2024 ASJ Football Preview by otssportsatx

The 2024 football preview is a product of the Austin Sports Journal and will publish annually. All content in this publication is copyrighted.

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER

Michael Adams

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Gutierrez, Paul Knight, Jerry Saulman, Martelle Luedecke, Vince Curletta, Jay Plotkin

All photos used in this publication were used with permission or through purchasing a license.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jay Plotkin

ABOUT THE COVER

Anderson senior wide receiver Ed Small and Weiss senior quarterback Jax Brown are featured on the cover with the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue on Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Photography was taken by Austin-based photographer Jerry Saulman. Special thanks to Anderson head coach Donald Hatcher and Weiss head coach Vernon Hughes for helping arrange the shoot.

CONTACT US

Austin Sports Journal P.O. Box 160911 Austin, TX 78716

madams@austinsportsjournal.com

For advertising inquires, please contact the publisher at the email address above.

Web: austinsportsjournal.com Social media: @ASJSportsATX

WHAT’S INSIDE

FROM THE PUBLISHER

BY MICHAEL ADAMS | PUBLISHER

I, like many of you reading this magazine, love football. My first true loves in life were football and a girl from Ohio named Stephanie.

Stephanie and I lost contact a few years after sharing our first kiss at a roller skating rink as preteens.

However, my love of football blossomed from being a terrible 5-11, 120-pound wide receiver to writing about football for the past two decades with stops in East Texas, Corsicana and finally Austin.

My grandfather had a great influence on my love of football.

You might suggest his influence is what drove my love of newspapers as a kid, especially the sports section.

My family always visited my grandparents every Sunday after church.

The first thing I’d do when we got there was to grab the newspaper off the stool where he kept that week’s papers before taking them to the fire pit in the back yard every Monday morning.

He would sit and go over the stories with me while we watched the Chicago Bears on the couch in the basement.

He was also the person who

introduced me to Ernie Salvatore’s Sunday columns in The Herald-Dispatch, the hometown newspaper in Huntington, West Virginia.

He didn’t like Ernie’s writing, but I always suspected that it had more to do with Ernie writing about Marshall University instead of my grandfather’s alma mater Ohio University, which is a rival of Marshall and 90 minutes from Huntington.

Ernie later became my mentor when I was in journalism school and covering Marshall University football as a student journalist.

When I moved to Austin after graduating from Marshall in 2003, I still called my grandfather every Sunday afternoon to talk football with him until he died in 2013.

He always took great interest when I started covering Texas high school football in 2005 in Palestine, Texas.

He would ask me about the teams I wrote about and I’d do my best to explain the religion that is Texas

high school football, which is a little different in East Texas than other parts of the state.

I’d buy him copies of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and send them to him along with whatever local football preview I could get my hands on. He’d enjoy this magazine, too.

It’s only fitting that I dedicate this publication to him and his memory.

I wouldn’t be here without those Sunday afternoons reading the sports section with him, or his football influence.

I’ve put together so many of these types of preview publications over the past two decades, but this one is my favorite by far.

This magazine is so much more than words and photos with information about the 62 teams represented in it.

It’s a record of history and a keepsake that many players in it will show their children and grandchildren one day.

That is a responsibility that I take very seriously.

I sincerely hope you like the first edition of the Austin Sports Journal’s football preview. I just wish my grandfather was here to see it. 

AUSTIN POWER 100

RANKING THE 100 BEST PLAYERS FROM THE GREATER AUSTIN AREA BY POSITION

Top 10 quarterbacks

Player Ht. Wt. School

Chaston Ditta 6-0 190 Lake Travis

Cody Stoever 5-11 190 Wimberley

Jax Brown 6-2 195 Weiss

Weston Nielsen 6-2 184 Bastrop

Rees Wise 6-2 218 Westlake

Max Gerlich 6-3 190 Anderson

Jadon Sultz 6-1 190 McNeil

Cole Taylor 6-4 215 Pflugerville

Ali Scott 6-0 180 LBJ

Maddox Maher 6-4 190 Dripping Springs

Top 10 running backs

Player Ht. Wt. School

DJ Dugar 6-0 200 Weiss

Trae Hill 5-10 200 Cedar Park

Jack Tyndall 5-10 202 Dripping Springs

Brendan Fournier 6-0 205 Vandegrift

Keilan Chavies 5-11 180 Hutto

Kael Hatnot 5-10 195 Buda Johnson

Baiden Wooley 5-9 175 Weiss

Jack Pitchford 6-0 170 Liberty Hill

Josh Williams 5-11 190 McNeil

Bryson McDaniel 5-8 142 Giddings

Top 10 wide receivers

Player Ht. Wt. School

Ed Small 6-0 200 Anderson

Adrian Wilson 6-2 175 Weiss

Brody Wilhelm 6-5 215 Westlake

Cooper Reid 6-4 180 Dripping Springs

Keyshon Moore 5-7 154 Bastrop

Zayden Sharp 5-8 170 Anderson

Kyran McFrazier 5-10 153 Pflugerville

Noah Fabila 5-10 175 Rouse

Noian Waida 6-3 195 Wimberley

Xavier Warren 6-1 180 Georgetown

Top 10 tight ends

Player Ht. Wt. School

Josiah Thomas 6-3 195 Lake Travis

Javion Martin 6-4 235 Pflugerville

Blake Behl 6-3 220 Buda Johnson

Jett Harrison 6-1 290 Liberty Hill

Matthew Rodriguez 6-2 187 Blanco

Luke Martin 6-1 195 East View

Casius Coy 6-3 232 Westwood

Mason Rieger 6-3 235 Rouse

Chaston La Plante 6-3 195 Hutto

Kenneth Pease 6-0 240 San Marcos

Top 15 Offensive lineman

Player Ht. Wt. School

Bennett Wilkin 6-0 250 Westlake

Kolton New 5-11 230 Liberty Hill

Jacob Slaughter 6-2 260 Cedar Park

Martin Ruiz 6-2 280 San Marcos

Jared Risinger 6-3 305 Westlake

Warner Erwin 6-0 260 Buda Johnson

Terrence Lackey 6-1 270 Stony Point

Sam Lopez 6-2 270 Georgetown

Dylan Ovalle 6-0 230 Lockhart

Johnathan Ryder 6-0 200 Burnet

Tyler Davis 6-0 240 Giddings

Blas Mendez 6-0 240 Hays

Jaxon Taylor 6-6 281 Bastrop

Tristan Tell 6-3 290 Lago Vista

Trey Waters 6-0 204 Salado

Top 10 athletes

Player Ht. Wt. School

Ramonz Adams 6-0 155 Bastrrop

Jarell Gary 6-2 202 McNeil

Walker Moore 6-0 165 Lake Travis

Quintaelyn Jordan 6-1 198 Bastrop

Blake Thames 6-2 205 Elgin

Kieston Rainey 5-10 182 East View

Dylan Jaegar 6-2 195 Round Rock

Lynford Noriega 6-2 200 Hays

Landon Gregory 5-10 160 Thrall

Gunner Furgeson 5-9 160 Thorndale

Top 15 defensive lineman

Player Ht. Wt. School

Connor Vasek 6-4 235 Westlake

Gus Cordova 6-5 250 Lake Travis

Maddox Flynt 6-1 270 Westlake

Tiki Hola 6-2 285 Bastrop

Cullen Devine 6-3 220 Westlake

Caleb Dickey 6-1 215 LBJ

Daeshon Morgan 6-4 225 Vandegrift

Alistar Vallejo 6-3 270 Liberty Hill

Jacob Brown 6-1 285 Westwood

Carter Buck 6-5 225 Lake Travis

Tieson Ejiawoko 6-3 225 East View

Kaddy Maravilla 6-0 240 Taylor

Jason Handy 6-3 225 Vista Ridge

Graydon Burke 6-1 200 Lago Vista

Grey Hargrove 6-1 215 Liberty Hill

Top 10 Linebackers

Player Ht. Wt. School

Elliot Schaper 6-2 200 Westlake

Justin Lee 6-1 230 Round Rock

Ty Thames 6-3 195 Wimberley

Seth Warren 6-1 208 Georgetown

Josh Covington 6-0 200 LBJ

Will Peeler 6-1 220 Austin High

Reagan Cooper 5-10 190 Bowie

Jahiem Porter 6-1 195 Cedar Park

Brandon Bradshaw 5-8 173 Pflugerville

Amare Jordan 6-1 190 Vista Ridge

Top 10 defensive backs

Player Ht. Wt. School

Swayde Griffin 6-3 180 Lago Vista

Kaden Cook 5-11 170 Stony Point

Yaheim Riley 6-0 180 LBJ

Coleman Patmon 6-2 190 Del Valle

Jorian Guinn, Jr. 5-9 165 Weiss

Aiden Jones 5-11 180 Vandegrift

Jahiem Dowd 6-1 180 Georgetown

Jason Stokes Jr. 6-2 185 Weiss

Jordan Davis 5-11 175 Travis

Jayden Clawson 5-10 175 Thorndale

Lake Travis quarterback Chaston Ditta

Photo by Michael Adams

PRESEASON ALL-AUSTIN METRO TEAM

OFFENSE

PRESEASON ALL-METRO OFFENSIVE MVP

CODY STOEVER, WIMBERLEY, SR QUARTERBACK

QUARTERBACK

CODY STOEVER, WIMBERLEY (UNCOMMITTED)

The 5-11 senior is one of the most dynamic players in the Austin area. He was the ASJ’s Mr. Austin Football in 2023.

RUNNING BACK

DJ DUGAR, WEISS (OKLAHOMA ST.)

The 6-0, 200-pound three-star prospect comes to Weiss where he rushed for 1,510 yards and average 151 YPG.

RUNNING BACK

TRAE HILL, CEDAR PARK (UNCOMMITTED)

The 5-9, 200-pound junior rushed for 1,428 yards in a passing offense during his sophomore season.

WIDE RECEIVER

ED SMALL, ANDERSON (TCU)

The 5-11, 205-pound senior is the 54th top ranked wide receiver in the state of Texas, according to 24/7 sports.

WIDE RECEIVER

ADRIAN WILSON, WEISS (ARIZONA STATE)

The 6-0, 170-pound wide out is the 36th ranked wide receiver in the state of Texas, according to 24/7 sports

WIDE RECEIVER

COOPER REID, DRIPPING SPRINGS (UNCOMMITTED)

The 6-4, 180-pound junior had 636 yards on 36 receptions with seven TDs as a sophomore.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

BENNETT WILKIN, WESTLAKE (UNCOMMITTED)

The 6-2, 250 -pound senior center helped the Chaps reach the Class 6A-I semifinals and was an all-district selection.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

JARED RISINGER, WESTLAKE (AIR FORCE)

Nicknamed “Big Bull,” the 6-2, 310-pouond senior guard was a second team all-state and first-team all-district selection.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

KOLTON NEW, LIBERTY HILL (UNCOMMITTED)

The 5-11, 230-pound junior center was an all-district selection and helped the Panthers reach the 5A-II semifinals.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

JACOB SLAUGHER, CEDAR PARK (UNCOMMITTED)

The 6-2, 260-pound junior tackle was an all-district selection and one of the premier blockers in the area.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

MARTIN RUIZ, SAN MARCOS (UNCOMMITTED)

The 6-2, 250-pound senior tackle has good agility and able to neutralize edge pass rushers.

ATHLETE

JARELL GARY, MCNEIL (UNCOMMITTED)

The 5-11. 195-pound athlete is about as versatile as they come and had 1,165 all-purpose yards last year.

Photo by Michael Adams

PRESEASON ALL-AUSTIN METRO TEAM

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

MADDOX FLYNT, WESTLAKE (UNCOMMITTED)

The 6-2, 265-pound junior lineman was the 26-6A defensive lineman of the year in 2023.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

DESHON MORGAN, VANDEGRIFT (ARIZONA ST.)

The 6-3, 265-pound senior lineman is a three-star prospect that had 15 tackles for a loss as a junior.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

GUS CORDOVA, LAKE TRAVIS (USC)

The 6-3, 246-pound senior lineman, nicknamed “Gus the Bus,” has over 100 career tackles and 8 TFL.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

PRESEASON ALL-METRO

DEFENSIVE MVP

ELLIOTT SCHAPER WESTLAKE, SR LINEBACKER

LINEBACKER

JUSTIN LEE, ROUND ROCK (UNCOMMITTED)

The 6-1, 230-pound three-star senior recored 76 tackles, 12 TFL and was an all-district selection.

LINEBACKER

CONNOR VASEK, WESTLAKE (UNCOMMITTED)

The 6-4, 230-pound edge is a three-star recruit with 17 offers, including SMU. Vasek had 27 tackles last year.

DEFENSIVE BACK

RAMONZ ADAMS, BASTROP (WASHINGTON)

The 6-1, 160-pound cornerback recored 62 tackles the last two seasons while playing for nearby Smithville.

DEFENSIVE BACK

The 6-2, 285 junior lineman is a 4-star recruit with 22 offers. Hola is one of the premier pass rushers in Austin. TIKI

(UNCOMMITTED) LINEBACKER

ELLIOTT SCHAPER, WESTLAKE (DUKE)

The 6-3, 210-pound senior is one of the most feared linebackers in 26-6A. He was the district’s co-DPOTY.

DEFENSIVE BACK

JASON STOKES, WEISS (UTAH)

COLEMAN PATMON, DEL VALLE (ARIZONA)

The 6-2, 190-pound cornerback is the sibling of two DI athletes. He had 41 tackles and 3 INTs as a junior.

DEFENSIVE BACK

SWAYDE GRIFFIN, LAGO VISTA (ARIZONA)

The 6-1, 185-pound cornerback is the son of former Texas Longhorn great Cedric Griffin.

The 6-1, 175-pound cornerback chose Utah out of 20 other offers. He had 34 tackles and 3 INTs as a junior.

Photo by Jay Plotkin

POWER MOVES

Every two years in February the UIL realigns athletic districts. It creates new competition and aims to even the playing field.

Texas has seen an enormous amount of growth and population shifts.

In Austin, the suburbs have been booming hot spots for move-ins, while Austin ISD has seen a decline in student populations.

Here’s how 2024 redistricting will change the landscape of Austin area high school football this season:

TRENDING UP

Thrall

2A → 3A

Thrall’s enrollment went from 243 to 274, which was 20 over the cutoff. Growth will continue in the small town as Samsung’s semiconductor plant opens in nearby Taylor, creating 2,000 jobs. Thrall may end up in Class 4A by 2028.

McDade 1A → 2A

The school on the far reaches of eastern Travis County moves to 11-man football this year. Enrollment at the small school went from 78 to 110, just five students over the cutoff.

Rouse

5A-II → 5A-I (football only)

The Raiders jump to Division I and joins fellow Leander ISD schools Cedar Park, Glenn and Leander in 11-5A-I. Rouse’s enrollment jumped from 1,923 to 2,088.

Cedar Creek

5A-II → 5A-I (football only)

The Eagles had an increase in enrollment from 1,890 to 2,123. Cedar Creek, which sits between Del Valle and Bastrop, is seeing overflow from the growth in the Del Valle area and its proximity to the Tesla Megafactory.

Lockhart

5A-II → 5A-I (football only)

The Lions will join Cedar Creek in a really tough 12-5A-D1, that is also home to Weiss and Anderson, which drop down from 6A. Lockhart had an increase in enrollment from 1,910 to 2,078

COVER

STORY

Anew direction

How redistricting may create new opportunities for Anderson, Weiss

BY MICHAEL ADAMS | PUBLISHER

Anderson’s Ed Small and Weiss’ Jax Brown have a lot of optimism heading into the 2024 football season.

While the optimism comes from different places, it has one common denominator – University Interscholastic League’s biannual district realignment.

Both of their teams drop from Class 6A to Class 5A. As luck would have it, the Trojans and the Wolves ended up in District 12-5AI, which also features 5A powers A&M Consolidated and College Station.

It’s still better than where both Weiss and Anderson came from.

“We have a good team this year,” Small said. “I think the move to 5A will help us have more success. We have a real shot at the postseason, which for the past two

years, wasn’t an easy task when you’re playing in a district with Westlake, Lake Travis and Dripping Springs.”

District 26-6A might be considered the SEC of Austin area high school football. Westlake, Lake Travis and Dripping Springs have reached the state quarterfinals in each of the last two seasons, while the Chaps and Cavs have met in the regional final both times.

Anderson often found itself on the outside looking in finishing tied for sixth with a 3-5 district record last year, and placing sixth in 2022 with a 2-6 district record.

The Trojans fortunes will undoubtedly change this year as they are picked to finished fourth in the new look district.

Head coach Donald Hatcher has an experienced team with a high-

direction

flying offense featuring dynamic wide receivers Small and Zayden Sharp, along with gunslinger Max Gerlich at quarterback.

Hatcher said during practice earlier this month that he sees a new energy around the program with more kids out to play football.

“The kids are really excited,” Hatcher said. “We have a tough district, I don’t know if it got much easier, but I do think we will compete for a playoff spot.”

Brown and Weiss have a much different reason for their optimism.

The Wolves did well in District 12-6A the past two seasons, making the playoffs in both seasons. Last year, Weiss won the district championship with a 5-1 district record, while it finished third in 2022 with a 3-3 record.

However, making it to

the playoffs meant facing an irresistible force in the first round from a district that produced both the Division I and Division II state champions the past two years.

It never ended well.

In 2022, Weiss lost to the eventual 6A-II state champion DeSoto by 17 points in 2022. As for last year, Brown and the Wolves would rather soon forget the 62-0 beating Cedar Hill gave them.

