Convenience Big Store: Atascocita faces key tests in final weeks of regular season

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Atascocita gears up for big challenges in season's final weeks.

Atascocita isn't exactly flying under the radar, but the Eagles will certainly garner more attention these final three weeks of the regular season.

After posting a 58-0 win over Humble this past week, Atascocita (6-1,4-0) faces its toughest challenges in the closing stretch of District 21-6A.

The Eagles, who have allowed just 15 points in their last four games, play at C.E. King on Friday and then host North Shore the following Thursday.

Atascocita then closes out its regular season against talented Summer Creek, which recently pushed North Shore to the limit.

Three weekend takeaways

Stafford relies on defense: Holding an opponent to 10 points or less for the fourth consecutive game, Stafford's offense wasn't pressured to light up the scoreboard in a 14-7 win over Brazosport in a District 12-4A Division I matchup at Stafford Municipal Stadium.

An unbeaten sleeper: Deer Park continued taking firm control of the District 22-6A race with a convincing 47-14 win over Pasadena Memorial as the Deer looked to complete a perfect regular season before taking on the behemoths of District 21-6A in the postseason.

Surviving a showdown: Washington and Furr were each unbeaten in a pivotal District 11-4A Division 1 matchup, but the Eagles scored two decisive touchdowns in the second half to earn a 30-13 victory at Cowart Stadium.

Follow all our coverage at houstonchronicle.com/highschoolsports.

Athletes of the Week

Vote for our high school athletes of the week. The nominees include some of the top football, volleyball and cross country performances across the Houston area. We'll share the winners in Thursday's newsletter.

Vote in the girls poll here.

Vote in the boys poll here.

Volleyball rankings

Tompkins remained No. 1 in the Chronicle's weekly volleyball rankings. Here's a look at the top of the standings.

No. 1: Tompkins | Previous rank: 1

The Falcons (33-3, 13-0) swept Clear Creek in a non-district match and Morton Ranch in District 19-6A to run their winning streak to 13. Tompkins hosts Mayde Creek and visits Jordan in league play this week.

No. 2: Cypress Ranch | Previous rank: 2

The Mustangs (38-2, 11-0) completed the season sweep of the defending Region II-6A champions, downing Bridgeland in four sets. Cy Ranch defeated Cy Park to begin the week and takes a 22-match winning streak into District 16-6A matches at Cy Lakes and Langham Creek.

No. 3: Bridgeland | Previous rank: 3

The Bears (34-8, 9-2) took a set from first-place Cy Ranch, one match after a sweep of Cy Falls. Bridgeland hosts Cy Woods and visits Cy Lakes in 16-6A play this week with a playoff spot wrapped up.

See the rest of the rankings.

Highlight of the week

If you think you're playing hard, check out Stratford defensive end Cullen Devine as he defines all-out effort in a remarkable play against Spring Woods, courtesy of Stratford Spartan football.

Shout out

Unbeaten Hitchcock knocked off No. 2 ranked Columbus on the road Friday night as Lloyd Jones III threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Damien McDaniel on fourth-and-24 for the game-winning touchdown with 13 seconds left. Hitchcock won, 33-28, in a marquee Class 3A matchup to improve to 8-0.

Stat of the day

Galveston Ball (7-0) recorded its sixth consecutive shutout, a 63-0 win over Milby. The Tors have outscored their opponents, 298-0 during that stretch, and have allowed just 7 points all season.