potentially unstoppable machine.  5 down, 5 to go, then comes the State Playoffs.  It could be a wild ride.  Next up – the Tomball Cougars – next Saturday at Klein Memorial.  This is also Senior Day.  Come on out and support our seniors.  Oak’em Panthers.

Klein Oak Panthers Rebound from Sluggish Start to Roll Over Tomball Cougars 41 - 0

The 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panther Football Team celebrated Senior Day with a convincing 41 – 0 victory over local rival Tomball on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Klein Memorial Stadium to keep its record unblemished on the season.  Although the score was only 7 – 0 in favor of the Panthers at halftime, at least one scoring drive was called back due to penalty.  The defense was the key to the game as Tomball was held to 160 yards total offense and only 6 first downs.  In the second half, Oak’s offense came to play, combining its normal big play output with a more diverse look that provided many different players significant action.  The Team honored its hard working Senior leaders with the final score being Klein Oak 41 – Tomball 0 

First Quarter

Senior Trent Doerner (9), feeling frisky due to the beautiful fall Texas weather, booted the opening kickoff out of the end zone to give Tomball the ball on their 20.  Craig Palmer (45) defended the first pass attempt, and defensive game MVP Senior Chase Thomas (34) made a stop to force a 3rd down attempt.  Tomball was able to convert a first down on a pass interference penalty.  Senior Mark Hunter (81) got his first tackle of the game.  Tomball recorded its second first down of the drive with a nice pass to their tight end.  Senior Alex Mirenda (24) made the QB pay on the play however.  The defense stiffened at this point as Senior Logan Studdert (42) and Brian Corcoran (30) combined on first down to stop the ball carrier.  Luke Muncie (23) made the second down stop, and Jeremy Mayweather (5) forced Tomball into their first punt of the game by jumping an out route and breaking up the pass attempt.  Senior DeSean Hales (3) returned the kick 5 yards to the Oak 15 yard line where the offense set up shop for the first time on the day.  Senior Terrence Robinson (7) carried 2 times for 7 yards the second run keyed by a block from Ryan Koch (54).  Senior Wes Theiss (4) then completed the third down pass attempt to Hales for a 13 yard game.  Offensive game MVP Ossam Cook (22) ran for 5 then Theiss hit Jordan Najvar (18) with a pass over the middle that netted 4 yards.  T-Rob ran for the Panthers second first down of the game.  After a completion from Theiss to Hales, Tomball brought the initial Panther drive to an end when a pass intended for Robinson found the Cougar defender instead.  Senior center Tyler Condiff (65) made a nice tackle on the interception return.  Tomball was now in Panther territory at the 42.  Hunter made the first down stop and Kevin Williams (33) snuffed out a screen pass on second down.  Palmer forced the Cougars to punt by making the Tomball receiver pay on a pass completion.  This punt was downed at the Oak 15 with no return.  T-Rob ran for 2 yards before Theiss hit Najvar once again for a 10 yard gain.  Robinson then used blocks at the point of attack by Senior Mike Rayburn (46) & Senior Zach Coleman (76) and downfield interference by Hales to scamper 38 yards.  Coleman and Condiff then opened a hole as DeSean gained 5.  Terrence employed the double 360 left/right spin move to gain 14 yards to the right as Tomball looked left.  The quarter ended with on an incompletion into the end zone intended for Robinson.  For the first time this season, Oak was held scoreless in the opening stanza.  Klein Oak Panthers 0 – Tomball Cougars 0. 

Second Quarter

The second quarter started with a short Hales run.  Back to back completions from Theiss to Hales for 20 yards and 8 yards took the ball down to the Tomball 2 yard line.  With 10:46 remaining in the half, Robinson followed his big guards Clint Naron (74) & Kevin Forsch (73) into the end zone.  Doerner’s PAT gave the Panthers a 7 – 0 lead.  Special teams game MVP Senior Matt Burr (44) and Leonard Bell (2) made the stop on the kickoff at Tomball’s 28 yard line.  Hunter had a tackle in the backfield, Mirenda forced a runner down and Mayweather defended a pass to end this short Tomball drive.  After a punt out of bounds, the Oak offense took over at their 32 yard line.  The highlight of this next Panther offensive possession was a 40 yard scamper by Robinson.  It was called back due to holding and after a 3rd down screen pass from Theiss to Hales was defended well by Tomball, Wes booted his first punt of the game.  The 34 yard effort had nice hang time and was fair caught at the Tomball 31 yard line.  Jacobe Shankle (26) and Muncie made the first and second down plays giving Tomball a 3rd and one situation.  Senior Sam Cotto (40) stuffed the first attempt forcing a 4th and inches play.  Hunter and Cody Davis (84) denied the QB sneak to give the ball back to their offense on downs.  Hales ran for 8 yards behind a seal block by Rayburn and Najvar.  Ossam then ran the “S” play to perfection aided by a pancake from Najvar.  Sadly enough a yellow flag brought this fine play back.  DeSean ran for 4 yards, but a punt attempt was necessary after an incompletion intended for Robinson.  This time Coach Thib called on the fake punt.  With no one open on the play, Theiss smartly put the ball up for grabs and the Tomball return man caught it and was downed on the 2 yard line.  It will show up as an interception in the stat sheet, but was really a very effective special team’s play.  Tomball was able to get out of the shadows of its goal posts with a nice 31 yard pass to their talented number 9.  This young man leads the greater Houston area in receptions.  Corcoran, Mirenda & Hunter all made plays, but a personal foul call gave Tomball another first down and moved the ball into Panther territory.  Davis busted through the line to make a tackle in the backfield.  Two straight pass plays were incomplete as Coach Gorka had Tomball confused by stunting his linebackers and allowing his athletic defensive ends to drop back in pass protection.  Tomball’s punt was downed deep in Panther territory.  Oak’s offense ran off the second quarter clock with a Robinson incompletion intended for Hales and a couple of T-Rob short runs.  The relatively surprising score at halftime was Klein Oak Panthers 7 – Tomball Cougars 0. 

