Cinco Ranch was hungry for its first win.

The Cougars had improved each week this season, but hadn’t been able to put a full four quarters together heading into week three, but that changed at the most important time as the page turned to District 19-6A play, as Cinco (1-2, 1-0) put together its best game of the season and a dominating second half against Seven Lakes (2-1, 0-1), starting off district with a big 37-14 win.

“We challenged the kids before the game to see how we look when we do final put it together for four quarters and credit to them because they came out and did exactly what we asked,” said Cinco Ranch head coach Chris Dudley. “That what was lacking the first two weeks, we showed flashes in week one and then a lot of good stuff last week but weren’t able to get the job done. We left a lot out there the first two games, but it gave us confidence because we knew if we could just put some things together we would be in good shape. That’s what we were able to do today.”

Cinco came out firing on all cylinders. The Cougars defense forced a punt on Seven Lakes first drive and the Cougars offense drove right down the field, with Marcus Gadlin capping off the drive with a 2-yard score.

Things stayed that way until the second quarter when Seven Lakes put together a strong offensive drive and tied it when Shaan Patel threw a 9-yard touchdown to Kaiser Floyd, but Cinco responded as Gadlin broke off a 48-yard run for a touchdown. Charlie Adamoli added a 64-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Courtois late in the second quarter as Cinco took control going into halftime with a 21-7 lead.

“We just executed what we practiced,” Gadlin said. “We made sure we were ready all week and we when it was time to come out here tonight, we brought that same intensity and consistency we’ve been bringing all week. That’s the key I think, and we came out here, did what we had to do and got the job done.”

Gadlin added a 22-yard touchdown in the third quarter and Cinco’s JV call up running back Brayden Gonzalez ran in a 5-yard score later in the game to seal it. Seven Lakes scored a late 12-yard touchdown from Beau Porter to Dylan Neal once the game was out of hand before Cinco’s defense forced a safety in the dying seconds.

“It all comes down to our preparation and we had a great week of practice that got us ready for today,” said senior defensive back Justin Corchado, who had an interception in the game. “We had a great week of prep, we did all the work in the film room and worked together as a team. They’re a good team, but we knew what was coming and just were able to shut them down thankfully.”

Cinco will face another stiff in their next matchup against Katy. The Cougars though are focused on themselves, continuing to improve and finding a way to compete no matter what opponent they face.

“The biggest thing for us is to keep getting better like that and to find a way to prepare for every opponent the right way,” Dudley said. “Thankfully we have guys who are fully bought in and it makes that so much easier. Our best players are running scout team on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s. They don’t think they are too good for that and the unselfishness bleeds into the game. If we just continue to bring that approach and keep putting four quarters together on game day then we are going to have a successful season.”

Cinco Ranch 37, Seven Lakes 14

First quarter

CR: Marcus Gadlin 3 run (Andrew Reagan kick) 6:50

Second quarter

SL: Shaan Patel 9 pass to Kaiser Floyd (Alex Farinez kick) 11:45

CR: Gadlin 48 run (Reagan kick) 9:11

CR: Charlie adamoli 64 pass to Matthew Courtois (Reagan kick) 2:40

Third quarter

CR: Gadlin 22 run (Reagan kick) 8:03

CR: Brayden Gonzalez 5 run (Reagan kick) 2:01

Fourth quarter

SL: Beau Porter 12 pass to Dylan Neal (Farinez kick) 3:10

CR: Safety, 0:16

Team stats

Individual Statistics

Rushing – Cinco Ranch: Marcus Gadlin, 15-146-3; Brayden Gonzalez, 16-48; Brian McRay, 4-14; Charlie Adamoli, 3-12; Seven Lakes: Braylon Hayes, 9-83; Edgar Varela, 11-33; Apollo Lema, 2-7; Ryan Fowler, 1-1; Shaan Patel, 1-(-1); Karo Kenneth, 3-(-2);

Passing – Cinco Ranch: Charlie Adamoli, 10-16-143-1-0; Davis Roup, 2-3-28-0-0; Seven Lakes: Shaan Patel, 14-27-103-1-1; Beau Porter, 1-3-12-1-0

Receiving – Cinco Ranch: Mathew Courtois, 4-98-1; Scott Eckel, 5-48; Brayden Ramirez, 3-28; Seven Lakes: Kaiser Floyd, 5-47-1; Matt Fowler, 3-21; Ryan Fowler, 4-16; Peter Noonan, 1-14; Dylan Neal, 1-12-1; Apollo Lema, 1-4; Cater Hatten, 1-3;