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FROM THE DESK OF THE PUBLISHER It was early January 2015 when I took a deep breath and a leap of faith. I left my director of sales position with the historic Dave Campbell’s Texas football media brand opting instead to follow a dream that I have had since I was very young. I wanted to build something…. I wanted to own my own business! IHSFAN was born. I have enjoyed building the IHSFAN media brand and have been overwhelmed with how the Austin area high school football community has embraced us. It is truly humbling when a coach pulls me aside to thank me for helping to shine the spotlight on the area teams. I always have the same reaction….No coach, Thank you!, It is my pleasure to showcase the hard work and dedication of the coaches and players. In the past 30 months we have published THREE preview magazines proudly showcasing 40+ different teams and HUNDREDS of players. The IHSFAN Top 10 team has gained tremendous popularity and has morphed from an unknown list of players to a sought after annual designation for area players to strive for. We are proud to announce that the 2017 IHSFAN Top 10 Team is presented by Bush’s Chicken. Bush’s Chicken is a huge supporter of area high school athletics and has been part of the IHSFAN family since day one. The 2017 magazine will once again provide a preview for all of the area 5A and 6A teams as well as feature a few area private schools. In addition to our team preview snapshots we are also excited to have BOTH Mike Barnes and Shawn Clynch of KVUE and the fantastic Friday Football Fever weekly show contribute feature stories. IHSFAN is excited to partner with 104.9 The Horn this year! High school football fans will be able to listen to IHSFAN UNDER THE LIGHTS each Wednesday night from 7:00-8:00 p.m. during the season! Before you head out to your game on Friday night we hope you will listen to Jeff Power and myself on Wednesday night! It is with great pride that I present Austin’s premier high school football preview magazine. Whether you are reading our complimentary print magazine or have just clicked on the complimentary link to turn the pages on your phone or computer we welcome you to IHSFAN. We hope that you both enjoy reading the magazine AND help support the fantastic advertisers that help make IHSFAN possible.
Rick Epstein Publisher of IHSFAN
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Start Here. Get There. Shape your future at ACC. Take an affordable path to a college degree and in-demand careers — starting in high school!
austincc.edu 5
Rick Epstein Publisher/Editor Chris Bils Freelance feature reporter Scott Coleman Scottwcoleman.com Cover and contributing photographer
CONTENTS Letter from the Publisher ............................ 4 Feature Stories No “I” in team .......................................7-8 Austin Diagnostic ................................... 10 The Pressure to win.............................12-13 Power Boosters ...................................... 14
Rona McDonald Layout Design
Football Injuries ..................................... 16 Lake Travis Titletown ............................... 18 Top 10 Team .....................................22-23
Rocky Epstein Todd James Scott Coleman Mike Barnes Shawn Clynch Dr. Scott Smith Joe Taylor Lee Penland Dwayne Weirich George Cox Caleb Wiesenhutter Carson Field Nick Hedges Kayla Boehler Lindsey Thomas 104.9 The Horn All the area Coaches Special Thanks
For advertising opportunities call: Rick Epstein 512.351.6661 or email at info@ihsfan.com Follow us on twitter @ihsfan Or visit our website ihsfan.com 6
Coach of the Year .................................. 24 No Regrets for Regents ........................... 26 The Student Section – School Previews ...... 28 District 13 6A ........................................ 30 District 25 6 A ....................................... 36 District 14 6A ........................................ 42 District 19 5A ........................................ 46 District 25 5A ........................................ 54 Playoff Predictions .................................. 57 District Alignments .................................. 58 Regents ................................................. 60 Hyde Park ............................................. 62 Please support our Advertisers: Cost Cutters, Texas Trucks and Toys, Stormy Johnson Ins. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, ARS Rescue Rooter, Austin Diagnostic Clinic, Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, Texas Orthopedics, Gridiron Glory Alumni Football, Bush’s Chicken, Pat and Michelle Murphy, Short Stop, Sandy’s Burgers, Austin Community College, Sport Court, Brian Kerman Realty, A3 Decorated Apparel, Texas Physical Therapy, Austin Gourmet Popcorn, B&C Trophies, Rudy’s, Mighty Fine Burgers, Regents School, Hyde Park School, SouthStar Bank, Jeff Power TV, McNeil Boosters, 104.9 The Horn, Taco Shack
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THERE IS NO “Iâ€? IN TEAM By Mike Barnes | KVUE 7KHUH LV VRPHWKLQJ VSHFLDO DERXW )ULGD\ QLJKW KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO LQ 7H[DV } , NQRZ ,pP D OLWWOH ELDVHG } , KDYH OLYHG DQG EUHDWKHG KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO LQ WKH IDOO IRU WKH ODVW WZHQW\ VHYHQ \HDUV DURXQG $XVWLQ } %XW HYHQ LI , WDNH D VWHS EDFN DQG WU\ WR EH QHXWUDO , FDQ VHH KRZ LW VWDQGV RXW } +RZ LWpV PRUH WKDQ MXVW D JDPH } +RZ LW LQYROYHV WKH ZKROH VFKRRO WKH ZKROH FRPPXQLW\ } ,WpV D WRWDO WHDP HIIRUW 0D\EH LWpV OLNH WKLV LQ RWKHU SODFHV IRU RWKHU VSRUWV } :HpYH DOO VHHQ q+RRVLHUVr DQG ZKDW EDVNHWEDOO PHDQV LQ ,QGLDQD } %DVHEDOO KRFNH\ YROOH\EDOO } 7KH\ DOO KDYH WKHLU QLFKHV } But in Texas, football is the king. I’ll have conversations and conference calls with sportscasters from around the nation DQG ZKHQ WKH WRSLF RI KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO FRPHV XS WKH\ DUH XVXDOO\ LQ DZH } 7KH\ FDQpW EHOLHYH KRZ ELJ LW LV DURXQG $XVWLQ } 6RPH DUH MHDORXV } 2WKHUV MXVW GRQpW XQGHUVWDQG DQG DUH JODG WKH\ GRQpW ZRUN KHUH } I say they’re missing out. ,WpV PRUH WKDQ MXVW D JDPH DURXQG KHUH } 7KH\ OLQH XS RQ ZLWK ZKLWH OLQHV DOO RYHU WKH FRXQWU\ } 7KH\ DOO KDYH WDFNOHV DQG WRXFKGRZQV } %XW WKH\ GRQpW KDYH ZKDW ZH have. The players and coaches are the stars but there are so many co-stars and sub-plots to this QRYHO } ,WpV WKH FKHHUOHDGHUV DQG WKH GULOO WHDPV } 7KH EDQGV DQG WKH EDQG SDUHQWV ZKR WDNH WLPH HYHU\ ZHHN WR KHOS JHW WKLQJV VHW XS IRU WKH KDOIWLPH VKRZV } 7KH 'DGV ZKR KHOS JHW HYHU\WKLQJ UHDG\ EHIRUH WKH JDPH IRU WKH WHDPV WR UXQ RXW RQWR WKH Ăž HOG } $QG GRQpW JHW PH VWDUWHG DERXW ZKDW WKH 0RPV GR } )URP SUHJDPH PHDOV WR SRVWJDPH KXJV and everything in between. That’s why I started giving out “Mom of the Weekâ€? on Friday )RRWEDOO )HYHU LQ DQG WKLV SDVW \HDU ZH KRQRUHG WKH WK 0RP LQ WKDW WLPH } $QG the number will keep going up because of all they do. ,pYH QHYHU OLYHG DQ\ZKHUH EXW 7H[DV } , JUHZ XS LQ WKH 'DOODV DUHD } , ZHQW WR VFKRRO LQ $XVWLQ } , ZRUNHG WKH IRRWEDOO VHDVRQ LQ %U\DQ } ,pYH EHHQ LQ $XVWLQ HYHU VLQFH } 6R , realize that I can only compare to what I’ve seen in video clips and what I’ve heard from SHRSOH DURXQG WKH FRXQWU\ } , NQRZ PRVW HYHU\ WHDP KDV IDPLO\ PHPEHUV KHOSLQJ DQG VSLULW VTXDGV OHDGLQJ WKH FKHHUV } %XW , JR EDFN WR WKDW RQH ZRUG Community. ,Q 7H[DV LWpV D FRPPXQLW\ HIIRUW } 7KH FRXSOH ZKR GRHVQpW KDYH NLGV LQ VFKRRO DQ\PRUH EXW WKH\ VWLOO VKRZ XS DW JDPHV WR VXSSRUW WKH WHDP } 7KH UHWLUHG SHRSOH ZKR VSHQG WKHLU WLPH PDNLQJ VXUH WKLQJV DUH JRRG GXULQJ WKH JDPHV DW ORFDO VWDGLXPV } 7KH IDQV \RXQJ DQG
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old, who show up to cheer for their teams. ,pOO DGPLW WKDW , GLGQpW DOZD\V IHHO WKLV ZD\ }} :KHQ , ZDV D NLG LQ KLJK VFKRRO , RQO\ FDUHG DERXW WKDW JDPH DQG LI P\ WHDP ZRQ } :KHQ , JRW WR FROOHJH WKH ĂžUVW JDPH , HYHU ZHQW WR LQ $XVWLQ ZDV D KLJK VFKRRO JDPH DW 1HOVRQ )LHOG } $OO , FDUHG DERXW ZDV WKH JDPH } (YHQ ZKHQ , ĂžUVW VWDUWHG DW .98( ZLWK D *DPH RI WKH :HHN LQ *HRUJHWRZQ LQ 6HSWHPEHU RI P\ IRFXV ZDV RQ WKH ĂžHOG %XW WKH\ VD\ ZLWK DJH FRPHV ZLVGRP } $QG , OHDUQHG WR ORRN SDVW WKH VLGHOLQHV 7R VHH HYHU\WKLQJ WKDW JRHV RQ ZLWK KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO LQ &HQWUDO 7H[DV } ,WpV QRW MXVW D KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO JDPH } ,WpV D FRPPXQLW\ HYHQW } $QG ER\ FDQ LW EH VR addictive. When you get involved with high school football in Texas, it’s sometimes hard to stay away. , ZDV DW D KLJK VFKRRO JDPH \HDUV DJR DQG VDZ D JDPH RIĂžFLDO WKDW , NQHZ } , ZHQW WR VD\ q+Lr WR KLP EHIRUH WKH JDPH DQG KH VDLG q+L 0LNH 'RQpW WHOO DQ\ERG\ ,pP KHUH r}} +H ZDV FROOHJH RIĂžFLDO DQG ZRUNLQJ WKH QH[W GD\ DW D FROOHJH JDPH } %XW KH ORYHG KLJK school football and didn’t want to miss a night under the lights. In the movie “Field of Dreamsâ€?, Shoeless Joe Jackson waxes nostalgic about baseball. “Oh man, I did love this game. You know, I’d have played for food money. It was the JDPH WKH VRXQGV WKH VPHOOV <RX HYHU KHOG D JORYH RU D EDOO WR \RXU IDFH" f }$QG LW was the crowd getting to their feet when the ball was hit deep. Shoot, I’d have played for free.â€? 0D\EH KH ZDV UHDOO\ D 7H[DQ WDONLQJ DERXW KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO } 7KH VRXQGV WKH VPHOOV } 7KH FURZG ULVLQJ WR WKHLU IHHW } ,pYH VHHQ DOO RI WKDW LQ UHDO OLIH } $W KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO JDPHV LQ 7H[DV }} :KHUH FRPPXQLWLHV FRPH WRJHWKHU WR PDNH LW VR PHPRUDEOH 6R VSHcial. So fun.
Mike Barnes has covered Central Texas sports longer than any current area journalist. See Barnes every Friday night on “Friday Football Fever�.
