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FROM THE DESK OF THE PUBLISHER IHSFAN Magazine is proud to celebrate our 5th anniversary in 2019. What started as just an idea that Austin area high school football deserved its own preview magazine has grown to include a weekly radio show and now coming in August a webcast network. Our goal was to provide the robust and passionate area high school football community with a magazine to call their own. We wanted to preview all the area teams and showcase a Top 10 team of players. In 2017 IHSFAN partnered with Austin’s #1 Sports radio station 104.9 The Horn to bring the “Under the Lights” radio show to the Austin airwaves. Each Wednesday night during the season from 7:00-8:00 p.m. both Jeff Power and myself bring our listeners an action packed 60 minutes that includes a conversation with at least both one area coach and player (most times we have two), news of the week from around the area, and our highly popular prediction segment. We are excited to announce that we will be back on The Horn for season number THREE this August. As we continue to bring content to our readers and listeners we are proud to announce the creation of the IHSFAN WEBCAST Network coming this August. We will provide fans the ability to listen to audio webcasts of up to 6 different games EVERY week. The games will be accessible via both a complimentary web link AND will be available on THE HORN APP. Imagine sitting at your local stadium watching your favorite team and then being able to click on the Horn app to listen to live play by play of several different games. The 2019 Bush’s Chicken IHSFAN Top 10 team once again features players from all over the area. It has been fun to look back at our Top 10 teams from previous years to see how they are doing. Our first ever IHSFAN Top 10 team will enter their senior year in COLLEGE in 2019. On a personal note I would like to thank ALL the area coaches for all that they do. Our community is blessed with so many great men and women that do so much for our area student athletes. Welcome to the 2019 IHSFAN MAGAZINE!

Rick Epstein Publisher of IHSFAN

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NETWOR

DID YOU GET BETTER TODAY?

DID YOU GET BETTER TODAY? DID YOU GET BETTER TODAY?

DID YOU GET BETTER TODAY?

DID YOU GET BETTER TODAY? DID YOU GET BETTER TODAY?

DID YOU GET

Ryan Murphy

played football the same way he lived life…..with a bold confidence and a level of energy that inspired his teammates and frustrated opposing coaches. Watching Ryan play was like watching an artist at work. It seemed so effortless that you might assume that it all came easily for him. But it didn’t. He had the kind of sprinters speed that simply couldn’t be coached….it was a gift. But make no mistake, Ryan worked tirelessly each and every day so that on Friday night, he could simply let go…and just

Want a FREE poster for your school? Coaches or administrators please send an email to Pat Murphy at pmmurphy@austin.rr.com to continue spreading Ryan’s message. Please submit your order by August 31, 2019 and allow 30 days for delivery. The email should include: - Your name and contact information - School name - Ship to address with contact name

DID YOU GET BETTER TODAY?

DID YOU GET BETTER T

DID YOU GET BETTER TODAY?

While supplies last, you will receive a 36”x 48” quality banner with brass grommets and Ryan’s story. Donations of $10 to cover shipping would be appreciated but not required.

DID YOU GET BETTER TODAY?

play. “Nobody ever worked harder every day, not just Friday nights when everyone goes 100%; Ryan did it Monday thru Thursday as well” – Lee Penland, Former Head Coach McNeil HS Ryan attended McNeil High School from 2009-2013 where he achieved all district honors as a Junior and Senior. Upon graduating from McNeil, Ryan received a scholarship and continued to play football for Mary Hardin-Baylor - one of the most successful football programs in the country. With a bright future ahead at Mary Hardin-Baylor, Ryan instead chose to follow his heart to Lubbock and his beloved Red Raiders. Ryan’s dream was to play

football for Texas Tech, and he was expecting to walk on in 2015. Even though he had to sit out the 2014 season, he kept himself motivated with the same singular drive and determination that served him so well at McNeil. On September 5, 2014, Ryan, along with his beloved sister, Kylie, were tragically killed in an auto accident on their way home from Texas Tech to celebrate Ryan’s birthday. The following handwritten note was found taped to the ceiling above his bed, “Did You Get Better Today?” Ryan would’ve played…..because he was driven to get BETTER each and every day….and he would’ve shined… because that’s all he knew how to do.

STEVIE’S HOPE FOUNDATION Every Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years members of the community distribute backpacks filled with day to day necessities for the homeless. The backpack has Ryan’s message imprinted on them and serves as a constant reminder to live each day to the fullest just as he did.

THE RYAN COLE MURPHY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Pat and Michelle Murphy, have partnered with RRISD Partners in Education to provide a $1,000 Scholarship opportunity that is open to all Senior Varsity Football athletes who plan to attend college.

AUSTIN AREA 5A AND 6A DISTRICTS AND REGIONS:

AY?

13-6A REGION 2

Vista Ridge ETTER TODAY?

HY IP

Vandergrift Leander Hendrickson Round Rock

McNeil Stony Point Westwood Cedar Ridge

11-5A D1 REGION 3 Cedar Park Georgetown Hutto Rouse

Manor Pflugerville Connally

25-6A REGION 4

12-5A D1 REGION 3

Lake Travis Westlake Austin Akins Anderson

Crockett LBJ Navarro McCallum Northeast

Bowie Hays Del Valle Lehman

Travis Dripping Springs Seguin

13-5A D2 REGION 4 Bastrop Cedar Creek Brenham Elgin

East View Glenn Marble Falls Weiss

NEW COACHING FACES TO AREA VARSITY CAROUSEL Leander East View Georgetown Marble Falls Navarro

Coach Tim Smith (stepped down) Coach Rob Davies (promoted to Asst. AD GISD) Coach Jason Dean (Promoted to AD GISD) Mike Birdwell (resigned) Jonathan Hayhurst (resigned-on Rouse staff)

Coach Kris Price Coach Jerrod Fikac Coach Chuck Griffin Coach Brian Herman New Coach TBA

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SHOULD I GO SEE THE DOCTOR? Dr. Scott A. Smith - Texas Orthopedics

As an Orthopedic Surgeon I get asked all the time: “Should I go see a doctor?” This is a difficult question on face value but then again sometimes it’s not. Loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, chest pain, significant abdominal pain, nausea, or any other medical problems need expeditious evaluation. If you have a question or worry it is always better to go get evaluated. From a musculoskeletal view; bumps, bruises, aches, abrasions etc.. are a “ part of the game”. If your perspective is I have to be sure, or “I need to know” then you are going to be going to the doctor with a more frequency. If you tend to ride things out a bit, then less frequently. I answer the question the same as if you had a dripping faucet or broken pipe would you fix it yourself or call a plumber. Each option is viable but with differences and consequences. There are some injuries which are better treated early and arriving at the ortho office at the two-week post injury mark will limit the options and may compromise the outcome. Obviously if you have a significant fracture or dislocation a trip to the doctor is required. If your leg, arm or finger is now crooked then go to the doctor. You need an X-ray and probably a cast or maybe even a surgery. Also head or neck/ spine injuries are not trivial and should receive more attention. It gets a little less clear if something hurts, but is straight and moves well. Could be just a contusion or strain but still could be a significant sprain or fracture. Most athletes who have to return to sport in a very short period of time (football players have to return the next Monday) need to be checked out as soon as possible. 10

Another “rule” I use is: If you can’t bear weight then you need to be evaluated. Doesn’t necessarily mean “it’s bad” but could. A bad ankle sprain is a time and rehab treatment but sometimes ankle fractures act the same on exam and the treatment is different. Go get an XRAY if you can’t walk on it. I heard a “POP”. Well this is complex. There are many pops that are normal. There are many moving parts in the human body and they all can make noise especially if they are stretched and twisted. Anyone over 50 years old can’t sneak up on someone because they are popping and snapping with every step. I don’t use a complaint of “I heard a pop” to change my diagnosis. Almost every anterior cruciate ligament tear creates a pop that is more felt than heard. Achilles injuries have very pronounced ruptures that can’t be missed. Many patients report being kicked or struck in their calf when they tear their achilles even though they were not. Also some pops are ligament or tendon stretches or tears that don’t require significant treatment. If you have lost power in an extremity than a significant injury may be present and needs to be evaluated as these injuries frequently need to be surgically repaired. In summary you don’t have to see a doctor if you heard/felt a pop; but maybe you should? Hopefully you won’t have to consider going to the doctor but it is likely that injuries will occur. Routine first aid for simple injuries will usually suffice but if you have any concerns or the injury does not respond go see a health care professional. •••

