Katy Tigers hope to keep streak to state finals going this year

KATY, TX (KTRK) -- It's the first day of practice, and the first day of another long journey for the Katy Tigers.

Over the past three seasons, no one has played more football than Katy. They've been in 48 games and had three straight state title game appearances.

And the Tigers expect to be back this season.

"I was part of it in 2012, when we won it. We're just as hungry as when we lost, so the expectations don't change at all," Tigers safety Collin Wilder said.

Katy safety Travis Willock adds, "Knowing that this is our last year together as brothers playing, we're going to make this a year to remember."

Garrett Doiron says knowing everyone is gunning for you just makes you hungry.

Wilder, Willock and Doiron are all 3-year starters, and the senior leadership has its sights on a fourth straight trip to the state title game.

"That's an awesome deal, it's a great compliment to them, and a compliment to the program and to our coaches, and really to our community because they're the ones (who) keep encouraging kids to play at that high level," head coach Gary Joseph said.

Joseph now in his 12th year as head coach, 30-plus years at Katy. He's also ready to start another long journey, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

"The kid are what makes it great," he said. "You don't dread going to work everyday."