Third Quarter

Hales took the opening kickoff of the second half 8 yards deep in the end zone, and ran the ball out to the 16 yard line.  Obviously motivated by a Coach Smith halftime speech, the offense kicked itself into a more efficient operation.  Ossam for 4 yards, then Ossam for 7 yards and a first down.  Ossam then took off for 25 behind the blocking of Koch, Coleman & Najvar.  T-Rob got back in the action with a 9 yard run.  Robinson then turned a play originally intended to be a pass into a 47 yard scramble to the end zone with the final springing block provided by fellow QB Theiss.  Trent’s kick was good.  The 84 yard drive took only a little over a minute and with 10:46 remaining in the 3rd quarter the score was a little more comfortable Oak 14 – Tomball 0.  After a nice return, Mayweather bumped the Tomball runner out on the 37 yard line.  Hunter had another tackle in the back field as the defense started the second half just like they played the first.  Palmer and Studdert caused back to back incompletions and Tomball once again had to punt.  Mr. Hales did what he does best and juked and jived 76 yards all the way to the end zone.  Another yellow flag took some more official stats away from the area’s most dangerous return threat.  Film review seemed to confirm that this holding call was of the phantom variety.  The Panther offense went to work from their 20.  Ossam ran for 17 behind Naron and Koch.  Ossam was not finished on this drive as the next play covered 63 yards to paydirt behind Naron and Koch at the point of attack and Senior Ryan Bump (12) providing key downfield blocking.  This time there was not yellow flag on the Panther big play and another successful Doerner PAT made the score Panthers 21 – Cougars 0 with just over 9 minutes remaining in the quarter.  The Killer “B’s”, Burr & Bell, again combined on the kickoff coverage stop.  After a Davis stop and another pass defense by Palmer, Thomas stepped in front of a Tomball pass for his first interception of the year.  The senior captain returned the ball to the 23 yard line to give the Panthers great field position.  Theiss just missed an open Rayburn on the first play after surviving a fierce Cougar rush.  Ossam then ran 3 times for 24 yards and two first downs with key blocking provided by Forsch & Najvar.  Hales took the ball the last 11 yards to the end zone behind fullback John Michael Cook (43), Forsch & Coleman.  Trent was accurate again, and with less than half of the 3rd quarter in the books, the slim halftime lead was now Klein Oak 28 – Tomball 0.  After a short sky kick, Tomball took over at their 43 yard line.  Senior Thorne Cullivan (8) made the first tackle on this drive, and then Thomas, still pumped from his interception, blasted through a hole to bring down Tomball’s back for a 3 yard loss.  An incompletion defensed by big defensive end Hunter & Cullivan forced yet another Tomball punt.  Starting at their own 19 yard line, Ossam broke loose for 26 more yards behind pulling tackle Koch and help downfield by Hales.  After 6’6” Najvar lined up at QB and gained 5 yards on a QB draw, Theiss found Rayburn over the middle for a 25 yard pass, catch and run.  The big tight end did a nice job avoiding Tomball’s defenders trying to strip the ball loose.  Senior Chris Starr (14) then made a highlight reel catch on a 14 yard laser from Theiss.  Mr. Starr was hit early by the Tomball defender, but the yellow flag for interference was picked up as he held on for his first reception of the year.  Theiss tried to hit Hales in the end zone, but the diving receiver’s effort came up just short.  After one of the few Ossam carries that did not net positive yards, Wes rolled out and looked for Najvar inside the 5 yard line.  Tomball made a good defensive play as the big receiver lost his footing and picked off the pass attempt.  Fortunately they were again backed deep in their own territory.  Hunter & Cotto teamed up on another stop.  Williams made a play, and Cullivan forced another Tomball punt with a hard hit on the pass completion. This punt was downed on Oak’s 39 yard line.  A short pass from Theiss to Najvar set up a nice option play where Wes pitched to Ossam just before taking a jarring hit and the junior running back’s effort yielded another first down with help downfield by Rayburn and Starr.  The third quarter ended much different than it started – Klein Oak Panthers 28 – Tomball Cougars 0. 

