One of the few teams in the Greater Houston area with an undefeated record, The Woodlands football team has made their mark in local, state and national rankings.
While the Highlander offense averages nearly 350 yards per game, it is the defense that sets the tone for the team. One of the 11 players who makes his presence known is cornerback Ryan Clappsaddle.
In the 55-21 win over Conroe last Friday night at Buddy Moorehead Stadium, Clappsaddle was in on several tackles, but his primary contributing was intercepting two passes. One of those picks went the distance for 85 yards and a touchdown.
“We are just keeping our heads up and staying focused. You know with football you have to play with a lot of swagger,” Clappsaddle said. “We (Highlander defense) are always try to bring a punch to the games. We get there in a hurry and bring a punch. That is one of our goals this season.”
Mission accomplished. The Highlander team has definitely made their mark and the defense is giving up a couple of scores a game. For the 5-foot-11, 165-pound Clappsaddle there was a little discomfort in the Conroe game, but he managed to work through the pain.
Of course that did not stop him for coming up with the call late in the fourth quarter to put the finishing touches on their scoring frenzy.
“I felt like I did pretty good. I hurt my wrist during the game. I wasn’t in on all of the tackles I wanted to be,” Clappsaddle said. “When I dropped back into coverage, I saw the ball and reacted to it. There was some open field so I just kept running.”
And while the goal at hand is to lead his Woodlands team on a strong playoff run, Clappsaddle looks to take his game to the college level as well.
“I have been talking a lot to Navy and Air Force. I visited both of those schools,” Clappsaddle said.
While many athletes who are posed with the military academy options, several opt to not go that route. But Clappsaddle is more than open to the opportunity.
“I would love to go to either one of those schools. I think it would be great,” Clappsaddle said.