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WHY YOUR CHILD NEEDS MORE THAN A SPORTS PHYSICAL Christopher Saenz, MD, The Austin Diagnostic Clinic Pediatrics A common question pediatricians are asked is, “Why does my child need an annual SHGLDWULF ZHOO H[DP ZKHQ WKH\ MXVW KDG D VFKRRO VSRUWV SK\VLFDOr" } ,W LV DQ H[FHOOHQW question, with a very simple answer: The purpose of a school sports physical is to make sure WKDW WKH FKLOG FDQ VDIHO\ SDUWLFLSDWH LQ FRPSHWLWLYH DWKOHWLF DFWLYLWLHV DW VFKRRO }:KLOH DQ annual pediatric well exam consists of discussions about development, growth, academic DFKLHYHPHQW VDIHW\ SXEHUW\ H[HUFLVH KHDOWK\ OLIHVW\OHV DQG PDQ\ RWKHU SHUWLQHQW WRSLFV },Q IDFW WKH DQQXDO SHGLDWULF ZHOO H[DP FDQ ZRUN DV D FKLOGpV VFKRRO VSRUWV SK\VLFDO }8QGHU the Affordable Care Act, annual pediatric well exams are covered, so it should not cost your family anything out of pocket. It is important for children to have an annual pediatric well exam every year because as FKLOGUHQ JURZ GLIIHUHQW WRSLFV HPHUJH WKDW QHHG WR EH GLVFXVVHG } )RU H[DPSOH LQ WKH elementary school years, we discuss growth, safety, development, school achievement, EHKDYLRU DQG KHDOWK\ OLIHVW\OHV }$V FKLOGUHQ PRYH WR PLGGOH VFKRRO ZH ZLOO DGG SXEHUW\ WR WKH GLVFXVVLRQ },Q KLJK VFKRRO ZH LQFOXGH WRSLFV UHOHYDQW WR WHHQDJHUV VXFK DV GLVWUDFWHG GULYLQJ VPRNLQJ DOFRKRO GUXJV DQG VH[ }/DVWO\ DW DQQXDO ZHOO YLVLWV ZH FRPPRQO\ FKHFN vision, hearing, urine and blood work as needed. At every annual pediatric well exam, we also ensure that every child has the correct vaccines UHFRPPHQGHG E\ WKH $PHULFDQ $FDGHP\ RI 3HGLDWULFV DQG \RX FKLOGpV VFKRRO }7\SLFDOO\ kids get vaccines at 4 and 5 prior to beginning kindergarten, and then will receive DGGLWLRQDO YDFFLQHV LQ WKH SUHWHHQ \HDUV VWDUWLQJ DW }7KHVH YDFFLQHV ZLOO SURWHFW WKHP through high school and beyond. While chiropractors and family friends who are physicians can sign off on a sports physical, LW LV JHQHUDOO\ QRW UHFRPPHQGHG E\ SHGLDWULFLDQV }$ FKLURSUDFWRU GRHV QRW KDYH WKH SURSHU training in picking up critical cardiac problems that can cause sudden death, and a family friend may not be properly trained in pediatrics to know what to ask and what to check on H[DP }<RXU SHGLDWULFLDQ DOVR NQRZV \RXU FKLOG DQG IDPLO\ DQG WKLV UHODWLRQVKLS LV YDOXDEOH WR RSHQO\ GLVFXVV SHUVRQDO WRSLFV DV GHVFULEHG DERYH }.LGV DUH QRW MXVW OLWWOH DGXOWV DQG deserve to be treated by a pediatric specialist. 'U &KULVWRSKHU 6DHQ] LV D SHGLDWULFLDQ DW $'&pV 6WHLQHU 5DQFK RIÞ FH )0 1 }+H KDV EHHQ D ERDUG FHUWLÞ HG SHGLDWULFLDQ IRU RYHU \HDUV LQ WUDGLWLRQDO SHGLDWULF RIÞ FH SUDFWLFH DQG SHGLDWULF HPHUJHQF\ PHGLFLQH SUDFWLFH })URP KH served as team physician for the Texas A&M University Athletic Department covering their NCAA sports teams. For more information, or to make an appointment call 512-901-4096.
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THE AUSTIN DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC
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THE PRESSURE TO WIN By Shawn Clynch | KVUE Sports
I’ve had the privilege of playing and covering both youth and high school athletics in Texas and covering high school athletics, collegiate athletics, and the NBA in Oklahoma. I believe we can all agree everyone involved should be acknowledged for their efforts in developing a team attitude and culture. From the parents, coaches, to the young athletes. We live in a society of constant political pressures, but in the Austin area we have a talented fraternity of football coaches on the high school level who all manage these pressures and the best in the business at managing personalities and people in general. Ones who all have the best interest of their student-athletes and their GHYHORSPHQW DV D SHUVRQ DFDGHPLFDOO\ DQG RQ WKH IRRWEDOO Ăž HOG The rigors, expectations, and pressure on the coaches and student-athletes is on another level than it was last year, 5-years ago, and much more than it was when I was in high school when only the top two programs from each district advanced to the playoffs. Success and winning consistently is how we measure or formulate opinions. Whenever spring football and off-season workouts begin, the expectation of the KLJK VFKRRO SURJUDPV ZH DUH OXFN\ WR FRYHU LV WR Ăž QG DQ HGJH DQG D SODQ to make the Texas high school football playoffs. From the outside looking in, we view this as simple since the current U.I.L. format allows the top 4-teams to advance to the postseason. <HV WKHUH LV PRUH Ă&#x; H[LELOLW\ IRU ORVVHV DQG WLH EUHDNHUV EXW OHWpV IDFH LW LI \RX ask anyone on the inside of our proud football programs in the Austin area, it’s a daily grind beginning in the spring to not only develop an annual playoff contending program, but there is constant pressure. Austin I.S.D. football programs face a much tougher obstacle. Participation or numbers of young men playing football in the A.I.S.D. are much lower than those in districts such as Leander I.S.D. as a whole. Programs like Bowie High School, L.B.J., and McCallum this past season experienced success and have a formula for consistency.
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Meanwhile, Keith Carey and his staff at Reagan High School continue to develop a winning culture with limited numbers. Despite having the numbers and more resources, the sustained success at programs like Cedar Park, Vandegrift, Westlake, and Lake Travis is nothing short of amazing. The public perception is that these programs are expected to win and experience deep runs into the playoffs annually. Winning isn’t as simple as it seems for these programs. These coaching staffs work tirelessly for six and sometimes 7-days per week My main motivation for this angle began a few seasons ago from various opinions I’ve heard regarding the expectations from fans and parents. Ones who are passionate about the area’s high school football programs. We are blessed to live in an area where a lot of people have a high football IQ, if you will, and truly care about the continued progress of high school football. 6XVWDLQDEOH VXFFHVV RQ WKH IRRWEDOO ÞHOG ZKLOH SURGXFLQJ VXFFHVVIXO \RXQJ PHQ RII WKH ÞHOG DQG LQWR WKHLU DGXOWKRRG DUH WKH WZR PDLQ SULRULWLHV IRU DOO RI WKH coaching staffs.
Shawn Clynch is a long time Austinite and can be seen on KVUE. He contributes every Friday night on “Friday Football Fever”.
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BOOSTER IMPACT
By Chris Bils
Brian Hawkins knew he didn’t want to wait until his son was a senior to get involved with the Georgetown football program. Brandon Hawkins got to pull on the blue, white and gray as a freshman in 2015, and he got to use the same weight room as the varsity players. So why shouldn’t Brian Hawkins start backing the Eagles now? One thing led to another, and now Hawkins is entering his second year as Georgetown’s booster club president. He’s no rich EHQHIDFWRU DQG KH GRHVQpW XVH KLV SRVLWLRQ WR DVVHUW LQĂ&#x;XHQFH RYHU KLV VRQpV SOD\LQJ WLPH ,Q VKRUW %ULDQ +DZNLQV LV WKH W\SH RI football parent that Georgetown coach Jason Dean hopes for. q:KDW D ORW RI SHRSOH DUH OHHU\ RI LV WKDW ZH ZDQW WKHP WR JLYH PRQH\ r 'HDQ VDLG RI SDUHQWVp ĂžUVW LPSUHVVLRQV RI ERRVWHU clubs. “Nothing could be further from the truth. We don’t want their money, we want their time and their effort to help us to go out and raise our community’s money.â€? That last part is key. To run the kind of football program Dean does — the kind that expects to compete for district tiles and go deep in the playoffs every year — the money has to come from somewhere. “We’re going to have anywhere from 230 to 250 boys in the high school football program (this year),â€? Dean said. “Our (school) budget can’t keep up with that. You need a booster club that is able to raise funds and be supportive to help you raise funds to take your program maybe to that next level.â€? Hawkins, who served as the booster club’s treasurer for a year before taking over as president, said the budget at Georgetown is between $75,000-100,000. That’s money that the club brings in and spends each year. The majority of it comes from two fundraisers: a golf tournament in April and a “Meet the Eaglesâ€? event each fall. Dean said the club expects to net at least $20,000 from each fundraiser, and additional income arrives from merchandise sales. At Georgetown, each athletic program has its own booster club, so all of the money brought in by the football boosters goes GLUHFWO\ WRZDUG WKDW VSRUW :KDW GRHV WKDW PRQH\ KHOS ZLWK" 'HDQ VDLG LW DOO GHSHQGV RQ QHHG DQG KH JHWV WKH ĂžQDO VD\ “There’s so many times you hear stories where the booster club is there to tell the coach what to do,â€? he said “That’s exactly opposite. There’s nobody who understands the needs of the program more than the person in charge of the sport.â€? ,I HYHU\WKLQJ JRHV DFFRUGLQJ WR SODQ WKH ELJJHVW H[SHQVH FRYHUHG E\ WKH ERRVWHU FOXE LV FKDUWHU EXVHV 3OD\RII WULSV LQ 7H[DV can be long, and showing up well-rested can make all the difference. “We say we’ve got to have $18,000 to get all the way to state,â€? Hawkins said. 2WKHU UHJXODU H[SHQVHV LQFOXGH ZHLJKW URRP LPSURYHPHQWV XSJUDGHV WR FDPHUD HTXLSPHQW XVHG WR ĂžOP SUDFWLFHV DQG JDPHV and luxury upgrades like the alternate white helmets that were purchased two years ago. A major project in the past few years was adding a players lounge to the football facility, which provides shelter and entertainment for players awaiting rides after practice. Five or six years ago, the club bought a trailer to haul spirit signs, blowups and other equipment to away games. More recently, the football and baseball booster clubs teamed up to build a covered pavilion for tailgating. Booster clubs like the one in Georgetown make the Friday night experience in Central Texas what it is. Lake Travis, Westlake, &HGDU 3DUN 5RXQG 5RFN HWF u QDPH D VXFFHVVIXO IRRWEDOO SURJUDP DQG WKHUH LV D ERRVWHU FOXE EDFNLQJ LW q, ZRXOG GHĂžQLWHO\ SXW *HRUJHWRZQpV ERRVWHU FOXE LQ WKH WRS ĂžYH LQ &HQWUDO 7H[DV r 'HDQ VDLG +DZNLQV DQG WKH QH[W SDUHQWV coming down the line, wouldn’t have it any other way. “We’re just trying to make it the best experience we can so they can look back and really be proud of what (their football experience) was and what they had,â€? he said. ,+6)$1 ORRNV IRUZDUG WR UHFRJQL]LQJ WKH LQDXJXUDO %RRVWHU &OXE RI WKH <HDU SUHVHQWHG E\ *ULGLURQ *ORU\ $OXPQL )RRWEDOO in November. 14
EST. 2012
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FOOTBALL INJURIES: SIGNIFICANT, SEASON (1'(56 72 625(1(66} By Dr. Scott A. Smith | Texas Orthopedics