Fourth Quarter

This drive stalled however with a short Hales run, an incompletion, and an option play that did not work as designed.  Theiss came on for his second punt of the game and kicked the 44 yarder to the coffin corner that put Tomball in a hole at their 7 yard line.  After another Hunter tackle in the backfield, Tomball completed another nice pass to their big play receiver.  Senior Stephen Fitzgerald (85) getting his first action of the season wasted no time getting his first tackle.  Blake Washington (31) defended a pass play but the Cougars defied the will of Cotto and eeked out a first down on a QB sneak.  Mayweather defended a pass and Fitzgerald and Corcoran combined on a stop to force 3rd down.  Senior defensive end Andrew Holley (28) dropped in coverage and intercepted the pass and returned it 44 yards to the Tomball 11.  T-Rob following a pancake by Forsch waltzed into the end zone untouched.  This time the PAT was off the mark, but the score was Panthers 34 – Cougars 0 with 7:45 remaining in the game.  Trent, being the top notch student he is understood he needed to make up for the PAT & launched his kickoff out of the end zone again.  Washington & Williams defended the first down pass play, and Senior John Moreno (37) combined with Holley to stop the second down effort.  After an incompletion Tomball got off a short punt that was downed at the Cougar 30 yard line.  Najvar came in to lead the attack at QB and promptly headed upfield for a 16 yard gain behind the blocking of Senior Anthony Buttitta (70), Senior Kyle McLeland (62) & Senior Nick Seltz (16).  John Michael then ran for 7 behind a pancake from Bradley Benditz (71) and further interference from Patrick Bailey (55).  Another 7 yard run by John Michael behind Senior Steven Musslewhite (82) & McLeland netted another Panther score.  This time Trent was on the mark and with 5:33 remaining, the score was Oak 41 – Tomball 0.  Senior Eduardo Sereno (35) pinned Tomball on their 5 yard line with a great play on special teams.  Senior Anthony Breedlove (38) combined with Moreno on the first down stop, and then Senior Jim Chirdo (32) brought down Tomball’s runner in the backfield.  Burr & Chirdo combined on the third down stop to force Tomball’s busy punter back on the field.  This time the kick was returned by Mayweather 35 yards, but yet another holding call negated a fine return effort.  Najvar followed a crushing pulling block by Senior Matt Johnstone (59) for a 14 yard gain.  Johnstone provided a pancake along with Bailey to spring John Michael for 5 more.  The junior fullback then followed Buttitta & Benditz for another 5 before Najvar rumbled for 3 more.  Another 8 yard gain by John Michael was keyed by Buttitta, Benditz & McLeland.  Najvar ran for 5 with help from receivers Seltz & Musslewhite and McLeland blocked three different defenders as John Michael ran for 4 yards on the last play of the game.  Final Score – Klein Oak Panthers 41 – Tomball Cougars 0. 

Game Summary

Offensive statistical leaders for the game were as follows:  Ossam Cook (167 yards on 15 carries, 1 TD) Robinson (141 yds on 12 carries, 3 TDs, 1-2 passing), Hales (25 yds, 7 carries, 1 TD, 5 receptions, 42 yds), Theiss (9-16 passing, 112 yds, 3 int), Najvar (44 yds, 5 carries, 3 receptions, 22 yds), Rayburn (1 reception, 25 yards), Starr (1 reception, 14 yards), John Michael Cook (38 yds, 6 carries, 1 TD) and Doerner (6-7 PAT).

Defensive Tackle Cody Davis led the team with 9 tackles and recovered a fumble.  DE Mark Hunter had 7; Safety Kevin Williams had 6;  Other leading tacklers were Muncie with 5, Corcoran and Thomas – 4 each, Fitzgerald, Holley, Shankle & Cullivan – 3 each. Hunter, Chirdo, & Thomas all had plays for losses.  Thomas & Holley provided exciting interceptions and returns.

Oh what a Senior Day!!!!!  The Panthers extended their win streak to 6 wins versus no defeats this year and went to 2 – 0 in District.  The benches were emptied on both sides of the ball and our hard working Seniors were contributing right and left.  Seeing some of the faces of these Seniors after the game, especially those that might not get as much playing time as they like, is exactly what High School Athletics ought to be about:  Affecting the lives of young men as the transition themselves out into the real world.  Ranked number 3 in the area, and number 19 in the State – the Panthers look forward to taking on neighborhood rival, Klein Collins, next Saturday at Klein Memorial.  Oak’em Panthers. 

Klein Oak Panthers Streak Past Klein Collins 38 – 14 for
7th Straight Victory!

It was another beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon at Klein Memorial Stadium where the 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panther Football Team kept their season and district 16-5A record un-blemished by defeating the Klein Collins Tigers 38 – 14.  The Panthers showed off their most diverse offensive performance of the year with over 200 yards both passing and rushing on the day and four different players crossing the goal line for TD scores.  The defense came to play again allowing the Tigers only 235 total yards and forcing 3 turnovers. 

