After Katy’s Trent Hunter returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, the Tigers were in the driver’s seat from that point on. This, along with a Katy defense that forced six turnovers, was all that was needed to earn the Tigers their first victory over Klein 45-0 at Rhodes Stadium Thursday night.

“I think the return gave us the momentum we needed the whole game,” Hunter said. “Aundre (Dean) came along and led us the rest of the way and we got the win.”

The kick off return was big, but the big story tonight was the Katy defense. With turnovers and hard hits, the Tigers set the tone for the entire game. On Klein’s second three-and-out possession, the Bearkats punted to Hunter.

With the Hunter return, and a penalty, the Tigers found themselves on the 9-yard line which resulted in a 23-yard field goal by Raul Balbuena. Klein’s next possession did not fare too well when Katy’s Micah Marks recovered a fumble giving the Tigers the ball on the Klein 19.

Three plays later, Balbuena was money again from 29-yards out to give Katy a 13-0 lead heading into the second quarter. To start the second quarter, both Katy and Klein lost fumbles. With 8:45 left in the second, Klein’s Troy Williams intercepted a Katy pass and ran it back to the Tiger 8-yard line.

The Bearkats lined up for a 25-yard field goal attempt, but Hunter came from the right side and blocked it. Right before half, Katy’s passing attack began to click.

Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell connected with Brian Rowe, Joey Fuda, and Ryan Doerr marching them right into Bearkat territory. A 20-yard run by Dean set up 23-yard field goal by Balbuena right before half.

“I am a playmaker who is expected to make plays,” Dean said. “We still need work, but I am glad I was able to get the tough yards and keep the ball moving.”

On the opening drive, Katy defensive back Terrence Frederick intercepted a pass to give the Tigers the ball back on the Klein 43. But the Tigers did not convert the turnover to points.

Later in the quarter, Dean broke on a 37-yard run to set up an 11-yard Mitchell-to-Fuda touchdown pass. But Katy wasn’t done. Tiger defensive back Van Atwood’s (first of two) interception set up a 19-yard touchdown run by Seth Chism.

With 5:58 left in the game it was all about Hayden Munsell who rumbled for 31 yards that included a 3-yard touchdown. Chism finished the game with another touchdown for eight yards.

For the Tigers, Mitchell ended the game 9-of-17 for 93 yards (touchdown and interception). Fuda (3/22/1) and Terrance Avie (2/37) were the receiving leaders. Dean rushed for 153 yards on 24 carries.

Klein’s leading rusher (15/40) and receiver (1/12) was running back CJ Palmer.
 

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