Texas HS club rivals West Houston and Woodlands faced off over the weekend in the clash of what appears to be the strongest two club teams in the state.
It was a hard game throughout. Both teams were missing players they would have wanted to call upon, but the player attrition was rougher on West Houston, whose bench was shortened as a result. West Houston opened the scoring with an interception try by center Ignacio Zumelzu going in under the posts, and that was an indication of the game somewhat, with Woodlands making mistakes (dropped balls and penalties) that West Houston did well to punish.
Woodlands responded with a well-worked kick to the wing where Lucas Staggs raced in to catch and score. Ahead 7-5 West Houston extended their advantage with a lineout and maul. Hooker Travis Padilla clamped onto the back of the maul and touched it down. Ben Saunders converted the try for a 14-5 Lions lead.
Woodlands turned the momentum with a second try from Staggs and then, just before halftime, Jace Hernandez was over. Devon Smith converted both and Woodlands led 19-14 at the break.