Introducing Webcast Network IHSFAN celebrates our 5th anniversary in 2019. We are excited to announce that in addition to IHSFAN Magazine and our weekly radio show Under the Lights on 104.9 the Horn we going to bring live play by play action of all regular season games for SEVEN different area high schools. Fans of Westwood, Round Rock, Austin High, Glenn, Cedar Ridge, Hays, and Anderson will be able to listen to the live play call of their games via their smart phone, computer, or device. Each week fans will have their choice to listen to all the games via BOTH a complimentary web link OR via the Horn App. How cool will it be to be sitting at the stadium watching your favorite team play on Friday night and you will be able to have access to up to 6 different games to listen to. IHSFAN Owner Rick Epstein told IHSFAN, â€œ We are so excited to be able to provide a quality webcast of so many games this season. In 2014 when I started to webcast McNeil Baseball games I became really passionate about providing high school fans the ability to be AT the game even if they could not make it to the stadium. I knew the first time that I received a call from a grandparent who lived in Nebraska who thanked me for allowing him to feel part of his grandsons game that this was an incredible media platform.â€? In addition to the action of the games the corporate community will have the opportunity to be part of the webcast. Nothing says Austin more than high school football and the available cost effective advertising opportunities allow area businesses to show a high level of community involvement as well as a great platform to reach the robust passionate community of high school football fans. You and your neighbor may have different college and pro allegiances but chances are you BOTH like the same high school team. Download the Horn app today so you will be ready to listen to all the games on IHSFAN Webcast Network. 12

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We will provide 7 area schools with a quality live game audio online broadcast for fans to listen to. The complimentary link will provide listeners around the world who have internet access via smartphone, computer, and/or device with the ability to listen to each and every Varsity football game.

EVERY game will also be available on The Horn App OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS FOR 1 Team or ALL 7 Teams broadcasts. Choose your plan. Two or more teams 10% discount. OPTION 1 2:30 Spot/Game (20 Total)

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CONTACT: RICK EPSTEIN

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REGENTS CONTINUES TO ROLL By Ken Whalen

After losing to Trinity Christian for the second consecutive year in the TAPPS Division II State Championship game, Regents School Coach Beck Brydon could be expected to spend the offseason devising ways to win that final game. That’s not the case for Brydon. “Our focus is no different than it’s ever been – it’s about the process,” Brydon said. “We can’t get hunkered down on the fact that we didn’t win the championship because then we lose sight of what it takes to get there.”

All Saints Episcopal School. The Knights beat rival Hyde Park by a 44-12 score. The Knights were remarkably balanced on offense in 2018, rushing for 2,560 yards and passing for 2,240 yards. “We concentrate on the pass/run balance on offense, but we can’t let it dictate what we do week to week.” Brydon said. “We try to match our opponent week to week.” Regents will be led again in 2019 by senior quarterback Wilson Long. The third-year starter is a member of the 2019 IHSFAN Top Ten team.

The highly successful coach of the Christian school in Southwest Austin – winner of five state championships but none since 2006 – believes that if his team doesn’t skip any steps, success will follow. He says he and his coaches work hard on getting their players prepared and developing their talent and skill set. “We can’t focus on Trinity Christian or on the playoffs,” he said. “The journey is more important, and it will cost you if you look ahead.”

Long led the Knights with 988 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. He also passed for 2,105 yards, completing 123 of 259 passes with 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions. “He’s one of our best athletes but you wouldn’t know it because he’s just working and not yapping his mouth,” Brydon said. “I’d want him in the trench with me.”

Regents went 10-2 overall in 2018 and advanced to the championship game for the third consecutive year. In 2017, the Knights lost a closer-than-it-looks game to Trinity Christian 63-30 in a game in which Regents got down early fought back. In 2016, the Knights lost a heartbreaking 30-29 decision to Grapevine Faith Christian when they failed to convert a two-point conversion as time expired. Highlights of the 2018 season included a 35-0 thrashing of St. Michael’s of Austin and a 48-13 home win over Wimberley High, a 4-A public school. Most of their wins came by double digits, with the exception being a 27-20 win over 14

Andrew Adams will also return to the Knights for his senior year. The defensive back/running back rushed for 722 yards on 126 attempts with 13 touchdowns. Bryden, who was named Regents coach in 2000, practices what he preaches to his players, always looking personally for ways to improve as a coach and move the program forward. For the second year this spring, Bryden spent time at spring practices for Michigan State University. Regents School of Austin is a private Christian school established in 1992 on an 82-acre campus in Southwest Austin. •••

'18 '17 '16 '11 '10 '08 '06 '03 '02 '01

5-TIME STATE CHAMPIONS 5

IHSFAN Top Ten Team Presented by The 2019 IHSFAN Top 10 Team represents our view of the best high school talent in the Austin area for the coming football season. Each player detailed below is someone to keep your eye on as the Friday night lights are switched on later this year. A few additional players that just missed our team deserve recognition; Sr. DL Ben Bell - Cedar Park, Sr. DL Princely Umanmielen - Manor, and Sr. DL Alfred Collins - Cedar Creek.

Hudson Card - QB Lake Travis

Hudson Card is the latest in a long line of outstanding Lake Travis quarterbacks to lead the elite Central Texas program. At 6-2, 167 pounds, the dual-threat Card was pursued by most of the blue-blood programs in college football before committing to the University of Texas in 2018. Card led the high-powered Cavalier’s offense with 234 completions on 344 attempts, 3,543 yards, 50 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He added 619 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. The Cavaliers lost in the 6-A Division I state semifinal game to Galena Park Northshore, failing to reach the state championship game for the first time in four years.

Chris “Deuce” Vaughn - RB Cedar Ridge

Cedar Ridge’s Deuce Vaughn had an outstanding year running the ball last season, but his thoughts are on team goals heading into the 2019 season. “I’m ready to get back to playing,” he says. “We’ll be trying to at least win the district championship again.” The Raiders went 7-1 in district last year as Vaughn led the team with 1,901 yards rushing on 243 carries and 20 touchdowns. He also had 14 pass receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown out of the backfield. When it is all said and done Deuce may be the most recruited player from the area this year. 16 16

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Charles Wright - QB Austin High

Heading into his junior year at Austin High, quarterback Charles Wright will be pursuing team and individual goals after an outstanding sophomore year. “I’d like to be a captain and make a deep playoff run,” Wright says. “Individually, my goals are to throw for 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns” Wright, a pro-style quarterback, wasn’t far from those goals in 2018, throwing for 2,586 yards and 22 touchdowns. He had just seven interceptions on 399 attempts.

Collin Sullivan - WR Round Rock

Wide receiver Collin Sullivan earned all-district honors for the Dragons in 2018, helping lead them to the 6-A playoffs. The 6-1 195-pound Sullivan caught 38 balls for 617 yards and three touchdowns. His goals for 2019 include “leading us to a state championship. 1,110 yards receiving, no drops and making as many catches as I can.” Also a member of the Dragon track team, Sullivan has 4.4 40-yard speed and heads into 2019 as one of the top receivers in the Central Texas region.

Landyn Watson - DE Hutto

Junior defensive end Landyn Watson looks to continue his outstanding work on defense and help lead the Central Texas power Hutto Hippos to a state championship. At 6-3 and 230 pounds, Watson has the size and quickness to terrorize opposing offenses. He totaled 55 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2018. He earned All-District honors in District 11-5A and was also named to the All-District Academic Team. He was also name All-District as a sophomore.

