Game Preview: Cypress Woods Wildcats vs. Cypress Lakes Spartans

Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 11 a.m. | Pridgeon Stadium, Houston, Texas

Four teams are tied at 4–1 in District 16-6A, and Cypress Woods and Cypress Lakes will meet Saturday in a matchup with district championship and playoff-seeding implications. The Wildcats enter at 6–1 overall, while the Spartans are 6–2. Both are looking to strengthen their position in a crowded district race as the regular season enters its final two weeks.

Friday night’s Langham Creek–Cypress-Fairbanks game adds another layer to the matchup. If Cy-Fair loses, both Cypress Woods and Cypress Lakes will clinch playoff spots before kickoff. If Cy-Fair wins, Saturday’s winner between the Wildcats and Spartans will clinch a postseason berth. Cypress Lakes is pursuing its second playoff appearance in school history after reaching the postseason for the first time last year.

Team Snapshot: Cypress Woods Wildcats

Record: 6–1 overall, 4–1 district
Head Coach: Jeremy Hickman
Head Coach’s Overall Record: 35–16
Head Coach’s Record at Cypress Woods: 10–7
Average Points Scored per Game: 36.43
6A Scoring Rank: 69
Average Points Allowed per Game: 16.86
6A Defensive Scoring Rank: 32

Season So Far

Aug. 27: vs. Katy Jordan — Canceled
Sept. 4: at Katy Mayde Creek — W 41–18
Sept. 11: vs. Fort Bend Austin — W 46–21
Sept. 18: vs. Jersey Village — W 28–21
Oct. 3: at Cypress-Fairbanks — W 35–24
Oct. 8: at Langham Creek — L 14–16
Oct. 15: vs. Cypress Creek — W 33–18
Oct. 23: at Cypress Ridge — W 58–0

Team Snapshot: Cypress Lakes Spartans

Record: 6–2 overall, 4–1 district
Head Coach: Tyrone Carter
Head Coach’s Overall Record: 16–14
Head Coach’s Record at Cypress Lakes: 16–14
Average Points Scored per Game: 31.38
6A Scoring Rank: 101
Average Points Allowed per Game: 24.25
6A Defensive Scoring Rank: 83

Season So Far

Aug. 27: vs. Katy Freeman — W 19–14
Sept. 3: vs. Aldine Davis — L 29–42
Sept. 12: at Spring — W 44–24
Sept. 18: at Langham Creek — L 14–36
Oct. 2: vs. Cypress Ridge — W 54–17
Oct. 10: at Cypress Falls — W 21–18
Oct. 16: vs. Cypress-Fairbanks — W 38–31
Oct. 22: at Cypress Creek — W 32–12

The Breakdown

Cypress Woods Offense vs. Cypress Lakes Defense

Cypress Woods enters the matchup averaging 36.43 points per game, with a rushing attack that has been central to its success. The Wildcats have accumulated 1,740 rushing yards compared with 866 passing yards, giving them a physical offensive identity built around running the football and making defenses account for multiple ball carriers.

Cory McKenzie and Ron’Tavious Pomier headline the ground game, while freshman quarterback Axel Adams gives the Wildcats another rushing threat. Adams has contributed both through the air and on the ground, creating another challenge for defenses trying to contain the Wildcats’ running attack.

The offensive line will be important in establishing the pace. If Woods consistently creates running lanes and stays ahead of the chains, the Wildcats can control possession and keep the Spartans’ offense on the sideline.

Cypress Lakes will need to tackle effectively, close running lanes and limit explosive plays. The Spartans have allowed 909 rushing yards and 1,258 passing yards this season. Their ability to slow McKenzie, Pomier and Adams will help determine whether Woods can maintain its usual offensive rhythm.

Cypress Lakes Offense vs. Cypress Woods Defense

The Spartans have produced 2,823 total yards, including 1,514 rushing yards and 1,309 passing yards. Their relatively balanced attack gives them options to challenge the Wildcats in different ways.

Cypress Lakes has multiple rushing threats, including Braylen Dugar and Bryce Arrington, while Marcus Smith Jr. and Darius Watson have both contributed at quarterback. The Spartans’ ability to mix the run and pass can make defensive assignments more difficult, particularly if they establish the ground game early.

Cypress Woods has allowed 2,082 total yards and is giving up just 16.86 points per game. The Wildcats’ defense has been effective at limiting scoring, and players including Aiden Haby, Michael Ansley and Kaden Midkiff have been productive in tackling and disrupting opposing offenses.

The matchup will test whether Lakes can find room against a defense that has consistently limited opponents’ scoring. The Spartans will need to protect the football, sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities rather than allowing Woods to dictate the game’s tempo.

Players to Watch

Cypress Woods Wildcats

Cory McKenzie, RB: McKenzie leads the Wildcats’ rushing attack with 688 yards on 104 carries and eight touchdowns.
Ron’Tavious Pomier, RB: Pomier has added 417 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, giving Woods another productive option in the backfield.
Axel Adams, QB: The freshman quarterback has contributed 435 passing yards and three passing touchdowns, along with 280 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Aiden Haby: Haby has recorded 85 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Michael Ansley: Ansley has totaled 67 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Kaden Midkiff: Midkiff has made 49 tackles and recorded 21 tackles for loss, giving the Wildcats another disruptive presence up front.

