The Klein Oak Panthers are back in the postseason for the first time in three years. They face The Woodlands at 7 p.m. Friday at Klein Memorial Stadium in the Region II-6A Division I bi-district playoffs.

“We enjoy that kind of challenge,” coach David Smith said. “We only have to go 10 minutes to compete with one of the best programs in the state of Texas. That’s neat. And they get to come here and do it. I mean, we’re driving farther to get here (Klein Memorial) than we do to get to The Woodlands.

“But it’s a neat deal. We’re looking forward to that. The bagpipe music will be going all week long at Klein Oak.”

Last season, the Panthers beat Klein Collins and Spring and didn’t make the playoffs, finishing 5-3 in district. They lost to both teams this season but beat Montgomery and Dekaney in key showdowns, leaving them tied for third with Spring at 4-3 in District 15-6A, behind Westfield and Collins. click here for complete story