Jax McCauley – LB Vandegrift

After making a long playoff run in 2018, senior Vandegrift linebacker Jax McCauley wants to finish the job and “win the 6-A championship” in 2019. One of the most recognized linebackers in the Central Texas region, McCauley had 156 tackles in 2018, leading his team and District 13-6A to earn unanimous All-District honors. He was one of two juniors selected to the 2018 AP Texas 6-A All-State Team and was a member of the 2018 All-CenTex team. The 6-foot, 219-linebacker has been recruited by UTSA and Arizona, among others. 18 18

Sean Fresch - DB LBJ

LBJ cornerback Sean Fresch is looking to lead his team to more wins in its second season in District 12-5A in 2019. “I’m looking for a championship,” he said. “Helping the team win is what we believe in.” Fresch did double duty on offense and defense in leading LBJ to an 8-3 record and a playoff berth. As a running back, Fresch used his 4.5 40-yard speed to provide needed offense out of the backfield and is also a reliable pass catcher for the Jaguars. The 5-9, 165-pound senior’s versatility has drawn interest from Texas State and UTSA.

Tahj Brooks - RB Manor

Senior running back Brooks led the Manor Mustangs into the playoffs and earned District 11-5A All-District honors in 2018. The Mustangs lost in the first round and Brooks says would like to go deeper in the playoffs and “in fact, I’d like us to go undefeated.” The 5-10, 215-pound Brooks had an outstanding 2018 as he rushed 149 times for 1,207 yards and 21 touchdowns. He added 28 catches for 300 yards and four touchdowns Brooks is being recruited by a number of colleges, including Tulsa, Rice and the University of Arizona.

Trinidad Sanders - QB Bowie

Quarterback Sanders enters the 2019 as one of the top prospects in the Austin area after a nice 2018 season. Sanders will look to build on the 342 yards he passed for in 2018. The 6’2’’, 180-pound Sanders added 208 yards and five touchdowns on the ground to lead Bowie to a 7-4 record and a playoff appearance, where they lost to Cibolo Steele in the first round. Sanders says all-district recognition is a goal for 2019, along with leading the Bulldogs deeper in the playoffs.

Wilson Long - QB Regents

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The leader of the best private school program in the Central Texas region, quarterback Wilson Long has three goals as a Regents Knight heading into the 2019 season. “Number one, be a good teammate,” he said. “I’d like to complete 70 percent of my passes and keep winning – hopefully win state this time.” Wilson was outstanding last season, rushing for 1,080 yards, passing for 2,295 and accounting for 34 touchdowns. He’s drawn interest from Texas Tech and other schools.

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2018

Post Season Awards Presented by

2018 Coach of the Year

2018 Player of the Year

Coach Drew Sanders Vandegrift Vipers

QB Ryan O’Keefe Round Rock Dragons

Coach Sanders led his team to a historic undefeated 10-0 regular season, the first in school history. The Vipers went 3 rounds into the 6A playoffs and finished with a 12-1 record.

Ryan was a member of the IHSFAN Top 10 Team and finished his impressive senior season with eye-popping stats: • 1844 yds & 28 TDs Rushing •1068 yds & 7 TDs Passing • 255 yds & 3 TDs Receiving • 1 Kickoff return for a TD

He will play this season at the University of Central Florida.

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WESTWOOD Coach Anthony Wood, one of the most passionate coaches in Texas, enters his 15th season as the leader of the Warriors. Wood told IHSFAN, “Every year our goals are always the same, First we want to make the playoffs and 2nd we want to be practicing on Thanksgiving Day. Our goals have not changed over the years. I love coaching as much as I did when I first started.” The 2018 Warriors finished 4-6 in a tough 13-6A district. The 2019 team returns 6 on offense and 8 on defense. Coach Wood really likes his Jr. QB Co-Offensive newcomer MVP R.J. Martinez. Coach Wood believes that Martinez may be the best in a long line of great Westwood Quarterbacks. Toting the rock this year will be Jr. RB and 2nd Team All-District player Nate Anderson. Anchoring the O-line will be 6’6” Danny Lackowski. Look for the Warriors to throw the ball 80% of the time in this high octane “Air Wood” offense. The Warriors defense will be led by 1st team All-District SR. LB Nathan Potter with other leadership provided by FS Conner Cooper, SS Cam Kolvin, and LB Vicente Ochoa. Coach Wood has a history of maximizing the potential of his football teams.

MCNEIL Coach Howard McMahan heads into his sixth season as head coach of McNeil. Last year the Mavs finished with the record of 4-6 just out of the playoff picture in the tough 13-6A district. The exciting Mavs offense was as explosive as any team. Coach Mac told IHSFAN, “The key for us is to stay healthy. We have to find a way to beat some of the teams that have traditionally have had a little more depth than us. Offensively, year in and year out, there are explosive players on each district team and every team is going to score a lot of points.” The Mavs return 5 starters on offense and 5 on defense. The offense will need to find a new signal caller as multi-year starter Zane Kampfer has graduated along with the exciting WR Jordan Kerley. This season look for either Jr. QB/WR and offensive newcomer of the year Blake Henke or So. QB Luke Hutchinson to be the signal caller. Sr. WR Malik Gordon who had 900+ yards rec. last year will step into the featured receiver spot, and Sr. RB 2nd team all-district Winston Hutchison runs with incredible power. The defensive strength will be in a talented secondary that will feature Sr. DB 2nd team all-district Jason Powell, Jr. DB Mekhai Coleman, and Jr. DB Jalen Mosley. Look for Sr. DL Chase Cook and Sr. DL Robert Sanford to step in to lead the defensive line.

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ROUND ROCK The 2018 season found the Dragons back in the playoffs as they finished the season with the record of 7-5. Coach Jeff Cheatham, now in his 10th season as head coach, oversees one of the largest programs in the area with 350+ kids. Cheatham told IHSFAN, “ Last season our kids rebounded mid-season and we got in the playoffs, we were as good offensively as we have ever been, this day and time playing defense is tough and our defense was young and that kind of caught up to us against Klein Oak in the second round.” The 2019 Dragons have reloaded with offensive weapons as they graduated the 2018 IHSFAN Player of the year Ryan O’Keefe and great receiver Garrett Miller who both will be contributing to their respective D-1 college football teams this fall. Look for Jr. QB Seth Ford to lead a more balanced attack that will feature IHSFAN Top 10 player Sr. WR Collin Sullivan and Sr. WR Jordan Smart. The O-line will be anchored by 1st team all-district Sr. Tobias Campbell. During the offseason the Dragons hired Cody Moore as the new defensive coordinator. Look for the Dragon defense to line up in a Four-man front and create a lot of movement, as they may resemble the defense of Coach Moore’s alma mater TCU. The defense will be led by Jr. MLB Kyler Kirkpatrick and Jr. OLB Carson Otworth. If the offense continues to click look for the Dragons to compete for a 13-6A district championship.

STONY POINT With 16 years at the helm of Stony Point football (36 overall coaching years), Coach Craig Chessher is the dean of 13-6A coaches. When asked what it is about being head coach of Stony Point that brings the passion each day Coach Chessher told IHSFAN, “ I fell in love with the kids at Stony Point the very first day of my first year here, they work their butts off and do everything that we ask of them. There is something about Stony Point kids that reminds me of who I was growing up. This is my family and my home.” Last season the Tigers finished with a winning record of 6-4 just missing the playoffs in a very tough 13-6A district. The 2019 squad returns 7 starters on offense and 6 starters on defense. The offense will feature returning Sr. QB Kyle Overton and will feature Sr. RB 2nd team all-district Kendall Thomas. The offensive line will be much improved. The Defense will be led by Sr. DL 1st team all-district Tim Landry who is as talented as they get. The other leaders on defense will be So. LB Jack Chambers, and Sr. DL Travaughn Martin. Look for Stony Point to be in the playoff mix in 2019.

