High scoring Cavaliers held to seven points
The Tigers posted ten shutouts on its season’s resume. Although it didn’t get it’s eleventh, its defense was as dominant as its been all season.
The Katy Tigers and its physical defense held Austin Lake Travis’ high-scoring offense to seven points while it went to on collect its record-tying eighth state title by running away with a 34-7 victory in the Class 6A Division II Title game on Saturday evening at NRG Stadium.
The Tigers physical style of play created a hostile environment for Lake Travis. One that couldn’t assure the Eagles of its sixth title. However, Katy tied Celina and Southlake Carroll for the most with (8).
“Its the best defense I’ve coached at Katy high school in 34 years,” Tigers coach Gary Joseph said. “Its no doubt in my mind, if you give up 62 points in 16 games you’re playing extremely well.”
Katy (16-0) jumped out to 17-0 lead under the power of three turnovers.
Meanwhile, JR Blades intercepted Brewer at the Katy 15 and the Tigers turned it into a 48-yard field goal with 4:57 left in the first quarter to lead 3-0.
Katy kept the Lake Travis offense riddled with constant defensive pressure. Brewer’s pass to Malek Barkley resulted in a two-yard loss, and Brewer’s one-yard gain combined with a false start eventually led to a punt.
“Obviously, we didn’t play our best,” says Cavaliers left tackle Brendan Jaimes. “They jump on us early and we faced some adversity. I don’t think we responded to it well. Their definitely a powerhouse and our biggest challenge yet. They have an excellent program and respect to all of them. They played very well.”
The Cavaliers (15-1) made sure Katy’s next series would be uneventful when it watch the Tigers marched 75 yards to the Lake Travis 19 where defensive back Austin Hiller blocked a 26-yard field goal attempt with 10:36 left in the second quarter.
Lake Travis next possession was a disaster as it suffered two false start penalties. Barkley was dropped for a five-yard loss in the backfield and Brewer fumbled the ball at the 16-yard line where Katy’s linebacker Paddy Fisher scooped up the loose ball and was tackled at the five.
Brewer was 17-of-28 attempts with 172 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Receiver Cade Green caught seven passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.
Porter, who rushed for 188 yards on 35 carries and a touchdown, scored on a five-yard touchdown run to increase the Tigers lead 10-0 with 9:04 left in the second quarter.
For the most part, Lake Travis and its heavy laded receiving corps could not find much cushion in the Tigers secondary. At times, when Brewer was able to avoid the rush, he connected with several different receivers, but a false start penalty or a tackle for loss yardage made it difficult to carry out long drives.
“Obviously, their defense was as advertised,” Cavalier’s coach said. “They don’t give up many points and run to the ball and tackle. They tackle extremely well and they made us one dimensional which is tough. We made some mistakes early on and they were a big part of that. They forced them. “
The Cavaliers held the ball for only two plays on its next series.
Brewer, under heavy pressure, threw a pick-six to sophomore defensive MVP Michael Matus on the second play from scrimmage with 8:44 left in the second quarter. The interception return covered 42-yards and made the score 17-0 after the extra point kick.
“I knew I had to be quicker than them,” Katy’s defensive lineman Michael Matus said. “There a great team and very well coached. Their very competitive and they deserve to be here.”
With three first-half turnovers, including Brewer’s two interceptions and a fumble, the damage had taken its toll.
Momentum shifted to the Cavaliers after junior defensive back Austin Hiller intercepted Katy’s quarterback Garrett Dorion with 1:19 left before halftime.
That gave Brewer enough time to hooked up with Green 34 yards down field at the Katy 36. Then Brewer escaped a collapsing pocket as he scrambled to the 12-yard line. Following, he threw a low strike to Green in the end zone. The play covered 12 yards and trimmed the lead, 17-7 entering intermission.
Six false starts, five sacks, and four turnovers were all part of a nightmare day for the previously undefeated Cavaliers.
In the third quarter, the Cavaliers impressive defense shutout Katy. But it could not make up any ground on theTigers stingy defense and to make matters worst, Katy scored 17 unanswered fourth quarter points to build a 34-7 deficit.