Injuries occur at all levels of football. Every game, and almost every play has some level of “injuryâ€?. Big people moving fast running into each other releases a lot of energy. Frequently with some consequences: scrapes, bruises, strains, tears, fractures, dislocations and concussions are all “part of the gameâ€?. All levels of football and for that part sports involves some risks. Life too by the way involves risks. This article will try to quantify the ULVNV RI VRPH RI WKH PRVW FRPPRQ DQG PRVW IHDUHG } Fatalities: There were seven high school football player direct fatalities in 2015. All of these were in game injuries, none in practice. That is a rate of 0.64 per 100,000 high school participants. There were no youth, collegiate or professional direct fatalities in 7KHUH ZHUH WHQ LQGLUHFW GHDWKV KHDW VWURNH FDUGLDF LQ 7ZR LQ \RXWK VHYHQ in high school , one in college and none in professional football. This rate has been relatively stable since 1976 when blocking and tackling rules were changed to eliminate the face and head as initial contact points. Targeting rules were again strengthened LQ } 5XOHV IRU KHOPHWV DQG SURWHFWLYH HTXLSPHQW KDYH DOVR GHFUHDVHG WKH IDWDOLW\ rate. Guidelines for conditioning and training for heat stroke recognition and treatment continue to increase the safety of football. &RQFXVVLRQV DUH D VLJQLĂžFDQW VRXUFH RI LQMXU\ 7KH GLDJQRVLV LV D FOLQLFDO RQH PDGH by exam of an injured player. Being rendered unconscious is obvious but more subtle signs include headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, emotional lability, light or sound sensitivity or any behavioral changes. Any blow to the head or neck can cause a concussion. Players need to be encouraged to report this injury if it happens to themselves or their teammates. The management of a concussed player is removal from play and FRPSOHWH HYDOXDWLRQ E\ D TXDOLĂžHG KHDOWK FDUH SURYLGHU 7KH W\SLFDO FRQFXVVLRQ UHTXLUHV no active treatment other than symptomatic but a trip to the hospital may be necessary LI V\PSWRPV DUH VHYHUH RU ZRUVHQ RU SURJUHVV 5HVROXWLRQ FDQ EH TXLFN ZHHNV EXW sometimes may take weeks/ months and return to sport can only safely occur once all V\PSWRPV KDYH UHVROYHG DQG WKH DWKOHWH KDV} FOHDUHG D FRQFXVVLRQ SURWRFRO RI JUDGXDO exercise stress. The “second impact syndromeâ€? is a more severe second concussion if a SOD\HU UHWXUQV WR SOD\ EHIRUH UHVROXWLRQ RI WKH ĂžUVW LQMXU\ Knee injuries are very commonplace in football accounting for 15% of all injuries. The medial collateral ligament is the most commonly injured followed by the anterior cruciate ligament. Most injuries occur during competition at a rate of roughly 10 per 10,000 athlete exposures. Girls soccer is next with an injury rate of 4.5-10.8 per 10,000 athlete H[SRVXUHV 7KHVH LQMXULHV FDQ EH VLJQLĂžFDQW ZLWK RI DOO NQHH LQMXULHV UHTXLULQJ VXUJHU\ } High School football is an important part of Texas Friday nights. Injuries are a part of the game but with proper preparation, protective equipment, good techniques, athletic WUDLQLQJ DQG KHDOWKFDUH WKH LPSDFW RI LQMXULHV FDQ EH PLQLPL]HG }
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LAKE TRAVIS SENIORS RAISED THE BAR FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS By Chris Bils This summer, Lake Travis coach Hank Carter will stand in front of a group of freshmen and deliver the same message he has since he arrived in 2008. He’ll tell the young, impressionable teenagers that they have an opportunity to be the best class to come through a very successful program. *RRG OXFN &ODVV RI 7KDW WDVN MXVW JRW D ZKROH ORW PRUH GLIĂžFXOW q$V IUHVKPHQ , UHPHPEHU WKH FRDFKHV WHOOLQJ XV WKDW ZH FRXOG EH WKH EHVW WHDP WKDW FRXOG HYHU FRPH WKURXJK /DNH Travis,â€? said Cade Green, a wide receiver on the Cavaliers’ 2016 state championship squad. “We always had that in the back of our head and it kind of fueled us.â€? 7KH QXPEHUV DUH KDUG WR GLVSXWH 1RW RQO\ GLG WKH &ODVV RI GHOLYHU WKH VFKRROpV ĂžUVW HYHU FKDPSLRQVKLS DW WKH Class 6A level, but it did so in dominating fashion. After a season-opening hiccup against Judson, the Cavs reeled off 15-straight victories and capped it off with a 41-13 blowout of The Woodlands at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Such was the expectation after falling to Katy the year before and returning so many key pieces, but expectation does QRW DOZD\V HTXDO UHVXOWV u HVSHFLDOO\ DW WKH KLJK VFKRRO OHYHO q$V DGXOWV ZHpUH DEOH WR FRPSDUWPHQWDOL]H H[SHFWDWLRQV DQG SXW WKH SURSHU HPSKDVLV EXW DV D NLG ,pP QRW VXUH KRZ , ZRXOGpYH UHVSRQGHG WR SUHVVXUH OLNH WKDW r /DNH 7UDYLV FRDFK +DQN &DUWHU VDLG q,pP SURXG RI WKH ZD\ WKH NLGV KDQGOHG WKDW 7KH\ VHW D JRDO DQG WKH\ DFKLHYHG LW r As if the bar wasn’t raised high enough by winning, the Class of 2017 is also sending 14 players to the next level — including seven who are headed to Football Bowl Division schools. Quarterback Charlie Brewer (Baylor) and tight end Cade Brewer (Texas) both signed to play in the Big 12, while wide receiver Maleek Barkley (Arkansas) will test the waters of the SEC and defensive end Sammy Ochoa is headed to the Naval Academy. ,Q D ĂžUVW IRU /DNH 7UDYLV WKUHH SOD\HUV DOVR VLJQHG WR SOD\ LQ WKH %LJ 7HQ *UHHQ :LVFRQVLQ VDIHW\ $XVWLQ +LOOHU (Northwestern) and offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes (Nebraska) are all set to suit up in the conference’s west GLYLVLRQ ZKLFK PHDQV IDFLQJ HDFK RWKHU RQFH HDFK \HDU q,WpV DZHVRPH :H KDG D OLWWOH ULYDOU\ WKLV \HDU r VDLG *UHHQ q +LOOHU DQG -DLPHV FDQ VD\ ZKDW WKH\ ZDQW EXW WKH ZLQQLQJ E\ :LVFRQVLQ WKLV SDVW \HDU VD\V LW DOO ,WpV DZHVRPH to be able to play against these guys. They’re some of my best friends, and it will be awesome to have that rivalry continue.â€? Even as the seniors head their separate ways, they will always maintain the bond of winning a championship together. 6WLOO WKHUH LV DQ H[SHFWDWLRQ WKDW ĂžYH DQG \HDUV IURP QRZ WKHUH ZLOO EH PRUH DFFRPSOLVKPHQWV WR FHOHEUDWH ,WpV DOO part of raising the expectations for the classes coming behind them. 7KHUH LV VWLOO RQH WKLQJ WKH\ ZLVK WKH\ FRXOG DFFRPSOLVK WRJHWKHU WKRXJK %HFDXVH RI WKH 8,/ FKDPSLRQVKLS VWUXFWXUH Dallas-area powerhouse DeSoto also holds the distinction of 2016 Class 6A champion. The Eagles beat Cibilo Steele 38-29 in the Division 2 title game. What if the chance existed to hold a Lake Travis versus DeSoto showdown? q7KHUH ZRXOG EH QR TXHVWLRQ QR VWXWWHULQJ QRWKLQJ r 2FKRD VDLG +LOOHU DGGHG q,pP VXUH DOO RI RXU JX\V ZRXOG EH percent for that because we don’t want there to be any dispute about who the best team in the country is, let along the state.â€? Lake Travis backs down from nobody. The Class of 2017 made sure of that.
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South Austin
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North Austin
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IHSFAN TOP 10 TEAM PRESENTED BY BUSH’S CHICKEN By Chris Bils Caden Leggett, Georgetown All eyes, and some of the region’s best defensive backs, will be on Leggett in 2017. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound wide receiver caught 53 passes for 976 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior in 2016. Which is impressive enough, until you consider that he played DORQJVLGH WKH OHDGLQJ UHFHLYHU LQ WKH DUHD %HDX &RUUDOHV ,+6)$1 7RS SOD\HU q3OD\LQJ ZLWK %HDX ZDV GHÞQLWHO\ DQ KRQRU EHFDXVH KHpV VXFK D JUHDW SOD\HU r /HJJHWW VDLG q, OHDUQHG D ORW ZRUNLQJ ZLWK KLP DQG ZLWKRXW KLP , ZRXOGQpW EH ZKHUH , DP r
Mak Sexton, Cedar Park ,W WRRN VWDUWV DV D YDUVLW\ TXDUWHUEDFN IRU 6H[WRQ WR SLFN XS KLV ÞUVW ORVV D VWUHDN WKDW LQFOXGHG DQ XQGHIHDWHG VWDWH FKDPSLRQship as a sophomore and came four wins shy of another as a junior. 6H[WRQ FRPSOHWHG PRUH WKDQ SHUFHQW RI KLV SDVVHV IRU \DUGV DQG WRXFKGRZQV DQG FODLPHG ÞUVW WHDP 'LVWULFW $ recognition. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound pro-style quarterback attended Tulsa’s junior day over the offseason and received an invite to Nike’s prestigious The Opening regional camp. However, that season-ending loss to Manvel still burns. q$IWHU WKDW VWUHDN , WKLQN ZH KDG MXVW JRWWHQ VR XVHG WR ZLQQLQJ ZH H[SHFWHG LW r KH VDLG q1RZ ZHpUH GHÞQLWHO\ PRWLYDWHG WR ZRUN hard and make sure it doesn’t happen again.�
Logan Clifton, McNeil ,Q &OLIWRQ KHOSHG OHDG WKH 0DYHULFNV JHW ZLWKLQ RQH ZLQ RI WKHLU ĂžUVW SOD\RII DSSHDUDQFH VLQFH 7KH IRRW SRXQG GHIHQVLYH HQG ODQGHG VHFRQG WHDP 'LVWULFW $ KRQRUV DQG ZLOO EH ORRNLQJ WR DGG D ĂžUVW WHDP VHOHFWLRQ DQG SOD\RII appearance to his resume this fall. 2II WKH ĂžHOG &OLIWRQ KDV UHFHLYHG RIIHUV WR SOD\ IRRWEDOO LQ WKH ,Y\ /HDJXH +H LV H[FLWHG DERXW WKH SRVVLELOLW\ RI FRPELQLQJ 'LYLVLRQ , DWKOHWLFV ZLWK D ZRUOG FODVV HGXFDWLRQ q(FRQRPLFV r KH VDLG ZKHQ DVNHG ZKDW KH SODQV WR VWXG\ LQ FROOHJH q,pP D EXVLQHVV PDMRU DQG WKDWpV ZK\ , ORYH 3HQQ VR PXFK EHFDXVH WKH\ KDYH WKH QXPEHU RQH EXVLQHVV VFKRRO LQ WKH ZRUOG ,W ZRXOG EH DZHVRPH WR JR WKHUH r
Garrett Wilson, Lake Travis Born in Chicago and raised in Ohio, Wilson has quickly established himself as a star under Texas’ bright lights. As a sophomore, he FDXJKW SDVVHV IRU \DUGV DQG WRXFKGRZQV u LQFOXGLQJ RQH LQ WKH &ODVV $ 'LYLVLRQ , FKDPSLRQVKLS JDPH DJDLQVW 7KH Woodlands. q,WpV D ORW GLIIHUHQW WKDQ ZKDW ,pP XVHG WR r :LOVRQ VDLG RI SOD\LQJ DW 7H[DVp KLJKHVW OHYHO RI KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO q(YHU\RQH ZRXOG JR WR WKH JDPHV LQ 2KLR EXW LW ZDVQpW 7H[DV IRRWEDOO IRU VXUH , ORYH WKH HQWKXVLDVP , ORYH KRZ H[FLWHG HYHU\RQH LV IRU )ULGD\V DQG , ORYH EHLQJ D SDUW RI LW r The District 25-6A offensive newcomer of the year is a star on the basketball court, too, averaging 17.7 points per game. At 6-foot, SRXQGV KH KDV DOUHDG\ GUDZQ IRRWEDOO RIIHUV IURP :LVFRQVLQ 608 DQG %RZOLQJ *UHHQ ([SHFW KLV SURÞOH WR JURZ RYHU WKH next two years.
Jaikem Murphy, Westwood When Murphy isn’t chasing down running backs, chances are he has a camera in his hands. The 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker picked up his father’s old photography equipment and developed a passion.
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q0\ GDG XVHG WR EH D SKRWRJUDSKHU VR , SLFNHG LW XS IURP KLP r 0XUSK\ VDLG q, MXVW WDNH SLFWXUHV ZKHQHYHU , FDQ , OLNH WDNLQJ VSRUWV SLFWXUHV VR DW P\ VFKRRO , WDNH SLFWXUHV IRU EDVNHWEDOO DQG VWXII OLNH WKDW r Two traits that make a good sports photographer are also ones that make Murphy one of the area’s best linebackers: speed and precision. He racked up a team-high 113 total tackles last season, including 7.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. Colleges are starting WR WDNH QRWLFH ,Q -DLNHP ZLOO EH WKH IHDWXUHG UXQQLQJ EDFN LQ &RDFK $QWKRQ\ :RRGpV LPSUHVVLYH RIIHQVH
Nakia Watson, Westlake :LWK D FRPELQDWLRQ RI VSHHG SRZHU DQG VL]H :DWVRQ EURNH RQWR WKH VFHQH GXULQJ KLV ĂžUVW VHDVRQ ZLWK WKH &KDSDUUDOV DIWHU PRYLQJ IURP 0DQRU ,QMXULHV WR VWDU TXDUWHUEDFN 6DP (KOLQJHU OHIW :DWVRQ DV WKH IRFDO SRLQW RI WKH RIIHQVH UHVXOWLQJ LQ FDUULHV IRU 1,648 yards and 22 touchdowns. 7KH IRRW SRXQG UXQQLQJ EDFN HDUQHG ĂžUVW WHDP $OO &HQWUDO 7H[DV DQG VKRW XS WKH YDULRXV UHFUXLWLQJ UDQNLQJV DV D UHVXOW He holds offers from Nevada, Texas State, North Texas and Bowling Green. q3UREDEO\ UXQQLQJ XS WKH PLGGOH DQG KLWWLQJ D OLQHEDFNHU LQ WKH PRXWK WKHQ JRLQJ IRU VL[ r KH VDLG ZKHQ DVNHG WR GHVFULEH WKH perfect play that sums up his game. Westlake opponents have seen that one before.
Joshua Smythe-Macauley, Bowie 2Q WKH ÞHOG RU LQ WKH FODVVURRP 6P\WKH 0DFDXOH\ OLNHV WR JHW KLV KDQGV RQ WKLQJV 7KH IRRW SRXQG VDIHW\ DQFKRUHG WKH %RZLH GHIHQVH IURP WKH EDFN LQ UDFNLQJ XS WDFNOHV ÞYH SDVV EUHDNXSV WKUHH LQWHUFHSWLRQV 2II WKH ÞHOG KH KDV KLV H\HV VHW RQ EHFRPLQJ DQ HQJLQHHU D GUHDP VSDUNHG E\ D UHVHDUFK SURMHFW RQ 7KRPDV (GLVRQ LQ ÞUVW JUDGH +HpV UHFHLYHG LQWHUHVW WR SOD\ IRRWEDOO DW 3ULQFHWRQ EXW DOVR PHQWLRQHG 7H[DV DQG &DOLIRUQLD %HUNHOH\ DV GUHDP HQJLQHHULQJ schools. q,pYH EHHQ ORRNLQJ DW PHFKDQLFDO HQJLQHHULQJ EHFDXVH WKDWpV KDQGV RQ DQG , UHDOO\ OLNH EXLOGLQJ VWXII DQG FUHDWLQJ WKLQJV , OLNH classes with hands-on projects, so mechanical engineering is my number one choice.�
Jamil Pittman, Vista Ridge $ VZLWFK IURP UXQQLQJ EDFN WR ZLGH UHFHLYHU SDLG ELJ GLYLGHQGV IRU -DPLO 3LWWPDQ LQ EXW LW ZDVQpW DV HDV\ DV LW ORRNHG 3LWWman said he spent extra time catching passes with quarterback Jacob Taute to improve his hands. 7KH KDUG ZRUN SDLG RII ZLWK D VHDVRQ WKDW ODQGHG 3LWWPDQ RQ WKH 'LVWULFW $ ÞUVW WHDP RIIHQVH ZLWK FORVH WR DOO SXUSRVH \DUGV 3LWWPDQ VDLG WKH GULYLQJ IRUFH EHKLQG KLV SOD\ LV KLV PRWKHU ZKR SDVVHG DZD\ VHYHUDO \HDUV DJR q0\ PRP UHDOO\ ORYHG IRRWEDOO DQG VKH ORYHG VHHLQJ PH KDSS\ r KH VDLG q:KHQ , GR P\ EHVW RQ WKH ÞHOG LW PDNHV PH KDSS\ DQG ZKHQ ,pP KDSS\ VKHpV happy. That’s kind of my drive for football.�
&KDVH *ULIĂžQ +XWWR &KDVH WRRN RYHU DV 4% ZLWK WKH JUDGXDWLRQ RI ,+6)$1 7RS SOD\HU 7\OHU +HUULFN } /DVW VHDVRQ WKH q6XSHU 6RSKr NHSW VPLOHV on the faces of Hippo Nation. *ULIĂžQ LV YHU\ SROLVKHG DQG KDV EHHQ GHYHORSHG DORQJ WKH ZD\ DW VRPH RI WKH EHVW FDPSV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ DQG E\ ZRUNLQJ ZLWK TXDUWHUEDFN JXUX *HRUJH :KLWĂžHOG -U ,W VKRZHG ODVW IDOO DV KH UDFNHG XS SDVVLQJ \DUGV DQG WRXFKGRZQV WR MXVW QLQH interceptions, earning the Austin American-Statesman Newcomer of the Year award for all of Central Texas.
