By Jason McDaniel
Chronicle correspondent

The Cinco Ranch Cougars are looking for a third consecutive district championship after winning the first in school history in 2008, and so far their search has been fruitful. They rolled through the first round of 17-5A play and have just three games left after facing Morton Ranch on Monday.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, are just trying to solidify a postseason spot under first-year coach David Bammel, an assistant under former coach Freddy Sanguinetti, who took over the Lady Cougars this season.

ABOUT THE GAME
Matchup: Morton Ranch vs. Cinco Ranch

When: 7 p.m. Monday

Where: Cinco Ranch High

What’s at stake: The Cougars could be looking for a third consecutive undefeated district championship, if it took care of business against Katy Taylor on Friday. They tied 10 times the last two district seasons but never lost and were a perfect 5-0 through the first round of district this season. If the Mavericks win, it will help cement their spot in the postseason and, more importantly, give them a big boost of confidence with the playoffs around the corner.

Morton Ranch players to watch: Jose Matta, Omar Acosta, Kevin Alvarenga, Carlos Vievros

Cinco Ranch players to watch: MF Juan Nino, D/MF Reagan Haisler, F Juan Rendon, GK Alex Carballo

TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
Morton Ranch: The Mavericks started strong under their new coach, winning three matches at Klein’s Showcase of Champions. They beat Cy Creek 5-3 and Klein Collins 4-1 before cruising past San Antonio Churchill 4-1 at Klein Memorial Stadium. … They won three more non-district matches against Alief Taylor (2-1), Deer Park (4-1) and College Park (4-3). Omar Acosta scored three goals in the big win over the Deer and four different players tallied goals against College Park. … District didn’t start so well for the Mavs, who dropped the first two 17-5A games to Katy and Cinco Ranch. The Mavs led the Tigers 2-1 at halftime on goals by Acosta and Christian Garza but eventually lost 3-2. The Cougars won 3-1 after leading 3-0 at halftime. Kevin Alvarenga scored the only goal for the Mavs in that one. … Morton Ranch won two of its last three matches going into this weekend, beating Seven Lakes (2-0) and Mayde Creek (2-1) and falling 2-1 at Taylor.

Cinco Ranch: The Cougars are looking for that third straight title, but more importantly they’re looking for a better showing in the playoffs after last season’s disappointment. After winning the first title in 2008, they went all the way to the state semifinals before finally falling 2-1 to Lewisville Marcus. That was their first loss that season. But last year they lost in the first round to Elsik. … The Cougars took an overall eight-match winning streak into their tilt with Taylor on Friday. … They outscored district opponents 14-5 in the first round.