One is adjusting to a new system under a new coach, while the other is preparing for it’s first ever varsity football season. However, both the Tomball Memorial Wildcats and Tomball Cougars are readying themselves for a move to District 22-4A.
The Tribune talked to both schools head coaches about the upcoming season and what fans can expect from both teams.
Tomball Cougars
Tomball High School welcomed Danny Ramsey as its new head coach earlier this year. Ramsey replaced Tommy Kaiser, who retired.
Ramsey comes to Tomball from Waco High, where he led them to the 4A playoffs the past two seasons.
“I’m from this area,” Ramsey said. “I graduated from Westfield High School and I have family all around this area. It was a family decision to come home.”
While the Cougars return several lettermen, Ramsey’s squad won’t be that experienced, as Tomball returns just three starters on both sides of the ball. That won’t stop the team from having some lofty goals, however.
“A lot of kids will be playing varsity for the first time,” he said. “Our goals will still be the same. I’d like to see us contend for a district championship, but that all depends on how much the kids are willing to sacrifice.”
“The kids are hungry and their motivation level is pretty high.”
Ramsey will run a number of formations on offense, while sticking to a spread option style of play. On defense Ramsey said the Cougars will look to attack out of a 3-4 set.
“We will run a lot of different looks at teams though,” he said.
Ramsey said that Drew Reynolds will be a top target at wide receiver, while Xavier Powell will once again handle the backfield duties at tailback.
Ramsey said he can’t wait for the season to start.
“We are really excited about this season,” he said. “Hopefully at the very least we can prepare our kids to become good and honest citizens along the way.”
Tomball Memorial Wildcats
Tomball Memorial head coach Finis Vanover is ready for the season to start. One year after the new school played a sub-varsity schedule in preparation for this season, the Wildcats are also ready for the lights of Friday nights.
“The deal last year was just to get them on the field and playing and it worked out well,” Vanover said. “But we’re ready to get out there and do it because Thursday nights just aren’t the same. We are ready for them to experience the crowds, the lights and the bands on a Friday night.”
The Wildcats, who went 7-3 at their top sub-varsity level last season, have two starting position battles still raging, according to Vanover.
Quarterback candidates Jared Seinkiewich and Jordan Peterson are battling for the starting position. The runner-up will still play at receiver this season, however.
“It’s a tremendous battle going on there between two great young men,” Vanover said.
At tailback Josh Williams and Payton Logan are fighting for the starting nod, though both will see time at the position.
“Those two are way ahead of others at that position,” Vanover said.
Vanover plans to run multiple offensive formations, but will still employ a run-first mentality where the pass plays off the run.
On defense Tomball Memorial will play an attacking, blitzing style.
“We will play man-to-man coverage and make things happen up front,” Vanover said.
He is looking to sophomore linebacker B.J. Catherman to lead the way on defense, along with defensive end Clay Jacobs.
Vanover said the teams goals are to win, bottom line.
“We expect to win and will play to win every time,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier with our effort. It’s been a total buy-in by the kids and their parents and we are laying a great foundation here.”