Prince Tyler, McCallum The returning defensive player of the year in 25-5A hopes to build on an incredible 2016 campaign which saw the 6’ 225 lb. DL PDNH DQ LQFUHGLEOH WDFNOHV ZLWK EHLQJ WDFNOHV IRU ORVV 7KH 3ULQFH ZDV UHDOO\ WKH .LQJ UHFRUGLQJ VDFNV DQG PDNLQJ IXPEOH UHFRYHULHV RQH RI ZKLFK KH UHWXUQHG \DUGV IRU D 7RXFKGRZQ VHH FRYHU RI ,+6)$1
Schools showing interest in Tyler include North Texas, Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and Tulsa just to name a few. :KHQ DVNHG E\ ,+6)$1 ZKDW KH OLNHG WR GR RXWVLGH RI IRRWEDOO 3ULQFH VDLG q , HQMR\ ZRUNLQJ RXW OLIWLQJ ZHLJKWV VSHQGLQJ WLPH with my family and eating a lot because my mom is the best chef in the world! 23
COACH CHEATHAM ROUND ROCK DRAGONS 2016 IHSFAN COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD Presented by
On January 23rd, Dragon Nation, 500+ strong, gathered in the school cafeteria for the annual Football banquet. IHSFAN and Playmaker Communications were there to present Coach Jeff Cheatham with the inaugural IHSFAN Coach of the Year award. The Austin area had several notable coaching efforts in 2016. The short list consisted RI -DVRQ &HFLO &RQQDOO\ +DQN &DUWHU /DNH 7UDYLV &DUO $EVHFN &HGDU 3DUN &KDUOHV 7D\ORU 0F&DOOXP DQG %HFN %U\GRQ 5HJHQWV 7KHVH Ăž YH FRDFKHV DORQJ ZLWK D IHZ PRUH DOO GHVHUYHG FRQVLGHUDWLRQ IRU WKH Ăž UVW HYHU ,+6)$1 &RDFK RI WKH <HDU DZDUG Coach Cheatham, in his 7th season at Round Rock, led the Dragons further than any RWKHU FRDFK LQ WKH \HDU VWRULHG KLVWRU\ RI WKH SURJUDP 7KH VTXDG Ăž QLVKHG with a record of 10-4 and made it to the fourth round of the UIL 6A playoffs. “I think the turning point of the season came in the close loss to Cedar Ridge. The loss stung and the kids bowed their necks and came back the next week working harder than ever.â€? Cheatham went on to tell IHSFAN, “ Anytime you get a chance to get the whole program a few extra weeks of practice for the playoffs it helps tremendously, I think the GHHS SOD\RII UXQ ZLOO SD\ GLYLGHQGV LQ WKH IXWXUH DV WKH NLGV JDLQ D JUHDW GHDO RI FRQĂž dence.â€? “This award is a huge honor for me and my staff. It is very humblingâ€? The Round Rock Dragon football program is one of the largest in the area with over 300 kids participating at all levels. Cheatham is thankful for the great numbers as it helps having kids in constant competition for positions. His Dragon teams have made the playoffs WKH SDVW VL[ VHDVRQV RQO\ PLVVLQJ RXW KLV Ăž UVW VHDVRQ LQ
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NO REGRETS FOR REGENTS AFTER HISTORIC 2016 RUN By Chris Bils 1HDUO\ WKUHH PRQWKV ODWHU 5HJHQWV FRDFK %HFN %U\GRQ Ăž QDOO\ OLVWHQHG WR KLV SOD\HUV DQVZHU WKH TXHV WLRQ KH KDG EHHQ GUHDGLQJ WR DVN *DWKHUHG LQ %U\GRQpV RIĂž FH .QLJKWV VHQLRUV 5DQNLQ :KLWH &RRSHU &KULVWLDQ DQG 5XVVHOO +LQH UHPLQLVFHG DERXW WKH IDLOHG WZR SRLQW FRQYHUVLRQ WKDW HQGHG WKHLU KLJK VFKRRO FDUHHUV LQ GRXEOH RYHUWLPH RI WKH 7$336 'LYLVLRQ ,, FKDPSLRQVKLS JDPH There were no tears, only a few grimaces. One emotion — the one Brydon feared most of all — was QRZKHUH WR EH IRXQG LQ WKHLU ZRUGV RU YRLFHV q,pP KDSS\ ZH GLG LW r VDLG +LQH WKH Ăž UVW WHDP DOO VWDWH ZLGH UHFHLYHU ZKR FRXOGQpW TXLWH JHW KLV KDQGV RQ WKH Ăž QDO SDVV q,I , KDG WR GR LW DJDLQ , ZRXOG GHĂž QLWHO\ JR IRU WZR DJDLQ r 7KH 5HJHQWV SOD\HUV KDYH TXHVWLRQHG WKH RXWFRPH EXW WKH\ QHYHU UHJUHWWHG going for the win. After all, it was their decision to go for it after pulling within one of Grapevine Faith &KULVWLDQ 7KH Ăž QDO VFRUH RI VWLOO VWLQJV EXW LW GRHVQpW GHĂž QH WKHLU OHJDF\ q, WKLQN WKH WKLQJ WKDW PDNHV PH PRVW SURXG RI WKLV VHQLRU FODVV LV WKH IDFW WKDW WKH\ FDPH RYHU GXULQJ WKDW WLPHRXW DQG VDLG o/HWpV ZLQ WKLV WKLQJ ULJKW QRZ pr %U\GRQ VDLG } q7KDWpV OLYLQJ , ORYH WKDW 7RR many people live not to lose. ‘Let’s just wait this thing out. Let’s just not make a mistake. Let’s just not lose. Let’s just not turn the ball over.’ That’s the negative side of, ‘No, let’s go win it. Let’s go take the hill.’ Our boys got that. We did it; the outcome just isn’t what we wanted.â€? 7ZR SOD\V LQ SDUWLFXODU WKUHZ 5HJHQWV IRU D ORRS $IWHU VFRULQJ WKH JDPHpV RSHQLQJ WRXFKGRZQ WKH .QLJKWV KDG WKHLU H[WUD SRLQW EORFNHG DQG UHWXUQHG u E\ ZD\ RI D ODWHUDO LQ WKH HQG ]RQH u yards for two points. 7KHQ XS LQ WKH Ăž UVW RYHUWLPH 5HJHQWV EDFNHG *UDSHYLQH )DLWK LQWR D IRXUWK DQG VLWXDWLRQ RQO\ WR DOORZ D \DUG WRXFKGRZQ } 2Q WKH RWKHU VLGH WKH .QLJKWV EHQHĂž WHG IURP D *UDSHYLQH )DLWK IXPEOH LQVLGH WKH 5HJHQWV \DUG line in the closing minutes of regulation, and Christian alertly recovered a Hine fumble near the end ]RQH IRU WKH JR DKHDG WRXFKGRZQ LQ WKH Ăž UVW RYHUWLPH ,W PDGH SHUIHFW VHQVH WKDW D FUD]\ SOD\ ZRXOG ZLQ WKH JDPH LW MXVW ZHQW WKH RSSRVLWH ZD\ WKDW %U\GRQ DQG KLV WHDP LPDJLQHG }$IWHU &RQQHU $OOHQ VFRUHG WKH WRXFKGRZQ LQ GRXEOH RYHUWLPH :KLWH DQG RWKHUV ZHUH DGDPDQW WKDW 5HJHQWV VKRXOG JR IRU WZR DQG WKH ZLQ %U\GRQ KDG DOUHDG\ EHHQ WKLQNLQJ WKH same thing, and he had a play in mind. ,W ZDV D SOD\ 5HJHQWV ZRUNHG RQ HDFK ZHHN LQ SUDFWLFH DQG LW FDOOHG IRU D VZLQJLQJ JDWH IRUPDWLRQ with Hine running in motion and quarterback Jace Franklin rolling to his right. “First-team all-state TXDUWHUEDFN -DFH )UDQNOLQ WKURZLQJ WKH EDOO WR Ăž UVW WHDP DOO VWDWH 5XVVHOO +LQH ULJKW" 2Q SDSHU LW never loses,â€? Brydon said.Except, it did. Franklin, playing with hurt ribs, threw the ball just out of Hine’s reach. $QG \HW 5HJHQWV ZRXOGQpW FKDQJH D WKLQJ &HUWDLQO\ QRW IURP WKH SUHYLRXV JDPHV DOO ZLQV ZKLFK FDUULHG WKH VFKRRO WR LWV Ăž UVW FKDPSLRQVKLS JDPH DW WKH 'LYLVLRQ ,, OHYHO 1RW WKH WZR YLFWRULHV RYHU 6DQ Antonio powerhouse Holy Cross, which Brydon called “unheard of.â€? Not even that fateful last play. $W WKH HQG RI IRXU \HDUV VSHQW EXLOGLQJ D SURJUDP ZLWK Ăž YH FKDPSLRQVKLSV DW ORZHU OHYHOV WR QHZ heights, the Knights went for it. The only way they knew how.“Life is not about perfection, it’s about intentionality,â€? Brydon said. “These guys were intentional. This coaching staff was intentional. This was a special, special time.â€? 26
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TEXAS LONGHORNS DALLAS COWBOYS LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL
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13-6A Round Rock The 2016 Dragon’s hold the title for the best team in the 100-year history of the storied program- the team set school records for most points scored in a season and also made the deepest run into the playoffs. Coach Jeff &KHDWKDP p ,+6)$1 &RDFK RI WKH <HDU WROG ,+6)$1 “ We had a great group of kids, they all believed in what we were doing and we are all very proud of that bunch.â€? 7KH p VTXDG Ăž QLVKHG ZLWK D UHFRUG DQG ORVW WR WKH Woodlands in the Fourth round of the playoffs. For the third straight year the Dragons will start a Sr. QB as Reed Hammond will get his shot under center. The high-powered offense should not skip a beat as most of the skill SOD\HUV DUH UHWXUQLQJ /RRN IRU 5% 0DOLN 3HQD QG 7HDP DOO 'LVWULFW WR KDYH DQRWKHU JUHDW season. Coach Cheatham told IHSFAN, “ We have to sure up the front as we lost a lot of guys from last year but we are excited with some of our younger guys coming up from playing JV last year.â€? 'HIHQVLYHO\ '% 5\DQ 2p.HHIH QG WHDP DOO GLVWULFW '( 7\OHU 2YLDWW '/ 0LNH %HOO DQG 6 John Muench will lead a stingy group of defenders that will once again be in position to compete for a 13-6A district Championship.
