Klein Oak routed Tomball Memorial 45-7 on Thursday, Sept. 24, earning the Panthers' first District 15-6A victory of 2026.

The 38-point margin was Klein Oak's largest of the season. It came after a 37-20 loss to Klein on Sept. 11 opened league play for the Panthers.

Klein Oak entered the game at 0-3 after tight nondistrict losses to Grand Oaks (38-35 on Aug. 29) and The Woodlands (41-38 on Sept. 5). The Panthers had been close all year. They just hadn't broken through.

The score was confirmed by the Tyler Morning Telegraph's statewide Thursday night roundup and by VYPE Houston on X.

Bill Spencer, identified as head coach in a preseason preview, has a roster built around two standout offensive weapons. Junior running back Micah Rhodes, a national prospect who rushed for 1,309 yards last season, was named VYPE's preseason District 15-6A Offensive Player of the Year. Senior quarterback Andre Phillip II, a West Virginia commit, runs the offense behind an experienced line anchored by senior Ke'Lan Foster, a first-team all-district pick in 2025, and Xavier Smith, a second-team selection.

No individual statistics from the Sept. 24 game were available as of Friday, Sept. 25.

The win moves Klein Oak to 1-3 overall and 1-1 in district, placing the Panthers fourth in District 15-6A according to MaxPreps. Klein leads the district at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in league play.

VYPE's preseason preview projected Klein Oak as one of four district playoff contenders alongside Tomball, Klein Collins and Klein. The Panthers went 5-5 last season and narrowly missed the postseason. Six district games remain.

Klein Oak travels to Magnolia on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. for its next District 15-6A contest.