2019 SCHEDULE 8/30 Harker Heights 9/6 @Belton 9/13 BYE 9/20 McNeil (KRAC) 9/27 Westwood 10/4 @Vandegrift 10/11 Leander 10/18 Stony Point (KRAC) 10/25 Cedar Ridge 10/31 Hendrickson (Pfield) 11/7 Vista Ridge

CONGRATS RYAN Oâ€™KEEFE

2018 IHSFAN Player of the Year 31

CEDAR RIDGE Coach Sam Robinson enters his 3rd season at the helm of the Cedar Ridge Raiders coming off another great season, finishing 2018 with the record of 9-3. The Raiders season came to an end in the 2nd round of the playoffs on a last second 55-yard field goal against the Woodlands. Coach Robinson told IHSFAN, “ I thought we finished strong, after starting the season 1-2, we were able to win 8 straight games before losing in the 2nd round.” The 2018 Raiders will return 5 starters on offense and 4 on defense. The Raiders Offense will be led by IHSFAN top 10 player and District Offensive MVP Sr. RB Deuce Vaughn who is the most dangerous playmaker in 13-6A and is receiving scholarship offers from some of the best programs in the country. Vaughn told IHSFAN, “When I was a Freshman and Sophomore C.J. Rittenhouse and Simi Bakare were here and I tried to learn as much as possible from those guys. Now it’s my turn to relay everything I have learned to the younger guys.” Other leaders on offense will be Sr. QB Jalen Brown, Sr. OL Marcus Bryant and Sr. QB/Ath Jack Turner. The Raiders defense will be led by 1st Team All-District Sr. DB Gavin Dunn and Sr. SS Ciondre Sterling. The Raiders will be looking for players to help fill the vacancy on the D-line left by the graduation of Edge DillardWilliams. Look for Cedar Ridge to compete once again for the district championship.

VISTA RIDGE Coach Rodney Vincent heads into his 11th season as head coach of the Rangers. 2018 saw the squad finish with an uncharacteristic 1-9 record in a very tough 13-6A district. Coach Vincent told IHSFAN, “ We have to work extremely hard to make sure we continue to build depth at every position. I am very excited about the players we have coming back as they all received significant time last year.” The offense returns 3 starters and will be led by Jr. QB Kyle Brown who will have a deep group of receivers to throw to. The receiving corps will be led by Sr. WR 2nd team all-district Adam Fogg. The Rangers defense will be the strength of the team as they return 8 starters. It all starts up front with multi-year starter Sr. DL Luke Horne. The LB crew will feature Sr. Bryce Christian and Jr. Jake Robertson. The defensive field general will be Sr. DB Kromis Canon who will make sure the defense is set. The future is bright for the Rangers as the sub-varsity teams from last season did very well.

HENDRICKSON Coach Chip Killian enters his 12th season at the helm of Hendrickson. The Hawks finished 2018 with the record of 7-3 losing in the first round of the playoffs. The 2019 squad will have to replace a ton of talent that was lost through graduation. Coach Killian told IHSFAN, “ We are going to be young. We are going to have to see which of our pups will bite!” The Hawks participated in full contact Spring practices for the first time since 2010. The Hawks return 3 starters on offense and 3 on defense. Sr. WR James Hester, Jr. WR Jaden Williams and Sr. OL 2nd team all-district Jalen Phoenix will lead the offense. The youthful but talented Hendrickson defense will boast a fantastic defensive line that will feature Sr. DL and defensive newcomer MVP Gabe Hunter and Sr. DL 2nd team all district Michael Ike. The secondary will be led by Sr. DB Ravaughn Morgan. Although young, the Hawks will once again be in the mix for a district championship. This could be Hendrickson’s last season in 6A as the February realignment will show the school enrollment numbers more in line with 5A D1 schools.

VANDEGRIFT The Vipers finished the historic 2018 season with the record of 12-1, which included a first ever school undefeated 10-0 regular season and district championship in the tough 13-6A district. Coach Drew Sanders who was named 2018 IHSFAN Bush’s Chicken coach of the year enters his 11th season as the schools head football coach. When asked about the memorable season Coach Sanders told IHSFAN ” 2018 was a lot of fun. We were wondering when we were going to push through in 6A. We went 6-6 and 7-5 in our first two years of 6A and we were happy playing in the playoffs but we really felt that we did well last year.” The Vipers will return 5 offensive starters and will be led by returning signal caller Sr. QB and co-offensive Newcomer MVP Dru Dawson. Other leaders on offense include Sr. OL Harry Witt 2nd team all district and Sr. WR 1st team all district Trey Mongauzy. The always-stingy Vipers defense will return 6 starters and is led by Sr. LB IHSFAN Top 10 player 1st team all-district and all state Jax McCauley. Other leaders on defense will be Sr. DB 1st team all-district Ty Mongauzy, Sr. LB 1st team all-district J.J. Parker, and Sr. DL 2nd team all-district Trevor Harrison. As always you can pencil Vandegrift in for one of the coveted playoff spots. The Vipers will definitely be in the hunt for the district championship.

LEANDER On January 24th Leander named Kris Price as their new head football coach. Coach Price, who takes over for Tim Smith, was defensive coordinator for Keller for the past 5 seasons. The Lions finished 2018 with the record of 1-9. When asked how he was going to get Leander back into the playoff mix. Coach Price told IHSFAN, “Our goal is to get more kids back involved with the program and as the program grows it will help make us more successful on every level.” The Lions will return 7 starters on offense and 8 on defense. Rashad Carter’s graduation will have the squad searching for a signal caller. The offense will be led by Sr. RB Xavier Dotson and will feature a talented offensive line led by Sr. OL and 2nd team all-district Mi’Tiy Carter and Jr. OL Noah Holifield.

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The Defense will feature Sr. LB 1st team all-district Evan Smith, Jr. DL Connor Kracy, and Jr. S Ray Egelsee. When asked how the team has responded to the coaching change, Evan Smith told IHSFAN,” Coach Price came in and told everyone that due to our numbers we would all be playing both offense and defense. Everyone will learn two positions and the best players will play. By doing that he has really brought the team together. We are all really behind Coach Price.”

Jeff Power

13-6A District Champs

PREDICTIONS

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LAKE TRAVIS

By Jay Plotkin

For most programs, a 41-point playoff loss might be difficult to overcome. But Lake Travis isn’t most programs. The title-hungry Cavaliers aren’t looking back as they strive to meet their own lofty expectations. “We do a pretty good job of placing the appropriate emphasis on either the celebrations or the shortcomings of how we performed in the past and turn the page and move on,” said Hank Carter, who enters his 10th season as the Cavaliers’ head coach. “We lost some amazing players, but I think that we have a pretty strong core coming back.” That core starts with Texas-commit and IHSFAN Top 10 team Sr. QB Hudson Card. Card went from catching passes in 2017 to throwing them in 2018. He made the transition look easy, passing for more than 3,500 yards with 50 TDs. “Hudson had an amazing year and I think that he’ll build on that dramatically,” Carter said. Junior Weston Stephens (17 touchdowns) emerged at running back, but the Cavaliers are known for their passing game. While Garrett Wilson may be turning heads at Ohio State, Card’s still got plenty of weapons to keep Lake Travis’ offense humming. Seniors Kyle Eaves and Grayson Sandlin were known commodities entering last season, but junior Lake McRee’s late-season emergence gave the Cavaliers a different look. “We’ve always got a few guys that can run around and catch the ball,” Carter said. “With the way Lake played, I think the sky’s the limit for him. He and Grayson give us some options that make us very multiple.” Linebackers Nick Villareal and Maui Trevino and cornerback Copeland Gothard lead a defense that will get a boost from dynamic sophomore Derrick Johnson. The Cavaliers must rebuild on the defensive line, but junior Raleigh Erwin anchors a unit that will be ready for battle when the lights get bright.

WESTLAKE

By Maren Monsivais, Westlake Student

Coach Todd Dodge heads into his sixth season as Westlake’s head coach. The Chaps finished 13-2 last season while going 5 rounds deep into the playoffs. The injury plagued Westlake team was defeated 35-30 by speedy Beaumont Westbrook. 2019 will feature a new-look Chaps team that returns 4 starters on offense and 4 starters on defense.. Notable returners on offense include Sr. WR 1st team all-district Mason Magum and Jackson Coker. Mangum, an Arkansas Commit, caught 55 passes for 1146 yards and 18 scores last year. Look for Sr. WR Ryan Lindley to play a featured role after he had to sit out last year. Look for the Chaps QB to be one of the two seniors in Kirkland Michaux or Drew Willoughby. Sr. OL 2nd team all-district Conner Halverson will anchor the O-line. On Defense, look for the Chaps to maintain their hardnosed identity. Coach Salazar will have Sr. DL 2nd team all-district Bobby Duncum back. Look for Sr. DB 1st team alldistrict Sage Luther to continue to make a huge impact shutting down passing lanes. When asked how the back to back losses in the State Semifinals has shaped Westlake’s Seniors, Mason Mangum told IHSFAN, “We felt like we could have won it all both years… It’s given us a lot of motivation to make this season our best because it’s gonna be out last.”