McNeil The past two seasons the McNeil Mavericks have entered WKHLU Ăž QDO JDPH ZLWK D FKDQFH WR PDNH WKH SOD\RIIV now entering his fourth season as head coach, Howard McMahan believes the team is ready to get over the hump. Coach Mac told IHSFAN, “ We have to learn how WR SOD\ HYHU\ SOD\ } :H KDYH KDG RSSRUWXQLWLHV WR JHW RYHU WKH KXPS } :H MXVW KDYH WR EH PRUH FRQVLVWHQW DQG understand mentally what it takes to get to the next level. I really like the group we have and they all understand what it takes to compete.â€? 2IIHQVLYHO\ ORRN IRU =DQH .DPSIHU WR WDNH WKH VQDSV DW 4% } 7KH 0DYV 2/ UHWXUQV VWDUWHUV LQ =DFK .ORW] (ULF +LOO QG 7HDP $OO GLVWULFW DQG 'RQQLH .HDOLQJ 3RZHU 5% /HR 'XJXH ZLOO EH WKH IHDWXUHG EDFN } :5 -RUGDQ .HUOH\ $ RIIHQVLYH QHZ FRPHU RI WKH year) had a breakout season in ’16 and is entering his junior year as one of the most excitLQJ SOD\HUV LQ $ } -RLQLQJ .HUOH\ ZLOO EH :5 $OH[ 5LFKDUGVRQ QG 7HDP DOO GLVWULFW On the defensive side of the ball the Mavs are led by 2 three-year starters in IHSFAN 7RS SOD\HU '/ /RJDQ &OLIWRQ QG 7HDP DOO GLVWULFW DQG '% :LOO .RKPDQ Ăž UVW WHDP DOO GLVWULFW } /%pV %UDQGRQ %URDGKHDG DQG 0DUFXV 6KHOWRQ ZLOO SURYLGH D VROLG IRXQGDWLRQ IRU WKH VTXDG } ' WDOHQWHG 6HYHUDO RIIHUV LQFOXGLQJ $LU )RUFH &OLIWRQ KDV JDLQHG SRXQGV VLQFH ODVW VHDVRQ DQG KDV PDQDJHG WR JHW IDVWHU ZLWK D WLPH DW } If the team is able to stay healthy look for the Mavs to once again be in contention at the end of the season to make the playoffs. 30
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13-6A Cedar Ridge %\ .D\OD %RHKOHU &HGDU 5LGJH 6WXGHQW 7KH IRRWEDOO VHDVRQ ZDV RQH RI &HGDU 5LGJHpV EHVW \HDUV VLQFH WKH VFKRRO RSHQHG LQ 7KLV \HDU WKH 5DLGHUV KRSH WR JR DERYH DQG EH\RQG DQG reach the playoffs again for the fourth time in the school’s history 7KH 5DLGHUV KDYH KDG WZR KHDG IRRWEDOO FRDFKHV DQG QRZ D WKLUG KHDG FRDFK LV WDNLQJ WKH KHOP &RDFK 6DPXHO 5RELQVRQ ZKR ZDV DQ DVVLVWDQW FRDFK GXU LQJ WKH 5DLGHU IRRWEDOO VHDVRQ ZKHQ WKH WHDP ZHQW DIWHU SUHYLRXV KHDG FRDFK 6KDZQ %HOO OHIW DIWHU RQH VHDVRQ /LNH HYHU\ FRDFK 5RELQVRQ SODQV WR EULQJ VRPHWKLQJ QHZ WR WKLV WHDP }q, WKLQN , KDYH VRPH JRRG H[SHULHQFH ,pYH FRDFKHG IRU D ORQJ WLPH LWpV P\ VW \HDU VR ,pYH EHHQ DURXQG VRPH ELJ VFKRROV DQG VRPH VPDOO VFKRROV \RX OHDUQ D ORW LQ WKH VPDOO VFKRROV r &RDFK 5RELQVRQ VDLG 7KH 5DLGHUV IHDWXUH PDQ\ JUHDW SOD\HUV WR ZDWFK RQ ERWK VLGHV RI WKH EDOO 2Q GHIHQVH ORRN IRU 9LFWRU Winston- DL and Jaimon Buyers- LB (Defensive new comer of the year) to lead the way, and offensively look for -D\OHQ (OOLV :5 &DVK 5XJHO\ 7KRPDV 6PLWK $OO WKUHH VW WHDP DOO GLVWULFW DQG =HNH &RVV 4% WR FRQWLQXH WR PRYH the ball. $OWKRXJK WKHVH SOD\HUV PD\ EH FDOOHG RQ WR OHDG WKH WHDP QH[W \HDU &RDFK 5RELQVRQ ZDQWV WR SXVK WKH FRQFHSW RI D WHDP q7KHUHpV JX\V RQ WKH YDUVLW\ IRRWEDOO WHDP VR LI \RX RQO\ KDYH Þ YH JRRG RQHV \RXpUH QRW JRLQJ WR EH YHU\ JRRG r 5RELQVRQ VDLG 5DLGHU 1DWLRQ LV DOVR D ELJ SDUW RI )ULGD\ 1LJKW /LJKWV 5RELQVRQ VDLG q7KH ZKROH DWPRVSKHUH WKDW &HGDU 5LGJH EURXJKW t WKH VWXGHQW ERG\ DQG FRPPXQLW\ t MXVW PDNHV WKH ZKROH WKLQJ D JUHDW HYHQW VR ZHpUH excited about getting back to that.�
Westwood By Lindsey Thomas - Westwood Student After coming out of a three-year slump, Westwood has big plans for change with three goals set by the coaches and WKH SOD\HUV WR PDNH SOD\RIIV ZLQ WKH GLVWULFW FKDPSLRQVKLSV DQG SOD\ RQ 7KDQNVJLYLQJ GD\ ,I DOO WKDW LV DFKLHYHG they’ll add playing a game in December. :LWK UHWXUQLQJ WZR \HDU $OO 'LVWULFW SOD\HUV OLNH 4% :LOO -HQQLQJV VW WHDP DOO GLVWULFW DQG :5 '\ODQ )UD]LHU VW WHDP DOO GLVWULFW WKUHH \HDU VWDUWHU PRYLQJ WR 5% DQG ,+6)$1 7RS SOD\HU -DLNHP 0XUSK\ QG WHDP DOO GLVWULFW Þ UVW \HDU SOD\HU IURP EDVNHWEDOO %UDQGRQ .RWKORZ DQG 'DPRQ +DUULV DOO ZLWK SRWHQWLDO WR EH D ' DWKOHWHV +HDG FRDFK $QWKRQ\ :RRG SUHGLFWV WKLV VHDVRQ WR EH Þ OOHG ZLWK WDOHQW DQG GULYH LQ RUGHU WR UHDFK WKHLU VHW JRDOV E\ WKH end of the 2017 season. Due to the amount of returning talent, the Warriors’ time has primarily been spent in the weight room to gain strength in order to improve their chance of winning the district championship and be more competitive down the line. The Warriors used to have an attitude where their kids just expected to win, then over a three-year span they ORVW LQWHQVLW\ DQG WKHLU EHOLHI WKDW WKH\ ZHUH JRLQJ WR ZLQ HYHU\ WLPH WKH\ VWHSSHG RXW RQWR WKH Þ HOG 7KH :DUULRUV EHOLHYH WKH\ DUH JRLQJ WR JHW EDFN RQ WKH Þ HOG ZLWK D ZLQQLQJ DWWLWXGH UDWKHU WKDQ KRSLQJ WKH\pOO EULQJ KRPH D ZLQ ,+6)$1 ,16,'( ,1)2 6U :5 &DPHURQ 7KRPDV p r OE PRYH LQ IURP %DWRQ 5RXJH ZLOO PDNH D ELJ LPSDFW LQ 13-6A
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13-6A 3Ã&#x;XJHUYLOOH The longest tenured Class 6A head coach in the Austin area, George Herrmann, enters his 21st season at the KHOP RI WKH 3DQWKHUV )LQLVKLQJ ZLWK WKH UHFRUG RI WKH WHDP LV H[FLWHG WR EH PRYLQJ LQWR WKH VSDUNOLQJ QHZ VWDGLXP FDOOHG q7KH 3ÞHOGr &RDFK +HUPDQQ WROG ,+6)$1 q 3Ã&#x;XJHUYLOOH ,6' GLG DQ RXWVWDQGLQJ MRE ZLWK WKH 3ÞHOG DQG WKH HQWLUH FRPPXQLW\ LV H[FLWHG IRU WKH WHDP WR SOD\ WKHUH r 7KH VTXDG ZLOO UHWXUQ VWDUWHUV RQ RIIHQVH DQG RQ GHIHQVH /RRN IRU 4% 'DPRQ 7DPH] WR OHDG WKH RIIHQVH ZKLFK VKRXOG SDVV PRUH WKDQ &RDFK +HUPDQQ WHDPV RI WKH SDVW 0RYLQJ WR :5 LV %U\FH $UVHQDXOW ZKR ZLOO EH MRLQHG E\ :5 &DVH\ :DVKLQJWRQ 2Q WKH GHIHQVLYH VLGH RI WKH EDOO ORRN IRU '( =LRQ &DJH WR UHWXUQ IURP ODVW \HDUV LQMXU\ LQ WKH :HVWODNH JDPH WR OHDG D WRXJK GHIHQVH 2WKHU GHIHQVLYH OHDGHUV LQFOXGH '/ %UDMRQ &DJH QG WHDP DOO GLVWULFW 6 &ROOLQ 5HHG\ and DB Terron Williams.
Hendrickson 7KH +HQGULFNVRQ +DZNV DUH D SHUHQQLDO SOD\RII WHDP &RDFK &KLS .LOOLDQpV VTXDG EHDW 3Ã&#x;XJHUYLOOH LQ D PXVW ZLQ ODVW JDPH RI WKH UHJXODU VHDVRQ WR TXDOLI\ IRU WKH SOD\RIIV LQ 7KH +DZNV ÞQLVKHG WKH VHDVRQ ZLWK D UHFRUG of 3-8 after losing in round 1 of the playoffs to a tough Bowie squad. /RRN IRU ,+6)$1 7RS WHDP PHPEHU 5% '- -DFNVRQ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW WR KDYH D KXJH VHQLRU \HDU Joining Jackson leading the offense will be Blaine Barker and Chux Nwabuko. The defense will be led by Miles %URRNV $QWKRQ\ 0F.HHO '% &OD\WRQ 3HUULQ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG '% 7RELDV +DUULV QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW Coach Killian is sure to have his Hawks back in the 13-6A playoff mix in 2017.
Stony Point &DOHE :LHVHQKXWWHU 6WRQ\ 3RLQW 6WXGHQW /DVW VHDVRQ 6WRQ\ 3RLQW ZDV HOLPLQDWHG LQ WKH QG URXQG RI WKH SOD\RIIV DQG ÞQLVKHG WKH \HDU ZLWK D UHFRUG 7KH 7LJHUV ORVH D WRWDO RI seniors, 15 of them being starters, and will look to replace them with talent returning from this years’ junior and senior classes. The team, with key losses defensively, including losing its top 3 tacklers and 6 all-district performers, will look upon returning defensive starters, VXFK DV UHWXUQLQJ QG WHDP DOO GLVWULFW VHQLRU FRUQHUEDFNV VDIHWLHV 7UHVKRQ 3LFNHWW DQG $QWKRQ\ 6LPV DQG MXQLRU linebacker Camron Williams to lead the young defense. Offensively, with more talent returning, there should be the possibility of high impact. Junior running back Tyler Cleveland will look to top the 700+ yards rushing total he posted as a sophomore, while senior quarterbacks 'RQRYDQ 5\EDFKHN \DUGV SDVVLQJ DQG UXVKLQJ WRWDO 7'pV DQG -DFN 'ULVNHOO SDVVLQJ \DUGV 7'pV will both return and look to lead an offense an offense that struggled at times last year.
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25-6A /DNH 7UDYLV 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV IURP WKH %DOIRXU FKDPSLRQVKLS ULQJ FRPSDQ\ FHUWDLQO\ NQRZ WKHLU ZD\ DURXQG the Lake Travis campus, with 6 State championships in the past 10 year the Cavs have etched their name into the history books as one of the great dynasty’s of Texas high school football. 42 players graduate from the 2016 championship team and now it becomes truly‌ next man up. Coach +DQN &DUWHU WROG ,+6)$1 q 2EYLRXVO\ ZH ORVW D JUHDW VHQLRU FODVV EXW ZH KDYH D WRQ RI NLGV ZLWK ability that now have a chance to shine.� 2Q RIIHQVH ORRN IRU 4% 0DWKHZ %DOGZLQ WR OHDG D \RXQJ RIIHQVH WKDW ZLOO IHDWXUH :5 *DUUHWW :LOVRQ ,+6)$1 7RS SOD\HU DQG 2II 1HZFRPHU RI WKH \HDU 7KH RIIHQVLYH OLQH ZLOO EH DQFKRUHG E\ & 0DWKHZ +HUUHUD QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW . 3 &DPHURQ 'LFNHU VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG UHFHQW U.T. commit ) will provide the Cavs with the areas best kicking game. 'HIHQVLYH OHDGHUV ZLOO LQFOXGH UHWXUQLQJ SOD\HUV '% 5\DQ :,ONLQV '/ .DGH /DQJVWRQ /% 5HLG %DFRQ DQG /% 1DWH 3DURGL As always, 2017 expectations are high with many in Cav Nation already planning for another deep playoff run.
Westlake %\ -RH 7D\ORU 1XPEHU 3URGXFWLRQV &KDSV ,OOXVWUDWHG Many think that life after Sam Ehlinger began following the devastating 51-3 fourth round playoff loss to Lake Travis. With both senior signal callers sidelined, the sophomore quarterback combo SODWWHU RI 7D\ORU $QGHUVRQ DQG 6DP 6D[WRQ VHUYHG WKH RIIHQVH ZHOO 1DNLD :DWVRQ ,+6)$1 7RS 3OD\HU HVWDEOLVKHG KLPVHOI DV WKH SUHPLHU UXVKHU LQ &HQWUDO 7H[DV ZKLOH 7RQ\ 6DOD]DUpV WDOHQWHG defense led the way to a four-round playoff run. When spring Football launched all eyes were already focused on the historic position behind center. With two alumni wearing NFL uniforms and another repping the burnt orange and white, it’s a job that comes with massive responsibilities. With Saxton opting out of football, Anderson, Grayson Burks, and Kirkland Michaux will all compete for the gig. Nakia Watson’s breakout junior season was no accident. 2016 saw the junior rush for 1,648 yards DQG WRXFKGRZQV :DWVRQ ZLOO EH KHOSHG ZLWK WKH IDFW WKDW WKUHH RI WKH ĂžYH 2/ VWDUWHUV IURP the 2016 squad return and rest assured, they’ll be bigger and even more physical. “Nakia just scratched the surface last season,â€? Dodge said of his soon-to-be senior tailback. “He’s got the right work ethic to be very successful.â€? Linebacker David Dickerson went tackle for tackle with Levi Jones in ‘16. Braden Cassity’s speed and strength allowed for successful play both on the edge and inside on the line. The disruption continued with David Neil as he emerged as one of the most vicious linemen in Central Texas. The SULGH SRVLWLRQ RI &RDFK 6DOD]DUpV GHIHQVH LV WKH EDFNĂžHOG 0DWWKHZ 6DPVp UHVXPH PLJKW EH WKH PRVW impressive, but he’s part of a quintet of players with a wealth of starting experience. Despite the unknown factor at quarterback, 2016 gave Todd Dodge and the Westlake Nation a glimpse of what 2017 could hold. The irony? The 2017 Westlake Chaparrals will be well served by an old-school philosophy; play defense and run the ball.
