A senior running back who just moved from South Carolina helped the Katy High Tigers start the 2019 season on an exciting note by beating the defending Class 6A Division I champions from Galena Park North Shore High.
Not much is known about Ron Hoff in the state where football is an indelible way of life, but on the night of Aug. 29, the transfer student athlete turned many a head with a 219-yard performance in Katy’s 24-21 upset of the best high school football program in the nation.
“He stepped up and rose to the occasion, and I think that [is] the best way to describe it,” head coach Gary Joseph told Texas Scorecard.
Hoff scampered for an average of approximately six yards per carry to wear down a potent Mustangs defense, to which Joseph credits the Tigers offensive line, fullbacks and wide receivers.
“They did an excellent job of giving him a chance and letting him go downhill,” the coach said. “They blocked extremely well. I think it was pretty much a team effort … the biggest thing was we were able to make first downs, move the football, and keep our defense off the field.”
Hoff arrived in Katy after lettering with Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork High. According to his 247Sports profile, the 5-foot-9, 170-pound speedster amassed a career line of 3,616 rushing yards and 66 rushing touchdowns on 494 touches. Prior to his Lone Star State debut, Hoff only had a scholarship offer from The Citadel.
High school football in Texas is a whole different animal from that in the Palmetto State, but Joseph praised Hoff for adjusting and striving to improve. The coach said that his new offensive weapon “fits our system pretty well” has a rapport with his position coaches, and is well received by his teammates.
“His teammates like him because he works,” Joseph said. “He doesn’t complain. He doesn’t moan and groan … he rolls up his sleeves and goes to work. That’s who he is.”
As of this writing, Katy is preparing to take on Humble Atascocita High.
