College Park–Grand Oaks Takes Center Stage as District Playoff Race Tightens

October 20, 2026

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — College Park and Grand Oaks head into Thursday, Oct. 22, tied for second place in District 13-6A, setting up a meeting that could shape both the championship chase and the playoff picture.

The Cavaliers and Grizzlies are 3-1 in district, one game behind The Woodlands with three games remaining. Their 7 p.m. matchup is the district’s clear game of the week: two teams carrying consecutive victories, productive offenses and an opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the postseason scramble below them.

For College Park, the strongest argument is its passing attack. For Grand Oaks, Thursday presents a chance to prove its recent momentum can carry over against another contender.

College Park’s passing game delivers

College Park overwhelmed Conroe 44-10 on Friday, Oct. 16, behind a performance that should command Grand Oaks’ attention.

Camden Hughes threw for 399 yards and five touchdowns with one interception. Julian Cromartie supplied the biggest receiving performance, finishing with 217 yards and four touchdowns. His receiving yardage marked a season high.

The Cavaliers led 27-3 at halftime and never gave Conroe much opportunity to recover. That is the kind of offensive efficiency that can change a district race. If Hughes has time to find Cromartie, Grand Oaks could spend Thursday chasing both the receiver and the scoreboard.

Grand Oaks brings weapons of its own

The Grizzlies answered their previous week’s victory over Oak Ridge by handling Caney Creek 44-7 on Friday, Oct. 16.

Darnell Jackson Jr. finished with 117 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including an 83-yard reception. Kaden Carter added 83 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

Grand Oaks also intercepted three passes, with Josiah Young and Trey Lott credited with the takeaways. Young returned an interception for a touchdown.

Those defensive contributions could become particularly important Thursday. College Park has demonstrated its ability to produce explosive passing plays; Grand Oaks needs to disrupt that rhythm and make the Cavaliers earn their possessions.

The Woodlands keeps control

While its closest pursuers face each other, The Woodlands heads to Conroe on Friday, Oct. 23, protecting a 4-0 district record.

The Highlanders shut out Cleveland 59-0 on Thursday, Oct. 15. Kaden Copelin threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns while completing 76.5% of his passes.

The Woodlands has earned its position atop the standings. Another victory would maintain its championship advantage while guaranteeing that one of the teams immediately behind it absorbs a second district loss.

Conroe, now 2-2 in district, needs a substantially better showing after the College Park defeat. Facing another quarterback coming off a five-touchdown performance makes that assignment especially demanding.

Willis strengthens its position

Willis moved to 2-2 in district with a 56-25 victory over Oak Ridge on Friday, Oct. 16.

Parker Stephenson produced one of the district’s most complete offensive performances: 256 passing yards, five touchdown passes and one interception, plus 126 rushing yards on just six carries.

His ability to hurt Oak Ridge through the air and on the ground gave the Wildkats an answer throughout the game.

Willis visits Cleveland on Friday, Oct. 23. With the Indians still seeking their first district victory, the Wildkats have an opportunity to build momentum and strengthen their place in the playoff race.

Urgency grows for Oak Ridge and Caney Creek

Oak Ridge and Caney Creek meet Friday, Oct. 23, with matching 1-3 district records and increasingly limited room for mistakes.

Despite the loss to Willis, Oak Ridge received a strong performance from sophomore Cody Cooksey, who rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns. The War Eagles need that production to translate into a victory after three consecutive defeats.

Caney Creek enters after consecutive losses and must regroup following Grand Oaks’ decisive win. For both teams, Friday offers a chance to regain traction before the schedule runs out.

Cleveland, at 0-4, faces an even steeper climb.

Thursday’s showdown deserves top billing, but Friday’s results will help determine whether the playoff race tightens—or begins leaving teams behind.