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25-6A Vandegrift %\ &DUVRQ )LHOG 9DQGHJULIW 6WXGHQW 9DQGHJULIWpV ÞUVW \HDU LQ $ ZDV D VXFFHVV E\ DOO DFFRXQWV 7KH 9LSHUV ZRQ D SOD\RII JDPH EXW IHOO VKRUW LQ WKH VHFRQG URXQG ORVLQJ WR &LEROR 6WHHOH 'HVSLWH ORVLQJ VHYHUDO NH\ SLHFHV IURP WKH WHDP WKH 9LSHUV will have a chance to be successful once again in 2017. q7KLV WHDP ZLOO GR MXVW ÞQH LQ $ LQ LWV VHFRQG \HDU r KHDG FRDFK 'UHZ 6DQGHUV VDLG q:H ZLOO ZRUN WRJHWKHU to achieve what we want to achieve.� Spring practice brought a healthy quarterback completion to see who would replace Alex Fernandes. All three QB’s (Justin Moore, Davis Beal, and Dru Dawson) were getting plenty of snaps. $QRWKHU NH\ SOD\HU IRU WKH 9LSHUV QH[W VHDVRQ ZLOO EH UXQQLQJ EDFN ,VDLDK 6PDOOZRRG VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ZKR UXVKHG IRU QLQH WRXFKGRZQV LQ KLV VRSKRPRUH VHDVRQ q,pP ORRNLQJ WR UXVK IRU D ORW RI \DUGV DQG OHDG WKH WHDP IDU r 6PDOOZRRG VDLG q%XW , FDQpW GR WKDW ZLWKRXW WKH KHOS RI WKH OLQH DQG RWKHU SOD\HUV r $OWKRXJK WKH 9LSHUV SODQ WR PRYH WKH EDOO DQG VFRUH WRXFKGRZQV WKH GHIHQVH LV DOVR VWUHQJWK 'HIHQVLYH OLQHPDQ 2VR ,IHVLQDFKXNZX VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ORRNV IRUZDUG WR KLV VHQLRU VHDVRQ DQG KLV WKLUG \HDU RQ YDUVLW\ q:H MXVW KDYH WR SOD\ WKH WHFKQLTXH r ,IHVLQDFKXNZX VDLG q:H KDYH WKH WDOHQW ZH MXVW QHHG WR GR what we’re coached to so we can swarm the offense.� ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH OLQH WKH VHFRQGDU\ ZLOO RQFH DJDLQ KDYH WR EH VWURQJ IRU WKH WHDP WR VXFFHHG QH[W \HDU q7KH VHFRQGDU\ KDG D JUHDW \HDU ODVW \HDU r VDIHW\ &ROH :DOWKHU VDLG q:H ORVW RXU VWDUWLQJ FRUQHUV EXW , think we will have some guys step up and hopefully we’ll be solid back there.�
Vista Ridge &RDFK 5RGQH\ 9LQFHQW HQWHUV KLV WK VHDVRQ DV KHDG FRDFK RI WKH 5DQJHUV } VDZ WKH WHDP PRYH IURP $ WR $ DQG WKH 5DQJHUV ÞQLVKHG ZLWK WKH UHFRUG RI PDNLQJ WKH SOD\RIIV DIWHU D WRXJK LQMXU\ ÞOOHG VHDVRQ } :KHQ DVNHG DERXW WKH WRXJK $ GLVWULFW WKDW LQFOXGHV $ 6WDWH FKDPSV /DNH 7UDYLV &RDFK 9LQFHQW WROG ,+6)$1 q 7KH RQO\ ZD\ for us to handle the tough competition of 25-6A is for us to be the best version of ourselves, because that is the only thing we can control.� Leading the way on offense in 2017 will be QB Jake Taute (1st team DOO GLVWULFW ZKR ZLOO UHWXUQ DV WKH VLJQDO FDOOHU } ,+6)$1 7RS SOD\HU :5 5% -DPLO 3LWWPDQ VW WHDP all district) is a tough matchup for teams and is an explosive player who is a threat to score any time he WRXFKHV WKH EDOO } /RRN IRU 5% -RH *RRGZLQ WR EH D IHDWXUHG SDUW RI WKH DWWDFN } & &RQQRU +LJJLQV UHWXUQV WR lead the offensive line. 2Q WKH GHIHQVLYH VLGH RI WKH EDOO '/ :HVOH\ *ROGZDWHU ZLOO OHDG D \RXQJ EXW WRXJK GHIHQVH } 2WKHU OHDGHUV will be LB Kevin Bastow (2nd team All District) and LB Caleb Key. q0DNLQJ WKH SOD\RIIV ODVW \HDU HYHQ DIWHU DOO WKH LQMXULHV KHOSHG RXU FRQÞGHQFH , EHOLHYH WKDW H[SHULHQFH ZLOO EHQHÞW XV WKLV VHDVRQ r &RDFK 9LQFHQW WROG ,+6)$1
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25-6A Hays If beginning play in the brutally tough 25-6A district was not enough, Coach Neil /D+XH DQG KLV 5HEHOV IDFHG D WRWDO RI WHDPV WKDW TXDOLĂžHG IRU WKH SOD\RIIV } 7KH WRXJK QRQ GLVWULFW VFKHGXOH UHVXOWHG LQ DQ RYHUDOO UHFRUG RI LQ GLVWULFW The 2017 squad will once again battle the likes of Vista Ridge, Vandegrift, and LeanGHU DOO ĂžJKWLQJ IRU PRVW OLNHO\ WKH WZR UHPDLQLQJ SOD\RII VSRWV } 7ZR YHU\ JRRG WHDPV will be left out. /HDGLQJ WKH 5HEHOV RIIHQVH ZLOO EH 5% &DGH 3RZHOO VW 7HDP $OO GLVWULFW DQG 2/ 3KLO 0F6RUOH\ VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW /RRN IRU WKH GHIHQVLYH OHDGHUV WR EH '/ -XVWLQ 5RGULJXH] QG 7HDP $OO GLVWULFW DQG '/ 5\DQ /HDO QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW
Lehman Offseason preparations for the Lobos took an unexpected turn in late March when FRDFK 7RGG 5D\PRQG OHIW WR EHFRPH WKH DWKOHWLF GLUHFWRU RI WKH 3Ă&#x;XJHUYLOOH VFKRRO GLVWULFW ,Q ĂžYH VHDVRQV 5D\PRQG OHG /HKPDQ WR D UHFRUG 2Q 0D\ UG &RDFK Josh Kirkland was approved to take the reigns as head coach and athletic coordinator. Kirkland most recently was head coach of the El Paso Parkland and led the Matadors to an 8-4 record in 2016. 7KH /RERV ZHQW RYHUDOO LQ DQG ORVW WKHLU RSHQLQJ ĂžYH JDPHV LQ D GLVWULFW that features powerhouse programs Lake Travis and Westlake. They ended on a high, WKRXJK NQRFNLQJ RII /HDQGHU LQ WKH VHDVRQ ĂžQDOH The Lobos must replace 2016 starting quarterback Jacob Zamora, the leading candidate should be Ethan Roach who will be a senior. Leading the way for the young Lobos RIIHQVH ZLOO EH 6HQLRU ZLGH UHFHLYHU %UDGHQ 6XOOLQV QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG :5 Chastin Evans.
Leander Coach Tim Smith and his Lions play in arguably the toughest 6A district in Texas. Coach Smith told IHSFAN “Every week it seems as though we play against a playoff caliber team. As tough as it was in 2016 we went into week 11 with a chance to PDNH WKH SOD\RIIV r /HDQGHU ĂžQLVKHG DW DQG LQ GLVWULFW The 2017 team looks to dual threat Junior QB Rashad Carter to lead the high-powered offense. Carter told IHSFAN, “ I started last year on JV and I was having a lot of fun. Due to a few injuries I got picked to move up to Varsity and I had to step up.â€? Other OHDGHUV RQ RIIHQVH DUH p r :5 'DOWRQ )ORZHUV QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ZKR KDG yards receiving in ’16, and returning Center Jeremy Kracy. 6HQLRU /% $OH[ +HQVOH\ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ZLOO OHDG WKH /LRQV 'HIHQVH +HQVOH\ WROG IHSFAN, “As a team leader, this year I have to be sharp and be very vocal.â€? Other defensive stars include Noah King S, and Michael Jorgenson DB.
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FALCONHEAD | LEANDER | SENDERO SPRINGS | SOUTHWEST AUSTIN | STEINER RANCH 41
14-6A Anderson -HII 5KRDGV KDV SXW KLV VWDPS RQ WKH 7URMDQ IRRWEDOO SURJUDP DQG QRZ KDV D QHZ WXUI SUDFWLFH ÞHOG WR FRQWLQXH WR EXLOG RQ &RDFK 5KRDGV QRZ LQ KLV UG \HDU DW WKH KHOP WROG ,+6)$1 q, IHHO OLNH ZH KDYH something to build on. We have some momentum right now as our young kids now have another year of experience.� Offensively look for QB Davis Adams to take the reigns and he will have plenty of weapons to move WKH FKDLQV LQ 5% &R\ )XOOPHU 5% &DPURQ 7XUQHU :5 'HDQ 'L[RQ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG :5 7UHYRU Merrick . 2Q GHIHQVH '( -HUHPLDK %\HUV ZLOO OHDG WKH ZD\ ZLWK KHOS IURP WZR EURWKHUV '% 5REHUW $EHUQDWK\ DQG '% 0DWWKHZ $EHUQDWK\ 2WKHU OHDGHUV RQ GHIHQVH ZLOO EH /% 5XVVHOO 6XOOLYDQ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG DL Jacob Harper (2nd Team All District) The Trojans will once again be in the mix for a 14-6A playoff spot.
Bowie )RU WKH SDVW \HDUV DV KHDG FRDFK &RDFK -HII $EOHV KDV EHHQ D Ăž[WXUH DW %RZLH KLJK VFKRRO 7KH 2016 team recorded more wins (11) than any team in school history, along the way they took home a $ GLVWULFW FKDPSLRQVKLS DQG &RDFK $EOHV UHDFKHG WKH FDUHHU ZLQ PLOHVWRQH &RDFK $EOHV WROG ,+6FAN “The 100th win was fun for the kids and something that makes me really proud for the program.â€? 7KH VTXDG ZLOO IHDWXUH VHYHUDO JUHDW RIIHQVLYH ZHDSRQV } /RRN IRU 4% 0DWKHZ :KHHOHU VW WHDP DOO GLVWULFW WR OHDG DQ RIIHQVH WKDW ZLOO IHDWXUH 5% .\OH &DUWHU DQG WDOHQWHG UHFHLYHUV (OLMDK +LJJLQV VW WHDP DOO GLVWULFW DQG $L]D\DK 6DQWLDJR $ 2II QHZFRPHU RI WKH \HDU 2Q WKH GHIHQVLYH VLGH RI WKH EDOO WKH 'DZJV DUH /2$'(' } },+6)$1 7RS SOD\HU 6 -RVK 6P\WKH 0DFDXOD\ ZLOO OHDG WKH WDOHQWHG GHIHQVH WKDW IHDWXUHV '% 3LHUFH :LWKHUV VW WHDP DOO GLVWULFW /% %UHQQDQ 5RJers (2nd team all district), DL Cooper Laake (1st team all district), DL Jordan Flores (1st team all district), DB Nick Medina (1st team all district) and 14-6A Defensive new comer of the year M’Elijah Wesley. Don’t be surprised if you see Laake play on both sides of the ball. &RDFK $EOHV WROG ,+6)$1 q:H ORVW D IHZ NH\ SOD\HUV WR JUDGXDWLRQ EXW WKH JX\V FRPLQJ EDFN SOD\HG D ELJ SDUW LQ WKH VXFFHVVIXO VHDVRQ WKDW ZH KDG ODVW \HDU r} /RRN IRU WKH %XOOGRJV WR KRLVW DQRWKHU GLVWULFW WLWOH LQ 2017.