But those days are gone, and some are predicting Weiss could still be playing in December.

“I’m really excited about the new district and moving down to Class 5A,” Brown said. “We have a really good team this year. It’s still a tough district, but we don’t have to go up against the Cedar Hill and DeSotos anymore in the first round.” 

TRENDING DOWN

Weiss 6A → 5A-I

Weiss had a significant drop in enrollment, going from 2,298 to 1,994. In fact, Weiss was only 92 students above the cutoff for Class 5A-Division II in football. The Wolves will be a force in 12-5A-I.

Anderson

6A → 5A-I

Anderson is one of five Austin ISD schools that dropped down in classifications. The school had an enrollment drop from 2,232 to 2,167, which was 107 students under the 6A cutoff.

LBJ 5A-II → 4A-I

LBJ returns to class 4A after playing in 5A with 4A enrollment numbers the past two years. Still, the school had a drop in enrollment from 880 to 773, which is under the Division II cutoff of 957.

Eastside

5A-II → 4A-I

Eastside was in a similar situation as LBJ the past two seasons, playing up a classification. The school had the smallest enrollment among 5A schools the past two seasons. Eastside is still playing up as its enrollment of 694 is under the Division II cutoff of 957

Travis

5A-II → 4A-I

Travis is another Austin ISD school trending down for enrollment. The high school just south of downtown went from 1,211.5 to 1,197.5

Northeast

5A-II → 4A-I

A school with rich football history, Northeast came in less than 100 students under the 4A-I cutoff number. Northeast’s enrollment drop went from 1,228 to 1,018.5 since the last redistricting.

CLOSE CALL

AUSTIN HIGH

Austin high was just 21.5 students above the cutoff number for Class 5A-I, despite a drop in enrollment from 2,381 to 2,296.5. The school in downtown consistently sits on the fence between Class 5A and 6A. However, every Austin ISD school except Bowie saw a drop in enrollment between realignment.

Photo by Michael Adams

Anderson wide receiver Ed Small

CLASS 6A PREVIEW

Photo by John Gutierrez

CLASS 6A PREVIEW

PRESEASON AREA RANKINGS

6A PRESEASON ALL-AREA TEAM

WESTLAKE 14-1

The Chaps will rely on the best defense in the area for a potential return to the Class 6A state championship game

LAKE TRAVIS 11-3

Is Chaston Ditta the next legacy quarterback for the Cavaliers? Likely, but defense will be the signature for Lake Travis in 2024.

VANDEGRIFT 10-1

The Vipers had a heartbreaking end to the season in 2023. Even with a lot of new faces, Vandegrift is still a good team.

MCNEIL 7-5

The Mavericks are for real and will challenge Vandegrift for the District 26-6A championship this season.

DRIPPING SPRINGS 11-3

The Tigers have a lot of questions on defense, but the offense is solid behind the legs of RB Jack Tyndall.

BOWIE 4-7

The Bulldogs have a solid offense behind QB Cruz Tello. Keep an eye on the playoff race between Bowie and Austin High.

AUSTIN HIGH 3-7

The Maroons are the sleeper in 26-6A and could determine whether Westlake goes Division I or Division II in the playoffs.

BUDA JOHNSON 5-5

10.

2 MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON TEAM 2023 RECORD

HUTTO

The Jaguars don’t have to contend with the “District of Doom.” Instead, they should be competitive in a revamped 29-6A.

WESTWOOD 7-3

The Warriors just missed out of the postseason last year and will likely find themselves in another tight playoff race in 25-6A.

ROUND ROCK 4-7

The Dragons will be one of four teams in 25-6A chasing two playoff spots, along with Westwood, Hutto and Vista Ridge

PRESEASON 6A PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JARELL GARY, MCNEIL JUNIOR ATHLETE

OFFENSE

QB: Chaston Ditta, Lake Travis

RB: Jarell Gary, McNeil

WR: Cooper Reid, Dripping Springs

WR: Brody Wilhelm, Westlake

WR: Braeton Anderosn, Hutto

TE: Blake Behl, Buda Johnson

OL: Bennett Wilkin, Westlake

OL:Jared Risinger, Westlake

OL: Martin Ruiz, San Marcos

OL: Will Wood, Vandegrift

OL: Rylan Mathis, Round Rock

There’s a lot we don’t know about the 2024 Hippos, but can you ever count them out?

VISTA RIDGE

The Rangers have a strong defense and a big offensive line, but a lot of new faces in skill positions.

DEFENSE

DL: Gus Cordova, Lake Travis

DL: Deshon Morgan, Vandegrift

DL: Maddox Flynt, Westlake

DL: Jason Handy, Vista Ridge

LB: Justin Lee, Round Rock

LB: Connor Vasek, Westlake

LB: Elliot Schaper, Westlake

DB: Coleman Pattmon, Del Valle

DB: Cam’Ren Chance-Brooks, Lake Travis

DB: Aiden Jones, Vandegrift

DB: Aiden Walker, Round Rock

Photo by Michael Adams

Photo by Paul Knight

BLAZING TRAILS

Mavericks forge ahead as they look to share a table with Austin’s elite

BY JAY PLOTKIN | SPECIAL TO THE AUSTIN SPORTS JOURNAL

After 19 years wandering the proverbial desert, the McNeil Mavericks certainly enjoyed the tall drink of water that came with earning the school’s first playoff berth since 2004.

The big question is though, can the Mavericks take another step in 2024 and perhaps challenge Vandegrift for District 25-6A supremacy… or maybe more than that?

The answer, at least according to the Mavericks, is why not?

“We’re in it for state now,” said junior Jarell Gary. “We’re trying to go high. We set our expectations like that and we can push our guys to get better, stronger, faster. I feel like we’re going to be able to do some things.”

While one season doesn’t a winning tradition make, you have to start somewhere, and McNeil’s coach and key players see 2023 as exactly that: the start of something big.

Last year’s Mavericks achieved some things that the school hadn’t done in any of these players’ lifetimes:

• Finished with a winning record (7-5, first since 2008)

• Made the playoffs (first time since 2004)

• Won a playoff game (first time since 2004)

Head coach Scott Hermes said things clicked after a 2022 season in which the Mavericks went 0-5 in games decided by 6 points or fewer.

While getting into close games served as an improvement from prior years, Hermes made it clear that the goal wasn’t to simply to play close games.

“After 2022, we talked every day about winning and how that was our expectation,” Hermes said. “When you haven’t had a history of success, sometimes just being in close games and competing is enough for some people. We needed everyone to understand our expectation and how (playing close games) wasn’t enough.”

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

All the offseason focus after the 2022 season – along with the emergence of a talented group of sophomores including Gary and Jadon Sultz – paid off in 2023.

“Maybe we learned how to compete in and get ourselves into close games in 2022,” Hermes said, “but we took the next step and won some of them in 2023. That was huge for us.”

Particularly important, Hermes added, was getting the team to buy into the importance of not wasting practice opportunities.

The week of what became the team’s signature win – a 17-0 shutout of Round Rock – started with a practice that left the coach wanting more from his team: more focus, more effort, more everything.

“We had to get better at that,” Gary admitted. “That Round Rock week, we had a really tough practice. We weren’t giving energy, none of that.”

After that practice, Hermes had a tough talk with the team.

“We talked about every day bringing energy and enthusiasm,” he said. “We aren’t afraid to tell them when we don’t have a good practice and use that to say, ‘hey, tomorrow’s practice can’t be the same.’ This year’s team has some bigger, loftier goals but we understand none of that’s going to happen if we don’t have great Mondays,

great Tuesdays, great Wednesdays.”

The team pulled it together, rewarded the coaches with two good practices, and then shocked everyone by slaying the rival Dragons.

That, in turn, sparked the run to the postseason.

“I definitely felt the culture change,” Gary said. “You know, that was Round Rock and they’re known for making the playoffs and stuff like that. Beating them showed people we are a playoff team and we can play, too.”

BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION

Flash forward to 2024 and the Mavericks are still building on that experience.

“That was the first time any of us have even been in that position,” Josh Williams, a senior running back expecting to be a key in 2024, said. “Everybody seems more confident. Even guys on the freshman and JV teams seem like they’re ready to get on the varsity level and contribute this year.”

Hermes took the McNeil job in 2020 after a tenure as defensive coordinator at Vandegrift, so it’s no secret that his teams have built their foundation on that side of the ball.

Photo by Paul Knight

McNeil quarterback Jadon Sultz (10) makes a run during a bi-district playoff game at Kelly Reeves Athletic Center on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

Last year’s team allowed just 20 points per game, down from 28 points in 2022 and 39 points in 2021. The defense stood up late in the season, earning 2 shutouts during a crucial 3-game winning streak that earned the playoff berth.

“We had a lot of seniors and they were very good,” Hermes said of last year’s defense. “And that’s something that we want to do… make our defense a constant thing.”

If the defense is going to continue its climb, a new group of leaders must emerge.

Only 3 starters return from last year’s unit. Linebacker Marshall Holland, who registered 41 tackles in three games despite an injury that cost him much of the regular season, should be an impact player.

Defensive tackle Josh Abshier and defensive back Aden Taylor also return. Josh Gayden, who played mostly on offense in 2023, moves into the secondary this season.

Offensively, the Mavericks may need to improve on their 23 points per game average from last year. Fortunately, 9 starters return, led by dual-threat quarterback Sultz, all-district running back Williams and versatile Gary.

“Especially early, we’re going to have to lean on our offense because they are a little bit further ahead of our defense right now,” Hermes said. “I think Josh Williams is going to have a monster year. I think we have some really good skill players on the edge: Zach Christie and Jarell Gary, those guys had huge sophomore seasons. It’s going to be really tough to cover those guys one on one, which means I think we’re going to get a lot more lighter boxes.”

Wililams, a three-year starter at

“ I definitely felt the culture change,”

running back, could be the prime beneficiary if that happens.

“We need to run the ball better, and that’s what I’m focusing on, getting better and trying to make more explosive plays,” Williams said. “That’s what I’m focusing on.”

Can they improve enough to close the gap between themselves and Vandegrift, which has won or shared the district title for six years running while beating McNeil by an average score of 49-3 since 2020?

“We’ve had some trouble competing against some of the really

good teams like the Vandegrifts and Round Rocks,” Hermes admitted. “I thought we took a major step but I would definitely like us to play better against Vandegrift. I want us to be able to say we were able to play our best game, and then whatever happens, happens.”

Players aren’t backing down from the challenge.

“I think we’re really close,” Williams said. “I mean, we shocked some people last year but I think this year is our year to bring it to them. I can’t wait for it. I’m ready to compete.” 

– Jarell Gary, junior athlete

McNeil players run onto the field before a game in 2003 at Kelly Reeves Athletic Center

Photo by Michael Adams

DISTRICT 25-6A

DISTRICT 25-6A SCHEDULE

Thursday, Sept. 12

Vandegrift at Stony Point (KRAC)

Friday, Sept. 13

Vista Ridge at Round Rock (Dragon)

McNeil at Westwood (KRAC)

Cedar Ridge at Hutto

Friday, Sept. 20

Westwood at Cedar Ridge (Dragon)

Hutto at Manor

Round Rock at McNeil (KRAC)

Stony Point at Vista Ridge (Gupton)

Thursday, Sept. 26

Manor at Westwood (KRAC)

Friday, Sept. 27

Cedar Ridge at Round Rock (Dragon)

McNeil at Stony Point (KRAC)

Vista Ridge at Vandegrift

Friday, Oct. 4

Cedar Ridge at Stony Point (KRAC)

Vandegrift at McNeil (Dragon)

Westwood at Hutto

Round Rock at Manor

Friday, Oct. 11

Cedar Ridge at Vandegrift

Hutto at Round Rock (Dragon) Manor at Stony Point (KRAC) McNeil at Vista Ridge (Gupton)

Friday, Oct. 18

Stony Point at Hutto

Round Rock at Westwood (KRAC)

Vista Ridge at Cedar Ridge (Dragon) Vandegrift at Manor

Thursday, Oct. 24

Manor at Vista Ridge (Gupton)

Friday, Oct. 25

Cedar Ridge at McNeil (KRAC)

Westwood at Stony Point (Dragon) Hutto at Vandegrift

Friday, Nov. 1

Vista Ridge at Hutto

McNeil at Manor

Vandegrift at Westwood (Kelly Reeves) Stony Point at Round Rock (Dragon)

Friday, Nov. 8

Manor at Cedar Ridge (KRAC)

Westwood at Vista Ridge (Gupton)

Round Rock at Vandegrift

Hutto at McNeil (Dragon)

Note: All games start at 7 p.m.

Cedar Ridge Raiders

Head coach: Sam Robinson

2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (0-7, 8th)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/4

Fab 5: WR/LB Reese Brooks; RB Noah Devonish; DB/WR Eddie Carothers; DB Davon Crunk; OL Kameron Asbra

Outlook: The Raiders have a lot to look forward to in 2024 as a more experienced team hopes to compete for a playoff spot, which is a realistic goal. The offense line is bigger behind Asbra and Michael Cosimeno and there’s experience at the wide receiver position. Expect a better finish for Cedar Ridge in 2024.

Hutto Hippos

Head coach: Will Compton 2023 record (district, finish): 4-7 (3-3, 4th District 12-6A)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Duncanville in bidistrict playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 4/6

Fab 5: QB Kaden Stefek; RB Keilan Chavies; WR Braeton Anderson; LB/TE Cashton LaPlante; DB Carlos Sato

Outlook: The Hippos may have lost key offensive weapons to graduation, but don’t expect a slow down to Hutto’s high-powered offense. QB Stefek has a strong arm and the knowledge of Compton’s offense. He also has RB Chavies and WR Anderson as viable options.

Manor Mustangs

Head coach: James Keller

2023 record (district, finish): 4-6 (2-5, 7th)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 3/8

Fab 5: DE Damien Godley; WR Johnny Buhendwa; DE D.D. Houston; DE/LB Eddie Robinson; OL Diego Aviles

Outlook: Manor’s offense was hit hard by graduation and the added misfortune of QB Nasir Ardoin being ruled ineligible for the season by the UIL executive committee. Defensively, the Mustangs are solid, which could help Manor have early success while it sorts out the offense.

McNeil Mavericks

Head coach: Scott Hermes

Round Rock Dragons

Head coach: Cody Moore

2023 record (district, finish): 4-7 (4-3 4th) 2023 playoff results: Lost to Westlake in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 4/5

Fab 5: LB Justin Lee; DB Aiden Walker; DL Jacob Medina; AT Dylan Jaegar; WR Reggie Hurley

Outlook: If defense is the key to winning football games, the Dragons should have a lot of success. Anchored by LB lee and DB Walker, Round Rock has one of the better defenses in 25-6A. QB Jack Appl takes over the offense, but has some experience in front of him on the line.

2023 record (district, finish): 7-5 (4-3, 2nd)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Cibolo Steele in area playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 9/3

Fab 5: ATH Jarell Gary; RB Josh Williams; QB Jadon Sultz; DB/WR Aden Taylor; DB Josh Gayden Outlook: The Mavericks had its best season in nearly two decades and even won a playoff game. ATH Gray is a dangerous player for opposing defenses and can line up in the slot as a receiver or explode out of the backfield. QB Sultz will only improve on an impressive sophomore season where he threw for 1,697 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Stony Point Tigers

Head coach: Craig Chessher

2023 record (district, finish): 5-5 (3-4, 6th)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 5/6

Fab 5: DB Kaden Cook; QB Kalbus Kinnick, WR, Trystan Rymes, OL Terrance Lackey; WR Andrew Gomez

Outlook: If there’s one thing to know about Stony Point is that you cannot count out coach Chessher’s Tigers. With a wealth of experience on defense and a solid offense Stony Point could be the team that shakes up the playoff race, much like they did last year.

Photo by Michael Adams

Round Rock head coach Cody Moore

Photo by John Gutierrez

DISTRICT 25-6A

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. Four teams make the playoffs, the two largest enrollments go to Division I, the other two go to Division II.

1. Vandegrift (2,533.5)

2. McNeil (2,631)

3. Round Rock (3,882)

4. Westwood (2,834)

5. Vista Ridge (2,668.5)

6. Hutto (2,929.5)

7. Stony Point (2,789)

8. Cedar Ridge (2,898)

9. Manor (2,570)

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

* Enrollments are in parenthesis

The playoff race was a hot mess in 2023, and it wouldn’t surprise us if it turns into a bigger mess this season. The addition of an explosive offense in Hutto should make those final two playoff spots a four-team race between Vista Ridge, Round Rock, the Hippos, and Westwood. Meanwhile, circle the Oct. 4 game between Vandegrift and McNeil at Dragon Stadium. That will likely decide the district champion. Stony Point might be the sleeper in all of this, but that will depend on how the Tigers start the season.

Vandegrift Vipers

Head coach: Drew Sanders

2023 record (district, finish): 10-1 (7-0, district champions)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Lake Travis in bidistrict playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 3/5

Fab 5: RB Brendan Fournier, DB Hollister Stephens; WR Brock Chilton; OL Will Wood; DB Daeshon Morgan

Outlook: The Vipers will rely on its defense early in the season while Sanders puts the offensive puzzle together that features a lot of new faces. RB Fournier is the most experienced skill player and will have a brand new offensive line in front of him. Vandegrift is still Vandegrift, so anyone counting out the chances of a third-straight district title should reconsider.