First Quarter

Klein Collins kicked off to the Panthers to start the game and Craig Palmer (45) returned the short kick 8 yards to give Oak’s offense the ball at their 42 yard line.   Ossam Cook (22) got the offense started in the right direction with a 10 yard run behind big Zach Coleman (76).  Terrence Robinson (7) provided the second consecutive first down run for 18 yards through a hole created by Ryan Koch (54).  An incomplete pass and a fumble ended the promising opening drive.  Collins took over on their 27 yard line.  Cody Davis (84) made the first stop, then Kevin Williams (33) chased the runner out of bounds but Collins was successful on their option play for a first down.  Alex Mirenda (24) then chased the runner down in the backfield and Defensive Game MVP Logan Studdert (42) snuffed out the shuttle pass for another loss.  Collins tried the pass again, but the ball settled incomplete after Luke Muncie (23) put a hard hit on the QB.  Collins punt was downed on deep in Panther territory at the 9 yard line.  A couple of backward plays and then lightning struck on this sunny autumn day.  Lightning in the form of a 94 yard perfectly thrown bomb from QB Wes Theiss (4) to Offensive Game MVP and future Mack Brown sidekick DeSean Hales (3).  Trent Doerner (9) came on to make the point after kick which made the score Oak 7 – Collins 0 with 7:41 to go in the first.  Doerner’s sky kick was fair caught at the Collins 29 and the defense came back on the field.  Mirenda and Jeremy Mayweather (5) defended a pass completion.  Mirenda then teamed with Brian Corcoran (30) for a stop.  Muncie and Davis caused a fumble by the Collins quarterback but the Tigers recovered.  They did not have to punt however due to an Oak personal foul.  Heavy pursuit on the next play forced an errant pass right into Mirenda’s hands to give the senior his first interception of the year and the Panther offense good field position at the Tiger 49 yard line.  Hales ran for 27 yards behind blocks by Tyler Condiff (65) and Koch and followed a Kevin Forsch (73) pancake for another 10 yards.  Theiss then hit Jordan Najvar (18) for a leaping grab over the middle.  After an illegal procedure penalty, Wes found Mike Rayburn (46) open in the flat and the senior tight end rumbled toward the end zone but was stopped short of pay dirt at the one yard line.  Collins put up a goal line stand that forced a 22 yard field goal attempt by Doerner.  The kick was on the mark making the score Panthers 10 – Tigers 0 with 1:30 left in the first quarter.  After another fair catch on the kickoff, Collins set up shop on their 28 yard line.  This drive was a quick 3 and out with Studdert and Chase Thomas (34) making stops and a Collins screen pass dropped incomplete.  DeSean muffed the punt, but quickly made up for it by scampering 76 yards for an apparent special teams score.  As has happened too many times this year, a yellow flag brought the play all the way back to the Klein Oak 8 yard line.  The first quarter ended with the score still Klein Oak Panthers 10 – Klein Collins Tigers 0.

Second Quarter

T-Rob then went for 10 yards and Ossam added 6 more behind Condiff and Forsch.  Robinson went for 11 more behind his blocking receivers Chris Starr (14), Rayburn, and Najvar.  After a short completion to Hales, Theiss rolled out left and hit Rayburn with a 10 yard first down completion near the left sideline.  John Michael Cook (43) got in on the offensive action by bowling over defenders for a 21 yard gain.  He was sprung by Forsch and Coleman on the play.  Theiss then went to work again and hit DeSean for a 7 yard gain and Najvar for 3 more yards.  Terrence used one of his favorite plays, the act like you might pass and then use supersonic speed to run for the end zone play, to score from 16 yard line.  John Michael provided excellent lead blocking for his speedy teammate.  Trent was accurate again to give Oak a 17 – 0 lead with 6:25 remaining in the half.  Collins decided not to fair catch the sky kick and had a nice return to the 50 yard line where Jacobe Shankle (26) ran the player out of bounds.  Collins showing that they would not just lay down in front of the Panther juggernaut put together an impressive 10 play scoring drive and even over came a personal foul of their own once reaching the one yard line.  Mark Hunter (81) had one of his patented tackles in the backfield on the drive and Studdert, Muncie, Williams and Thomas all had excellent hits on the drive, but with 2:22 remaining in the half, Collins would not be denied.  The score was now Oak 17 – Collins 7.  After Luke returned the kickoff 7 yards to the 37 yard line, on came the Panther two minute offense.  With pinpoint accuracy, Theiss hit fellow QB/WR Robinson on three consecutive passes for 13, 13, & 9 yards respectively.   Hales said “Hey, don’t forget about me” and his senior signal caller obliged with another 12 yard completion.  Wes then found DeSean in the back right corner of the end zone for the pair’s second touchdown pass/catch combination of the game, this time for 17 yards.  Another accurate kick made the score 24 – 7 in favor of the Panthers with 37 seconds till halftime.  As time was running out on the half, Collins tried the hook and lateral play but Mr. Mirenda would not be fooled.  With the trick play out of the way the seconds ticked off the first half clock and the score was Klein Oak Panthers 24 – Klein Collins Tigers 7. 

Third Quarter

Most of the Klein Oak faithful took refuge from the bright sunshine under the stands during halftime.  Those of us that had enough sunscreen to tough out the halftime saw a great performance by the Fighting Panther Band as well as other entertainment that would make Ray Stevens proud.  After order was restored, the Panthers took the field to finish what they had started in the first half.  Doerner employed the sky kick once again, and the runner was tackled at the 45 yard line by special team’s studs John Moreno (37) & Leonard Bell (2).  Collins continued with some trickery and tried a double reverse on the opening play.  Mirenda was Alex on the spot to recover the mishandled exchange for his second take-away of the game.  The Panthers took over on their opponent’s 25 yard line.  On the second play of the drive a Tiger linebacker jumped the pass route for an interception.  Rayburn, dusting off his former linebacker skills, made the tackle on the play.  Collins was back in action at their 45 yard line.  Andrew Holley (28) made a stop and Mirenda had another tackle in the backfield.  After a Mayweather pass defense, Corcoran & Studdert combined on a tackle.  Muncie then defended a pass completion and looked to cause a fumble.  The refs ruled the receiver down and the Tigers had a first down.  Sam Cotto (40) then tracked down a Tiger running back with relentless pursuit.  After another first down, Seniors Hunter and Mirenda combined to bring the Tiger QB down in the backfield for a big loss.  Still frazzled, Klein Collins QB mishandled the snap and Cotto alertly jumped on the ball for the Panther defense’s 3rd takeaway of the game.  Hales took the first play of this drive for 15 yards behind blocks by Clint Naron (74) & Coleman.  T-Rob went for 22 on two carries with help from Forsch and Rayburn.  A carry by Ossam and one by DeSean led to a 13 yard completion from Theiss to Hales resulting in a first down.  3 plays later and Wes found Rayburn streaking behind the linebackers for a 28 yard TD reception.  The tight end’s first varsity TD reception combined with his buddy Doerner’s PAT made the score 31 – 7 in favor of the Panthers with 2:45 remaining in the 3rd quarter.  Hunter made the first tackle on the next Collins drive.  Thomas ran a Collins back out of bounds, but a juggling catch on the next play gave the Tigers a first down.  Collins had a couple of good runs, both ended by hard Muncie tackles.  A Studdert stop ended the 3rd quarter with the score – Klein Oak Panthers 31 – Klein Collins Tigers 7.