Akins :LWK ZLQV RYHU &URFNHWW DQG $XVWLQ KLJK WR VWDUW WKH VHDVRQ &RDFK +XPEHUWR *DU]D KDG WKH KLJK Ă&#x;\LQJ (DJOHV EHOLHYLQJ WKDW WKH\ ZHUH LQ WKH PLGVW RI D YHU\ VSHFLDO VHDVRQ WKH WHDP ĂžQLVKHG ZLWK D record of 2-8. Headed into his 8th season as head coach he will miss the weekly conversations with the VFKRROpV QDPHVDNH 'U &KDUOHV $NLQV ZKR UHFHQWO\ SDVVHG DZD\ &RDFK *DU]D WROG ,+6)$1 q:H ZRXOG WDON HYHU\ ZHHN DQG 'U $NLQV ZRXOG JLYH PH JUHDW DGYLFH , ZLOO WUXO\ PLVV KLV WKRVH FDOOV r /RRN IRU WKH (DJOHV WR EH OHG RIIHQVLYHO\ E\ 4% 1LFN &DJOH 7KH (DJOHV PD\ DOVR OLQH XS 4% :5 -HUHPLDK %URZQ DW 4% 7KH IHDWXUHG UXQQLQJ EDFN ZLOO EH 0DOFROP 5RJHUV 7KH (DJOH GHIHQVH ZLOO EH OHG E\ /% ,VDLDK 'DYLOOD QG 7HDP $OO GLVWULFW '/ 9DOHQWH 0HGHO DQG '/ $PPRQ ,YH\ 42
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14-6A Del Valle ,Q 'HO 9DOOH Ã&#x;RXULVKHG DJDLQVW WKHLU QHZ GLVWULFW $ FRPSHWLWLRQ ÞQLVKLQJ ZLWK three straight district wins after a tough overtime loss to San Marcos. The Cardinals qualiÞHG IRU WKH SOD\RIIV DQG IDFHG D JUHDW 5RXQG 5RFN WHDP LQ WKH ÞUVW URXQG ORVLQJ &RDFK &KDUOHV %XUWRQ QRZ LQ KLV ÞIWK VHDVRQ LV H[SHFWHG WR HPSOR\ D VSUHDG DWWDFN DQG D multiple front defense. 7KH &DUGLQDOV VTXDG ZLOO EH OHG E\ :5 /Dp7KDQLHO :DVKLQJWRQ VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW 2/ '/ 6FDOH ,JLHKRQ VW 7HDP $// 'LVWULFW %27+ :$<6 /% 5% &DPHURQ :LONLQV VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW 'HIHQVH DQG QG 7HDP 2IIHQVH DQG 5% &KULV 0DUWLQH] VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW &RDFK %XUWRQ WROG ,+6)$1 q :H DUH DSSURDFKHG WKH RII VHDVRQ ZLWK D IRFXV RQ ÞQLVKLQJ HYHU\WKLQJ WKDW ZH GLG } :H ZLOO KDYH WR ÞQLVK DOO JDPHV WKLV VHDVRQ WR EH DEOH WR PDNH D playoff push.
Manor &RDFK -LPPLH 0LWFKHOOpV ÞUVW \HDU DV KHDG FRDFK RI WKH 0XVWDQJV VDZ WKH WHDP ÞQLVK ZLWK WKH UHFRUG RI LQ GLVWULFW 3ULRU WR ODVW VHDVRQ ,+6)$1 7RS SOD\HU DQG IRUPHU 0DQRU SOD\HU VWDU 5% 1DNLD :DWVRQ WUDQVIHUUHG WR :HVWODNH The 2017 Mustangs will be led on offense by QB Seth Slagle who threw for 15 TD’s and over \DUGV 6ODJOH ZLOO EH MRLQHG LQ WKH EDFNÞHOG E\ 5% 7DKM %URRNV ZKR LV WKH OHDGLQJ rusher for all returning players. Manor looks to have a solid defense which will be led by LB Jeremy Fowler, DL Ochaun 0DWKLV VW 7HDP $OO GLVWULFW '/ 2OLVD 8]XHJEXQDP QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG /% -DFRE\ 5RVV VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW
San Marcos A bitter end to a successful 2016 season should’ve provided plenty of offseason fuel for WKH 5DWWOHUV $ VSLULWHG IRXUWK TXDUWHU FRPHEDFN IHOO VKRUW LQ WKHLU ÞUVW URXQG SOD\RII JDPH DJDLQVW 6WRQ\ 3RLQW DIWHU D GLVSXWHG RQVLGH NLFN &RPELQH WKDW PRWLYDWLRQ ZLWK D URVWHU loaded with proven all-district talents, and coach Mark Sato is looking at a recipe for success. 7KH PDLQ LQJUHGLHQW ÞJXUHV WR EH D ZKROH ORW RI -DPRQ -RKQVRQ 7KH MXQLRU UXQQLQJ EDFN was the District 14-6A offensive newcomer of the year in 2016 after he piled up 1,325 \DUGV DQG WRXFKGRZQV DW D FOLS RI \DUGV SHU FDUU\ ,I KH FDQ GXSOLFDWH WKDW FROOHJH offers should come pouring in. So should wins. 6DQ 0DUFRV DOVR UHWXUQV VHQLRU 3UXG\ &DOGHURQ WDFNOHV ,17 D VHFRQG WHDP $OO &HQWUDO 7H[DV VDIHW\ DQG VHFRQG WHDP DOO GLVWULFW FRUQHUEDFN 'HPDUFXV +DOO WDFNOHV ,17 The biggest question mark is quarterback, but Johnson and 1st team All District offensive tackle Alex Costilla should make things a little easier for whoever emerges. 44
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19-5A Cedar Park By Nick Hedges - Cedar Park student In 2016, Cedar Park looked to be on their way to another state championship, before a stout Manvel team denied their quest for a second straight title. Even though the Timberwolves came up short last season, the aim won’t change in 2017, and they look to be well equipped to bounce back and pursue the crown again. “I expect our team to compete for a district championship, and then go to the playoffs to compete for a state championship,â€? head coach Carl Abseck told IHSFAN. “That is our goal and objective here at Cedar Park, and our expectations are not changing. Week by week, day by day is our approach. 1-0 is the goal.â€? The Wolves certainly have the weapons to make it back to championship weekend. :LWK 0DN 6H[WRQ ,+6)$1 7RS SOD\HU DQG VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW JHDULQJ XS IRU his third year as the team’s starting quarterback, already boasting a record-breaking career, Cedar Park will have an established leader at the helm. He’s not short of tools to use either, as two of his favorite targets from last season in Drew McDaniel and 3D\GHQ 6DZLFNL ERWK UHWXUQ 7KH 2IIHQVLYH OLQH ZLOO EH OHDG E\ 0DVRQ %URRNV VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW -RQDWKDQ .HOO\ VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG 7UDMDDQ &KDVH QG 7HDP All District) 'HIHQVLYHO\ &HGDU 3DUN ZKLFK ERDVWHG DQ DPD]LQJ VKXWRXWV ZLOO ĂžHOG D PL[ RI YDUVLW\ YHWHUDQV DQG QHZFRPHUV /% .HHJDQ 1LFKROV VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG 6 *XQQDU &KULVZLVVHU QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DUH H[SHFWHG WR WDNH RQ NH\ UROHV IRU WKH %ODFN 5DLQ Junior Jesiah Whittington will also be a strong force up front for the T’Wolves, while -DFNVRQ %XFNLQJKDP 'HI 1HZFRPHU RI WKH \HDU ZLOO ORRN WR OHDG D VWURQJ OLQHEDFNLQJ corps.
Rouse 7KH 5RXVH 5DLGHUV PD\ KDYH EHHQ WKH RQO\ WHDP LQ 7H[DV WR ZLQ ĂžYH GLVWULFW games and still not qualify for the playoffs. Coach Josh Mann, entering his 9th season at Rouse, told IHSFAN, “It was frustrating in that we had the lead in the fourth quarter LQ WZR RI RXU ORVVHV ,W WDXJKW XV WR WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI FRPSHWLQJ DQG ĂžQLVKLQJ WKH HQWLUH game.â€? The 2017 Raiders will be led offensively by QB Ethan Moore who will get a ton of protection from one of the biggest O-lines in the area. Returning starters on the line LQFOXGH $\GHQ 6KDUS VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW $OH[ %DJOH\ DQG 2ZHQ .HOO\ +HOSLQJ WR move the chains will be WR’s Isaiah Poston and Taye Biel. On the defensive side of the ball the Raiders return 4 starters in LB Taevon Quimby, LB Alex Salazar, DL Conner Canady, and LB Cole Bresnehen. DB Dax Dalton will lead a young secondary. “Our Linebackers will have to lead us. The linebacker group is very explosive. We are not the biggest group but we are pretty fast.â€? Coach Mann told IHSFAN.
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19-5A Georgetown 7KH (DJOHV GLG QRW VK\ DZD\ IURP WKHLU WRXJK $ VFKHGXOH ĂžQLVKLQJ ZLWK MXVW WZR GLVWULFW ORVVHV DQG DQ RYHUDOO UHFRUG RI 7KH KLJKĂ&#x;\LQJ (DJOH RIIHQVH IHDWXUHG QB Chandler Herman who had a TD to INT ratio that rivaled Tom Brady and his primary target and 2016 IHSFAN Top 10 player WR Beau Corrales. Coach Jason Dean now in his 9th season at Georgetown told IHSFAN, “ We continue to have great expectations at Georgetown, We have exited the playoffs too early the last couple of seasons. We are looking to be in the mix in December.â€? 7KH (DJOHV RIIHQVH ZLOO EH OHG E\ ,+6)$1 7RS SOD\HU &DGHQ /HJJHWW :5 VW Team All District) who had over 900 yards in 2016 and with the graduation of Corrales should be the primary target this season. Other key offensive leaders will be Nic CromELH 7( :5 QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ZKR ZLOO EH PRYHG DOO RI WKH ĂžHOG (ULF $QGHUVRQ 5% who had over 500 yards rushing in his split time last season, and Tyler Solomon HB/TE who may get some time on both sides of the ball. 7KH GHIHQVLYH OHDGHUV RI WKH (DJOHV DUH %UDQGRQ +DZNLQV '% VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ZKR had 132 tackles last year and already has several FBS offers, Kyle Urbanovsky LB who VWDUWHG JDPHV LQ p DQG 7UDFH *ODQYLOOH '% QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ZKR LV OLNH D FRDFK RQ WKH ĂžHOG DV D \HDU VWDUWHU
East View Eastview began varsity play in 2012 and Coach Rob Davies has been the school’s only Head football coach. Coach Davies told IHSFAN, “ It is very rewarding to know that we have had a chance to have a positive impact on so many kids that have gone WKURXJK WKH (DVWYLHZ IRRWEDOO SURJUDP r /DVW VHDVRQ WKH 3DWULRWV ĂžQLVKHG ZLWK WKH UHFRUG of 3-7. 7KH VTXDG ZLOO ERDVW 7:2 \DUG UXVKHUV LQ ERWK 7RUULH 'DYLV VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG =LRQ +HVWHU QG 7HDP $OO GLVWULFW 7KH WZR IHDWXUHG EDFNV ZLOO UHWXUQ to a team that found itself in all but one game until the very end in ‘16. Davis was a unanimous All-Dstrict selection and Hester tied a school record for most points scored in an individual game when he scored 30 in the Bastrop game. On the defensive side of the ball look for DL Randy Castillo , LB Adam Salazar, and two-way starter DB Zion Hester to lead the Pats defense. District 19-5A is packed full of fantastic teams. “Our kids like knowing that each week we are going to be tested by a very good team. We return quite a few players from ODVW \HDU DQG KRSH WKH H[SHULHQFH ZLOO DOORZ XV WR ĂžQLVK JDPHV ZKHUH ZH ZHUH QRW DEOH to do so last year.â€? Coach Davies told IHSFAN.
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19-5A Hutto A year ago there were many questions to be answered for the Hutto Hippos: Who would replace Tyler Herrick? Would the young Hippo team be able to compete in the newly formed 19-5A district? Coach Van Meter told IHSFAN, “ I thought with as young as we were we had an opportunity to be 9-1 heading into the playoffs.â€? The +LSSRV GLG ĂžQG D 4% LQ QHZFRPHU RI WKH \HDU $1' ,+6)$1 WRS SOD\HU &KDVH *ULIĂžQ DQG WKH WHDP ĂžQLVKHG ZLWK D UHFRUG TXDOLI\LQJ IRU WKH SOD\RIIV 2IIHQVLYHO\ WKH VTXDG ZLOO EH OHG E\ *ULIĂžQ ZKR WKUHZ IRU \DUG DQG 7'pV LQ p *ULIĂžQ ZLOO KDYH PDQ\ JUHDW ZHDSRQV DV '- %DSWLVW VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW returns as one of the premier receivers in the area. Additional members of the starVWXGGHG UHFHLYLQJ FRUSV LQFOXGH &DOHE )RUUHVW QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW -DNREH 'DYLGVRQ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG &D\GHQ %HURQ 2Q WKH GHIHQVLYH VLGH RI WKH EDOO '/ -DPHV +XGGOHVWRQ VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ZLOO OHDG the way. Other players to watch on defense include LB Jacob Berry, DB Cam Forrest QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG '( -RQDWKDQ 0LWFKHOO The Hippos started 7 sophomores last year and with another year under their belts look for Hutto to challenge Cedar Park for the 19-5A District Championship.
Connally Entering a brand new and highly competitive 19-5A district last season , Coach Jason &HFLOpV &RQQDOO\ WHDP FRQWLQXHG WKH WUHQG RI \HDUO\ LPSURYHPHQW ZLQV LQ p ZLQV in ’15, and 10 wins in ’16) The magical 2016 season featured a 6-2 district record and an overall record of 10-2 losing to Temple by 3 points in the second round of the playoffs. Senior QB Robert Patterson was among the areas most talented players and accounted for 2,904 total yards. 10 win seasons often create new challenges for programs. Coach Cecil told IHSFAN, “ Our expectation is to build upon the success we had last season. A key will be getting our team to understand that they will not be sneaking up on anyone this year, we have a target on our backs and we must prepare ourselves accordingly.� :LWKRXW 3DWWHUVRQ ZHDULQJ D &RXJDU KHOPHW WKLV \HDU ORRN IRU 4% (DUQHVW 0XVFXH VW Team All District), Jhalen Holmes OL, and Lanz Menendez RB to lead the Cougar Offense. 2Q WKH GHIHQVLYH VLGH RI WKH EDOO ORRN IRU /% 5DVKRQ 6KHSSDUG VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW '/ -HUHPLDK *OHQQ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW '/ 'RPLQLF :KLWH VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW WR EH the leaders. In addition, “super Soph� Caleb Green LB could play a key role.
