Tompkins has become one of the top programs in Houston over the past five years. 

The Falcons have made the playoffs in five straight seasons and have made a knack for making runs in those playoffs, but it will be a new challenge this year, as the Falcons bring in a young team, but one that still carries plenty of expectations.

Tompkins returns just 18 lettermen this year, with three starters coming back on offense and four on defense. Along with that, much of where the offensive production came from over the past two years has come from people who graduated in the spring. The Falcons know  it’s time for new players to step up on both sides of the ball. 

“That’s what we want and what guys are doing is stepping up for those spots that are open,” said Tompkins head coach Todd McVey. “Then there are certain guys who have earned it for now who need to understand that it isn’t set in stone. That can be taken away by a guy outworking you. It just comes down to the work ethic you have every day and not being complacent or satisfied.”

Tompkins has ended up as the second seed in the Class 6A-Division II playoffs in both of the previous two years playoffs and both times have had their season end with very close losses to Ridge Point. While both seasons were successful years, Tompkins always has big goals and they are looking to improve and go further this year.

Justin Thierheimer will lead the offense in his senior year. He got valuable experience last year while starting four games and learning what it takes at the varsity level in District 19-6A. Erben Birkhoff and Adebisi Bello have stepped up for the Falcons during the spring and summer as well and will play a big part in the offense this year.

“The biggest thing about Josh is he’s lived in the weight room over the past three years and now he’s bigger, more athletic and moves better,” McVey said. “You can see the connection he has with the receivers already and that’s a great thing and he understands the offense. We’re just looking forward to him continuing to improve and seeing that decision making continue to progress as well from all of our guys back there.”

Defensively, Josh Davis will lead the charge and Preston Smith has made a big jump throughout the year. 

“He and some other guys were those young players back a few years ago and the older players stepped up then to help them,” McVey said. “Josh more than anyone because he has been out there the longest out of any of the returners. It’s important for all of them to be here doing things right all the time because that’s the role they have to fill. He has to be the leader of that defense out there this year and I think he can be.”

There will be one big change for the Falcons if they do make the playoffs. If Tompkins continues their winning ways they will likely drop to Class 6A-Division II, as Tompkins has dropped all the way to seventh in enrollment of Katy ISD going into this year.

The Falcons once again start the season with strong non-district opponents. Tompkins will open the season against Cy-Ranch before hosting Bridgeland in week two. Both teams made the playoffs last year and Bridgeland has had at least a share of its district’s title in both of the past two years. 

That tough competition will be needed. Tompkins opens district against Jordan and Paetow and will need to be sharp early in the season, but that’s what the “Falcon Way” is about and if there is anything Tompkins will be, it’s ready to fight for a spot early on.

“You want to face great competition and that’s exactly what those two teams are,” McVey said. “We played them last year as well and it made us better as a team. We know we will have our hands full but those are the teams you do want to play, especially to prepare you for our district.”