Vista Ridge Raiders

Head coach: Chad Scott

2023 record (district, finish): 7-4 (4-3, 3rd)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Dripping Springs in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 5/6

Fab 5: QB Kaden Arnot; RB JD Jackson; DE Jason Handy; WR Luke Berry; WR Ben Reed Outlook: The Rangers relied on a very good defense in 2023 that carried them into the playoffs. Look for that trend to continue from a more improved defensive unit with the addition of a stout offensive line. That’s good news for QB Arnot, who saw some playing time at that position last year. RB Jackson is an elusive back and WRs Berry and Reed provide Arnot with options. Vista Ridge has the potential to be sneaky good this season.

Westwood Warriors

Head coach: Anthony Wood

2023 record (district, finish): 7-3 (4-3, 5th)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 4/7

Fab 5: RB Xavion Sutton; WR Drew Norrell; QB Cooper Waits; DE Casius Coy; DB Scott Uffelman Outlook: The Warriors are playing with a chip on their shoulder in 2024 after having their best season in years and still missing the playoffs. Veteran coach Wood will have a stellar defense that continues to get better every year. Experience will be an issue on offense as Westwood will have a new QB in Waits and will need to find a playmaker to replace Demani Stewart, last year’s 6A leading rusher.

Hutto QB Kaden Stefek

DISTRICT 26-6A

Akins Eagles

Head coach: Joey Saxe

2023 record (district, finish): 0-10 (0-8, 8th)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 7/7

Fab 5: DB Pablo Espinoza; OL Eloy Espresion; RB Dylan Cage; QB Chris Gonzalez; DL Jayden Morales

Outlook: Every few years, the Eagles put together run and sneak into the postseason. Akins has spent most of the school’s existence playing football against the likes of Westlake and Lake Travis. Picking up a couple of district wins isn’t out of the question for Akins, which would put them in a position to compete for a playoff spot with an upset of one of the Big 4.

Austin High Maroons

Head coach: Bernard Riley

2023 record (district, finish): 3-7 (3-5, 6th)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 9/8

Fab 5: RB/DB Bryson Batts; QB John Latham; RB Reid Childers; DL Lawson Strouse; LB Will Peeler

Outlook: With nine starters returning on offense and eight on defense, the Maroons are positioned to shake things up in the chase for the final playoff spot. Austin High will have to beat the two teams it is supposed to and then take care of business at home against Bowie on Nov. 1.

Bowie Bulldogs

Head coach: Jeff Ables 2023 record (district, finish): 4-7 (4-4, 4th) 2023 playoff results: Lost to McNeil in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 8/3

Fab 5: QB Cruz Tello; WR Rowen Wells; WR Owen Langdon; WR Oewn Ball; DE Jackson Long

Outlook: QB Tello is a dual threat and is just as dangerous with his arm than he is with his legs. He has a plethora of weapons at wide receiver, which makes the Bulldogs offense problematic for opposing defenses.

Del Valle Cardinals

Head coach: Todd Patmon

2023 record (district, finish): 1-9 (1-7, 7th) 2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/5

Fab 5: DB Coleman Patmon; WR/DB Kevin Meeks; RB/WR Donovan Douglas; LB/ RB Michael Dent; DL Jeremiah Robinson

Outlook: Second-year coach

Patmon hired former Smithville head coach Cyril Adkins to be the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator in the offseason. Adkins brings a wealth of offensive knowledge to go with Patmon’s defensive expertise. The Cardinals are inexperienced on defense, but might ruffle a few feathers late in the season.

Dripping Springs Tigers

Head coach: Galen Zimmerman

2023 record (district, finish): 11-3 (7-1, 2nd) 2023 playoff results: Lost to Cibolo Steele in state quarterfinals

Returning starters (O/D): 5/1

Fab 5: QB Maddox Maher; RB Jack Tyndall; WR Cooper Reid; DL Clive Wahl; WR Merrick Bloomgren

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. Four teams make the playoffs, the two largest enrollments go to Division I, the other two go to Division II.

1. Westlake (2,813)

2. Lake Travis (3,774)

Outlook: The Tigers have had a lot of success at the Class 6A level, but Zimmerman will face his biggest test since moving up to 6A in 2022. There’s a lot of inexperience on defense. Luckily for Dripping Springs, several offensive standouts return. That includes last year’s leading rusher Tyndall. If the defense catches on, the Tigers will challenge Westlake and Lake Travis once again for the district title.

Lake Travis Cavaliers

Head coach: Hank Carter 2023 record (district, finish): 11-3 (6-2, 3rd)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Westlake in state quarterfinals.

Returning starters (O/D): 6/5

Fab 5: QB Chaston Ditta; DL Gus Cordova; DB Cam’Ren Chance-Brooks; RB Vann Hopping; TE Josiah Thomas

Outlook: The Cavaliers defense is going to be a stout as they were last year where they allowed just 13 points per game. Offensively, Lake Travis will be much improved with a solid passing attack behind QB Ditta and TE Thomas. We’ll have to wait and see if it’s enough to end the Cavaliers’ losing streak to rival Westlake.

Westlake Chaparrals

Head coach: Tony Salazar

2023 record (district, finish): 14-1 (8-0, district champions)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Galena Park North Shore in semifinals

Returning starters (O/D): 7/5

3. Dripping Springs (2,484)

4. Austin High (2,296.5)

5. Bowie (2,904)

5. Del Valle (3,755)

7. Akins (2,568)

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

* Enrollments are in parenthesis

Westlake’s defense will be near unstoppable as a big defensive front will be hard to get through for opponents. The Chaps are the favorite, but don’t count out Lake Travis. The Cavs will be much improved and will likely overtake Dripping Springs for second place. There is always a sleeper team in this district who comes out of nowhere. That’s going to be Austin High A Nov. 1 home game with rival Bowie most likely will determine the final playoff team from the district.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Thursday, Sept. 26

Dripping Springs at Akins (Burger)

Friday, Sept. 27

Lake Travis at Bowie (Burger)

Del Valle at Austin High (House Park)

Thursday, Oct. 3

Akins at Westlake

Friday, Oct. 4

Austin High at Dripping Springs Bowie at Del Valle

Thursday, Oct. 10

Westlake at Austin High (House Park)

Friday, Oct. 11

Dripping Springs at Bowie (Burger) Del Valle at Lake Travis

Fab 5: LB Elliot Schaper; QB Rees Wise; WR Brody Wilhelm; DB Payton Luther; DL Connor Vasek Outlook: The Chaps will be have one of the most clinically efficient defenses in Class 6A, if not the state. The scarier part is that Westlake will also possess one of the biggest offensive lines in the state, which should give a more experienced Wise time to sling the football all over the field. If Bowie makes the playoffs, the Chaps will return to Division II and won’t have to worry about another meeting with Galena Park North Shore in the semifinals.

Friday, Oct. 18

Austin High at Akins (Burger)

Lake Travis at Dripping Springs

Bowie at Westlake

Thursday, Oct. 24

Akins at Bowie (Burger)

Friday, Oct. 25

Westlake at Lake Travis

Dripping Springs at Del Valle

Friday, Nov. 1

Del Valle at Westlake

Lake Travis at Akins (Burger)

Bowie at Austin High (House Park)

Friday, Nov. 8

Akins at Del Valle

Austin High at Lake Travis

Westlake at Dripping Springs

Note: All games start at 7:30 p.m.

DISTRICT 26-6A

Buda Johnson Jaguars

Head coach: Sam Carlin

2023 record (district, finish): 5-5 (4-4, 5th in District 26-6A)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 8/6

Fab 5: DB/WR Tim Boyd; DB Carlos Lujan; OL Warner Erwin; LB Dre Giello; RB Kael Hatnot

Outlook: The Jaguars will have the second coach in the school’s short history. Carlin inherits an experienced offense that average 28 points a game last year. RB Hatnot is explosive out of the backfield and could have the Jaguars right in the playoff hunt.

Friday, Sept. 27

San Marcos at Buda Johnson (Shelton)

Cibolo Steele at Schertz Clemens

Converse Judson at San Antonio East Central

Friday, Oct. 4

Buda Johnson at New Braunfels Canyon

Schertz Clemens at San Marcos

San Antonio East Central at Cibolo Steele

Thursday, Oct. 10

New Braunfels Canyon at Schertz Clemens

Friday, Oct. 11

San Marcos at San Antonio East Central

Cibolo Steele at Converse Judson

Thursday, Oct. 17

Schertz Clemens at Buda Johnson (Shelton)

Friday, Oct. 18

Converse Judson at San Marcos

San Marcos Rattlers

Head coach: John Walsh

2023 record (district, finish): 0-10 (0-5, 6th)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 4/3

Fab 5: OL Martin Ruiz; TE/DL

Kenneth Pease; RB Donovan

Garcia; LB/RB I’Zayah Young; QB Buck Steyn

Outlook: The Rattlers suffered their first winless season in 14 years last year. Veteran coach Walsh will look to avoid a repeat. A big offensive line and a and an athletic duo at RB should elevate San Marcos to a better outcome in 2024.

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. Four teams make the playoffs, the two largest enrollments go to Division I, the other two go to Division II.

1. Cibolo Stelle (2,789)

2. Converse Judson (2,518)

3. New Braunfels Canyon (2,433)

4. Buda Johnson (2,815)

5. Schertz Clemens (2,648)

6. San Marcos (2,505)

7. San Antonio East Central (3,542)

* Enrollments are in parenthesis

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Thursday, Oct. 24

New Braunfels Canyon at Converse Judson

Friday, Oct. 25

Buda Johnson at San Antonio East Central

San Marcos at Cibolo Steele

Friday, Nov. 1

Converse Judson at Buda Johnson (Shelton)

San Antonio East Central at Schertz Clemens

Cibolo Steele at New Braunfels Canyon

Thursday, Nov. 7

Buda Johnson at Cibolo Steele

Schertz Clemens at Converse Judson

Friday, Nov. 8

New Braunfels Canyon at San Marcos

Note: All games start at 7:30 p.m.

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

District newcomers Buda Johnson and New Braunfels Canyon will make a splash in their debut in 29-6A. Both teams should be playoff contenders, but only Canyon made the playoffs last year. Cibolo Steele is the front-runner once again and will be challenged by Converse Judson, but those other two playoff spots are Johnson and Canyon’s for the taking.

San Antonio East Central at New Braunfels Canyon

CLASS 5A PREVIEW

Photo by Michael Adams

CLASS 5A PREVIEW

PRESEASON AREA RANKINGS

5A PRESEASON ALL-AREA TEAM

2023 RECORD

WEISS 9-2

Weiss had a lot of success in Class 6A, which will follow the Wolves to Class 5A this year with a high-powered offense.

LIBERTY HILL 10-5

The Panthers will put new faces in it’s slot-T offense and will still be a hard team to beat, despite losing two 1,000 yard rushers.

CEDAR PARK 9-4

The Black Shirt defense is back and the Timberwolves will have one of the top defenses in the area, if not Class 5A.

BASTROP 5-5

There hasn’t been this much excitement for Bastrop football since 2010. The Bears are ready to come out of hibernation.

5. ANDERSON 4-6

2 MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON TEAM

The Trojans high-powered offense featuring WR Ed Small will help them find success in a new district and classification.

PFLUGERVILLE 3-8

The Panthers will ride momentum from the end of 2023 into 2024 and be a force in District 11-5A-II.

ROUSE 8-4

The Raiders return a lot of offense that will score often. If the defense comes together in summer camp, this will be a scary good team.

GEORGETOWN 6-5

The Eagles have a lot of questions on offense and could be vulnerable in a competitive district, but Eagle fight never dies.

MCCALLUM 7-4

If the Knights stay healthy on offense they will exceed expectations behind QB Luke Dunham in a good 11-5A-II.

10.

HAYS 4-6

The Hawks have a new head coach and a plethora of experience on both sides of the football. Don’t count out Hays.

PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JAX BROWN, WEISS SENIOR QUARTERBACK

OFFENSE

QB: Jax Brown, Weiss

RB: Trae Hill, Cedar Park

WR: Ed Small, Anderson

WR: Adrian Wilson, Weiss

WR: Keyshon Moore, Bastrop

TE: Javion Martin, Pflugerville

OL: Kolton New, Liberty Hill

OL: Jacob Slaughter, Cedar Park

OL: Sam Lopez, Georgetown

OL: Dylan Ovalle, Lockhart

OL: Wyatt Valiente, Cedar Park

ELGIN

The Wildcats are a wild card, but they might rattle a few cages in 11-5A-II. But there’s little room for error.

EAST VIEW

The Patriots have experience returning and looking to avoid another year out of the playoffs.

DEFENSE

DL: Tiki Hola, Bastrop

DL: Alistar Vallejo, LIberty Hill

DL: Tieson Ejiawoko, East View

DL:Caleb Dickey, Crockett

LB: Seth Warren, Georgetown

LB: Jahiem Porter, Cedar Park

LB: Brandon Bradshaw, Pflugerville

DB: Jarian Guinn Jr, Weiss

DB: Ramonz Adams, Bastrop

DB: Jason Stokes Jr., Weiss

DB: Evan Jones, Glenn

Photo by Jerry Saulman

“ The coaches came here and said this is what we’re going to do, and they did it.”

– Keyshon Moore, senior wide receiver

BY MICHAEL ADAMS | PUBLISHER

If you stroll down Main Street in Bastrop on any given day, you’ll notice a bolstering, proud community that has seen its share of heartbreak and tragedy.

Yet, even in the darkest of times, Bastrop’s tight-knit community always seems to shine its brightest.

There’s something brewing in the town 35 miles east of Austin, something this town hasn’t felt in more than a decade – hope.

Bastrop’s football team isn’t well known for its successes, but there’s a sense that a three-year investment might start to pay dividends.

When head coach Jake Griedl arrived in Bastrop two years ago from Marshall, he made promises to the town, the school and the program.

Griedl promised administrators he was going to build a championship culture, and he promised the players he was going to build that culture and giving them the tools to succeed.

Pardon the players for being hesitant to believe him.

Culture

Upgrades to everything from locker rooms to weight rooms, Griedl is building a winner in The ‘Strop

After all, losing seasons have been the norm in “The ‘Strop,” and many players that came before often felt overlooked and forgotten.

Yet, Griedl and his staff stayed true to their word, with facility upgrades, new equipment and a new locker room that many Class 6A schools would envy.

“The coaches came here and said this is what they were going to do, and they did it,” said senior wide receiver Keyshon Moore. “You see all the construction and it tells you they care about us, they want us to have nice things and have what we need to be successful. It built a lot of trust.”

And it’s all about to pay off.

A losing culture

Since 2000, Bastrop has had five coaches, a 117-139 overall record, two district championships and 10 playoff appearances.

The Bears’ most recent success was a magical playoff run in 2010 that saw an underdog Bastrop beat 5A powerhouse after 5A powerhouse on its way to the state quarterfinals.

Each week, the “experts” would pick against Bastrop. And each week, the Bears would prove them wrong.

The 2010 season turned out to be the Bears most successful season since an undefeated regular season in 1991.

Since then, Bastrop has had four seasons with a record above .500, made four playoff appearances and hasn’t finished higher than third in district.

In 2011, the town and the football team faced an unthinkable tragedy just two weeks into the season.

Rising from the ashes

There was a lot of excitement around the Bears’ going into the 2011 season. A team full of new faces were ready to carry on the momentum from the year prior.

Photos by Michael Adams

Bastrop quarterback Weston Neilsen is the No. 6 ranked player for the Class of 2027 in the state of Texas by 24/7 sports.

Bastrop started the season 1-1, winning their first game of the season on the Friday of Labor Day weekend – a 13-0 road win over Seguin.

Little did anyone know while celebrating that win that life in the small town nestled in the Lost Pines was about to drastically change.

On the morning of Sept. 5, 2011, a wildfire erupted in Bastrop State Park and grew rapidly, spreading into the nearby Tahitian Village neighborhood and rural parts of eastern Bastrop County, home to many players, students and coaches.

The 32,000-acre fire destroyed 1,696 homes, uprooted 5,000 people’s lives and killed two. It was the most devastating wildfire in Texas history.

It’s important to talk about the 2011 Bastrop County Complex Fire because it’s just a part of Bastrop football history as it is for the town itself.

Bastrop’s home game against Akins scheduled for that Friday was canceled as former head coach Gerald Perry and his staff spent the week detached from football, volunteering their time

to help athletes, students and families who lost everything in the fire.

Some players lived at the school, while several others were in nearby shelters. Players that were fortunate enough to not be impacted by the fire, spent the week volunteering at shelters, showing off the heart of this small town.

There were no practices or weight training days. The only thing that mattered was helping the community, something the town of Bastrop would win a state championship in if they gave championships for that.

Bastrop returned to the football field the following week.

San Marcos coaches agreed to move the Sept. 11 game from San Marcos to Bastrop Memorial Stadium. That Friday night, Bastrop Memorial Stadium became a church.

The game on the field felt insignificant, even though it, too, was bigger than just a game.

When Bastrop scored its first touchdown, fans on both sides erupted and a celebration between players from

both teams commenced in the south endzone.

The Bears rose from the ashes that night and dismantled the Rattlers 48-22 behind a gutsy performance and a career night from running back Trae Bunton.

For just a short moment in time, the town put the fire, the heartbreak and tragedy behind them as a small Class 5A football team in Texas gave the town a new feeling of hope.

A new hope

Griedl enters his third year as head coach of the Bears, and for the first time in years football fever has hit the resilient small town.

Bastrop has multiple Division I college recruits.

Senior defensive back Ramonz Adams is committed to the University of Washington.