Fourth Quarter

Logan started the 4th the same way the 3rd ended, with another tackle.  After a QB sneak for a first down, Captain Thomas made a tackle in the backfield for a big loss with a whole slew of Panther defenders helping out.  After an incompletion caused by a stampeding Davis, the Tigers were forced to try a 4th down attempt.  Palmer denied the receiver and Oak took over on its 39 yard line.  Terrence went for 11 on 2 carries behind Naron.  Hales went for 40, but this was called back by another yellow flag.  Theiss then found Najvar for a nice 23 yard gain.  John Michael added 4 hard yards, and DeSean corralled the Theiss pass for his 7th reception of the game.  Najvar moved from receiver to quarterback and did his best Tim Tebow imitation by rolling off 10 yards on the ground on two carries for his first Varsity touchdown.  Special Teams MVP Doerner split the uprights again and the score with 5:46 remaining in the contest was Panthers 38 – Tigers 7.  Trent’s kick sailed through the end zone for a touchback.  The Klein Collins Tigers showed their heart and did not give up.  They recorded their second scoring drive covering 80 yards on 13 plays.  Moreno and Thorne Cullivan (8) had the initial stops.  Matt Burr (44), Phillipe Heusdain (77), & Eduardo Sereno (35) chimed in.  Demetrich Gilliam (48) tried to stymie the drive with a tackle in the backfield and Sereno added a touchdown saving tackle when a former Heisman trophy winner’s son broke loose.  Anthony Breedlove (38) & Jim Chirdo (32) stopped the QB and Burr contributed another stop.  Blake Washington (31) appeared to stop the Tiger receiver before the goal line, and even might have intercepted the ball, but the official thought otherwise and after a successful PAT, the score with 17 seconds remaining was Oak 38 – Collins 14.  Najvar kneeled down to seal the victory.  Final Score for the undefeated 2007 Panthers was Klein Oak Panthers 38 – Klein Collins Tigers 14.   

Game Summary

Offensive statistical leaders for the game were as follows:  Theiss (16-19 passing, 274 yds, 3 TD passes, 1 int), Hales (64 yds, 6 carries, 7 receptions, 165 yds, 2 TD’s, 76 yard punt return called back), Robinson (92 yds on 15 carries, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 34 yds), Rayburn (3 receptions, 49 yards, TD), Najvar (10 yds, 2 carries, TD, 3 receptions, 31 yds), Ossam Cook (14 yards on 6 carries), John Michael Cook (32 yds, 4 carries,) and Doerner (5-5 PAT, 22 yd FG).

Defensive End Logan Studdert led the team in tackles with 9.  Other leading tacklers were Muncie & Williams with 7, Hunter with 6, Shankle, Mirenda, & Thomas,  – 5 each, Burr & Mayweather – 4 each, Stephen Fitzgerald (85), Davis & Heusdain – 3 each. Hunter had two tackles in the backfield, Gilliam, Thomas, Heusdain, Mirenda, Studdert & Davis all added one play for a loss.  Mirenda provided an interception and Alex & Cotto pounced on fumbles.

The Panthers have done everything they could have done up to this point in the season.  Averaging 39 points a game and giving up only 11 have led to a 7 – 0 overall record and 3 – 0 in 16-5A district play.  This last victory over local rival Klein Collins showed how many weapons on both sides of the ball the Panthers have.  Now it is time for a short week of rest and Thursday night on FSN Southwest we will see our Klein Oak Panthers take on the always powerful Klein Forest Golden Eagles.  Oak’em Panthers. 

Klein Oak Panthers On Wrong End of 38 – 0 Score
After Convincing Westfield Victory

In the battle for this years 16-5A District Championship, the 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panther Football Team went down to a very talented Westfield Mustangs team on a cool Friday Night at George Stadium in Spring.  This game report is going to take on a different look than most others.  The reporter tries to accentuate the positives of any game and get as many of our players mentioned for positive contributions.  Frankly, although there were numerous individual positive plays in the game, there were not enough of these to go around to allow the reporter to mention as many players as he likes to.  This has been a magical year for our football team, and we have won eight games as a team, and lost this one game as a team. 