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AKINS Coach Humberto Garza is heading into his 10th season at Akins. The Eagles finished 2018 with the record of 4-6 and hope to use their season ending win over Lehman as a springboard for 2019. Coach Garza told IHSFAN, “ We lost several key players to graduation but we are really excited about the season. Like everyone, we are needing to stay healthy in order to compete in our tough district.” The Eagles will return 5 starters on offense and 6 starters on defense. Sr. QB Rocco Degelia, Sr. WR Antonio Lopez, Sr. WR Greg Borgeson, and Jr. RB Lawrence Brown will lead the offense. The strength of the defense starts with Sr. DL Sergio Rey, as he is a force in the middle. Other leaders will include Jr. DB Tristan Brown and Sr. DL Patrick Callahan. The Eagles have been fortunate the past few years to have received great QB play from Nick Cagle who graduated. If the Eagles can find ways to move the sticks on offense and beat Hays and/or Bowie then it then they will be in good position to compete for a playoff spot.

BOWIE Coach Jeff Ables enters his 32nd season at Bowie (18th as head Coach) and hopes that the injury bug that has stung his team over the past few seasons has finally left the campus. The 2018 Bulldogs finished the season with an impressive 7-4 record in the tough 25-6A district but entering the playoffs he could count 8 former starters that were saddled with injuries on the sideline. The 2019 squad has lost 47 seniors through graduation and returns just 4 starters and 15 players with Varsity experience. Coach Ables told IHSFAN, “ To say that we are rebuilding is an understatement, we have a lot of holes to fill and there will be a lot of opportunity for our players to contribute.” The offense will be led by IHSFAN Top 10 player Sr. QB Trinidad Sanders who has fully recovered from torn ACL’s in both knees and is one of the most dynamic players in the area. Sr. WR and 2nd Team All-District Jayden York will see action on both sides of the ball. Sr. K and 2nd Team All-District Josh McCormick will be a great weapon for the Bulldogs. The defense will feature Sr. MLB Tristan Fahrenthold, Jr. DB Jason Gaines, Jr. DB Caleb Higgins, Jr. DL Blake Guerra, and Sr. DL Andrew King. Gaines, Higgins, Guerra, and King may also see time on the offensive side of the ball. Look for Bowie to once again fight for a playoff spot in the tough 25-6A district.

HAYS REBELS Coach Les Goad brought his power running game from Geronimo Navarro to Hays last season and was a success: the Rebels went 8-2 in the rugged District 25-6A and won a playoff spot. “We have a lot of competition for many positions,” Goad said. “If we can develop on both offensive and defensive lines of scrimmage, we should contend for another playoff spot.” The Rebels started the 2018 season 7-0, winning an early non-conference test against rival Dripping Springs by a 35-34 score. The Hays defense blocked a potential tying extra point as time expired to get the win. They also won a 48-47 barnburner against Austin High at House Park, securing the win when Austin High failed on a two-point attempt late in the fourth quarter. The Rebels lost to Converse Judson 49-14 in the first round of the playoffs. For 2019, the Rebels return only one starter on offense and three on defense. Players to watch on offense are QB Durand Hill, RB Bobby Green and OL Chris Aguirre. Defensive standouts will be LB Zach Hobert; LB Jake Lopez and DB Pi-Ellei Henderson. The Rebels games can be heard on the IHSFAN Webcast network this season.

LEHMAN LOBOS Coach Bruce Salmon will look to continue the development process and change the culture at Lehman, which had three head coaches in the last three seasons. Prior to 2018, Lehman had won only three games in four years and is riding a 17-game losing streak. Salmon, who arrived at Lehman last year from Marion High School, can point to the offense as a bright spot. The Lobos were only shut out in one game (a 54-0 loss to power Austin Westlake) and were able to move the ball against some stout 25-6A defenses. “This group has been through three head coaches, and just tying everything together the perseverance part is a big deal,” Salmon said after a season-ending 49-25 loss to Akins High. “They are going to remember each other and they are going to remember how they fought through things together. That’s the thing that high school football kind of does, it kind of cements a lot of that brotherhood together.” Lehman will be led on offense in 2019 by QB Bryant Lewis. A dual-threat quarterback. Sr. RB Keyshaun Williams will return along with WR Daniel O’Neal. Salmon has said he believes Lehman made strides last year to change its culture. The Lobos will be looking for their first win since 2017 when the 2019 season opens. 42

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AUSTIN HIGH Coach Mike Rosenthal heads into his 8th season as head coach of the Austin High Maroons coming off of a 3-7 ’18 season in their return to 6A competition. The Maroons will return 7 starters on offense and 5 starters on defense. When asked about the Maroon offense Coach Rosenthal told IHSFAN “We throw the ball…That’s what we do. We graduated a ton of receptions last year but all those are opportunities for young guys to come and take it. We have a handful of seniors who have waited for their turn and we have a couple of underclassman who will get their shot.” The offense will be led by IHSFAN Top 10 player and ’18 offensive newcomer of the year Jr. QB Charles Wright. Wright averaged 45 pass attempts per game and is a leader on and off the field. Carrying the rock is 2nd team all-district Sr. RB Grayson Davis who has a mix both power and speed. Sr. WR 2nd team all-district Colby Kalbacher returns to lead the receivers. The defense with their 7 returning starters is led by Sr DL Hill Morgan, DB Carlos Tiemann-Daniel, and DL Abrion Boudreaux. The Maroons open the season against Connally and will play 10 straight weeks, as their Bye week is week 11. All Maroon Varsity football games will be webcast LIVE on IHSFAN Webcast Network and will be accessible for free via link for your smart phone and/or computer or via the Horn app.

ANDERSON Coach Dan Hunter enters his second season as head coach of the Anderson Trojans in 2019. Last season the Trojans finished with an impressive 5-5 record in the very tough 25-6A district improving from just 1 win in 2017. The Trojans return 6 on offense and 8 on defense. For the first time in a few years Coy Fullmer won’t be in the Trojans backfield and it may change the offensive attack. Coach Hunter told IHSFAN, “We are looking to switch it up this year on the offensive side. We will still run some wing but we will look to throw the ball a little more.” Offensive leaders include Sr. QB Carsten Goos, Jr. TE Kelby Hickerson, and Sr. RB Rivas Wheatley. The impressive defense may be the strength of the team as they return 8 starters including 2nd team all-district player Sr DB Kameron Langford, Jr. LB Aidan Thompson, and Sr. DB Jordan Hood. All Trojans Varsity football games will be webcast LIVE on IHSFAN Webcast Network and will be accessible for free via link for your smart phone and/or computer or via the Horn app.

DEL VALLE After a 4-6 record and two impressive wins in the Austin area’s toughest 6-A district, the Del Valle Cardinals are looking to take the next step in 2019. “We are very excited about the 2019 season” said Coach Charles Burton. “We have a ton of experience coming back with a good group of young talent to complement them. With 9 returning starters, the defense will be the anchor of the team. The future is bright for Del Valle.” The Cardinals two wins in District 25-6A were a hard-fought 58-39 win over Austin High and a 62-20 thrashing of Kyle Lehman on the road. The Cardinals suffered lopsided defeats to the districts two powers, Lake Travis and Westlake. They also lost to the district’s other playoff team, Bowie, by a 37-20 score. Del Valle begins the 2019 season with six starters returning on offense and nine returning on defense. Jr. QB 1st team all district RB Tavierre Dunlap, will lead the offense and is joined by super-soph WR 2nd team all-district Caleb Burton and sophomore running back Cyronn Miller. The outstanding Cardinal defense will include Sr. DB 2nd team all-district Chris Turner, Sr. DL Andres Gomez and Sr. DB Chris Reed.