Junior defensive lineman Tiki Hola is ranked No. 40 in the state by 24/7 sports and is considered a three-star recruit. Her has interest from Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Baylor and Boston College.

And sophomore quarterback Weston Nielsen is a 4-star prospect and ranked No. 6 overall for the Class of 2027 in the state of Texas.

The fever spreads further than the players on the field.

Griedl made improvements to the weight room, film room and meeting rooms with the help of Waterboy Graphics in Georgetown. New state-ofthe-art locker rooms were constructed this summer adjacent to Erhard Field, Bastrop’s longtime home and current practice field.

All these improvements are part of a bigger picture to change the culture at Bastrop, all under the slogan, “Why not Bastrop?”

“This is a growing community, and our thought is, why can’t we compete with some of the bigger districts,” Griedl said. ”We take that chip on our shoulder and roll with it.”

Bastrop enters the season with some lofty expectations for a program that has only won 14 games in the last four seasons. Yet, none of those expectations are unreasonable.

“I feel like we have the chance to do something really special for this town,” Adams said. “We have the team for it for sure. Coach Gridel talks about us being a family, and he means it. He treats us like family.”

The Bears (5-5 in 2023) were on an upward trajectory looking to challenge the Panthers last year. However, injuries to Nielsen and athlete Quintaylen Joyner, who started the season at quarterback, derailed that trajectory.

The Bears have all the pieces they need and going into a season with level of excitement not felt since 2010.

“We got better as a unit and as a team this spring,” said junior defensive lineman Tiki Hola. “People talk about that year (2010) all the time, it’s almost like a measuring stick. But we accept that and aspire to play at that level.” 

THE UPGRADES

The hallway into the athletic facility at Bastrop High School.

A team meeting room in the athletic facility at Bastrop High School.

Upgrades to the weight room

DISTRICT 8-5A-DI

Cedar Park Timberwolves

Head coach: Michael Quintero

2023 record (district, finish): 9-4 (5-2, 3rd in 11-5A-1)

2023 playoff results: Lost to A&M Consolidated in regional playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 5/4

Fab 5: RB Trae Hill; LB Jahiem Porter; LB Logan Wicketts; QB David Cooper; OL Wyatt Valiente Outlook: RB Hill ran for 1,558 yards as a sophomore and will carry the load for the Timberwolve’s offense as a new QB gets settled. Hill has a big offensive line in front of him to open up holes for him to run through.

East View Patriots

Head coach: Michael Wall

2023 record (district, finish): 4-6 (3-4, 5th in 11-5A-I)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/6

Glenn Grizzlies

Head coach: Brandon Krauskopf

2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (1-6, 6th in 11-5A-I)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/9

Fab 5: DB Eyan Jones; RB JJ Ortiz; DE Braelon Deloatche; LB Joshua Vincik; QB Dakota Dubelbeis

Outlook: Thousand-yard rusher

D.J. Dugar moved to Weiss, but expect Ortiz to pick up where Dugar left off. With an experienced defense and at skill offensive positions, the Grizzlies are ready to come out of hibernation and challenge for a playoff spot.

Leander Lions

Head coach: Kris Price

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. Cedar Park

2. Lake Belton

3. Rouse

4. Georgetown

5. East View

6. Glenn

7. Killeen Chaparral

8. Leander

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (1-6, 8th in 11-5A-I)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 8/6

Fab 5: WR Zane Wooldridge; WR Izaac Montgomery; QB

Fab 5: DE Tieson Ejiawoko; QB Tyl BVlair; AT Kieston Rainey; DE Ty Temples; LB Isaiah Davenport-Bell Outlook: Whenever you return over half your starters on both side of the ball, it could be a recipe for success. Wall’s Patriots will be a team that could exceed expectations and return to the playoffs for the fist time since 2020.

Georgetown Eagles

Head coach: Chuck Griffin

2023 record (district, finish): 6-5 (5-2, 4th in 11-5A-I)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Smithson Valley in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 4/5

Fab 5: WR Xavier Warren; DB Jahiem Dowd; WR Davyn Sewick; LB Kole Mitchell; LB Seth Warren Outlook: The Eagles will be inexperienced on offense, especially in skill positions. However, Georgetown follows a common theme among area teams with experience up front on the offensive line. Defensively, there’s a lot of talent at linebacker. If defense wins championships, the Eagles could exceed expectations.

Logan Mitchell; LB Calvin Kiesler; DE/LB Nicholas Parsons

Outlook: The Lions haven’t made the playoffs since 2013. Price has an array of offensive experience returning, especially at skill positions with QB Mitchell and WRs Montgomery and Wooldrige. He hopes that can carry the Leander to challenge for a playoff spot.

Rouse Raiders

Head coach: Josh Mann

2023 record (district, finish): 8-4 (4-2, 3rd in 11-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: Los to Port Neches-Groves in area playoff.

Returning starters (O/D): 8/6

Fab 5: TE Mazon Rieger; QB London Morgan; WR Noah Fabila; DB Judson Mann; RB Anthony Reyes

Outlook: The Raiders return 14 starters from a team that went 8-4 and went two rounds deep in the playoffs, including QB Morgan and WR Fabila. Mann’s offense will be explosive and difficult to stop. Rouse will be just as solid on defense.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Cedar Park will be challenged by Lake Belton for the district championship, which makes the Oct. 25 date in Belton the potential game of the year. The race for the final two playoff spots from this district will be fun as Georgetown, East View and Rouse will be in contention until the final week of the season. Keep an eye on Glenn, who has the most experienced defense in the district. The Grizzlies could be the sleeper team in the district.

Friday, Sept. 27

Cedar Park at Killeen Chaparral

Lake Belton at Rouse, 7 p.m. (Gupton Stadium)

Glenn at East View, 7 p.m.

Georgetown at Leande (Bible Stadium)

Friday, Oct. 4

Rouse at Cedar Park (Gupton Stadium)

Killeen Chaparral at Georgetown

Leander at Glenn (Bible Stadium)

East View at Lake Belton

Thursday, Oct. 10

Cedar Park at East View, 7 p.m.

Georgetown at Rouse (Gupton Stadium

Friday, Oct. 11

Lake Belton at Glenn (Bible Stadium)

Leander at Killeen Chaparral

Friday, Oct. 18

Glenn at Cedar Park (Gupton Stadium)

Rouse at Killeen Chaparral

Lake Belton at Leander (Bible Stadium)

East View at Georgetown

Friday, Oct. 25

Cedar Park at Lake Belton

Killeen Chaparral at East View

Georgetown at Glenn (Bible Stadium)

Leander at Rouse (Gupton Stadium)

Friday, Nov. 1

Cedar Park at Leander (Bible Stadium)

East View at Rouse (Gupton Stadium)

Lake Belton at Georgetown

Glenn at Killeen Chaparral

Thursday, Nov. 7

Georgetown at Cedar Park (Gupton Stadium)

Friday, Nov. 8

Rouse at Glenn (Bible Stadium)

Leander at East View

Chaparral at Lake Belton,

Note: All games start at 7 p.m.

Photo by Michael Adams

Rouse’s Anthony Reyes

DISTRICT 12-5A-DI

Anderson Trojans

Head coach: Donald Hatcher

2023 record (district, finish): 4-6 (3-5, 6th in 26-6A)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 8/7

Fab 5: WR Ed Small; QB Max Gerlich; LB Gage Webb; WR Zayden Sharp; DB Colin Haines Outlook: The Trojans leave one brutal district in Class 6A for another in 5A. However, look for Anderson to be right in the mix of the playoff picture behind a high-powered offense led by QB Gerlich and WRs Zayden Sharp and Small.

Cedar Creek Eagles

Head coach: Josh Thomas 2023 record (district, finish): 0-10 (0-6, 7th in 13-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/6

Hendrickson Hawks

Head coach: Doug Pearce

2023 record (district, finish): 3-7 (1-6, 7th in 11-5A-I)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 4/3

Fab 5: WR/DB Romelo Bopykin; DB/WR Maddox Quiller; RB Michael Anderson; LB Carnell Spicer; OL Allijah Ford Outlook: Hendrickson will put a relatively young team on the field in 2024. There will sure be growing pains, but the Hawks will have to gorw up in a hurry as district play begins in the Week 3.

Lehman Lobos

Head coach: Chris Castillo

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. Weiss

2. College Station

3. A&M Consolidated

4. Anderson

5. Hays

6. Lockhart

7. Hendrickson

8. Lehman

9. Cedar Creek

2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (1-6, 7th in 12-5A-I)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/5

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Fab 5: QB Blaze Orr; RB Devon James; WR Dakota Baker; LB Benjamin Young; DB Dylan Redman Outlook: The Eagles have some experience returning and a lot of optimism. Setting the tone in the preseason could push the Eagles out of the basement and disrupt the district.

Hays Hawks

Head coach: Mark Torres 2023 record (district, finish): 4-6 (2-5, 6th in 12-5A-I)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 9/6

Fab 5: ATH Lynford Noriega; DB Kai Triche; LB Chase Macier; ATH Hayden Jackson; QB Tacoma Ames

Fab 5: WR/DB Tim Mata; WR Amir Washington; DB/ WR Anthony Mata; DB Markis Maldonado; QB Gunner Winicki

Outlook: The Lobos have a lot of speed at the wide receiver position and a QB that’s entering his second season in Castillo’s offense. It’s going to be an uphill battle in a competitive district, but there is optimism in Kyle.

Lockhart Lions

Head coach: Todd Moebes

2023 record (district, finish): 4-7 (3-3, 3rd in 13-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Alamo Heights in bidistrict playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 6/5

Class 5A newcomer Weiss should be the front-runner for the district championship but will have to contend with perennial powerhouses College Station and A&M Consolidated. This will be one of the most fun district races in the area. The question is who will be grab the fourth playoff spot?

Weiss Wolves

Head coach: Vernon Hughes

2023 record (district, finish): 9-2 (5-1, 2nd in 12-6A)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Cedar Hill in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 9/5

Fab 5: RB DJ Dugar; QB Jax Brown; WR Adrian Wilson; DB Jorian Guinn; RB/WR Braiden Wooley; DB Jason Stokes

Outlook: Torres brings a highpowered offensive scheme from El Paso as he enters his first season with the Hawks. If players buy-in and rally behind their new coach, Hays could challenge Anderson for that final playoff spot and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Fab 5: RB Nathaniel Gonzales; WR Gage Deutsch; OL Dylan Ovalle; AT Ayden Scott; ATH Kadon Moebes.

Outlook: The Lions had some success last season and made the playoffs for a second time in as many years. With a lot of experience returning and an athletic offense, Lockhart may be a sleeper.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Thursday, Sept. 12

A&M Consolidated at Weiss (The Pfield)

Friday, Sept. 13

Anderson at College Station^

Hendrickson at Hays (Shelton) Lehman at Lockhart

Friday, Sept. 20

College Station at A&M Consolidated^

Weiss at Lehman (Shelton)

Lockhart at Hendrickson (The Pfield)

Hays at Cedar Creek (Memorial Stadium)

Friday, Sept. 27

Weiss at Hendrickson (The Pfield)

A&M Consolidated at Anderson (Nelson)

Cedar Creek at Lockhart

Lehman at College Station

Thursday, Oct. 3

Anderson at Lehman (Shelton)

Friday, Oct. 4

College Station at Hendrickson (The Pfield)

Lockhart at Hays (Shelton)

Weiss at Cedar Creek (Memorial Stadium)

Friday, Oct. 11

Cedar Creek at College Station^

Hendrickson at Anderson (House Park)

Hays at Weiss (The Pfield)

Lehman at A&M Consolidated

Thursday, Oct. 17

A&M Consolidated at Hendrickson (The Pfield)

Friday, Oct. 18

Weiss at Lockhart

College Station at Hays (Shelton)

Anderson at Cedar Creek (Memorial Stadium)

Outlook: The Wolves are hungry and loaded with talent. Move-in Dugar, an Oklahoma State signee, will make an immediate impact after rushing for 1,000-plus yards at Glenn last season. QB Brown has two talented WRs in Arizona State pledge WIlson and Wooley. Weiss will challenge A&M Consolidated and College Station for the district championship.

Friday, Oct. 25

Lockhart at College Station^

Cedar Creek at A&M Consolidated^

Hays at Anderson (Hosue Park)

Hendrickson at Lehman (Shelton)

Thursday, Oct. 31

A&M Consolidated at Hays (Shelton)

Friday, Nov. 1

College Station at Weiss (The Pfield)

Anderson at Lockhart

Lehman at Cedar Creek (Memorial Stadium)

Thursday, Nov. 7

Cedar Creek at Hendrickson (The Pfield)

Friday, Nov. 8

Lockhart at A&M Consolidated^

Weiss at Anderosn (House Park)

Hays at Lehman (Shelton Stadium)

^ Game starts at 7 p.m., all others start at 7:30 p.m.

DISTRICT 11-5A-DII

Bastrop Bears

Head coach: Jake Griedl 2023 record (district, finish): 5-5 (2-4, 6th in 13-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 10/10

Fab 5: ATH Ramonz Adams; DL Tiki Hola; QB Weston Nielsen; WR Keyshon Moore; ATH Quintaelyn Joyner

Outlook: There hasn’t been this much excitement around Bastrop football since 2010, when the Bears reached the 5A quarterfinals. QB Nielsen is a top 2027 recruit and healthy, and he has multiple weapons at his disposal. Can the Bears dethrone Liberty Hill?

Connally Cougars

Head coach: Charles Burton

2023 record (district, finish): 3-7 (1-5, 7th in 11-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 3/6

Fab 5: WR Aiden Smart; RB Kameron Jones; DB Cameron Anderson; DL Jaydus Bell; DL Da’Trell Brock

Outlook: The Cougars haven’t been to the playoffs since in seven years. Connally will be inexperienced on offense and will have to rely on the legs of athletic RB Jones while new QB Braden Pleasant gets settled.

Crockett

Cougars

Head coach: Darrick Norton

2023 record (district, finish): 7-5 (5-2, 3rd in 12-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Montgomery Lake Creek in area playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 5/2

Fab 5: OL Davean Brinkley, OL Ricky Sierra; WR Jamari Wilson, DE Caleb Dickey; LB/RB Sedirck Salazar

Elgin Wildcats

Head coach: Heath Clawson

2023 record (district, finish): 4-6 (2-4, 6th in 11-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/7

Fab 5: ATH Blake Thames; WR Zaire Noells; LB Jackson Clowdus; DB/WR Noddyn Bailey; QB/WR Dylan Owens

Outlook: QB Nathen Lewis

graduated and is now at Texas A&M-Kingsville. But Clawson has more athletes ready to step in and spark an explosive offense. Elgin will challenge McCallum for the final playoff spot.

Liberty Hill Panthers

Head coach: Kent Walker

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. Liberty Hill

2. Bastrop

3. Pflugerville

4. McCallum

5. Elgin

6. Crockett

7. Connally

8. Navarro

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

2023 record (district, finish): 10-5 (4-2, 13-5A-II district champion)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Port Neches-Groves in state semifinals

Returning starters (O/D): 5/4

Fab 5: RB/DB Jack Pitchford; DL Alister Vallejo; DB Kendrick Hicks; RB/DB DJ Seaborn; LB Spencer Ballew

Outlook: Liberty Hill has reached the state semifinals in each of the last three seasons. Walker will put new pieces into his unstoppable Slot-T offense to replace two 1,000 yard rushers. Bastrop might be the only thing standing in the way of the Panthers.

McCallum Knights

Head coach: Tom Gammerdinger

2023 record (district, finish): 7-4 (6-1, 2nd in 12-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Rouse in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 6/6

Liberty Hill is considered the favorite to win the district title, but Bastrop is a very close second. The showdown between the two teams is slated for the final week of the regular season and the game is in Bastrop. Pflugerville could disrupt things the week before if they upset the Bears at home. Pflugerville could be a sleeper in all of this as attention is on Bastrop and Liberty Hill. Look for Elgin and McCallum to challenge for the final playoff spot from this district.

Navarro Vikings

Head coach: Sebastian Velasquez 2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (1-6, 7th in 12-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 4/6

Fab 5: DB H’Sanii Blankenship; LB Jacobi Simmons; WR Irabel Avila; DE Trae’von Washington; DL Brian Santa Cruz

Outlook: Crockett has made the postseason in each of the last two seasons. All-everything Cameron Dickey is gone, but an experienced offensive line will help whoever emerges as quarterback get settled. Caleb Dickey will anchor a young defense as the Cougars aim to make a third straight playoff appearance.

Fab 5: RB/LB Mitchell Butler; WR/CB Mark Sanchez; QB Luke Dunham; RB/LB Devon Robinson; DB Jax Hicks

Outlook: The Knights have a talented offense that will spread the ball around. QB Dunham has weapons in the backfield and at wide receiver. The experience returning could send the Knights back to the playoffs.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Thursday, Sept. 19

Navarro at Pflugerville (The Pfield)

Bastrop at Crockett (Burger)

Friday, Sept. 20

Connally at Liberty Hill

Elgin at McCallum (House Park)

Thursday, Sept. 26

Crockett at Connally (The Pfield)

Liberty Hill at Navarro (Nelson)

Friday, Sept. 27

Pflugerville at Elgin

McCallum at Bastrop

Thursday, Oct. 10

McCallum at Pflugerville (The Pfield)

Navarro at Crockett (Burger)

Friday, Oct. 11

Connally at Bastrop

Elgin at Liberty Hill

Friday, Oct. 18

Liberty Hill at Pflugerville (The Pfield)

Connally at McCallum (House Park)

Crockett at Elgin

Bastrop at Navarro (Nelson)

Friday, Oct. 25

McCallum at Liberty Hill

Elgin at Bastrop

Navarro at Connally (The Pfield)

Pflugerville at Crockett (Burger)

Thursday, Oct. 31

Navarro at McCallum (House Park)

Friday, Nov. 1

Connally at Elgin

Crockett at Liberty Hill

Bastrop at Pflurgerville (The Pfield)

Friday, Nov. 8

Liberty Hill at Bastrop

Elgin at Navarro (Nelson)

Pflugerville at Connally (The Pfield)

McCallum at Crockett (Burger)

Note: All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Outlook: The Vikings have their work cutout for them, but the good news is there is some big boys in the trenches. That will come in handy as Velasquez looks for a quarterback to emerge in the preseason.