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19-5A Bastrop Fifth-year coach Todd Patmon will be forced to rely on a lot of new faces, with six of the seven players who earned all-district recognition last year now gone. 4% -DGRQ %LOOV RI \DUGV 7' ,17 VDZ DFWLRQ LQ HLJKW JDPHV DV D MXQLRU -XQLRU -KHTXD\ &KUHWLQ UXVKLQJ UHFHLYLQJ ĂžJXUHV WR JHW DQ LQFUHDVHG ZRUNORDG DQG MXQLRU '/ =HYRQ %XUQHWW QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ZLOO OHDG WKH %HDU GHfense. Bastrop opens at Dripping Springs and home against Manor in non-district before heading to powerhouse Cedar Park for its district opener on Sept. 15.
Cedar Creek $ OLWWOH PRUH WKDQ D \HDU UHPRYHG IURP WKH ÞUVW SOD\RII DSSHDUDQFH LQ SURJUDP KLVWRU\ &HGDU &UHHN HQWHUV \HDU WZR LQ WKH EUXWDO 'LVWULFW $ VWLOO ORRNLQJ IRU LWV ÞUVW ZLQ &RDFK -RQ (GZDUGV ZLOO QHHG WR ÞQG UHSODFHPHQWV IRU KLV OHDGLQJ SDVVHU UXVKHU DQG receiver from last year. Quarterback Tristan Hendrix and wide receiver Peyton Tuggle produced the majority of the Eagles’ offense, and both have graduated. 6HQLRU 5% %URFN 'HVKD\ FDUULHV \DUGV SURYLGHV D VROLG EXLOGLQJ EORFN Cedar Creek opens at home against Marble Falls on Aug. 25 before heading to Smithville, against whom the Eagles earned their only win of 2016.
Elgin New coach Jens Anderson brings a championship pedigree from his seven seasons as the offensive coordinator at Richmond George Ranch, but he has his hands full taking over an Elgin program that has won only four games the past two seasons combined. The Wildcats were better than their 3-7 record indicated in 2016, with three of those losses coming by three points or less. “We’re gonna run the football and play great defense,â€? Anderson said. “We have to have guys back there that can run it.â€? Early candidates at running back include senior Michael Joseph, who previously played linebacker and junior Jerome Ray. Anderson said he expects senior Ben Langford to step in for Strong. Fortunately, he’ll have an experienced target in senior wide UHFHLYHU 'Hp&OD\YLQ 6LPPRQV VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW FDWFKHV \DUGV 7'V -XQLRU VDIHW\ 7\URQ 0F)DUOLQ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW WDFNOHV VROR DOVR UHWXUQV DQG ĂžJXUHV WR EH D NH\ SLHFH RQ GHIHQVH DORQJ ZLWK MXQLRU GHIHQVLYH HQG .HQGDO -RKQVRQ WDFNOHV MXQLRU 6KDQH *RQ]DOHV DQG VHQLRU (WKDQ 2ZHQV QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW tackles).
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25-5A Austin High /DVW VHDVRQpV 8,/ UHDOLJQPHQW VDZ WKH 0DURRQV GURS IURP $ WR $ } 7KH VTXDG ĂžQLVKHG RYHUDOO LQ GLVWULFW DQG ORVW D URXQG SOD\RII JDPH WR 'ULSSLQJ 6SULQJV Coach Rosenthal told IHSFAN, “ We went from a tough 6A district to a tough 5A GLVWULFW ,W LV UHDOO\ JUHDW IRRWEDOO } $V D VWDII ZH HQMR\HG VFRXWLQJ DQG OHDUQLQJ IURP different teams last year.â€? Entering his 6th season leading the Maroons, Coach Rosenthal really likes the work HWKLF RI KLV p VTXDG } q2IIHQVLYHO\ ZH ZLOO KDYH D EDODQFHG DWWDFN } :H KDYH D strong running game and we return a group of talented receivers.â€? Leading the MaURRQV RQ RIIHQVH ZLOO EH 4% (YDQ 'DGH\ :5 6DZ\HU %HUU\ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW WR Ben Koch, and RB Romero Brown. On the defensive side of the ball look for DE Dillon Mata to spend the year in the RSSRQHQWpV EDFNĂžHOG WKH WDOHQWHG 6U LV SRLVHG WR KDYH D UHDOO\ VSHFLDO VHDVRQ 2WKHU GHIHQVLYH SOD\HUV WR ZDWFK DUH /% -DFNVRQ :RRPHU '% 7ULVWHQ :RRWRQ QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW '% -DVRQ $ORQ]R QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG 6R 6 'DYLG :LOOLDPV Austin High elected to get an extra week of practice in August rather than going WKURXJK 6SULQJ EDOO } 5RVHQWKDO WROG ,+6)$1 q:KHQ ZH GRQpW GR 6SULQJ EDOO , DOZD\V feel like we have a little more time and don’t feel as rushed in the fall.â€?
LBJ Coach Andrew Jackson lead the 2016 LBJ squad to a record of 9-2 and a 25-5A district championship. So impressive was the run through district competition that the Jags defense only allowed a total of 18 points to district foes. In fact in 8 of 11 games the defense held teams to 10 or fewer points including three shutouts. 7KH GHIHQVH ZLOO EH OHG E\ '% 'HRQ &ROOLQV VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW '( -RVKXD -DFNVRQ VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW '% $XQGD\ -RKQVRQ VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG /% -DpOHQ &OHYHODQG QG 7HDP DOO GLVWULFW 7KH RIIHQVH ZLOO EH \RXQJ /RRN IRU 2/ &RULQWK :LOOLDPV QG 7HDP DOO GLVWULFW WR provide leadership to help move the chains. Look for the Jags to once again compete for the district title.
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Reagan Coach Keith Carey enters his 6th year at the helm of the Reagan Raiders coming off WKHLU WKLUG FRQVHFXWLYH SOD\RII DSSHDUDQFH 7KH 5DLGHUV ĂžQLVKHG ZLWK D UHFRUG RI DQG ZHUH EHDW LQ WKH ĂžUVW URXQG RI WKH SOD\RIIV E\ %RHUQH &KDPSLRQ Carey told IHSFAN “We build offensive lineman here. We are looking forward to KDYLQJ 2/ 'HUULFN 6RUUHOOV QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW 2/ 3DWULFN 7KRPDV 7( -RVH -DLPHV QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW 2/ 'DLUHN /DQGUXP & DQG 2/ %UD\OHQ :LOOLDPV DOO UHWXUQ r Vontrey Harper will be at Running Back and Uriel Montelongo will play both QB and Safety. On defense the Raiders will start as many as 10 sophomores. The defense will be lead by Senior LB Terrance Carter. The Raiders suited out just 25 players in their playoff game against Champion and Coach Carey has done a fantastic job in overcoming the lack of numbers. Nobody EULQJV PRUH SDVVLRQ HDFK GD\ WR WKH ĂžHOG WKDQ &RDFK &DUH\
7UDYLV &RDFK -RH )UDQN 0DUWLQH] DQG WKH 7UDYLV 5HEHOV ĂžQLVKHG ZLWK D UHFRUG RI The 2-4 district schedule included a hard fought one point loss to Reagan where an amazing 109 total points were scored. Coach Martinez told IHSFAN, “We will be young and inexperienced with our skill positions as we do not return any skill position players. Our offensive line will be our strength. With both a sophomore QB and RB It will be a rebuilding yearâ€? Key players on the defensive side of the ball include David Rodriguez LB and Cameron Craft Cannon DL. On the offensive side of the ball look for sophomore Steven /RSH] 4% WR WDNH WKH UHLJQV /RSH] ZLOO EHQHĂžW IURP KDYLQJ DQ H[SHULHQFHG RIIHQVLYH line that features Adam Delafuente and Brian Cosme.
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25-5A Lanier Lanier coach Johnathan Hayhurst has high hopes for the 2017 Vikings. “We expect to be much better this year, we have a core group of guys that have committed this offseason and a young group that does everything we ask.” Offensively the Vikings will be lead by a talented group of receivers in Tajik Bartholomew, Tydell Wardy, and Mathew King. On the defensive side of the ball look for LB Daylin Hinton to lead a young defense that includes two-way players Wardy and Bartholomew as DB’s.
McCallum &RDFK &KDUOHV 7D\ORU DQG KLV .QLJKWV ÞQLVKHG ZLWK D GLVWULFW $ FKDPSLRQVKLS and an impressive 10-2 record. Coach Taylor told IHSFAN, “ We have lots of returning starters and are looking to build on the success.” The Knights boast an impressive 13 returning players with All District honors. Offensively look for QB Max Perez to return with another year of experience under his EHOW /7 -XGDK &RSHODQG VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW DQG :5 'HURQ *DJH ZDV WKH GLVWULFWpV newcomer of the year. On the defensive side of the ball it all starts with IHSFAN Top 10 player and Def. MVP DL Prince Tyler. Tyler had an impressive 22 tackles for loss and is poised for a GLVWULFW 093 SRVWVHDVRQ DZDUG -RLQLQJ 7\OHU RQ GHIHQVLYH OLQH LV '/ .HYRQ :DOWRQ VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW /RRN IRU /% -DFNVRQ 0DVWHUV VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW WR KHOS WKLV VWLQJ\ defense. Barring injuries the Knights we can pencil the Knights in for another District championship.
Crockett Coach John Waugh is very excited to have many of his offensive players returning. QB Ryan Waugh returns as a dual threat signal caller. Skill players RB Mekhi Ball, and WR .HRQ )UDQNOLQ VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW ZLOO KHOS PRYH WKH FKDLQV 8S IURQW WKH 2 /LQH ZLOO EH OHDG E\ 7UH 5XELR DQG 'LHJR (OL]DOGH QG 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW 'HIHQVLYHO\ ORRN IRU '/ -RVK $OYDUDGR DQG '% :LOOH 7U\RQ VW 7HDP $OO 'LVWULFW WR OHDG a young group of Cougars. Coach Waugh told IHSFAN, “Our goal is to do well in our non-district games and be ready to compete for a playoff spot once district starts.”
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IHSFAN 2017 DISTRICT PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
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AUSTIN AREA 5A AND 6A DISTRICTS AND REGIONS: 13-6A
REGION 2
14-6A
3Ã&#x;XJHUYLOOH
Akins
Hendrickson
Anderson
Round Rock
Bowie
McNeil
Del Valle
Stony Point
Manor
Westwood
San Marcos
REGION 2
Cedar Ridge
19-5A REGION 3
25-5A REGION 4
Bastrop
Austin
Cedar Creek
Crockett
Cedar Park
LBJ
Elgin
Lanier
Georgetown
McCallum
East View
Reagan
Hutto
Travis
Rouse Connally
25-6A Lake Travis Vandegrift Westlake Hays Vista Ridge Lehman Leander 58
REGION 4
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FALCONHEAD | LEANDER | SENDERO SPRINGS | SOUTHWEST AUSTIN | STEINER RANCH 59
PRIVATE SCHOOL Regents The Regents Knights story book and historic 2016 season is chronicled on page 26 of this magazine. The program boasts 5 State championship titles and now 3 State runner up teams. Coach Beck Brydon who took the command full-time in 2004 has created one of the elite programs in Texas. The 2017 Knights will return 6 or 7 starters on defense and just 4 starters on the offensive side of the ball. The defense will be let by DB Alex Hartman , LB Chris DeAngelis , DE Caleb Barton , and DE Cal Long . On the offensive side of the ball a few players to watch are 2016 All State RB Conner Allen and WR Zach Roberts . The Knights will feature FIVE new offensive linemen and could be a question mark for the upcoming season. “Winning often comes with increased expectations as well as getting opponents best shot each game.” Coach Brydon told IHSFAN, “ We will go from having our most experienced teams last year to having a highly inexperienced team this season.” New players will get their chance to continue to make their own history. Look for the Knights to have another successful season in 2017.
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PRIVATE SCHOOL Hyde Park Coach Dean Campbell decided to hang up his whistle after 39 years of coaching. His storied coaching career saw stops at both the high school and college levels. The Panthers hit the jackpot with regards to their coaching search. Chuck Petersen has a combined 30 years of coaching experience, which saw stops at the Air Force Academy, Arkansas, and the University of North Texas. Most recently Coach Petersen was head coach at Orange Lutheran High School in California. Petersen told IHSFAN, “ In my short time in Austin I have been impressed with the work ethic of the kids. I have received great support from the faculty, kids, and all of the families. Coach Campbell and I coached together at the Air Force Academy and I consider him a true friend. He has really helped me with the transition.” 7KH VTXDG Þ QLVKHG ZLWK WKH UHFRUG RI ORVLQJ LQ WKH Þ UVW URXQG RI WKH 7$336 playoffs to Fort Bend Christian Academy 28-14. The 2017 Panthers will be led offensively by WR Chase Bradley who will most likely start at Safety as well. OL Reagan Frey will provide leadership and experience up front. The Panthers will go into August with a tremendous competition for the quarterback spot as DJ Bolger and Ben Ballard are both very talented. On the defensive side of the ball look for LB Alex Benkendorfer and LB Jack Waugh to lead a young and scrappy group of players. Coach Petersen told IHSFAN. “Alex has great work ethic and is a true leader and Jack may be our strongest player on the team.” With roughly 70 kids in the football program Hyde Park has been one of the most successful private teams in the area and is sure to be in the hunt come playoff time.
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