Round Two Recap: Tomball vs. Willis Thriller

<p>The Texas High School Playoffs have been electric from border to border. And as we prepare for more great matchups and headlines in Round 3, it's time also to recap the moments from Round 2. One game that stood out in particular was a heavyweight matchup between two storied programs. Let's give notice to 3 impact players from both sides of the Willis Wildkats' 34-27 win over the Tomball Cougars.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tomball</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">While his Cougar career didn't have a storybook ending, Faldyn will go down as a program legend, and he had a strong performance to wrap things up. With over 300 total yards and three touchdowns, Jaxyn gave it everything he had on Friday night, both passing and with his legs. Faldyn is a true dual-threat QB with elite 4.4 speed and great accuracy at all levels of the field. His senior campaign was dominant and efficient, with over 2,700 total yards, 34 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions. With offers from schools such as Mines, ECU, and Ouachita, Jaxyn will take his next step following a legendary high school career.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JaxynFaldyn/status/1990163214143775163?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas has broken out as much as any playmaker statewide this season, and he added a great finishing touch to it in the playoffs. Ian is a true all-purpose back with a lot of suddenness and make-you-miss ability to his game. He showcased his stellar combination of speed and balance on Friday, toting the rock 22 times for 142 yards and a touchdown. Throughout the two weeks of playoff football for Thomas and the Cougars, he demonstrated that he could continue his elite production on the biggest stages. With over 1,700 total yards and 22 touchdowns in his sophomore season, Thomas will be one of the most dynamic RBs to watch going into next year. He holds offers from Texas Tech, Houston, and UTSA.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Polished and explosive at the point of attack, the Cougars' star edge rusher has been a game-wrecker, and he showed that one last time on Friday night. Tobi was all over the backfield, piling up QB pressures and even getting home for a sack fumble. He showcases an awesome mix of speed and power off the edge, constantly affecting the quarterback with twitch, balance, and violence. Adeuti thrives at redirecting, collecting his base, and finishing plays in the backfield with great pad-level and little wasted movement. Recently picking up an offer from Valpo, Tobi finished the season with 75 tackles, 8 TFLs, and 6 sacks, and he will leave a legacy from his time with the Cougars.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TJadeuti_/status/1992429516661166554?s=20 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Willis</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">There are few things more exciting than a freshman phenom quarterback absolutely lighting up the field in his first playoff run. After a solid Round One performance, Linc took it to the next level vs. Tomball, racking up over 420 yards and 2 TD passes on a 69% completion clip. He also added a trick play receiving touchdown to his line. He is a true gunslinger with great arm strength and athleticism in the backfield. Frazier excels at delivering strikes with velocity at all levels of the field. He straight-up rips it over and around defenders. Linc has totaled an electric 3,500+ yards this season, along with 40 total TDs. Already holding an offer from Arizona State, Frazier will look to take his Kats to the promised land and finish off an electrifying freshman campaign.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/lincdalion/status/1992741584681816363?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A quick and instinctive inside backer, Williams showcases great field awareness and burst through the line of scrimmage, constantly disrupting plays before they can start. Cayden was constantly in the backfield Friday night, stacking up several TFLs and plays around the line of scrimmage. He excels at using great footwork and sharp angles to always put himself in a position to make the tackle. A true green-dot middle linebacker, Williams thrives at sniffing out holes before they open and disrupting blocks to fill them. The Wildkats' anchor in the middle of the field has been one of the most productive LBs in the state this season, compiling over 130 tackles, which include over 20 TFLs and 5 sacks. Holding an offer from Sac State, expect Cayden to continue clogging lanes through this playoff run.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Maybe the biggest game-changer of Friday's contest, Jai was flying around and making plays from kickoff on. Friend contributed both an interception and a forced fumble to the Kats' defense. He showcased his excellent anticipation and athleticism, going upstairs to reel in the INT. Jai was also making tackles from sideline to sideline all night. A safety who can slide in as a nickel CB, Friend has great speed, technical footwork, and awesome ball skills, making plays all over the field this season. Jai has been an all-around difference maker this season, with 85 tackles, 12 TFLs, 2 INTs, 9 PBUs, and 3 FFs. Don't be surprised when Friend continues to make big plays down the playoff stretch. He also holds an offer from Sac State.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JaiFriend2/status/1992656248244973844?s=20 </div></figure>

The Texas High School Playoffs have been electric from border to border. And as we prepare for more great matchups and headlines in Round 3, it's time also to recap the moments from Round 2. One game that stood out in particular was a heavyweight matchup between two storied programs. Let's give notice to 3 impact players from both sides of the Willis Wildkats' 34-27 win over the Tomball Cougars.