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GEORGETOWN In March, longtime Eagles head coach Jason Dean was promoted the GISD AD position and Eagle Nation welcomed back a familiar face as former Eagles assistant Chuck Griffin was hired as new head coach in April. Coach Griffin told IHSFAN,” I missed being a coach, to step away from the great job I had in Abilene, there was only a handful of places I would leave for and this was one of those places. I am so happy to be back. There won’t be many changes. This train has been on a great track since 2005. We are going in a great direction and there is no need to change.” The cupboard is full for Coach Griffin as the squad returns 6 starters on offense and 7 starters on defense that finished 2018 with the record of 9-4 going three rounds deep into the playoffs. Look for the offense to feature Sr. RB RJ Moreno and the line will be anchored by Sr. C 1st team all-district Alex Thiel and Jr.OL Conner Hefferman, Sr. WR’s Isaiah Fillmore and Kory Coleman will lead a talented receiving corps. The defense will be led by Sr. LB defensive newcomer of year Taylor Behl, Sr LB 1st team all-district Matt Anderson and Sr. DL 2nd team all-district Braden Hartgrove.

MANOR Coach Jimmie Miichell’s squad had an up and down season but ended up winning one game in the playoffs and giving them a taste of what it’s like to compete at the highest level in 5-A football. Manor qualified for the playoffs despite going 5-7 and 3-4 in district. They had some bad losses, including a 35-65 loss to Hutto. They had some good wins too, beating Pflugerville Connally 57-14. They shocked the Dripping Springs Tigers in the first round, winning 43-40 when a potential game-tying field goal for the Tigers hit the upright. “It’s about time we caught a break,” Mitchell said after the win, adding that he felt “pretty good.” Rising Sr. RB Tahj Brooks had 175 yards on the ground and five touchdowns against Dripping Springs. The Mustangs lost the next to 5kA power Richmond Foster. Manor made a good showing in losing the contest by a 42-28 score. Brooks, a member of the IHSFAN Top Ten team, will lead the Mustang offense in 2019. He can fill up the score sheet, with 1201 yards on 149 carries, 300 receiving yards, 21 rushing touchdowns and four receiving touchdowns. Brooks is a threat to score a touchdown every time he carries the ball. He’s choosing between Tulsa, Rice and the University of Arizona to continue his college career. Sr. DL 1st team all-district Princely Umanmielen leads the Manor defense. He’s 6-5, 240, and runs a 4.8 in the 40-yard dash, other leaders will be Sr. LB 1st team all-district James McDonald and Sr. DB 1st team all district Brock Bunjoch. 48

HUTTO 2018 was a magical year for Hippo nation as it’s high-octane offense and stingy defense led the team to an impressive 11-1 record complete with an undefeated regular season and a district championship in highly competitive 11-5A D1. Head coach Brad LaPlante told IHSFAN, “Last year was a culmination of what Coach Van started in 2013 as we were trying to change the culture of everything we do. Last year was the 5th year in a row we made the playoffs. 2019 many people believe it’s a re-build year, we are certainly not thinking that way. We want to re-load and we have high expectations in 2019.” The 2019 team will be led by its defense as 7 returning starters are back including IHSFAN Top 10 player and 1st team all-district Jr. DE Landyn Watson. Other leaders on the defense include Sr. S Brock Bujnoch, Sr LB and 1st team all district Jayson Vogelepohl and Sr. NG 1st team all-district Lordswill Uwa. The offense returns just 3 starters and will be searching for a replacement for the incredible Chase Griffin who now plays for UCLA. The offense will be led by Sr. WR and 1st team all-district Dajon Harrison, Sr RB Mekhi Kimble, Sr. WR Tray Pinnelli. Sr. OL and 1st team all-district Sr.OL Logan Tipton will be a 3-year starter will anchor the line.

CEDAR PARK With the loss to the Hutto on a rainy October night last season the impressive streak of FOUR years without a district loss came to an end for Cedar Park. Carl Abseck heads into his 5th season as head coach of the Timberwolves (15th overall) looking to reclaim the district championship trophy that seemed to have a permanent place in the expansive trophy case. The ’18 squad finished 8-4 and went 2 round deep into the playoffs. The Timberwolves will return 7 on the offensive side of the ball including JR. QB and offensive newcomer of the year Ryder Hernandez and SR. TE and 1st team all-district Brock Johnson. Cedar Park also will boast one of the areas best offensive lines that includes Luke Williams, Dylan Cooper and CJ Blackmon. The defense returns 5 starters and is led by Co-Defensive lineman of the year SR. Ben Bell who is among the best players in the area at any position. SR. DB and 2nd team all-district (1st team all-district Punter) will anchor the secondary. Coach Abseck told IHSFAN, “ Our expectations don’t change, we have a lot of kids that are competing for playing time whether they were on varsity last year, on our 9-0 JV, or on our 9-1 freshman squads.”

ROUSE Coach Josh Mann heads into his 12th season as head coach of the Rouse Raiders. The Raiders finished 2018 with the record of 3-7 in the tough 115A D1 district. Coach Mann told IHSFAN, “If you are not in the playoffs you are never really happy. We dealt with a lot of injuries and had to play a lot of young guys. The flip side of that is that a lot of our players gained valuable experience that should help us this season.” The Raiders return 6 starters on Offense and 8 on defense. Multi-year starting QB Ethan Moore was lost to graduation and Rouse will be looking for Sr. QB Jack Wingard to take the reigns. Look for the offense to throw the ball a little more than last year. The offense will feature Sr. RB Mylan Mitchell and Sr. WR Mark Botello. The strength of the Raiders will be on the defensive side of the ball as Sr. DB and 1st team all-district Ugo Osemene will lead a group of 8 returning starters. Other defensive leaders will include Sr. DB Isiah Cash, Sr. LB 2nd team all-district Kayne Adames, and Sr. LB 2nd team all-district Lane Brenehen.

PFLUGERVILLE Coach Charles Taylor enters his 2nd season at helm of the Panthers returning 5 starters on offense and 5 on defense on a team that just missed the playoffs.. His very young 2018 squad finished a respectable 4-6 in the competitive 11-5A D1 district. When asked about the district Coach Taylor told IHSFAN,”I love it. I tell our kids we are a good football team but in our district there are not any bad football teams. There are not any easy ones on the schedule so each week you have to play and if you can get in the playoffs you should do pretty well.” The Panthers will be led on offense by two dynamic runners in So. RB District Utility MVP Elijah Oakmon who saw a ton of action as a freshman last season, and Sr. RB Patrick Porter. Look for So. QB Jaylon Reeves to take the snaps in the diverse offense. Jr. OL Grayson Marrs will anchor the offensive line. The defense will be led by the Jr. MLB Dallin Weeks and Sr. DB 2nd team all-district Dayron Butler. Historically Coach Taylor teams not only like to run the ball they also have a goal of being able to stop the run. Look for the Panthers to be in the mix for one of the 4 available playoff spots.

CONNALLY Coach Jason Cecil enters his 6th season as head coach of the Connally Cougars. 2018 was uncharacteristic for Connally as the Cougars finished with the record of 1-9. Coach Cecil told IHSFAN, â€œIt was a tough year in a tough district. We knew we were going to be a little down but we suffered some injuries that had us start a freshman for 4 games and in this district that was tough. We are fortunate this year that we have 19 guys that played a lot for us last year.â€? The Cougar offense will be led by Jr. RB 2nd team all-district Demetrius Gardner, Sr. OL Osmany Diaz, and Sr. Qb Darius McGrew. Look for the Cougars to play a few different quarterbacks that will give them a few different looks for opposing defenses. The defense will be led by Sr. DB and 1st team all-district Jahdae Barron, Sr. DL and 2nd team all-district John McKee, and Sr. S Devante Scott.

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If the Cougars can get consistent quarterback play and stay away from key injuries they could find themselves back in the playoff mix in this highly competitive district.