Pflugerville Panthers

Head coach: Charles Taylor

2023 record (district, finish): 3-8 (3-3, 4th in 11-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: Lost to LBJ in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 7/7

Fab 5: QB Cole Taylor; WRT Kyran McFrazier; TE Jaivion Martin; LB Brandon Bradshaw; RB Rhyder Miller

Outlook: The Panthers turned it on in the final weeks of the season to win the final three regular season games and sneak into the playoffs. They won’t have to do that this year as an explosive offense led by junior QB Taylor will keep Pflugerville rolling. The Panthers are ready to pounce and might create some chaos if they can upset a few teams.

SMALL SCHOOL PREVIEW

Photo by Martelle Luedecke

SMALL SCHOOL PREVIEW

PRESEASON AREA RANKINGS

TEAM

4A-2A PRESEASON ALL-AREA TEAM

2023 RECORD

WIMBERLEY 14-1

Last year’s state semifinal loss to Bellville is still on the minds of the Texans. It will fuel them to another chase for the state title.

LBJ 8-4

The Jaguars will make a lot of noise in their return to Class 4A, where they reached the state championship game in 2021.

BLANCO 10-4

The Panthers have a lot of weapons on offense in skill positions and a big defensive line to challenge district favorite Lexington.

GRANGER 10-3

The Lions will have one of the better offenses among area teams in the lower classifications.

LAGO VISTA 7-5

The Vikings will be solid on both sides of the ball. Is it enough to dethrone Wimberley and make a deep playoff run?

BURNET 8-4

The Bulldogs had a coaching change but it’s a familiar face. Former DC Ben Speer should continue Burnet’s recent success.

JOHNSON CITY 9-3

The Eagles will return to the playoffs, but will have to navigate a tough 14-2A-I that includes 2023 regional semifinalist Holland.

TRAVIS 6-5

The Rebels made the playoffs last year for the first time in 13 years, and had their first winning season since 2013. Expect a repeat.

TAYLOR 5-6

The Ducks will be young on offense, but should be fine with a big offensive line. Redistricting was also good to Taylor.

10.

THRALL

6-5

The Tigers move to Class 3A this year, but return seven starters on both sides of the football. It should take no time to adjust.

2 MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON

THORNDALE

Don’t expect a repeat of 2023. The Bulldogs will be much improved and should contend for a playoff spot.

NORTHEAST

There’s a lot of reasons to be excited in East Austin. The Raiders could have a breakout season.

PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

CODY STOEVER, WIMBERLEY

SENIOR QUARTERBACK

OFFENSE

QB: Cody Stoever, Wimberley

RB: Bryson McDaniel, Giddings

WR: Colt Stanford, Burnet

WR: Noah Waida, Wimberley

WR: Landon Gregory, Thrall

TE: Matthew Rodriguez, Blanco

OL: Johnathan Ryder, Burnet

OL:Tyler Davis, Giddings

OL:Tristan Tell, Lago Vista

OL:Trey Waters, Salado

OL: Hudson Rivera, Wimberley

DEFENSE

DL: Kaddy Maravilla, Taylor

DL: Graydon Burke, Lago Vista

DL: Marcus Martinez, Granger

DL:Jaiden Scott, La Grange

LB: Ty Thames, Wimberley

LB: Josh Covington, LBJ

LB: Caleb Hobtatsch, Granger

DB: Swayde Griffin, Lago Vista

DB: Jordan Davis, Travis

DB: Jayden Clawson, Thorndale

DB: Eric Thompson, Smithville

Photo by Vince Curletta

DISTRICT 4-4A-DI

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. Stephenville

2. Brownwood

3. Burnet

4. Lampasas

5. Marble Falls

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Traditional 4A powers Stephenville and Brownwood will be tough to beat. Both teams were state quarterfinalists last year. Stephenville returns most of its offense and defense, while Brownwood may have a bit of vulnerability on defense with only three returning starters. Lampasas has one of the more experienced teams in the district The district opener on Oct. 11 between Marble Falls and Burnet could determine who gets the fourth playoff spot from the five-team district.

Burnet Bulldogs

Head coach: Ben Speer

2023 record (district, finish): 8-4 (4-1, 13-4A-1 district champion)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Port Lavaca Calhoun in area playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 6/4

Fab 5: QB Rhett Murry; WR/DB Colt Stanford; RB/LB Kriss Kassner; OL Johnathan Ryder; AT Riley Howell

Outlook: Speer takes over as head coach after serving as defensive coordinator since 2021. The Bulldogs had the top-scoring defense in 13-4A-I last season and their first playoff win since 2014. Burnet faces an uphill battle, moving to Region I into a district with two state powerhouses. Still, last year’s success should carry over into this season as the Bulldogs look to return to the postseason.

Marble Falls Mustangs

Head coach: Keri Timmerman

2023 record (district, finish): 1-9 (0-5, 6th in 13-4A-1)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/4

Fab 5: WR/DB Kole Becker;

TE/LB Noah Lyon; RB/LB

Doak Timmerman; DB Parker

Phillips; WR/DB CJ Alexander

Outlook: Timmerman

comes to Marble Falls after serving as Vandegrift’s passing coordinator for the past three seasons, which included a trip to the Class 6A state finals in 2022. He looks to bring that success to a Mustangs team that has had back-to-bacl losing seasons. An experienced offense should help Marble Falls find some success. Whoever emerges as the quarterback during summer practice will have a plethora of weapons at their disposal.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct. 11

Burnet at Marble Falls Brownwood at Lampasas

Friday, Oct. 18

Marble Falls at Stephenville Lampasas at Burnet

Friday, Oct. 25

Stephenville at Lampasas Burnet at Brownwood

Friday, Nov. 1

Brownwood at Stephenville Lampasas at Marble Falls

Friday, Nov. 8

Stephenville at Burnet

Marble Falls at Brownwood

Note: All games start at 7:30 p.m.

DISTRICT 13-4A-DI

Austin Achieve Polar Bears

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. LBJ

2. Travis

3. Taylor

3. Northeast

5. Austin Achieve

6. Manor New Tech

7. Eastside

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

A move to 4A is going to benefit LBJ, which is three years removed from playing in the Class 4A state championship game. LBJ is the most experienced team in the district and a favorite to win the district title. After LBJ, the rest of the district is anyone’s game. Travis and Northeast are two of the more experienced teams and should see some success. Taylor shouldn’t be overlooked and should do well. Austin Achieve might be the underdog, but has enough experience to play spoiler. Keep an eye on the Polar Bears.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Thursday, Sept. 26

Eastside at Travis (House Park)

Friday, Sept. 27

Taylor at Manor New Tech

Northeast at Austin Achieve

Friday, Oct. 4

Manor New Tech at Eastside (House Park)

Travis at LBJ (Nelson)

Austin Achieve at Taylor

Friday, Oct. 11

LBJ at Manor New Tech

Taylor at Northeast (Nelson) Eastside at Austin Achieve

Thursday, Oct. 17

Northeast at Eastside (Hosue Park)

Austin Achieve at LBJ (Nelson)

Friday, Oct. 18

Manor New Tech at Travis (Burger)

Friday, Oct. 25

Travis at Austin Achieve Eastside at Taylor

LBJ at Northeast, 7:30 p.m. (Nelson)

Thursday, Oct. 31

Travis at Northeast (Burger)

Friday, Nov. 1

Taylor at LBJ (Nelson)

Austin Achieve at Manor New Tech

Thursday, Nov. 7

LBJ at Eastside (House Park)

Friday, Nov. 8

Manor New Tech at Northeast (Nelson)

Travis at Taylor

Note: All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Head coach: Joe Dimaio

2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (0-5, 6th in 13-4A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 8/6

Fab 5: WR Jacob Brandon; OL Leonardo Palacios; DB Gerardo Nunez; DB Ryan Gable; DE Chance Jackson

Outlook: The Polar Bears have one of the more experienced teams in the new-look 13-4A-I district, which could make them a dangerous sleeper. Getting off to a hot start with a win in the opener against Northeast will generate some momentum.

Eastside

Panthers

Head coach: Luis Becerra III

2023 record (district, finish): 0-10 (0-7, 8th in 12-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 0/3

Fab 5: WR/TE Victor Carr; QB Jaden Williams-Pringle; OL/DL

Douglas Sterling; WR/DB Moises Garcia; LB Damian ALverez Outlook: Eastside will be very young, but there is a silver lining – the junior varsity team went 5-5 last year with Williams-Pringle under center. The Panthers will have some growing pains early, but a repeat of last year’s 0-10 season is unlikely.

LBJ Jaguars

Head coach: Joe Rauls

Northeast Raiders

Head coach: Adbul Mustafa

2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (2-5, 6th in 12-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 8/6

Fab 5: QB Jesse Ybarra; RB Michael Berry; RB Zaivean Lewis; OL Yancarlos Jackson; OL Xavier Merced Outlook: There’s a lot of optimism surrounding the Raiders, and with good reason. WIth eight starters returning on offense, including QB Ybarra and RB Berry, and six on defense Northeast could have a breakout season in their return to Class 4A.

Taylor Ducks

Head coach: Earven Flowers

2023 record (district, finish): 5-6 (2-3, 4th)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Boerne in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 3/5

Fab 5: QB Nick Treuter; RB Andrias Fisher; DL Kaddy Maravilla; OL Ernest Alderete; LB Kezian Simien

Outlook: The Ducks were hit hard by graduation and will be working with a new QB that has played linebacker the past two seasons. There are some big guns on defense, including DL Maravilla, that will carry the load while a young offense gets settled.

Travis Rebels

2023 record (district, finish): 8-4 (7-0, 12-5A-II district champion)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Huntsville in area playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 8/8

Head coach: Joe Frank Martinez

2023 record (district, finish): 6-5 (4-3, 4th in 12-5A-II)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Belton in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 7/7

Fab 5: QB Ali Scott; DB Yaheim Riley; RB Caleb Crenshaw; DB K.J. Houston; WR/DB Marquis Murry; WR/DB Treawn Young-Henderson Outlook: LBJ returns to Class 4A where the Jaguars had a lot of success, reaching the state championship game in 2021. The athletic QB Scott and RB Crenshaw will be tough to stop. Defensively, DB Riley is one of the best in the Austin area. A deep playoff is a possibility.

Manor New Tech Titans

Head coach: Derrick Lewis

2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (1-4, 5th in 13-4A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 4/6

Fab 5: OL/DL: Alex Garcia; WR/LB Caleb Freeman; QB Christian Salzar; OL/DL Kade Kubitz; WR Donyae Larry Outlook: The Titans are big in the trenches, which will be beneficial with a young offense that returns only four starters. Manor New Tech will be more experienced on defense with a big defensive line and an athletic linebacker group. LBJ and Taylor are locks for the playoffs, but the other two spots are anyone’s for the taking. That includes the Titans.

Fab 5: QB/DB Jordan Davis; OL/ DL Anthony Powell; WR/DB Mario Ibarra; RB/DE Frank McChriston; DL Benicio Rodriguez

Outlook: The Rebels found a lot of success last year and returns the bulk of a team that made the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Don’t expect that playoff experience to be a one-off. Travis has all the pieces to find more success in 2024 and return to the postseason with the leadership of QB Davis.

LBJ QB Ali Scott

Photo by Michael Adams

DISTRICT 11-4A-DII

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. Bellville

2. Madisonville

3. Giddings

4. Sealy

5. La Grange

6. Caldwell

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Bellville, a state finalist last year, will be the team to beat, but an experienced Madisonville will arise as a legitimate challenger for the Brahmas. With eight returning offensive and six returning defensive starters, Giddings might be a sleeper along with Sealy, which returns seven starters on both sides of the ball. Despite an experienced squad, La Grange might be on the outside looking in but it has nothing to do with talent. That’s how good this district is going to be. Early district matchups will set the tone for the final three weeks of the season.

Giddings Buffaloes

Head coach: Michael Adams

2023 record (district, finish): 3-8 (2-3, 4th in 12-4A-II)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Waco Connally in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 8/6

Fab 5: RB/DB Bryson McDaniel; WR/DB Cade Patschke; QB Gunnar Fromme; WR/DB Landon Gaertner; OL/DL Tyler Davis

Outlook: The Buffaloes are one of the more experienced teams in the district and will rely on an explosive offense led by Fromme. Picking up early wins will be essential if Giddings hopes to return to the playoffs.

La Grange Leopards

Head coach: Kyle Cooper

2023 record (district, finish): 3-8 (2-3, 3rd in 12-4A-II)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Madisonville in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 7/7

Fab 5: QB Clayton Cooper; LB/RB Le’Kayvion Broussard; DL/TE Jaiden Scott; OL Dillan Johnson; DB/WR Julian Sherman

Outlook: La Grange has a talented squad that could make some waves behind field general Cooper, who has several weapons at his disposal. Much like their rival Giddings, the Leopards are going to have to finish strong after tough games against Madisonville and Bellville to open district.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct. 11

Caldwell at Giddings

Madisonville at La Grange

Sealy at Bellville

Friday, Oct. 18

Giddings at Sealy

La Grange at Bellville

Madisonville at Caldwell

Friday, Oct. 25

Caldwell at La Grange

Bellville at Giddings

Sealy at Madisonville

Friday, Nov. 1

La Grange at Giddings

Caldwell at Sealy

Madisonville at Bellville

Friday, Nov. 8

Giddings at Madisonville

Sealy at La Grange

Bellville at Caldwell

DISTRICT 13-4A-DII

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. Wimberley

2. Lago Vista

3. Geranimo Navarro

4. Salado

5. Gonzales

6. Jarrell

7. Smithville

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Wimberley is the cream of the crop among small schools in the area and will be difficult to beat with Cody Stoever behind center. Lago Vista is likely the only team of the six challengers to the Texans’ district title hopes that might be able to play spoiler. The Vikings are stacked on both sides of the ball. That season finale in Wimberely promises to have a big game atmosphere and will likely be for the district title. That leaves Geronimo Navarro, Gonzales, Jarrell and Salado fighting for the final two playoff spots out of the district.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct. 4

Navarro at Salado

Smithville at Gonzales

Lago Vista at Jarrell

Friday, Oct. 11

Gonzales at Lago Vista

Salado at Wimberley

Jarrell at Navarro

Friday, Oct. 18

Wimberley at Jarrell

Lago Vista at Smithville

Navarro at Gonzales

Friday, Oct. 25

Smithville at Navarro

Jarrell at Salado

Gonzales at Wimberley

Friday, Nov. 1

Navarro at Lago Vista

Salado at Gonzalez, Wimberley at Smithville

Friday, Nov. 8

Smithville at Salado

Lago Vista at Wimberley

Gonzales at Jarrell

Note: All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Jarrell Cougars

Head coach: Alan Haire

2023 record (district, finish): 3-8 (2-3, 4th) 2023 playoff results: Lost to Bandera in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 5/3

Fab 5: QB Nico Rodriguez; WR Ross Vrabel; WR Jacob Crathers; RB/LB Hayden

Dotson; OL Bryan Tibbetts

Outlook: The Cougars will be rebuilding their defense, as only three starters return from last year’s playoff team. Jarrell is one of four remaining teamsin this district, which welcomes three newcomers. That knowledge will benefit the Cougars as they chase a return to the postseason with an explosive offense led by Rodriguez.

Lago Vista Vikings

Head coach: Craten Phillips

2023 record (district, finish): 7-4 (3-2, 2nd)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Sinton in area playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 5/7

Fab 5: WR/DB Swayde Griffin; OL Tristin Tell; QB Tripp Henderson; WR Brock Morton; LB Brooks Jackson

Outlook: A disappointing end to the 2023 season will fuel an athletic Vikings team that features three-star recruit Griffin. Lago Vista has been one of a handful of teams that has challenged Wimberley in recent years. That trend won’t change this year as this high-powered offense will be difficult to stop.

Salado Eagles

Head coach: Ricky Beaty

2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (0-4, 5th in 11-4A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/4

Fab 5: WR Brendan Wilson; LB/ WR Damonte Foster; QB/DB DeVonte Foster; TE/DL Brooks Maybery; QB Lincoln Hossfeld

Outlook: Beaty moved a few miles up I-35 to take over the Eagles football team from Georgetown, where he was offensive coordinator.

That should benefit whoever emerges as the starting quarterback, who will have several weapons at their disposal. Salado should compete for one of the final two playoff spots.

Smithville Tigers

Head coach: Layne Neumann

2023 record (district, finish): 3-7 (2-3, 5th in 12-4A-II)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 4/5

Fab 5: RB/LB Justin Gurley; QB/DB Trip Davis; WR/DB Eric Thompson; WR/DB Cristian Osorio; DL Jose Soto Outlook: For the first time in 10 years, the Tigers will have a new head coach. Neumann takes over for Cyril Adkins, who led Smithville to five straight playoff appearances prior to last year. The Tigers won’t have a lot of experience, but the unknown could work in their favor in a challenging district.