The Panther defense had some great plays including two interceptions and several stops of Mustangs in the backfield, but did not make enough plays to keep Westfield from scoring in every quarter.  The offense showed some spark with a few successful running plays combined with 8 pass completions, a few of which were very nice catches.  It did not show the consistency it had shown for the season, and the Panthers were shut out for the first time in a very long time.  We must give credit where credit is due.  Westfield is one powerful football team.  By far the best team the Panthers have faced this season.  They were balanced on offense with a strong running attack setting up a very effective play action passing game.  On defense, they showed a team speed not yet experienced this season. 

What should the Panthers take out of this game?  Klein Oak’s motto is “Class, Character, & Excellence”.  Our players definitely showed class and character by not reacting to some Westfield tactics that most would consider on the wrong side of the sportsmanship line.  They have the opportunity to show more character and excellence by how the team reacts to this defeat.  The defeat cost them a District Championship, but in the grand scheme of things, the season is all about the playoffs.  The loss did not change the team’s playoff seeding.  I believe the team will use this loss as a wake up call and know that from this point forward, against the Klein Bearkats, the College Park Cavaliers, and whatever playoff opponents wait down the road, that excellence on the practice field and game field is what is expected.  I believe they will deliver. 

I will leave you with a few quotes from folks that know more than I will ever know about motivation in sports – let's think about them and bring all the positive energy we can into the remaining games for the 2007 Klein Oak Panther Football Team. 

On Character

“Sports do not build character, they reveal it” – John Wooden

“One player practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.” – Knute Rockne

“People striving, being knocked down and coming back … that’s what builds character.  I’ve seen very little character in players who never had to face adversity.” – Tom Landry

On Teamwork

“People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.” – Vince Lombardi

“It is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit.” – Robert Yates

“Players win games, teams win championships.” – Bill Taylor

On Desire

“I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it.” – Gale Sayers

“I’ve always felt it was not up to anyone else to make be give my best.” – Akeem Olajuwon

“Winners must have two things, definite goals and a burning desire to achieve them.” – Brad Burden

 On Fun

“Just play, have fun and enjoy the game.” – Michael Jordan

“So many people forget that when you take the fun out of something, it’s just not something people want to do.” – Michelle Johnson

“Remember that sports are meant to be fun.  Don’t let someone make the sport un-fun for you.” – A.J. Kitt

On Success

“You can’t just love the game when everything goes the way you want it to go.” – Dennis Green

“He who stops being better, stops being good.” – Oliver Cromwell

“Sweat plus sacrifice equals success.” – Charlie Finley

“Every success is built on the ability to do better than good enough.” – Unknown

If we show Character, play as a Team, have enough Desire, mix in some Fun, we will have Success!!!!

OAK’EM PANTHERS!!!

Oak Declawed the BearKats 27 - 24

Klein Oak Panthers Outlast Arch Rival Klein High School to Complete Sweep of KISD Schools and Bring Regular Season Record to 9 - 1

The 2007 Varsity Klein Oak Panther Football Team bounced back from a setback against Westfield to conquer their arch rival Klein Bearkats in an exciting 27 – 24 victory whose outcome was still up for grabs until the last minute of the game.  In typical fashion, the Panthers employed a well rounded performance led by a relentless rushing attack and their “bend but don’t break” big play defense that recorded three crucial takeaways during the contest.  The victory ended a successful 2007 regular season with Klein Oak sweeping the other three KISD schools and giving the Panthers a confidence boost going into the State Playoffs. 

First Quarter

Oak won the toss and elected to take the ball.  Klein’s A&M bound kicker booted the kickoff out of the end zone to give Klein Oak the ball on their 20.  Employing the empty backfield, 5 wide receiver set to open the game, QB Wes Theiss (4) promptly hit big Jordan Najvar (18) for a 10 yard completion and the team’s initial first down.  Wes’ second pass fell incomplete so Oak decided to see how the run offense would work.  Terrence Robinson (7) broke through a hole created by the guard tandem of Clint Naron (74) & Kevin Forsch (73) for a 31 yard gain.  An incompletion, a couple of penalties and a couple of runs left Oak stalled the initially promising drive and Theiss dropped back to punt.  His 39 yard boot settled into the end zone for a touchback and Klein went to work from their 20.  Craig Palmer (45) made the tackle of Klein’s first pass attempt followed by stops by Chase Thomas (34) & Demetrich Gilliam (48) but Klein gained a first down.  Luke Muncie (23) defended another pass attempt, and after an incompletion, Phillippe Heusdain (77) snuffed out the draw attempt forcing Klein to punt.  Another touchback gave Oak’s offense another chance from the 20.  Under heavy pressure, Theiss was able to find DeSean Hales (3) downfield for a 35 yard gain even though he was pummeled upon release of the ball.  Now in Klein territory, the Panthers revved up the running game.  T-Rob went for 5, and Ossam Cook (22) took the ball for a couple setting up a crucial 3rd down try.  Robinson followed Naron and Kenny Hunter (75) 13 yards down field for the first down.  Kenny and Tyler Condiff (65) opened another Robinson hole for 5 and tight end Mike Rayburn (46) led T-Rob on an 11 yard gallop to the 9 yard line.  Ossam and Najvar provided lead blocking for Terrence to make it to the one yard line.  Learning from the previous game against Westfield, the team went under center and Robinson converted the QB sneak into the end zone for the first score of the game.  Trent Doerner (9) was accurate with the PAT to make the score Klein Oak 7 – Klein 0 with 2:05 remaining on the first quarter clock.  Trent sent the kickoff deep and the Klein return man was brought down violently by Kevin Williams (33) & John Moreno (37) at the 21 yard line.  Klein tried to surprise the Oak defense with a long pass, but super sophs Gilliam and Muncie would not be fooled.  Demetrich applied the heavy pressure and Luke was there to defend the pass downfield.  A stop by Cody Davis (84) was followed by an incompletion and Klein was again forced to punt.  Hales had a little trouble handling the punt which added to the excitement of his 9 yard return giving the offense another chance from their 31 yard line.  DeSean took the handoff for 6 yards behind pancakes from Rayburn & Naron.  After an incompletion, Theiss hit Hales for a 10 yard first down that ended the quarter with the score Klein Oak Panthers 7 – Klein Bearkats 0. 