Jeff Power

11-5A D1 District Champs

PREDICTIONS

LBJ In 2019 head coach Jahmal Fenner heads into his second season at the helm of the LBJ football with a team that is loaded. The Jags will return 9 starters on offense and 6 starters on defense from a playoff team that finished with a record of 8-3 in 2018. Coach Fenner told IHSFAN, “ We have very high expectations going into 2019. Our goal is to match our mental focus with our physical ability.” The offense, which will have to replace the explosive Brian Batts who graduated in June, will be as fast as ever. Look for the offense to be led by Sr. QB Hunter Scott 2nd team all-district, Sr. WR Jaleel Scott 1st team all-district, Sr. OL 2nd team all-district Diogo Ladesma, Jr. TE and 1st team all-district Edward Thompson, and Jr. RB 1st team all-district Da’Qwon Donaldson. The defense features some amazing talent that includes Sr. DB IHSFAN Top 10 player and 1st team all-district Sean Fresch, Jr. DB and offensive newcomer of the year Latrell McCutchin who is the best DB in his class, and Sr. DL Gabriel Smith who was the districts defensive newcomer of the year. Look for the Jags to be back in the playoffs and compete for the district championship with Dripping Springs.

CROCKETT Coach John Waugh is heading into his 23rd season at the helm of Crockett football. His Cougars finished the 2018 season with the record of 4-6 and he told IHSFAN, “ We are really looking forward to see how we compete this season. We will see a few of our kids playing on both sides of the ball so we will be really needing to have them show up in August in good shape and be ready to go.” The Cougars will return 7 starters on offense and 6 starters on defense. The strength of the offense will be the experienced offensive line. The QB position will have 3 quality players that may see snaps that include Sr’s Patrick Ray and Joe Lopez and So. Michael Newton, all 3 players will see the field in some offensive position. Other leaders on offense will be Sr. RB Andrew Jones and Sr. H-Back Jerimiah Moore. The defense will be led by Jr. LB and ’18 defensive newcomer MVP James Hudson who is as talented as they come in 12-5A D1.

MCCALLUM Coach Thomas Gammerdinger heads into his second season as head coach of the McCallum Knights. The Knights finished last season with the record of 6-5 and going one round into the playoffs. Gammerdinger and his squad were faced with a tough task in 2018 as they tried to follow up the historic 2017 “Magical Mystery Tour” that saw the Knights play in the 5th round of the UIL playoffs. Coach Gammerdinger told IHSFAN, “ Last season I thought our guys really stepped up as we had to replace so many great leaders. The team set a goal to make the playoffs and we were able to reach that goal.” The 2019 Knights return 5 starters on offense and 5 on defense. Look for the Knights to continue to be a run oriented team but will have a few different weapons to keep their opponents guessing. Sr. QB 2nd team all-district Cole Davis will lead an offense that will feature Sr. WR second team all-district Darius Lewis and Sr. WR Takai Satberry. The defense will be led by Sr. DL Defensive line district MVP Alvino Carbajal, Sr. DB 2nd team all-district August McCollum and Sr. LB Zach Napier. The Knights will once again be in the mix battling for one of the four playoff spots in district 12-5A D1.

DRIPPING SPRINGS Although they took a step back in 2018 with three losses and a first-round playoff exit, Coach Galen Zimmerman looks forward to watching the 2019 Tigers’ development as the season progresses. “We will have a young, inexperienced team but we have had a good offseason and look forward to watching our players development,” Zimmerman said. “Our kids and coaches have built a standard of high expectations, which they are excited about having the opportunity to continue to build and refine.” The first sign that 2018 might be different came against long-time nonconference foe Hays in the second game of the season. Playing from behind all night, the Tigers finally pulled to within 35-34 as the game wound down. The extra point was blocked as time expired, however, handing Dripping Springs their first regular-season loss in almost two years. Dripping Springs will only be returning three starters on offense and three on defense in 2019. Zach Tjalmeland is expected to take over at quarterback after backing up Tanner Prewit last year. Jr. WR Offensive Newcomer of year Cameron O’Banan and Sr. RB 2nd team all-district Curtis Cox also return. On defense, the Tigers will be led by Sr. DB 2nd team all-district , Sr. DB 2nd team all-district Andres Flore Perry, and Sr. LB 1st team all-district Jakob Joy.

TRAVIS Joe Frank Martinez enters his 6th season as head coach (16th overall) at Travis. There may not be a staff in the area that does more with what they have than Coach Martinez and his staff. Coach Martinez told IHSFAN, “ I love our kids. We are once again young and inexperienced as we graduated 8 seniors last year and we have just 6 seniors on the roster in 2019. The good news is we have 18 juniors that have played varsity football.” The Rebels return 8 starters on offense and 7 on defense on a squad that was 0-10 in 2018. The Rebels will be led on offense by Sr. RB Darian McFerrin who will also see time on defense. Other leaders on offense will be Sr. QB Steven Lopez and Sr. TE Jaylen Crayton. The defense will feature Jr. DB Lorenzo Puente and Jr. DB Nicholas Zake. With just 6 seniors on the 2019 squad the future is going to be really bright for the Rebels.

NORTHEAST Coach A.J. Mustafa, now in his second season as head coach, will lead his squad into a new era as AISD has officially changed the name of Reagan to Northeast. The 2018 team finished their last as the Reagan Raiders with the record of 2-8. Coach Mustafa told IHSFAN, “ We are going to be really young this year and our goal will be to try to improve each week. We are going to do some things on offense to slow the game down to give us a better chance to compete.” The squad will return 6 starters on offense and 5 starters on defense. The offense will be led by Sr. QB David Rivera and Sr. RB Angus Christian. The Northeast defensive strength will come from a very experienced defensive line that will feature Sr. DL Breon Jones and Sr. DL Danthony Moore. The student body will be voting on a new mascot name for the newly name school. The name may change but the long-standing history of football excellence on that campus will always be remembered.

NAVARRO The Vikings finished 2018 with the record of 2-8. On April 15th Coach Jonathan Hayhurst announced he was stepping down after 5 seasons as head football coach. The 2019 squad will feature a new head coach to go along with the new school name of Navarro. The Vikings return 6 starters on offense and 7 starters on defense. The offense will be led by Sr. RB Jaimron Monroe, Sr. TE Zach Heimann, and Jr. OL Angel Espinosa. The Navarro defense will feature Sr. DL Victor Evans, Sr. LB Keâ€™Andre Smith, and Jr. DB Victor Hererra.

SEGUIN The Seguin Matadors had an impressive 7-4 record and playoff berth in 2018 under new coach Travis Bush.

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The Matadors will return five starters on offense and four starters on defense. Seguinâ€™s top three offensive players are quarterback Jhalen Mickles, running back Tavawn Williams and offensive lineman Josh Avalos. On defense, the Matadors will be led by defensive end Chance Brewster, defensive back Desvonn Smith and linebacker Tanner Schuehle.

Kit McConnico

Steve Foster

Jeff Power

12-5A D1 District Champs

PREDICTIONS

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MARBLE FALLS The Marble Falls Mustangs will be looking to continue the momentum from a three-game winning streak to end the 2018 season as they compete in District 13-5A in 2019. The Mustangs beat district rivals Leander Glenn (20-7), Pflugerville Weiss (38-6) and Cedar Creek (21-20) to finish with a 5-5 record overall. They also beat rival Burnet High. Coach Michael Birdwell’s squad finished 3-4 in district play. The 20-7 win over Glenn was a dominant defensive performance for Marble Falls. Quarterback Andrew Stripling was 13 of 22 or 193 yards in the upset win. The Marble Falls defense again dominated against Weiss, limiting the Wolves to six plays in the second half. Overall, the Mustangs ran 90 plays to just 22 for Weiss. Marble Falls showed its resilience against Cedar Creek, blocking a potential game-winning field goal after Cedar Creek scored 10 unanswered points. With the win, Marble Falls came close to its first winning season since 2007. Senior quarterback Stripling ended on a high note before signing to play college ball for Abilene Christian. He led Marble Falls with 172 yards through the air and two rushing touchdowns against Cedar Creek. In April Marble Falls named Brian Herman as the new head football coach following the March resignation of Mike Birdwell.

