Klein Collins used a fast start, timely defense, and a steady dose of big plays to earn a 37-27 home playoff win over Bridgeland on Friday night, securing the Tigers’ first-round playoff victory and a spot in the area round.
Debuting sharp gold chrome helmets, the Tigers had to shake off an early punch. Bridgeland struck first with a 46-yard touchdown pass to grab a 7-0 lead midway through the opening quarter. Klein Collins answered quickly. Quarterback Braydon Schoggin connected with receiver Tyce Hudson on a long pass to flip the field, then running back Randall Jackson powered in for a 39-yard rushing touchdown to tie it at 7.
From there, the Tigers seized control of the first half.
Schoggin hit Aiyden Benford and then took off on a long run to set up the next score. He capped that drive with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Micah Callens that gave Klein Collins its first lead at 14-7 late in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, defensive back Makell Wilson delivered a big momentum swing with an interception that stopped a Bridgeland drive. The Tigers offense went back to work, piling up chunks of yardage behind Jackson’s physical running and Schoggin’s dual-threat play at quarterback. With the clock winding down in the half, Schoggin found Hudson again on a deep ball down to the 2-yard line, then hit Brandon Behrens for a short touchdown pass. Kicker Samuel Galeas stayed perfect on extra points, and Klein Collins carried a 21-7 lead into halftime.
Bridgeland battled back after the break, cutting into the lead with a third-quarter rushing touchdown to make it 21-14. The Tigers responded once more, as Schoggin strung together a series of completions to Benford and Ty’drick Finley, setting up another short rushing score by Jackson for a 28-14 advantage.
The Bears refused to go away, trimming the margin to 28-20 before the Klein Collins defense came up with a key safety to push the lead to 30-20 late in the third quarter. Bridgeland opened the fourth quarter with a long 59-yard touchdown pass to pull within 30-27 and make it a one-score game.
With the pressure on, the Tigers delivered the drive of the night.
Behind an offensive line that controlled the line of scrimmage, Schoggin and Jackson took turns gashing the defense on the ground. Long runs by both moved the ball deep into Bridgeland territory, and Schoggin finished the march with a 9-yard rushing touchdown to push the lead back to 37-27 with about five minutes to play.
From there, the Klein Collins defense slammed the door. Defensive back Christian Wilkerson came up with a clutch interception in the red zone to deny a Bridgeland scoring chance late in the fourth quarter. On the next play series, linebacker Ellis Rodgers recorded a drive-killing sack as the Tigers’ front applied constant pressure. A final defensive stand forced a turnover on downs, allowing Klein Collins to take a knee and close out the win.
Jackson’s multiple long runs, Schoggin’s efficient night as both passer and runner, and big play contributions from receivers Benford, Hudson, Callens, and Landon Hedrick highlighted an explosive offensive performance. Galeas was steady on special teams, going a perfect 5 for 5 on extra points.
Klein ISD proudly congratulates the Klein Collins Tigers players, coaches, students, and community on this exciting first-round playoff victory. The Tigers now advance to the area round, carrying strong momentum and the support of the entire Klein family.
NOTE: Game recap assisted by AI.