Cypress Lakes Spartans

Braylen Dugar, RB: Dugar has rushed for 514 yards on 70 carries, averaging 7.34 yards per carry, with four touchdowns.
Marcus Smith Jr., QB: Smith has thrown for 660 yards and two touchdowns while adding 301 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Darius Watson, QB: Watson has contributed 630 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns.

Lorne Martin: Martin leads the defensive pass rush with seven sacks.
Xavier Boudreaux: Boudreaux has recorded 45 tackles and six sacks.
Ja’merce Johnson: Johnson has totaled 50 tackles, seven tackles for loss, an interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Recent Matchup History

All-Time Results

Oct. 11, 2025: Cypress Lakes 36, Cypress Woods 0
Oct. 11, 2024: Cypress Woods 21, Cypress Lakes 14
Sept. 28, 2023: Cypress Woods 23, Cypress Lakes 16
Sept. 29, 2022: Cypress Woods 42, Cypress Lakes 6
Nov. 6, 2021: Cypress Woods 36, Cypress Lakes 20
Nov. 19, 2020: Cypress Woods 56, Cypress Lakes 18
Oct. 5, 2019: Cypress Woods 31, Cypress Lakes 28
Oct. 5, 2018: Cypress Woods 63, Cypress Lakes 55
Oct. 21, 2017: Cypress Woods 31, Cypress Lakes 20
Oct. 13, 2016: Cypress Woods 36, Cypress Lakes 33
Oct. 9, 2015: Cypress Woods 70, Cypress Lakes 20
Oct. 10, 2014: Cypress Woods 52, Cypress Lakes 10
Sept. 28, 2013: Cypress Woods 34, Cypress Lakes 14
Sept. 29, 2012: Cypress Woods 60, Cypress Lakes 13
Oct. 6, 2011: Cypress Woods 63, Cypress Lakes 14
Oct. 7, 2010: Cypress Woods 34, Cypress Lakes 0

Keys to the Game

Cypress Woods Wildcats

Win the line of scrimmage. Consistent blocking can create room for the running game and keep the offense on schedule.
Protect the football. Avoiding turnovers will help Woods capitalize on its scoring opportunities.
Make third downs difficult. Strong tackling and pressure can force the Spartans into longer passing situations.

Cypress Lakes Spartans

Mix the run and pass. Use the Spartans’ offensive balance to keep the Wildcats’ defense from focusing on one dimension.
Win the turnover battle. Take care of the ball and make opportunities count when the defense creates them.
Take advantage of scoring chances. Finish drives and make the most of possessions inside scoring range.

Keep Your Eye On

The Wildcats’ rushing trio: McKenzie, Pomier and Adams give Woods a multifaceted ground attack.
The Spartans’ offensive balance: Lakes can challenge defenses with both its rushing and passing games.
The defensive front: Haby, Ansley and Midkiff will look to disrupt the Spartans, while Martin and Boudreaux headline Lakes’ pass rush.

From the Coaches

Cypress Lakes Head Coach Tyrone Carter

“Coach Hickman and his staff have done an incredible job instilling his core values into the Cy Woods program. His kids play unbelievably hard; they are well-coached and prepared to play in every game. The offense is led by the freshman phenom Axel Adams, Cory McKenzie, Ron’Tavious Pomier, and the huge offensive line that is averaging 250 yards rushing per game. The defense is led by Brad Sheppard, Kaden Midkiff, and Michael Ansley. They play relentless, aggressive defense and average giving up 16 points per game. This one-loss Cy Woods team is one of the best in the Houston area. This will be a great game between two teams that are fighting for a district championship and playoff seeding.”

Cypress Woods Head Coach Jeremy Hickman

“After a 58-0 win over Cy Ridge last week, our focus continues to be on getting better each and every week. We have a big challenge ahead of us this week against a very good Cy Lakes football team. With a four-way tie for first place in District 16-6A, this matchup features two teams sitting at 4-1 in district play, and there is a lot on the line for both programs.

“Cy Lakes is a dangerous football team offensively and plays really good defense. They are a team that can create problems for you on both sides of the ball. For us, it comes down to executing the fundamentals of football. We have to protect the football, tackle well, and operate at a high level in all three phases of the game.

“We have continued to challenge our players to improve each week, and this is another opportunity to measure that growth against a quality opponent. That’s what makes CFISD football so competitive. Every week presents a new challenge, and you have to be ready to play your best football.

“We know we will have to compete for four quarters, play disciplined football, and execute when it matters most to give ourselves an opportunity to win. I’m looking forward to seeing our Wildcats compete in a great district matchup this Saturday.”

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Some team and individual stats are provided by TheAthleticsDepartment.com. TAD is a full service stat provider for HS districts in Texas.