Second Quarter

Theiss hit Najvar on the first play of the second stanza with an 8 yard completion.  The big play Klein defense jarred the ball loose and recovered the ball for the first turnover of the game.  Klein’s vaunted running attack led by two huge linemen heading to D-1 colleges kicked into gear.  They completed a 9 play 64 yard drive with all the plays being the running variety.  Scott Arthur (10), Mark Hunter (81), Brian Corcoran (30) & Thomas all made outstanding plays, but Klein persevered on the drive to knot the score Oak 7 – Klein 7 with 8:23 remaining in the half.  DeSean returned the kickoff from his end zone 22 yards to the 20 yard line.  After a holding penalty pushed the offense back, Theiss hit his favorite target Hales for another big gain.  This one covered 39 yards.  Ossam then ran for 6 followed by an incompletion. A two yard run by Hales set up a 4th and 2.  The team successfully drew the Bearkats offsides, and T-Rob was stopped in the backfield.  Not to worry however, because the penalty should keep the drive alive.  To Oak’s coaching staff’s dismay, the refs somehow did not see the offsides, and the ball was turned over on downs to Klein at their 41 yard line.  Stops by Davis & Logan Studdert (42) set up a 3rd down try to see if Klein could regain the momentum.  The senior trio of Studdert, Thomas & Arthur made the stop to force Klein into another punt.  This effort was downed deep in Panther territory at the 14 yard line.  Robinson ran for 11 and a first down behind Najvar & Forsch.  Terrence added a 19 yard gain followed by an 8 yard jaunt behind three pulling blockers – Rayburn, Naron, & Kenny Hunter.  After another first down run by T-Rob, an incompletion and two short runs by Robinson & Ossam brought up 4th down and 4 to go and the first big decision by the coaching staff.  Do we go for it, or try a 48 yard field goal.  Coach Smith called upon his ever reliable soccer star for the long field goal try.  Doerner made his coach’s day by splitting the uprights with the kick with room to spare.  The kick would have been good from 60.  After Trent’s fantastic effort, the score was now Klein Oak 10 – Klein 7 with 1:37 remaining in the half.  Doerner’s kickoff was good for a touchback to give Klein the ball at their 20 with not much time remaining.  After a couple of stops by Sam Cotto (40), the Bearkats showed they had some tricks up their sleeve.  The backwards pass to the wideout, wideout deep bomb downfield found the Panther defense napping.  Arthur made the touchdown saving tackle, but Klein now had hopes for a score.  Cotto & Arthur stopped the first down play and Mark Hunter caused an incompletion by batting down the pass.  A third down incompletion led to a 34 yard field goal attempt.  It was good, and with 6 seconds left in the half the score was again tied – Klein Oak Panthers 10 – Klein Bearkats 10.  The Panthers did try one “Hail Mary” play to DeSean to end the half.  The ball was batted in the air, and into the hands of Klein’s Tulsa bound defender.  Rayburn & Hales combined to bring down the Bearkat, but both players were banged up on the field.  All in the stands hoped the training staff could nurse the two seniors back to health during halftime. 

Third Quarter

Klein took Doerner’s deep kickoff back for a nice return to their 40 yard line where the runner was brought down by Craig Palmer (45).  Mark Hunter made the first stop and Jeremy Mayweather (5) laid a big hit on the Klein receiver after a pass completion.  A play later, Klein’s big running back burst loose down the right sideline for a big gain.  Palmer caught him however and popped the ball loose.  Another Bearkat had the ball momentarily, but he was relieved of its possession by a jarring hit from Mayweather.  Muncie put an end to all the drama by jumping on the ball at the Oak 14 yard line, stopping the Klein drive and giving Oak’s potent offense the ball again.  Three running plays to start the drive only netted one yard forcing Theiss back to punt from deep in his Oak’s territory.  Wes made an acrobatic catch of the high snap and just got the ball off ahead of Klein’s vaunted kick blocking crew.  Theiss was knocked around by these same Bearkats who were looking for the block drawing a personal foul and keeping the Panther drive alive.  Wes’ good hands, and cool reaction to the pressure situation proved to be one of the turning points in the game.  With new life at their 35 yard line, Ossam ran for 6 and Theiss was accurate to Hales for 11 yards and a first down.  Now in Klein territory, the Panther run offense would start grinding things out.  3 T-Rob carries for 10 yards netted a first down.  After Ossam ran for 3, Robinson burst out for a 35 yard gain behind Zach Coleman (76) at the line and help downfield from QB turned receiver Theiss.  Ossam thought he could smell the goal line, but was yanked down by the face mask.  The penalty took the ball to the 7 yard line where Terrence followed dueling tight ends Rayburn & Najvar into the end zone for his second TD of the game.  Doerner was again accurate on the PAT giving Oak another lead – 17 – 10 over the Bearkats with less than 3 minutes remaining in the third quarter.  Another good return gave Klein the ball on their 39 yard line.  A couple of big hits by Muncie & Williams couldn’t keep Klein from tying the score once again – Klein Oak 17 – Klein 17 with 46 seconds left on the third quarter clock.  Another touchback gave the Panthers the ball at the 20.  Two Robinson runs for 15 yards brought the 3rd quarter to an end with the score still Klein Oak Panthers 17 – Klein Bearkats 17. 

