Crosby Football was down and out in late September. The Cougars had just lost their third consecutive game and seven out of their last eight venturing back to last season. Then new coach Jerry Prieto started to see a change.
"It really started with the (week 2) Manvel game," said Prieto, into his first season at Crosby.
"We started off 0-2 (on the season) but gained some momentum there. Even though we lost that game we controlled most of the second half. Unfortunately, after that game we had a bye and then our West Orange (Stark) game was cancelled."
With the two week layoff the Cougars would go into their district opener against Vidor ill-prepared for the Pirate "Slot T" offense and would lose 37-27. With Prieto's high-tempo offense the Cougars would rebound with a three game win streak over Dayton (44-0), Port Neches-Groves (13-7) and Sante Fe (42-12) before falling to Barbers Hill 28-7 two weeks ago.
The Cougars were clinging to the fourth district playoff spot at 3-2 and looking at their biggest home game in two years with Nederland coming to town. A loss to the Bulldogs would have dropped Crosby down to fifth place with one week left to go but the Cougars pulled out a dramatic double overtime 36-29 win.
The win propelled Crosby into a 3-way tie for 2nd place with Nederland and Port Neches-Groves, who play each other Friday night. Crosby still needs a win to advance, a loss Friday night against Baytown Lee will most likely end their season.
"We have to limit their big plays," said Prieto.
"Make them work harder than they are used to. That will be the key for us."
Baytown Lee brings with them the top dual-threat quarterback in the district in Ijenea Wooley (2,047 total yards). Kickoff is Friday at 7:30pm.
Click on the play button below to listen to the podcast interview with Crosby HC Jerry Prieto.