Cy Falls vs. Cy Fair

One of the best current rivalries in the Houston area kicks off Thursday night at the Berry Center in Cypress when Fair (4-2, 2-1) and Falls (4-2, 2-1) clash.  The Cy Fair Bobcats have won two games in a row with senior running back Sam McGuffie playing full-time again.  Cy Falls rebounded from a loss to Cy Ridge two weeks ago to knock off a previously unbeaten Strake Jesuit squad (55-32).  The stage is set for another classic between two programs that traditionally play close games. 

True to their respective mascots, the Cy Falls Eagles can make big plays in the air and the Cy Fair Bobcats are content to keep their attack moving on the ground.  The Eagles’ spread offense is well balanced thanks to the talent of senior RB Shane Turner.  Turner is one of the most explosive backs in Texas.  Junior QB Kolby Gray is a gifted athlete, and he has taken over where Jeff Welch left off after last season.  As usual, the Eagles have very talented players at receiver. 

Any discussion of the Cy Fair offense begins with senior RB Sam McGuffie and senior FB Wesley Cobb.  These two form what is arguably the best backfield combination in the state.  Sophomore Tevin Champagne contributed in the absence of McGuffie.  Junior FB Morris Lane is a clone of Cobb physically and has played very well this season.  This backfield is very deep with McGuffie healthy and it needs to be given the Bobcats’ reliance on running the football for success. 

Cy Fair senior DBs Michael Elliot and Andrew Hegarty need to play big roles for the Bobcats Thursday in order to help contain Falls’ talent in the passing game.  Also, the Bobcat secondary needs to be very strong in the open field against the Cy Falls running game.  Cy Falls’ defense has struggled to contain opponents so far this year, but they are obviously getting help from the offense.  The Eagles have needed every point from their offense so far this season.

We are picking Cy Falls to win this game because of their balance on offense and their ability to quickly strike if they are down.  However, Cy Fair can take a big step towards winning this game if they are able to dictate the action with their running game.  If McGuffie, Cobb and company are running wild then the Bobcats have a definite shot at winning this game. Although both teams have lost two games, it can be argued they are better than that.  Cy Falls lost QB Kolby Gray early in their loss to Bryan and Cy Fair played without McGuffie for most of their first four games.  This should be a hotly contested game between two teams vying for a top position within 17-5A.  OUR PICK- CY FALLS