WEISS In 2017 Coach Tommy Aultman, long time assistant at Hendrickson, was named the first head football coach of the brand new Weiss high school. Last year marked the first Varsity season for the Wolves as they finished with the record of 0-10 and competed without a single senior on the roster. Coach Aultman told IHSFAN, “ We learned a lot in our first Varsity season; We felt that we were in all but one of the games at the half. With 44 seniors and all 22 starters returning in 2019 our motto for the season is Results or Excuses. We are really looking forward to the season.” The offense will be led by Super-Soph QB Tavian Cord who is a dynamic player. Diego Cruz will make the switch from center to tackle on the O-line and will join Christian Hamilton to anchor the line. The defense will be led by Sr. LB Ronald Caldwell and Sr. DB Edrick Whitley. The D-line will feature Jr. DL Cam’ron Cavalier. Coach Aultman told IHSFAN, “ It’s time for the Wolves to grow up and take the next step in the process.” Don’t be surprised in Weiss is not the most improved team in the area.

GLENN The Grizzlies finished their historic 2018 season with the record of 7-4 that saw them earn both their first ever district football championship and their first ever playoff win. Coach Schoenfeld told IHSFAN, “ For all of us here at Glenn, last season was what we have been talking about since we opened the doors. To the credit of our players and our coaches they truly believed in that goal from the very beginning.” The 2019 Grizzlies will have a target on their backs as returning district champs. The team returns 7 offensive starters and 4 on defense. The Offense will be led by Sr. RB and 1st team all-district Julian Morris, Sr. WR., 2nd team all-district Jarvis Henderson, Sr. OL 2nd team all-district Nick Maddux, and Sr. OL Rudy Martinez. The defense will be led by Jr. DB and defensive newcomer of the year Dom Sullivan, Sr. DL 2nd team all-district Kallon Guyton, and Sr. DB 2nd team all-district Alec’zander Townsley.

EAST VIEW On February 19th East View hired Jerod Fikac their new head football coach taking over for long time coach Rob Davies who took an administrative job within the district athletic department. Coach Fikac came from 2A San Saba where he led his squad to a 14-1 record and the 5th round of the playoffs. Coach Fikac told IHSFAN, “I spent some time in Wimberly as an assistant coach and grew up in Shiner and we always would come to Austin on the weekends. I have always been attracted to Georgetown; it’s an unbelievable community. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and me and my family are so excited.” The cupboard is not bare for Fikac as he returns 5 starters on offense and 5 starters on defense on a playoff team that finished with the record of 6-5 in 2018. The offense will be led by returning signal caller Sr. QB 2nd team all-district Jackson Coulson. The Patriots are very excited about the talented offensive line and will looking to replace the entire receiving corps, which was lost to graduation. The defense is led by Sr. LB 1st team all-district D.K. Little, Jr. DB 1st team all district Isaiah Quinton Jackson, and Sr. LB 2nd team all-district Dalton Lofton Love. Look for Isaiah Quinton Jackson to possibly fill the spot left by graduating RB Zion Hester who ran for 1594 yards in 2018.

CEDAR CREEK The Cedar Creek Eagles will look to improve on their 4-6 record in 2018 and –possibly – finally get over the hump against their fellow Bastrop Independent School District rivals, the Bastrop Bears. Coach Jon Edwards’ squad suffered their first District 13-5A Div. II loss in 2018 in a hard-fought 29-28 loss to the Bears. The Eagles gave up two fourth-quarter touchdowns to let one slip away in the loss at Bastrop Memorial Stadium. Cedar Creek has never beaten Bastrop since it started playing varsity football in 2012 but it’s getting closer. After losing to the Bears by a combined score of 133-7 in the first two years, be Eagles lost a 23-21 contest in 2017 before last year’s near miss. Cedar Creek will be looking for its first winning season in 2019 and it’s making progress toward that goal. The Eagles had several impressive wins in 2018. They include a 31-0 win over Reagan to begin the season and a 31-28 win over district rival Elgin. The Eagles finished the season with a 3-4 district mark and didn’t make the playoffs in the hotly contested district. Coach Edwards will have four starters returning on offense and 10 on defense, which will be a strength. The Eagles’ top three offensive players will be Sr. WR 2nd team all-district Javon Livingston, wide receiver Payne Allen and Jr. RB 2nd team all-district Dominic Mojica. The defense will be led by Sr. LB Defensive MVP Cade Edwards, Sr. DL DL MVP Alfred Collins and Sr. LB 2nd team all-district Josh Garza.

BASTROP The Bastrop Bears will look to build on successful 2018 season that saw them go 6-5 and lose a hard-fought first round playoff game to Kerrville Tivy. Coach Todd Patmon and his team went to Kerrville for the thrilling 63-62 loss in double overtime. The Bears had several impressive victories in the regular season, including a 29-28 win over fellow Bastrop Independent School District rival Cedar Creek. Bastrop also beat district foes Marble Falls by a 34-7 count and Leander Glenn by 42-28. Patmon says the team will use the loss as motivation in 2019. “The first-round lost to Tivy in double OT has inspired our kids throughout the off season,” he said. “We are excited about another opportunity to represent Bastrop, Texas, in the 2019 football season!” The Bears will return six starters on offense and six starters on defense. The offense will be led by QB Desmond Young, who’s being recruited by several big-time college programs, wide receiver Nathan Blair and athlete Cole Tidwell. The speedy Tidwell has received a lot of interest from colleges. 61

ELGIN The Elgin Wildcats are looking to continue their steady program after finishing 4-6 overall last season in District 13-5A Div. II. It was Coach Jens Anderson’s second season in Elgin and marked an improvement from 2017’s 3-7 mark. The Wildcats, who were 3-4 in district, showed a lot of potential on offense. They scored 57 points against Marble Falls and at least 35 points in three other games. Quarterback Peter McFarlin, a sophomore in 2018, took over the job in midseason and played well, finishing the year with 545 yards passing and 778 on the ground. He accounted for 13 total touchdowns. In his debut as a starter against he threw for 135 yards and ran for 70 more. He threw a touchdown pass on his first possession as the starter. The defense pitched one shutout, a 23-0 victory over Pflugerville Weiss. Unfortunately, they also allowed 62 points in a loss to Leander Glenn.

BRENHAM Eliot Allen replaced longtime Brenham Coach Glen West before the season and continued the Cubs’ streak of making the playoffs every year since 2004. They advanced in the first round of the playoffs, a 42-35 win over Mission Sharyland in Corpus Christi.

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The Cubs will continue their rich tradition in the 2019 season. Brenham has made 43 playoff appearances and played for a state championship three times in its history. They were recently named the second-best high school program in Texas that doesn’t have a state title by Dave Campbell’s High School Football magazine.

Jeff Power

13-5A D2 District Champs

PREDICTIONS

EAST SIDE MEMORIAL Austin’s East Side Memorial High School, formerly Johnston High School, has nowhere to go but up after going 0-10 in its first season in District 13-4A Division II. Under first-year Coach Luis Becerra, the Panthers were shut out in nine of 10 games and went 0-5 in district. The team scored its only touchdown of the season in a 59-8 loss to Bandera. Becerra hopes to continue the revival of East Side Memorial football in the second year of a three-year plan. The school didn’t field a football from 2011 to 2014 because of a lack of players before it was revived by former coach Darrell Crayton. Despite the carnage of 2019, Becerra is upbeat about the 2019 season because of the player’s hard work since the season ended. ‘We had a great off-season where the boys increased their size, speed, and strength,” Becerra said. “With a strong summer program, summer 7 on 7, and several returners with varsity experience, we are looking to improve on an 0-10 season and increase our offensive and defensive production.” East Side Memorial will return seven offensive starters and seven defensive starters in 2019. The team’s top three offensive players are Jeison Otano Perez, a senior running back, Donnell Darks a sophomore running back and senior quarterback Robert Sanchez. The top three players on the East Side defense include Nathaniel Escalante, a junior cornerback, Skyler Nguyen, a junior linebacker and senior defensive end Jeremiah Quinn.

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