Wimberley Texans

Head coach: Doug Warren

2023 record (district, finish): 14-1 (5-0, district champions)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Bellville in state semifinals

Returning starters (O/D): 5/4

Fab 5: QB Cody Stoever; WR/ DB Nolan Waida; LB/TE Ty Thames; OL/DL Cody Phillips; OL Hudson Rivera; OL/DL Cedar Bruner

Outlook: The Texans were inches from returning to the Class 4A-II championship game last year. That has fueled Wimberley’s field general Stoever in the offseason. Stoever has a big offensive line protecting him as he looks to duplicate his performance of more than 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. The Texans will be a difficult team to beat this season.

Lago Vista quarterbacks Colby Canales (3) and Tripp Henderson (16) are part of a loaded Vikings team that hopes to challenge Wimberley for the district title.

Photo by Michael Adams

DISTRICT 13-3A DIVISION II

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. Lexington

2. Blanco

3. Rogers

4. Thrall

5. Comfort

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

All five teams were playoff teams last year, with Blanco reaching the quarterfinals, and Rogers and Lexington falling in the third round. Those three will be the teams to beat with the Panthers having a slight edge over Rogers and Lexington as the favorite. Class 3A newcomer Thrall can’t be overlooked as the Tigers are one of the more experienced teams in the district. If the Tigers get settled in to 3A football, they might be a problem for their opponents later in the season.

Blanco Panthers

Head coach: Jamie Dixon

2023 record (district, finish): 11-3 (5-1, 2nd)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Edna in state quarterfinal

Returning starters (O/D): 6/3

Fab 5: TE/DE Matthew Rodriguez; OL Isaiah Mancha; OL Kaden Elrod; QB/WR Broderick Siwecki; RB/DB Trey Atchley

Outlook: The Panthers will welcome several new starters on defense, so expect the offense to carry the load in the beginning of the season. TE Rodriguez is a dangerous weapon for Siwecki as Blanco looks to duplicate last year’s success.

Thrall Tigers

Head coach: Aaron Vanecek

2023 record (district, finish): 6-5 (3-3, 4th in 13-2A-I)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Mason in bi-district playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 7/7

Fab 5: WR/DB Landon Gregory; LB Travis Matthews; QB Chance Parker; WR/LB Tyler Ortiz; RB/DL Braylon Hernandez

Outlook: The Tigers make the jump to Class 3A after seeing a lot of success at the 2A level. It remains to be seen if Thrall can have the same success in a bigger classification, but experience should carry the Tigers far as they settle into 3A football.

DISTRICT 14-2A DIVISION I

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. Mason

2. Holland

3. Johnson City

4. Thorndale

5. Harper

6. San Saba

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Mason and Holland have rich history and will likely battle for the district championship. The Punchers reached the second round of the playoffs last year, while Holland reached the third round. Johnson City, also an area finalist, should be a safe bet to finish third, but will be challenged by a much-improved Thorndale team, which went 0-10 last year. The Bulldogs and San Saba are the only two teams from this district that didn’t make the playoffs a year ago, but both return a lot of players and should be considered contenders.

Johnson City Eagles

Head coach: Nelson Kortis

2023 record (district, finish): 9-3 (3-1, 2nd)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Refugio in area playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 6/4

Fab 5: QB/DB Max Lechow; RB/ DB Colton Bonnett; WR/DB Johnny Slawinski; WR/ DB Walker Jackson; WR/DB Marshall Jackson Outlook: The Eagles are coming off a successful season, but will be young on defense in 2024. Look for Johnson City to rely on a high-powered offense led by Lechow, who has multiple weapons at his disposal.

Thorndale Bulldogs

Head coach: John Kovar

2023 record (district, finish): 0-10 (0-6, 7th in 13-2A-I)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 8/6

Fab 5: QB/DB Gunner Ferguson; RB Noah Crabtree; WR/DB Jayden Clawson; DE Casey Alexander; OL Parker Williams Outlook: There’s only one way to go for Kovar’s Bulldogs and they should leap to new heights behind the leadership of QB Ferguson, who has a big offensive line in front of him. Don’t expect a repeat of 2023.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct. 11

Blanco at Rogers

Lexington at Thral

Friday, Oct. 18

Thrall at Blanco

Rogers at Comfort

Friday, Oct. 25

Blanco at Lexington Comfrot at Thrall

Friday, Nov. 1

Rogers at Thrall Lexington at Comfort

Friday, Nov. 8

Comfrot at Blanco

Rogers at Lexington

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct. 11

Harper at Holland

Thorndale at Mason

San Saba at Johnson City

Friday, Oct. 18

San Saba at Thorndale

Mason at Harper Johnson City at Holland

Friday, Oct. 25

Harper at San Saba^ Thorndale at Johnson City Holland at Mason

Friday, Nov. 1

Holland at San Saba^

Thorndale at Harper

Johnson City at Mason

Friday, Nov. 8

Mason at San Saba^

Harper at Johnson City

Holland at Thorndale

Note: ^indicates a 5 p.m. kickoff, all other games start at 7 p.m.

DISTRICT 12-2A-DII

Bartlett Bulldogs

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Here’s how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 teams make the playoffs:

1. Granger

2. Burton

3. Iola

4. Somerville

5. Bartlett

6. Milano

7. McDade

8. Snook

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Class 2A football is unpredictable, so anyone could win this district. Granger looks to be the favorite in this district but will have a new head coach after Stephen Brosch was promoted to principal. Gaston McDorman comes to Granger after a stint at Cuero as OC. He should keep the Lions rolling. Teams shouldn’t sleep on Bartlett, who returns all 11 starters on both sides of the ball after going 0-10 last year. The interesting story is McDade, which makes the jump to 11-man football from 6-man this year.

Friday, Sept. 27

Granger at Bartlett

Iola at Milano

McDade at Burton

Snook at Somerville

Friday, Oct. 4

Somerville at Iola

Bartlett at McDade

Burton at Snook

Milano at Granger

Head coach: Ty Opperman

2023 record (district, finish): 0-10 (0-5, 6th)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 11/11

Fab 5: RB/DB Eric Walker II; QB/ LB Ryder Castro; WR/DB Tristan Evans; OL/DE Tywon Walker; TE/DE Aidan Bots Outlook: The Bulldogs are the most experienced team in the district. Coming off a 0-10 season, Bartlett could be a sleeper behind a strong running game led by Walker. The district may be top-heavy, but teams should keep the Bulldogs on the radar.

Granger Lions

McDade Bulldogs

Head coach: Jonathan Wells

2023 record (district, finish): 2-8 (0-4, 5th in 161A-I six-man)

2023 playoff results: N/A

Returning starters (O/D): 6/6

Fab 5: RB Trent Rizor; ATH

Jonathan Brandon; OL Angel Vargas; RB Jacob Pacheco; QB Ian Johnson

Head coach: Gaston McDorman 2023 record (district, finish): 10-3 (4-1, co-district champion)

2023 playoff results: Lost to Chilton in regional playoff

Returning starters (O/D): 4/5

Fab 5: LB/RB Caleb Hobratsch; LB/TE Stephen Rogers; OL/DL

Marcus Martinez; OL/DL Chase Selucky; DB/LB Jett Jolly

Outlook: McDorman takes over coaching duties after a successful four years under Stephen Brosch. McDorman brings a wealth of experience to a team that reached the third round of the playoffs last year and is the favorite to win the district title.

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct. 11

Snook at Bartlett

Granger at Iola

Somerville at Burton

McDade at Milano

Friday, Oct. 18

Bartlett at Burton

Milano at Snook

Granger at Somerville

Iola at McDade

Outlook: The Bulldogs are entering new territory with a whole new look from top to bottom. Johnathan Wells takes over as head coach, while McDade makes the jump to 11-man football after playing 6-man since 2018 where they had some success. If Wells can get his team used to 11-man football, the Bulldogs could make some noise.

Friday, Oct. 25

Somerville at Bartlett

Burton at Milano

McDade at Granger

Snook at Iola

Friday, Nov. 1

Milano at Bartlett

Granger at Snook Iola at Burton

McDade at Somerville

Friday, Nov. 8

Bartlett at Iola

Somerville at Milano

Burton at Granger

Snook at McDade

THE 10 BEST HIGH SCHOOL STADIUMS

BY MICHAEL ADAMS | AUSTIN SPORTS JOURNAL PUBLISHER

Ihave covered Texas high school football for more than 20 years, with most of those years spent in the Greater Austin Area. I have been to more than 100 high school football stadiums in the state, but I still think some of the best to experience the Friday night lights are right here in the Capital city. Here are my top 10 stadiums in the Austin area based on location, scenic views, atmosphere and near by places to grab a pregame meal. Bonus points were considered for great student sections.

1. CHAPARRAL STADIUM (WESTLAKE)

Officially named, Ebbie Neptune Field at Chaparral Stadium, this Austin area high school football gem opened in 1970 and has been home to some great players. If you’re looking for scenery, this is the place. Nothing beats the view of downtown Austin from the home side of the field.

Best place to get a pregame meal: Rudy’s BBQ is just down the road on Loop 360, and is underrated barbecue in our opinion.

2. HOUSE PARK STADIUM (AUSTIN ISD)

The oldest high school football stadium in the Austin Area. Built in 1939, House Park is home to Austin ISD schools Austin High, McCallum, Anderson and Eastside. A view of downtown Austin is a backdrop in the south endzone and rivals Chaparral Stadium for scenery. It’s in need of an upgrade, but despite its age, House Park is still one of the best places to take in a high school football game.

Best place to get a pregame meal: Shoal Creek Saloon is just a few blocks from the stadium and has the best Cajun food in town.

3. THE PFIELD (PFLUGERVILLE ISD)

The Pfield is one of the newest stadiums in the Austin area, opening in 2017, and home to Pflugerville ISD schools Weiss, Pflugerville, Connally and Hendrickson. This beautiful high school football gem ls located across Pecan Street from the legendary Kuempel Stadium, which is featured in the Friday Night Lights TV series as home to the fictional Dillon Panthers. There’s not a bad seat in the house.

Best place to get a pregame meal: TaterQue serves a loaded baked potato that is to-die-for and is just a couple of minutes from the stadium. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

4. BIRKELBACH FIELD (GEORGETOWN ISD)

Birkelbach Field serves as home to the UIL state soccer championships, but it’s also one of the best overall high school football atmospheres in the area, if not the state. It opened in 2008 and seats over 12,000 people. Georgetown and East View play their home games here and on any given Friday night visiting opponents are met with rowdy student sections and loyal fans.

Best place to get a pregame meal: Cotton Patch Cafe is located on University Ave nestled in the back of a shopping plaza. The fried catfish is some of the best around, and they serve a pretty good burger.

THE 10 BEST HIGH SCHOOL STADIUMS

5. JERRY VANCE FIELD

AT PANTHER STADIUM (LIBERTY HILL)

If you’re looking for a true Friday night lights experience, make the trip up 183 and go west on Highway 29 to Liberty Hill. The entire town shuts down on Friday nights and everyone makes their way to the stadium to cheer on the Panthers. The tailgating is some of the best in the area, not to mention you’ll get to watch Liberty Hill run the Slot-T offense to perfection.

Best place to get a pregame meal: Hill Country Smokehouse, located just west the stadium along Highway 29, serves up an authentic Texas barbecue experience with an old west aesthetic.

6. KELLY REEVES ATHLETIC COMPLEX (ROUND ROCK ISD)

Known as “The Palace,” the KRAC was built in 2003 and is one of the bigger stadiums in the Austin metro area, seating 11,000. Located on Parmer Lane, just north of Highway 610, Kelly Reeves provides one of the best overall Friday night atmospheres for high school football.

Best place to get a pregame meal: Moonshine Grill is right next door and well within walking distance of the stadium. Get the chicken and waffles and thank us later.

7. GUPTON STADIUM (LEANDER ISD)

Built in 2009, Gupton Stadium is home to the Cedar Park Timberwolves and Vista Ridge Rangers. It’s located on the campus of Vista Ridge High School on Vista Ridge Blvd off of Bushy Creek Road. Gupton has one of the most electric atmospheres in the area thanks to the Vista Ridge and Cedar Park student sections, which are two of the best in the area.

Best place to get a pregame meal: Gupton Stadium is just minutes from Kelly Reeves, so you could grab a bite at Moonshine Grill. But if you’re looking for something different, take a trip west on Park Street and cross U.S. 183 and try Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant.

8. TEXAN STADIUM (WIMBERLEY)

Built in 1986, Texan Stadium serves up a 6A atmosphere at a 4A level. Home to powerhouse Wimberley, Texan Stadium rivals any 4A school in the state as one of the best stadiums in Class 4A. Everyone in Wimberley is at Texan Stadium on a Friday night cheering on Wimberley’s football team. It’s small-town Texas high school football at its best.

Best place to get a pregame meal: Honestly, just drive into downtown to Wimberley Square and take your pick. You can’t go wrong with any of the local restaurants there, but our personal favorite is Chills on the Lake, which has an really nice outdoor patio. You’ll want to go early to stroll into some of the local antique shops.

9. BASTROP MEMORIAL STADIUM (BASTROP ISD)

Bastrop Memorial Stadium was built in 2009 prior to the opening of Cedar Creek High School in 2010. Home to the Bastrop Bears and Cedar Creek Eagles, Bastrop Memorial Stadium sits nestled along Texas Highway 21 and provides stunning sunset views in September and early October. There’s also some great tailgating going on in the parking lot on game days.

Best place to get a pregame meal: Go early and drive into Bastrop to grab a burger at Roadhouse, just across from Bastrop State Park. Roadhouse serves the best burgers anywhere East of IH-35.

10. TOYOTA RATTLER STADIUM (SAN MARCOS)

Rattler Stadium was completed in 2014, giving San Marcos High School’s football team its own stadium. For several years prior, the Rattlers played home games at Texas State’s Bobcat Stadium. There’s also a kids play area during game times. The stadium has 5,000 of its 8,000 seats on the home side to accommodate a large loyal fan base.

Best place to get a pregame meal: It’s not even a debate, go early and stop at Herbert’s Taco Hut for some of the best authentic Mexican food you can find anywhere. Take exit 204B on IH-35 and make a right on Riverside Drive.

- Michael Adams

Top left: Vista Ridge students cheer on the Rangers during a game at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park. Right: Westwood runs onto the field at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex before a game in the 2023 season.

Photos by Michael Adams

AUSTIN AREA STADIUM GUIDE

Here is a list of

1. Artic Tundra

Home team: Austin Achieve

Address: 7424 E. Hwy 290, Austin, Texas 78723 Capacity: 1,000

2. Burger Stadium

Home team(s): Bowie, Crockett, Travis, Akins

Address: 3200 Jones Rd, Austin, Texas 78745 Capacity: 15,647

3. Cavalier Stadium

Home team(s): Lake Travis

Address: 3322 Ranch Road 620 South, Austin, Texas 78738 Capacity: 7,000

4. Ebbie Neptune Field at Chaparral Stadium Home team(s): Westlake

Address: 4100 Westbank Dr., Austin, Texas 78746 Capacity: 10,000

5. I.I. Nelson Field

Home team(s): LBJ, Navarro, Northeast, LASA Address: 7105 Berkman Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Capacity: 10,440

6. Ed W. Monroe Memorial Stadium

Home team(s): Vandegrift

Address: 9500 McNeil Drive, Austin, Texas 78750 Capacity: 7,500

7. House Park Stadium

Home team(s): Austin High, McCallum, Anderson, Eastside

Address: 1301 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, Texas 78701 Capacity: 6,400

8. Mustang Stadium Home team(s): Manor

Address: 14832 FM 973, Manor, Texas 78653 Capacity: 6,118

9. New Tech Coliseum

Home team(s): Manor New Tech

Address: 10323 U.S. 290, Manor, Texas 78653 Capacity: 3,200

10. Veterans Stadium

Home team(s): Del Valle

Address: 5301 Ross Road, Del Valle, Texas 78617

Capacity: 4,400

11. Lago Vista High School Stadium

Home team(s): Lago Vista

Address: 5185 Lohman Fond Road, Lago Vista, Texas 78645

Capacity: 2,235

12. The Pfield

Home team(s): Pflguerville, Weiss, Hendrickson, Connally

Address: 1440 Pecan Street, Pflugerville, Texas 78660 Capacity: 10,000

13. Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex (KRAC)