Fourth Quarter

Terrence started the 4th with another nice 13 yard gain with excellent lead blocking by fellow running back Ossam.  After a Klein personal foul took the ball all the way to the 25 yard line, Ossam was rewarded for his earlier blocking with a carry of his own.  He didn’t disappoint with a 25 yard burst up the middle keyed by blocks from Kenny Hunter & Forsch.  Ossam’s TD again gave the Panthers the lead – Klein Oak 24 – Klein 17 with less than a minute gone in the final quarter.  Trent tried the sky kick to combat the excellent Klein returns.  It worked and was downed at the Klein 24 yard line.  The Bearkats would not quit however and marched downfield on an 8 play 76 yard scoring drive, culminating with a 32 yard scamper by their sophomore running back.  With 7:24 remaining in the contest, the score was tied once more Klein Oak 24 – Klein 24.  Klein tried a sky kick of their own that was fair caught by Muncie on the 30 yard line.  Robinson went for 14 behind Naron, and 9 more with the help of Kyle McLeland (62).  The senior star then burst for a 26 yard gain behind Coleman & Rayburn at the point of attack with help from fellow D-1 recruit Hales downfield.  Two runs by Terrence and one by Ossam left the Panthers with a 4th and 1 at the 14 yard line.  On comes Doerner to try the 31 yard attempt to give the Panthers the lead.  31 yards is a chip shot from the guy who hit the 48 yarder earlier in the game and he was accurate once more.  With 4:34 remaining in the game the Panthers lead once more – Klein Oak 27 – Klein 24.  Trent kicked deep this time and the kick was nicely covered by Matt Burr (44), Walt Williams (21), Blake Washington (31), & Marc Lopez (13) in typical Panther special team’s gang tackling style.  Down 3 points and the clock ticking down, Klein started their drive at the 32 yard line.  This was a make or break defensive stand for the Panthers.  Arthur started things off by bringing the Bearkat runner down with only a short gain.  On the next play, Klein’s QB rolled right to pass and under intense pressure from Davis & Gilliam lofted the ball deep downfield.  Palmer had position on the receiver and won the jump ball for the interception at the Klein Oak 35 yd line giving Oak the chance to potentially run the clock out and seal the victory.  With 3 timeouts remaining, Klein would not go down easy.  Robinson gained 6 behind Condiff & Coleman followed by another 6 yard gain behind Forsch & Najvar.  T-Rob’s next three carries netted 9 of the 10 needed for the game clinching first down and Wes was forced into a crucial punt.  The snap was good and so was the kick, a 32 yard effort pinning Klein at their 17 yard line.  With time running out, Corcoran made the stop on first down.  Klein then moved the chains with a successful pass down the right sideline.  They then gave the ball to their star running back who was held up by Scotty and when Palmer arrived he punched the ball loose.  Muncie was again there at the bottom of the scrum for his second fumble recovery of the game.  Panther ball with only 52 seconds remaining.  All that was left to seal the victory were three kneel downs by the offense and the hard fought victory over the Klein Bearkats was in the books.  Final Score – Klein Oak Panthers 27 – Klein Bearkats 24. 

Game Summary

Offensive statistical leaders for the game were as follows:  Robinson (308 yds on 36 carries, 2 TD’s), Hales (9 yds, 3 carries, 4 receptions, 101 yds), Ossam Cook (51 yds on 11 carries, 1 TD), Theiss (6-15 passing, 125 yds,), Najvar (2 receptions, 22 yds), and Doerner (48 yd FG, 31 yd FG, 3-3 PAT).

Scott Arthur was the leading tackler for the game with 11, Cotto added 7, Mark Hunter, Studdert, Thomas, Palmer, & Mayweather – 6 each, Muncie, Corcoran, & Davis contributed 4 each.  Heusdain & Thomas each had a tackles in the backfield.  Palmer had an interception and caused two fumbles, and Muncie had two fumble recoveries.   

The regular season is now over and the 2007 Klein Oak Panthers have a record of 9 - 1 overall – 5 – 1 in District 16-5A.  Klein is the natural rival of all the schools in the Klein Independent School District, and even though playoff seeding was already set prior to the game, the victory was sweet, sweet, sweet.  The O-Line garnished offensive MVP honors leading the way to 342 yards rushing against a tough defense and Mark Hunter earned defensive MVP honors with his typical whistle to whistle performance matched up against a future Ohio State lineman.  Trent Doerner, with his monster 48 yard field goal and the 31 yarder to clinch the victory was special teams MVP.  The team never trailed, and hung on to win in the final quarter to send all the fans on the home side of Klein Memorial Stadium home happy.  No time to rest however.  The first half of the season is over, but the second half – The State Playoffs – is about to start.  See you at Conroe Stadium next Saturday as the Panthers take on the Woodlands College Park Cavaliers as their Bi-District opponent.  Oak’em Panthers.