Woodlands Pulls Away from West Houston Late
Woodlands Pulls Away from West Houston Late
Texas HS club rivals West Houston and Woodlands faced off over the weekend in the clash of what appears to be the strongest two club teams in the state.
It was a hard game throughout. Both teams were missing players they would have wanted to call upon, but the player attrition was rougher on West Houston, whose bench was shortened as a result. West Houston opened the scoring with an interception try by center Ignacio Zumelzu going in under the posts, and that was an indication of the game somewhat, with Woodlands making mistakes (dropped balls and penalties) that West Houston did well to punish.
Woodlands responded with a well-worked kick to the wing where Lucas Staggs raced in to catch and score. Ahead 7-5 West Houston extended their advantage with a lineout and maul. Hooker Travis Padilla clamped onto the back of the maul and touched it down. Ben Saunders converted the try for a 14-5 Lions lead.
Woodlands turned the momentum with a second try from Staggs and then, just before halftime, Jace Hernandez was over. Devon Smith converted both and Woodlands led 19-14 at the break.
The score remained 19-14 for about 17 minutes until West Houston captain Hunter Finlay broke through and touched down. Saunders converted and the Lions had the lead once more at 21-19.
But Woodlands finished the stronger, and certainly their bench was deeper. Once again West Houston was burned out wide with wing Brock Jeter running in. No. 8 Ethan Scott's try iced with, with Smith converting both for a 33-21 victory.
It was a good showing for West Houston, which just needs to build its numbers. Woodlands, whose numbers are strong, seems to be the strongest HS club in Texas, but you can bet they welcomed the challenge.