Home team(s): Westwood, McNeil, Stony Point, Cedar Ridge, Round Rock

Address: 10211 West Parmer Lane, Austin, Texas 78717

Capacity: 11,000

14. Birkelbach Field

Home team(s): Georgetown, East View

Address: 2275 North Austin Ave., Georgetown, Texas 78626

Capacity: 11,418

15. Hutto Memorial Stadium

Home team(s): Hutto

Address: 573 Chris Kelley Blvd., Hutto, Texas 78634

Capacity: 10,500

16. Bible Memorial Stadium

Home team(s): Leander, Glenn

Address: 3301 S. Bagdad Road, Leander, Texas 78613

Capacity: 10,447

17. John Gupton Stadium

Home team(s): Cedar Park, Vista Ridge, Rouse

Address: S. Vista Ridge Blvd at E. Park St., Cedar Park, Texas 78613

Capacity: 11,000

18. Dragon Stadium

Home team(s): Round Rock, Westwood, Stony Point, McNeil, Cedar Ridge

Address: 300 North Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78681

Capacity: 11,000

19. Lion Stadium

Home team(s): Granger

Address: 300 N. Colorado, Granger, Texas 76530 Capacity: 988

20. Cougar Field

Home team(s): Jarrell

Address: 1100 FM 487, Jarrell, Texas 76537

Capacity: 3,753

21. Jerry Vance Field at Panther Stadium

Home team(s): Liberty Hill

Address: 16500 TX 29, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642

Capacity: 9,000

22. Taylor Stadium

Home team(s): Taylor

Address: 355 FM 973, Taylor, Texas 76574

Capacity: 5,000

23. Tiger Stadium

Home team(s): Thrall

Address: 201 S. Bounds St., Thrall, Texas 76578

Capacity: 1,489

24. BISD Memorial Stadium

Home team(s): Bastrop, Cedar Creek

Address: 755 TX 21, Cedar Creek, Texas 78612

Capacity: 6,471

25. Wildcat Stadium Home team(s): Elgin

Address: 14000 County Line Road, Elgin, Texas 78621 Capacity: 6,000

26. Tiger Stadium Home team(s): Smithville Address: 285 TX 95, Smithville, Texas 78957

Capacity: 5,000

27. McDade Bulldog Stadium Home team(s): McDade

Address: 156 Marlin St., McDade, Texas 78650

Capacity: 500

28. Bob Shelton Stadium

Home team(s): Hays, Buda Johnson, Lehman

Address: 4800 Jack C. Hays Trail, Buda, Texas 78610

Capacity: 8,600

29. Tiger Stadium

Home team(s): Dripping Springs

Address: 940 U.S. 290, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

Capacity: 7,140

30. Toyota Rattler Stadium

Home team(s): San Marcos

Address: 2601 Rattler Rd., San Marcos, Texas 78666

Capacity: 8,182

31. Texan Stadium Home team(s): Wimberley Address: 200 Texan Boulevard, Wimberley, Texas 78676 Capacity: 3,200

32. Bulldog Stadium Home team(s): Bartlett

Address: 404 N. Robinson, Barlett, Texas 76511 Capacity: 1,812

33. Eagle Stadium Home team(s): Salado

Address: 620 Thomas Arnold Rd., Salado, Texas 76571 Capacity: 1,729

34. Panther Stadium

Home team(s): Blanco

Address: 1100 4th South, Blanco, Texas 78606 Capacity: 2,635

35. Eagle Field

Home team(s): Johnson City - LBJ

Address: 100 East Ash Drive, Johnson City, Texas 78636 Capacity: 1,771

36. Bulldog Stadium Home team(s): Burnet Address: 1401 N. Main St., Burnet, Texas 78611 Capacity: 4,994

37. Mustang Stadium Home team(s): Marble Falls Address: 2101 Mustang Drive, Marble Falls, Texas 78654 Capacity: 5,224

38. Bulldog Stadium Home team(s): Thorndale

Address: 100 Stadium St., Thorndale, Texas 76577 Capacity: 1,826

39. Buffalo Stadium Home team(s): Giddings

Address: 1600 N. Main St., Giddings, Texas 78942 Capacity: 4,179

40. Lions Stadium Home team(s): Lockhart

Address: Lion Country Dr., Lockhart, Texas 78644 Capacity: 5,271

41. Leopard Stadium Home team(s): La Grange

Address: 820 S. Vail St., La Grange, Texas 78945 Capacity: 3,704

TEAM SCHEDULES

Akins

Aug. 30 Travis (Burger)

Sept. 5 (Th.) at Cedar Creek

Sept. 13 at Manor New Tech

Sept. 19 (Th.) at Northeast (Nelson)

Sept. 26 (Th.) Dr. Springs* (Burger)

Oct. 3 (Th.) at Westlake*

Oct. 11 Open

Oct. 18 Austin High* (Burger)

Oct. 24 (Th.) at Bowie* (Burger)

Nov. 1 Lake Travis* (Burger)

Nov. 8 at Del Valle*

* District game

Anderson

Aug. 29 (Th.) McCallum (House Park)

Sept. 6 at Elgin

Sept. 13 at College Station*

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 A&M Cons.* (Nelson)

Oct. 3 (Th.) at Lehman* (Shelton)

Oct. 11 Hendrickson* (House Park)

Oct. 18 at Cedar Creek*

Oct. 25 Hays* (House Park)

Nov. 1 at Lockhart*

Nov. 8 Weiss* (House Park)

* District game

Austin Achieve

Aug. 30 New Braunfels Christian

Sept. 6 St. Anthony’s

Sept. 13 at Florence

Sept. 20 Thorndale

Sept. 27 Northeast*

Oct. 4 at Taylor*

Oct. 11 Eastside*

Oct. 18 at LBJ* (Nelson)

Oct. 25 Travis*

Nov. 1 at Manor New Tech*

Nov. 8 Open *District game

Austin High

Aug. 30 N.B. Canyon (House Park)

Sept. 5 (Th.) Westwood (House Park)

Sept. 12 (Th.) at Buda Johnson (Shelton)

Sept. 20 at Temple

Sept. 27 Del Valle* (House Park)

Oct. 4 at Dripping Springs*

Oct. 10 (Th.) Westlake* (House Park)

Oct. 18 at Akins* (Burger)

Oct. 25 Open

Nov. 1 Bowie* (House Park)

Nov. 8 at Lake Travis*

* District game

Austin LASA

Aug. 30 at Manor New Tech

Sept. 6 Eastside (Burger)

Sept. 12 (Th.) at Northeast (Nelson)

Sept. 20 at FB Christian Academy

Sept. 27 at Falls City

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 10 (Th.) S.M. Home School (Burger)

Oct. 18 at KIPP Northeast

Oct. 24 (Th.) St. Andrews (House Park)

Nov. 2 (Sa.) Legacy (Burger)

Nov. 8 at Lake Country Christian

Bartlett

Aug. 30 Bosqueville

Sept. 6 at Bruceville-Eddy

Sept. 13 Mart

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 Granger*

Oct. 4 at McDade*

Oct. 11 Snook*

Oct. 18 at Burton*

Oct. 25 Sommerville*

Nov. 1 Milano*

Nov. 8 at Iola*

* District game

Bastrop

Aug. 30 at Alvin

Sept. 6 China Spring

Sept. 13 at Plano Prestonwood

Sept. 19 (Th) at Crockett* (Burger)

Sept. 27 McCallum*

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 Connally*

Oct. 18 at Navarro* (Nelson)

Oct. 25 Elgin*

Nov. 1 at Pflugerville*

Nov. 8 Liberty Hill*

* District game

Blanco

Aug. 30 at Hondo

Sept. 6 at Randolph

Sept. 13 S.A. Lanier

Sept. 20 Ingram

Sept. 27 S.A. Memorial

Oct. 4 at Yoakum

Oct. 11 at Rodgers*

Oct. 18 Thrall*

Oct. 25 at Lexington*

Nov. 1 Open

Nov. 8 Comfort*

* District game

Bowie

Aug. 30 at Manor

Sept. 5 (Th) at Vista Ridge (Gupton)

Sept. 12 (Th) Glenn (Burger)

Sept. 20 Converse Judson (Burger)

Sept. 27 Lake Travis* (Burger)

Oct. 4 at Del Valle*

Oct. 11 Dripping Springs* (Burger)

Oct. 18 at Westlake*

Oct. 24 (Th) Akins* (Burger)

Nov. 1 at Austin High* (House Park)

Nov. 8 Open

* District game

Buda Johnson

Aug. 30 at Cedar Ridge (Kelly Reeves)

Sept. 6 Stony Point

Sept. 12 (Th.) Austin High

Sept. 20 at Dripping Springs

Sept. 27 San Marcos*

Oct. 4 at New Braunfels Canyon*

Oct. 11 Open

Oct. 17 (Th.) Schertz Clemens*

Oct. 25 at San Antonio East Central*

Nov. 1 Converse Judson*

Nov. 8 at Cibolo Steele*

* District game

Burnet

Aug. 30 Lago Vista

Sept. 6 at East View

Sept. 13 at Little River Academy

Sept. 20 at Fredericksburg

Sept. 27 Gatesville

Oct. 4 San Angelo Lake View

Oct. 11 at Marble Falls*

Oct. 18 Lampasas*

Oct. 25 at Brownwood*

Nov. 1 Open

Nov. 8 Stephenville*

* District game

Cedar Creek

Aug. 30 at Del Valle

Sept. 5 (Th.) Akins

Sept. 13 Open

Sept. 20 Hays*

Sept. 27 at Lockhart*

Oct. 4 Weiss*

Oct. 11 at College Station*

Oct. 18 Anderson*

Oct. 25 at A&M Consolidated*

Nov. 1 Lehman*

Nov. 7 (Th.) at Hendrickson* (Pfield)

* District game

Cedar Park

Aug. 30 at Harker Heights^

Sept. 6 Vandegrift (Gupton)

Sept. 13 Huntsville (Gupton)

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 at Killeen Chaparral*

Oct. 4 Rouse* (Gupton)

Oct. 10 at East View*

Oct. 18 Glenn* (Gupton)

Oct. 25 at Lake Belton*

Nov. 1 at Leander* (Bible)

Nov. 7 (Th.) Georgetown* (Gupton)

* District game

Cedar Ridge

Aug. 30 Buda Johnson

Sept. 6 at Waco Midway

Sept. 13 at Hutto*

Sept. 20 Westwood* (Dragon)

Sept. 27 at Round Rock (Dragon)

Oct. 4 Stony Point* (Kelly Reeves)

Oct. 11 at Vandegrift*

Oct. 18 Vista Ridge* (Dragon)

Oct. 25 at McNeil* (Kelly Reeves)

Nov. 1 Open

Nov. 8 Manor* (Kelly Reeves)

* District game

Connally

Aug. 30 at Rouse (Gupton)

Sept. 6 Taylor (The Pfield)

Sept. 13 Bryan Rudder (The Pfield)

Sept. 20 at Liberty Hill*

Sept. 26 (Th.) Crockett* (The Pfield)

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 at Bastrop*

Oct. 18 at McCallum* (House Park)

Oct. 25 Navarro* (The Pfield)

Nov. 1 at Elgin*

Nov. 8 Pflugerville* (The Pfield)

* District game

Crockett

Aug. 30 at Marble Falls

Sept. 6 at Canyon Lake

Sept. 13 at New Braunfels Long

Creek

Sept. 19 (Th.) Bastrop* (Burger)

Sept. 27 at Connally* (The Pfield)

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 10 (Th.) Navarro* (Burger)

Oct. 18 at Elgin*

Oct. 25 Pflugerville* (Burger)

Nov. 1 at Liberty Hill*

Nov. 8 McCallum* (Burger)

* District game

Del Valle

Aug. 30 Cedar Creek

Sept. 6 at Schertz Clemens

Sept. 13 at Leander (Bible)^

Sept. 20 Copperas Cove

Sept. 27 at Austin High*

Oct. 4 Bowie*

Oct. 11 at Lake Travis*

Oct. 18 Open

Oct. 25 Dripping Springs*

Nov. 1 at Westlake*

Nov. 8 Akins*

* District game

Dripping Springs

Aug. 30 at Vandegrift^

Sept. 6 San Antonio Wagner

Sept. 13 at Harker Heights

Sept. 20 Buda Johnson

Sept. 26 (Th.) at Akins* (Burger)

Oct. 4 Austin High*

Oct. 11 Bowie* (Burger)

Oct. 18 Lake Travis*

Oct. 25 at Del Valle*

Nov. 1 Open

Nov. 8 Westlake*

* District game

East View

Aug. 29 (Th) at Stony Point (Dragon)

Sept. 6 Burnet

Sept. 12 (Th) Belton

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 Glenn*

Oct. 4 at Lake Belton*

Oct. 10 (Th) Cedar Park*

Oct. 18 at Georgetown*

Oct. 25 Killeen Chaparral*

Nov. 1 at Rouse* (Gupton)

Nov. 8 Leander*

* District game

Eastside

Aug. 30 Navarro (Nelson)

Sept. 6 at LASA (Burger)

Sept. 13 Thrall (House Park)

Sept. 20 at St. John Paul II

Sept. 26 (Th.) at Travis* (House Park)

Oct. 4 Manor NT* (House Park)

Oct. 11 at Austin Achieve*

Oct. 17 (Th.) Northeast* (House Park)

Oct. 25 at Taylor*

Nov. 1 Open

Nov. 7 (Th.) LBJ* (House Park) * District game

Elgin

Aug. 30 Hays

Sept. 6 Anderson

Sept. 13 at Montgomery

Sept. 20 at McCallum* (House Park)

Sept. 27 Pflugerville*

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 at Liberty Hill*

Oct. 18 Crockett*

Oct. 25 at Bastrop*

Nov. 1 Connally*

Nov. 8 at Navarro* (Nelson) * District game

Georgetown

Aug. 30

Victoria East

Sept. 6 at Belton

Sept. 13 Copperas Cove

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 at Leander* (Bible)

Oct. 4 Killeen Chaparral*

Oct. 10 (Th.) at Rouse* (Gupton)

Oct. 18 East View*

Oct. 25 at Glenn* (Bible)

Nov. 1 Lake Belton*

Nov. 7 (Th.) at Cedar Park* (Gupton) * District game

Giddings

Aug. 30 at Jarrell

Sept. 6 at Smithville

Sept. 13 Salado

Sept. 20 Rockdale

Sept. 27 at El Campo

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 Caldwell*

Oct. 18 at Sealy*

Oct. 25 Bellville*

Nov. 1 La Grange*

Nov. 8 at Madisonville* * District game

Glenn

Aug. 30 at Medina Valley

Sept. 6 at Copperas Cove

Sept. 13 at Bowie (Burger)

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 at East View*

Oct. 4 Leander* (Bible)

Oct. 11 Lake Belton* (Bible)

Oct. 18 at Cedar Park* (Gupton)

Oct. 25 Georgetown* (Bible)

Nov. 1 at Killeen Chaparral*

Nov. 8 Rouse* (Bible) * District game

TEAM SCHEDULES

Granger

Aug. 30 at Johnson City - LBJ

Sept. 6 at Thorndale

Sept. 13 Holland

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 at Bartlett*

Oct. 4 Milano*

Oct. 11 at Iola*

Oct. 18 at Somerville*

Oct. 25 McDade*

Nov. 1 at Snook*

Nov. 8 Burton*

* District game

Hays

Aug. 30 at Elgin

Sept. 5 (Th) Pflugerville

Sept. 13 Hendrickson*

Sept. 20 at Cedar Creek*

Sept. 27 Open

Oct. 4 Lockhart*

Oct. 11 at Weiss*

Oct. 18 College Station*

Oct. 25 at Anderson* (House Park)

Oct. 31 (Th.) A&M Consolidated*

Nov. 8 at Lehman*

* District game

Hendrickson

Aug. 29 (Th) at Belton

Sept. 5 (Th) Leander

Sept. 13 at Hays*

Sept. 20 Lockhart*

Sept. 27 Weiss*

Oct. 4 College Station*

Oct. 11 at Anderson* (House Park)

Oct. 17 (Th) A&M Consolidated*

Oct. 25 at Lehman*

Nov. 1 Open

Nov. 7 (Th) Cedar Creek* * District game

Hutto

Aug. 30 San Marcos

Sept. 6 at Converse Judson

Sept. 13 Cedar Ridge*

Sept. 20 at Manor*

Sept. 27 Open

Oct. 4 Westwood*

Oct. 11 at Round Rock* (Dragon)

Oct. 18 Stony Point*

Oct. 25 at Vandegrift*

Nov. 1 Vista Ridge*

Nov. 8 at McNeil* (Dragon)

* District game

Jarrell

Aug. 30 Giddings

Sept. 6 Marble Falls

Sept. 13 at Caldwell

Sept. 20 at Llano

Sept. 27 at Smithville*

Oct. 4 Lago Vista*

Oct. 11 at Geronimo Navarro*

Oct. 18 Wimberley*

Oct. 25 at Salado*

Nov. 1 Open

Nov. 8 Gonzales*

* District game

Johnson City-LBJ

Aug. 30 Granger

Sept. 6 at Sanora

Sept. 13 Miles

Sept. 20 Comfort

Sept. 27 at Thrall

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 San Saba*

Oct. 18 at Holland*

Oct. 25 at Thorndale*

Nov. 1 at Mason*

Nov. 8 Harper*

* District game

La Grange

Aug. 30 Cameron Yoe

Sept. 6 at Columbus

Sept. 13 at Smithville

Sept. 20 at Taylor

Sept. 27 Navasota

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 Madisonville*

Oct. 18 at Bellville*

Oct. 25 Caldwell*

Nov. 1 at Giddings*

Nov. 8 Sealy*

* District game

Lago Vista

Aug. 30 at Burnet

Sept. 6 Waco Connally

Sept. 13 Taylor

Sept. 20 at Marion

Sept. 27 Salado*

Oct. 4 at Jarrell*

Oct. 11 Gonzales*

Oct. 18 at Smithville*

Oct. 25 Open

Nov. 1 Geronimo Navarro*

Nov. 8 at Wimberley*

* District game

Lake Travis

Aug. 30 at Arlington Martin

Sept. 6 Rockwall

Sept. 13 at Midland Legacy

Sept. 20 San Marcos

Sept. 27 at Bowie* (Burger)

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 Del Valle*

Oct. 18 at Dripping Springs*

Oct. 25 Westlake*

Nov. 1 at Akins (Burger)

Nov. 8 Austin High*

* District game

LBJ

Aug. 30 at SA Sam Houston

Sept. 6 Open

Sept. 13 Wimberley (Nelson)

