Teams to watch: Tomball Cougars

First-year Tomball head coach Kevin Flanigan knew if he set the expectations high, things would go well for the Cougars this season. The talent was there. But after a 2-8 season in 2016 that included an 0-7 district mark, Tomball needed a change. Flanigan has stepped up to the challenge. Four weeks into the season, the Cougars (4-0, 1-0) have already doubled their win total from last year and secured a win over Willis in the District 20-5A opener last week. It’s the team’s best start since 2010. “You set the tones by the expectations, and I’ve never known anybody that’s very good without high expectations,” Flanigan said. “It’s been a big deal to get started the right way and the kids are buying into what their coaches are talking about.” Tomball didn’t have a problem scoring points last season, but their struggles really occurred on the defensive side of the ball. The Cougars allowed almost 36 points per game, which made it hard for the team to gain any traction during the district race. Flanigan and his defensive staff, led by defensive coordinator Dave Handal, have dramatically improved on that mark. In the four wins this season, Tomball is giving up an average of less than 10 points per game. “That’s probably the biggest difference overall from last year to this year, is the defense,” Flanigan said. “[Coach Handal] is one of the best coaches I’ve been around as far as attention to detail – he’s put them in position to be successful. The kids have responded very, very well and take a lot of pride in playing well.” The secondary has grabbed the bulk of the headlines for the Cougars defense, hauling 11 interceptions through just four games – including five from Kasen Handal. The success on the back end starts up front though, with guys like Kohl Klopfenstein, Cody Stirman, Landry Stipe and Levi Marion making an impact at the line of scrimmage. “Some of the interceptions we’ve had have been really tremendous catches, and have come at key points in the game,” Flanigan said. “Those guys have really good ball skills, and that really turns the game around.” While the defense has been much improved, the Cougars’ offense has been impressive as well. Flanigan knew there was talent returning in senior ATH Tybo Taylor, but a pair of sophomores have stepped up and played extremely well in the backfield. Hunter Dunn, who splits time at QB with the dual-threat Taylor, and RB Ja’Kobi Holland Jr. have emerged as big time players early in their career. Dunn threw for 154 yards (115 of which went to Taylor) and two touchdowns and Holland rushed for 143 yards and a score in the win over Willis last week. That offensive core will continue to be important as Tomball prepares for its biggest challenge to date Friday night. The Cougars will face off against the defending district champion, Magnolia (2-1, 1-0), looking to come up with another signature win and make a statement in the playoff push. “It’s a game you kind of have penciled in even before the season,” Flanigan said. “If you want to win a district championship, you have to go through the defending champ. It’s going to be a battle. “You can definitely tell our guys are keyed in for this one and have been waiting for it for a while – it’s no secret this is a big game for both programs.”

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