Klein Collins shuts out Panthers in
second half, secures victory
Spring – Defense has been the driving force behind the Tigers success. With so much parity in district 13-5A defense is what separates the cream of the crop.
The Klein Collins Tigers (4-0, 1-0) got a valid defensive effort to down Klein Oak 24-9 Thursday night at Klein Memorial Stadium.
Two early turnovers led to a 10 point Tiger lead. David Nebel intercepted Klein Oak’s Quarterback Connor McQueen at the Panthers 34 yard line, setting up a short drive finished off with a 1 yard touchdown sneak by Tyler Stehling and Kicker Joe McCormick added a 31 yard field goal.
“Tough game, two really good football teams, it was a hell of a game. The guys came out fought on both side, coaches did a great job, I don’t have a lot of words right now. Klein Oak is a really good football team, so we’re extremely happy,” said Klein Collins Coach Andrew Svoboda.
The Panthers managed two first half field goals to keep the game close at 10-6 when Michael Shroble connected a 36 yard field goal and another from 49.
“We can’t turn the ball over playing these guys, we can’t throw them the football and expect to win, give them the ball on our end of the field and expect to win it can’t happen, it just can’t happen these guys are good their excellent, their the returning champs from last year and they hit two big plays in the second half boom boom. We weren’t where we was suppose to be, “said Klein Oak’s Coach David Smith.
Shane Rhodes lined up behind center, taking the direct snap and scampered 61 yards down to the Panthers 17 yard line, the play was a springboard for Stehling’s one yard plunge which increased the Tigers lead 17-6.
“We knew coming into the game Klein Oak was good. We wanted get out here and execute. We’ve been preparing for two weeks, “said Klein Collins Slot back/RB Shane Rhodes.
Tigers All-State Lineman Garrett Greenlea went down with a leg injury and didn’t return.
Tigers Shane Rhodes had a game (130 yards on 17 carries) while Marquise Cardinal added (94 on 11 carries).
Shroble added another field goal that covered 51 yards to get them within eight points but that was all they would muster.
Marquise Cardinal finished the scoring with the 59 yard touchdown run that dashed the hopes of any comeback for the Panthers.