Sept. 20 Dallas Episcopal (Nelson)

Sept. 27 at SA Cornerstone

Oct. 4 Travis* (Nelson)

Oct. 11 at Manor New Tech*

Oct. 17 (Th.) Austin Achieve* (Nelson)

Oct. 25 at Northeast* (Nelson)

Nov. 1 Taylor* (Nelson)

Nov. 8 at Eastside* (House Park)

* District game

Leander

Aug. 30 at Pflugerville (The Pfield)

Sept. 5 (Th) at Hendrickson

Sept. 13 Del Valle

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 Georgetown* (Bible)

Oct. 4 Glenn* (Bible)

Oct. 11 at Killeen Chaparral*

Oct. 18 Lake Belton* (Bible)

Oct. 25 at Rouse* (Gupton)

Nov. 1 Cedar Park* (Bible)

Nov. 8 at East View*

* District game

Lehman

Aug. 30 Killeen Chapparal (Shelton)

Sept. 6 at San Antonio Jay

Sept. 13 at Lockhart*

Sept. 20 Weiss* (Shelton)

Sept. 27 at College Station*

Oct. 3 (Th.) Anderson* (Shelton)

Oct. 11 at A&M Consolidated*

Oct. 18 Open

Oct. 25 Hendrickson* (Shelton)

Nov. 1 at Cedar Creek*

Nov. 8 Hays* (Shelton)

* District game

Liberty Hill

Aug. 30 at Cibolo Steele

Sept. 6 Rouse

Sept. 13 El Paso Eastlake^

Sept. 20 Connally*

Sept. 26 (Th.) at Navarro* (Nelson)

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 Elgin*

Oct. 18 at Pflugerville*

Oct. 25 McCallum*

Nov. 1 Crockett*

Nov. 8 at Bastrop*

^at Midland Christian

* District game

Lockhart

Aug. 30 at Victoria West

Sept. 6 at San Antonio Southwest

Sept. 13 Lehman*

Sept. 20 at Hendrickson* (Pfield)

Sept. 27 Cedar Creek*

Oct. 4 at Hays* (Shelton)

Oct. 11 Open

Oct. 18 Weiss*

Oct. 25 at College Station*^

Nov. 1 Anderson*

Nov. 8 at A&M Consolidated*^ * District game

Manor

Aug. 30 Bowie

Sept. 6 at Harker Heights

Sept. 13 Open

Sept. 20 Hutto*

Sept. 27 at Westwood* (KRAC)

Oct. 4 Round Rock*

Oct. 11 at Stony Point (KRAC)

Oct. 18 Vandegrift*

Oct. 24 (Th.) at Vista Ridge* (Gupton)

Nov. 1 McNeil*

Nov. 8 at Cedar Ridge* (KRAC)

* District game

Manor New Tech

Aug. 30 LASA

Sept. 6 at Killeen Chaparral

Sept. 13 Akins

Sept. 20 at Brentwood Ch.

Sept. 27 Taylor*

Oct. 4 at Eastside* (House Park)

Oct. 11 LBJ*

Oct. 18 at Travis* (Burger)

Oct. 25 Open

Nov. 1 Austin Achieve*

Nov. 8 at Northeast* (Nelson)

* District game

Marble Falls

Aug. 30 Crockett

Sept. 6 at Jarrell

Sept. 13 at Llano

Sept. 20 S.A. Brackenridge

Sept. 27 La Vernia

Oct. 4 at Devine

Oct. 11 Burnet*

Oct. 18 at Stephenville*

Oct. 25 Open

Nov. 1 Lampasas*

Nov. 8 at Brownwood*

* District game

McCallum

Aug. 29 at Anderson (House Park)

Sept. 6 Travis (House Park)

Sept. 13 at Dallas Pinkston

Sept. 20 Elgin* (House Park)

Sept. 27 at Bastrop*

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 10 (Th) at Pflugerville*

Oct. 18 Connally* (House Park)

Oct. 25 at Liberty Hill*

Oct. 31 (Th) Navarro (House Park)

Nov. 8 at Crockett* (Burger)

* District game

McDade

Aug. 30 at Copas Rose Legacy

Sept. 6 at Hubbard

Sept. 13 at New Braunfels Christian

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 at Burton*

Oct. 4 Bartlett*

Oct. 11 at Milano*

Oct. 18 Iola*

Oct. 25 at Granger*

Nov. 1 at Somerville*

Nov. 8 Snook*

* District game

McNeil

Aug. 29 (Th) Weiss (KRAC)

Sept. 5 (Th) at Lake Belton

Sept. 13 at Westwood* (KRAC)

Sept. 20 Round Rock* (KRAC)

Sept. 27 at Stony Point* (Dragon)

Oct. 4 Vandegrift (Dragon)

Oct. 11 at V. Ridge* (Gupton)

Oct. 18 Open

Oct. 25 Cedar Ridge* (KRAC)

Nov. 1 at Manor*

Nov. 8 Hutto* (Dragon) * District game

Navarro

Aug. 30 at Eastside (Nelson)

Sept. 6 Northeast (Nelson)

Sept. 13 at Travis (Burger)

Sept. 19 (Th.) at Pflugerville* (Pfield)

Sept. 26 (Th.) Liberty Hill* (Nelson)

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 10 (Th.) at Crockett* (Burger)

Oct. 18 Bastrop* (Nelson)

Oct. 25 at Connally* (The Pfield)

Oct. 31 (Th.) at McCallum* (House Park)

Nov. 8 Elgin* (Nelson) * District game

Northeast

Aug. 30 at St. Andrews

Sept. 6 at Navarro (Nelson)

Sept. 12 (Th.) LASA (Nelson)

Sept. 19 (Th.) Akins (Nelson)

Sept. 27 at Austin Achieve*

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 Taylor* (Nelson)

Oct. 17 (Th.) at Eastside* (House Park)

Oct. 25 LBJ* (Nelson)

Oct. 31 (Th.) Travis* (Burger)

Nov. 8 Manor NT* (Nelson) * District game

Pflugerville

Aug. 30 Leander

Sept. 5 (Th) at Hays

Sept. 13 atFB Christian

Sept. 19 (Th) Navarro*

Sept. 27 at Elgin*

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 10 (Th) McCallum*

Oct. 18 Liberty Hill*

Oct. 25 at Crockett* (Burger)

Nov. 1 Bastrop*

Nov. 8 at Connally* * District game

Round Rock

Aug. 30 Killeen Shoemake (Dragon)

Sept. 6 at Temple

Sept. 13 Vista Ridge* (Dragon)

Sept. 20 at McNeil* (KRAC)

Sept. 27 Cedar Ridge* (Dragon)

Oct. 4 at Manor*

Oct. 11 Hutto* (Dragon)

Oct. 18 at Westwood* (KRAC)

Oct. 25 Open

Nov. 1 Stony Point* (Dragon)

Nov. 8 at Vandegrift* * District game

TEAM SCHEDULES

Rouse

Aug. 30 Connally (Gupton)

Sept. 6 at Liberty Hill

Sept. 13 at Waco Midway

Sept. 20 Open

Sept. 27 Lake Belton (Gupton)*

Oct. 4 at Cedar Park (Gupton)*

Oct. 10 (Th) Georgetown (Gupton)*

Oct. 18 at Killeen Chaparral*

Oct. 25 Leander (Gupton)*

Nov. 1 East View (Gupton)*

Nov. 8 at Glenn (Bible)*

*District game

Salado

Aug. 30 Troy

Sept. 6 Lampasas

Sept. 13 at Giddings

Sept. 20 at Little River Academy

Sept. 27 at Lago Vista*

Oct. 4 Geronimo Navarro*

Oct. 11 at Wimberley*

Oct. 18 Open

Oct. 25 Jarrell*

Nov. 1 at Gonzales*

Nov. 8 Smithville*

*District game

San Marcos

Aug. 30 at Hutto

Sept. 6 Weiss

Sept. 13 San Antonio Wagner

Sept. 20 at Lake Travis

Sept. 27 at Bu. Johnson* (Shelton)

Oct. 4 Schertz Clemens*

Oct. 11 at SA East Central*

Oct. 18 Converse Judson*

Oct. 25 at Cibolo Steele*

Nov. 1 Open

Nov. 8 New Braunfels Canyon*

*District game

Smithville

Aug. 30 at Rockdale

Sept. 6 Giddings

Sept. 13 La Grange

Sept. 20 at Caldwell

Sept. 27 Jarrell

Oct. 4 at Gonzales*

Oct. 11 Open

Oct. 18 Lago Vista*

Oct. 25 at Geronimo Navarro*

Nov. 1 Wimberley*

Nov. 8 at Salado

* District game

Stony Point

Aug. 29 (Th) East View (Dragon)

Sept. 6 at Buda Johnson

Sept. 12 (Th) Vandegrift* (KRAC)

Sept. 20 at Vista Ridge* (Gupton)

Sept. 27 McNeil* (Kelly Reeves)

Oct. 4 at Cedar Ridge* (KRAC)

Oct. 11 Manor* (Kelly Reeves)

Oct. 18 at Hutto*

Oct. 25 Westwood* (Dragon)

Nov. 1 at Round Rock* (Dragon)

Nov. 8 Open

* District game

Taylor

Aug. 30 Gatesville

Sept. 6 at Connally

Sept. 13 at Lago Vista

Sept. 20 La Grange

Sept. 27 at Manor New Tech*

Oct. 4 Austin Achieve*

Oct. 11 Northeast*

Oct. 18 Open

Oct. 25 Eastside*

Nov. 1 at LBJ* (Nelson)

Nov. 8 Travis*

*District game

Thorndale

Aug. 30 at Thrall

Sept. 6 Granger

Sept. 13 Riesel

Sept. 20 at Austin Achieve

Sept. 27 Hempstead

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 at Mason*

Oct. 18 San Saba*

Oct. 25 at Johnson City –LBJ*

Nov. 1 at Harper*

Nov. 8 Holland*

* District game

Thrall

Aug. 30 Thorndale

Sept. 5 Rosebud-Lott

Sept. 12 at Eastside (Nelson)

Sept. 20 at Troy

Sept. 27 Johnson City-LBJ

Oct. 4 at Hempstead

Oct. 11 Lexington*

Oct. 18 at Blanco*

Oct. 25 Comfort*

Nov. 1 at Rogers*

Nov. 8 Open

* District game

Travis

Aug. 30 at Akins (Burger)

Sept. 6 at McCallum (House Park)

Sept. 13 Navarro (Burger)

Sept. 20 at Luling

Sept. 26 (Th.) Eastside* (House Park)

Oct. 4 at LBJ* (Nelson)

Oct. 11 Open

Oct. 17 (Th.) Manor New Tech* (Burger)

Oct. 25 at Austin Achieve*

Oct. 31 (Th.) Northeast* (Burger)

Nov. 8 at Taylor*

* District game

Vandegrift

Aug. 30 Dripping Springs

Sept. 6 at Cedar Park (Gupton

Sept. 12 (Th) at Stony Point* (KRAC) Sept.

20 Open

Sept. 27 Vista Ridge*

Oct. 4 McNeil* (Dragon)

Oct. 11 Cedar Ridge*

Oct. 18 at Manor*

Oct. 25 Hutto*

Nov. 1 at Westwood* (KRAC)

Nov. 8 Round Rock* * District game

Vista Ridge

Aug. 30 at Killeen

Sept. 5 (Th.) Bowie (Gupton)

Sept. 13 at Round Rock* (Dragon)

Sept. 20 Stony Point* (Gupton)

Sept. 27 at Vandegrift*

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 McNeil* (Gupton)

Oct. 18 at Cedar Ridge* (Dragon)

Oct. 24 (Th.) Manor* (Gupton)

Nov. 1 at Hutto*

Nov. 8 Westwood* (Gupton) * District game

Weiss

Aug. 30 McNeil

Sept. 6 at San Marcos

Sept. 12 (Th.) A&M Consolidated*

Sept. 20 at Lehman*

Sept. 27 Hendrickson*

Oct. 4 at Cedar Creek*

Oct. 11 Hays*

Oct. 18 at Lockhart*

Oct. 25 Open

Nov. 1 College Station*

Nov. 8 at Anderson* {House Park) * District game

Westlake

Aug. 29 (Th.) Prosper^

Sept. 6 San Benito

Sept. 13 Humble Atascocita

Sept. 20 at Cibolo Steele

Sept. 27 Open

Oct. 3 (Th.) Akins*

Oct. 10 (Th.) at Austin High* (House Park)

Oct. 18 Bowie*

Oct. 25 at Lake Travis*

Nov. 1 Del Valle*

Nov. 8 at Dripping Springs*

^ at Mary Hardin-Baylor * District game

Westwood

Aug. 30 Waco Midway^

Sept. 5 (Th.) at Austin High (House Park)

Sept. 13 McNeil* (Kelly Reeves)

Sept. 20 at Cedar Ridge* (Dragon)

Sept. 26 (Th.) Manor* (Kelly Reeves)

Oct. 4 at Hutto*

Oct. 11 Open

Oct. 18 Round Rock* (Kelly Reeves)

Oct. 25 at Stony Point* (Dragon)

Nov. 1 Vandegrift* (KRAC)

Nov. 8 at Vista Ridge* (Gupton) ^ at Mary Hardin-Baylor * District game

Wimberley

Aug. 30 Canyon Lake

Sept. 6 Fredericksburg

Sept. 13 at Austin LBJ (Nelson)

Sept. 20 at Lampasas

Sept. 27 at Geronimo Navarro*

Oct. 4 Open

Oct. 11 Salado*

Oct. 18 at Jarrell*

Oct. 25 Gonzales*

Nov. 1 at Smithville*

Nov. 8 Lago Vista*

* District game

Photo by Michael Adams

CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

UIL & PVIL State Championships

Lake Travis (6) - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016

Anderson (4) - 1942, 1956, 1957, 1961

Westlake (4) - 1996, 2019, 2020, 2021

Reagan/Northeast (3) - 1967, 1968, 1970

Bartlett (3) - 1990, 1992, 1999

Thorndale (3) - 1989, 1994, 1995

Cedar Park (2) - 2012, 2015

La Grange (2) - 1975, 2000

Liberty Hill (2) - 2006, 2007

Wimberley (2) - 2005, 2011

Blanco - 2001

Granger – 1997

Giddings - 1951

Austin High - 1942

Taylor Price – 1962

Bartlett Washington - 1964

Smithville Brown - 1963

UIL & PVIL championship game appearances

Westlake (11) – 1990, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2009, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021

Lake Travis (8) - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017

Anderson (6) - 1940, 1942, 1945, 1956, 1957, 1961

Cedar Park (5) - 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021

Wimberley (4) - 2005, 2011, 2019, 2022

Reagan/Northeast (4) - 1967, 1968, 1970, 1973

Liberty Hill (3) - 2006, 2007, 2018

Bartlett (3) - 1990, 1992, 1999

Thorndale (3) - 1989, 1994, 1995

La Grange (3) - 1975, 2000, 2001

Burnet (3) – 1991, 2002, 2003, Blanco (2) – 2000, 2001

Austin High (2) - 1942, 1950

Pflugerville (2)– 1970, 2007

Taylor Price (2) – 1947, 1962

Vandegrift - 2022

Austin LBJ - 2021

Georgetown – 2012

Hutto - 2006

Granger – 1997

Hays – 1996

Jarrell - 1972

San Marcos - 1964

Giddings 1951

Lockhart Carver – 1952

Smithville Brown - 1963

Bartlett Washington - 1964

2024 ASJ Football Preview

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THE COVER

CONTACT US

WHAT’S INSIDE

FROM THE PUBLISHER

AUSTIN POWER 100

Top 10 athletes

PRESEASON ALL-AUSTIN METRO TEAM

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

PRESEASON ALL-AUSTIN METRO TEAM

DEFENSE

POWER MOVES

TRENDING UP

Anew direction

How redistricting may create new opportunities for Anderson, Weiss

direction

TRENDING DOWN

Anderson

Eastside

Travis

Northeast

CLOSE CALL

AUSTIN HIGH

CLASS 6A PREVIEW

CLASS 6A PREVIEW

PRESEASON AREA RANKINGS

6A PRESEASON ALL-AREA TEAM

PRESEASON 6A PLAYER OF THE YEAR

OFFENSE

VISTA RIDGE

DEFENSE

BLAZING TRAILS

Mavericks forge ahead as they look to share a table with Austin’s elite

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION

DISTRICT 25-6A

DISTRICT 25-6A SCHEDULE

Cedar Ridge Raiders

Hutto Hippos

Manor Mustangs

McNeil Mavericks

Round Rock Dragons

Stony Point Tigers

DISTRICT 25-6A

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Vandegrift Vipers

Vista Ridge Raiders

Westwood Warriors

DISTRICT 26-6A

Bowie Bulldogs

Del Valle Cardinals

Dripping Springs Tigers

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

Lake Travis Cavaliers

Westlake Chaparrals

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

DISTRICT 26-6A

Buda Johnson Jaguars

San Marcos Rattlers

ASJ PRESEASON POLL

DISTRICT SCHEDULE

DISTRICT OUTLOOK

CLASS 5A PREVIEW

CLASS 5A PREVIEW

PRESEASON AREA RANKINGS

5A PRESEASON ALL-AREA TEAM

PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

OFFENSE

EAST VIEW

DEFENSE

Culture

Upgrades to everything from locker rooms to weight rooms, Griedl is building a winner in The ‘Strop

A losing culture

Rising from the ashes

A new hope

THE UPGRADES