AMERICAN-STATESMAN'S CENTRAL TEXAS TOP 10: ALL ABOUT NO. 3 CEDAR PARK TIIMBERWOLVES

Thomas Jones Austin American-Statesman

USA TODAY NETWORK

No. 3 Cedar Park Timberwolves

Coach: Michael Quintero (first season) 2020: 13- 1, Class SA Division II state finalist Hello: DE Ian Ferguson, RB Kevin Ad­ams, QB Josh Pell, OL Connor Mason Goodbye: QB Ryder Hernandez, OL Luke Williams, WR Josh Cameron Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 de­fense 2020 stats: Averaged 51.3 ppg, al­lowed 20.9 ppg.

Questions to ponder

1. Just who Is Josh Pell?Central Texas football fans are about to find out plenty about the replacement for Her­nandez, who graduated. Former head coach Carl Abseck raved about the 6-foot, 185-pound senior in the spring, and Quintero, the new head coach, says "one of the first thingswe noticed was his leadership abilities. You can tell he's put a lot of work in during the offseason with his throwing mechanics and the way he's reading defenses." Pell has just 19 career passing at­tempts, but don't expect Cedar Park to change much up from last year's pass­happy attack. 2. Wait, Coach Abseck left? Yes. After six years, five district championships, a 71-10 record and one state t itle, Ab­seek left to become the head football coach and athletic director at Barbers Hill, a successful Class SA athletic pro­gram in Mont Belvieu between Hous­ton and Beaumont. Cedar Park stayed with its roots by plucking Quintero

a year ago, bot the coaches like the potential of this group. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Luke excels after the catch, and senior classmate Nick Grullon is one of the team's top athletes and will play at both receiver and defensive back. Keep an eye on senior Houston Molinaro, who could fill the slot receiver role per­fected by the graduated Gunnar Abseck.

Holding the line

Cedar Park traditionally fields a formida­ble offensive front, and that shouldn't change in 2021. All-district tackle Con­nor Mason, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound sen­ior, graded out at 87% last season with 65 knockdowns, and he's particularly effective when pulling. Classmate Jack­son Harvey returns at the other tackle spot and boasts quick feet despite his 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame, and return­ing center Cole Valiente is a stout pres­ence in the middle at 5 feet, 8 inches and 265 pounds.

Decade does it

Westlake and Lake Travis have earned their reputations as two of the state's true blue bloods, but Cedar Park mea­sures up when it comes to success over the past decade. In a 10-year span dat­ing back to 2011, Cedar Park has a 119-21 record, including a 34-8 mark in the postseason. The Timberwolves have won two state championships and nine district t it les during that run. Lake Travis and Westlake have also each won two state championships in the past 10 years, and each also has a 34-8 playoff record. Westlake has an overall record of 114-26 with four district titles in that span, while Lake Travis has gone 121- 16 with eight district championships since 2011.

from Red Oak south of Dallas. A former assistant for the Timberwolves who served as the defensive coordinator for the program's 2012 state champi­onship team, Quintero went 9-3 last year at Red Oak in his lone season as a head coach. 3. Cedar Park is now an offensive powerhouse. Is the Black Rain defense still a thing? Absolutely, even though the Timberwolves gave up 292 points last year, which is the second-most in program history. Don't believe me? Ask 6-foot-2, 245-pound defensive end Ferguson or 6-foot-2, 290-pound nose guard Murray Robinson, who combined for 96 tackles, 19 sacks and 57 tackles for a loss a year ago. "When I put in the film (from 2020), those guys stood out." Quintero said. "It's been a big tradition here, having a physical defen­sive line. It's good to see those guys carrying that on.• Safety Cody Marshall had 40 tackles last season with 15 passes defended, and cornerback Michael Putney has shown lockdown ability. Those seniors lead a solid sec­ondary.

Here's the catch

Six Cedar Park receivers had double­digit receptions a year ago, and they've all graduated. No returning wideout has more than the two catch­es for 13 yards that Hunter Luke made

Did you know?

Ryder Hernandez, the 2021 Cedar Park graduate now playing baseball at Texas State, ended his prep career with virtu­ally every passing record in school histo­ry. Hernandez threw for 9,987 yards and 114 touchdowns in his career, and his yardage total ranks third in the Austin area behind Garrett Gilbert oflake Tra­vis (12,534 yards from 2006-08) and Ace Whitehead (11,548 yards from 2017-20).

Our view

What will be the biggest difference at Cedar Park this season? Thomas Jones: I know that the Timber­wolves have still been passing it around like crazy during practices, but I won't be shocked if an offense with a new quar­terback and a new set of receivers changes things up a bit. The combina­tion of a vet.ran offensive line and a proven workhorse in running back Kevin Adams could bring the ground game back in vogue. Rick Cantu: On the field, replacing Her­nandez will be difficult. Yet the addition of Quintero as head coach cannot be overstated. He was there when former coach Chris Ross made the Wolves a state power in 2005. Abseck was a major presence on and off the field, and it's up to the players to make sure the transi­tion is seamless.

CENTRAL TEXAS' TOP 10 TEAMS: ALL ABOUT NO. 2 LAKE TRAVIS CAVALIERS

Lake Travis running back Nico Hamilton delivers a stiff-arm early in the Cavaliers' spring scrimmage. Hamilton will be one of a handful of backs vying for carries this season. JAY PLOTKIN FOR AMERICAN- STATESMAN

Jay Plotkin Special to Austin American-Statesman

USA TODAY NETWORK

No. 2 Lake Travi.s

Coach: Hank Carter (135-18, 12th season} 2020: 6-1, Class 6A Division I bi-district finalist Hello: WR Caleb Burton, QB Bo Edmundson, LB/RB O.J. Johnson, ATH Isaac Norris, DL Jaden Nguyen Goodbye: RB Weston Stephens, WR/OB Aden Nava, TE Lake McRee, RB Marcelo Alanis, DL Raleigh Erwin Returning starters: 5 offense, 8 defense 2020 stats: Averaged 52.6 ppg, allowed 18.3 ppg

Questions to ponder

1. Where will Lake Travis find it's next...running back? For all the attention Lake Travis gets for its quarterbacks (Baker Mayfield, Garrett Gilbert, Charlie Brewer, Hudson Card, etc.}, the biggest question this year may be who lines up at running back beside quarterback Bo Edmundson. The Cavaliers lost 87% of their 2020 rushing production. Converted line­backer Watson Cusick, who played running back in 2019, is expected to be in the mix when he recovers from a knee injury. Linebacker O.J. Johnson, Nico Hamilton and Aidan Albright will also see snaps in the backfield.

have one again."

Playing all the hits

Last season Norris emerged as Lake Travis' Swiss Army knife, playing as many as four different posi­tions, sometimes in the same game: tight end, re­ceiver, quarterback and running back. He'll find plen­ty of ways to impact games again this season, but he won't be the only Cavalier with a multi -faceted job description. Senior D.J. Johnson, a two-year defen­sive stalwart at the rover spot, moves closer to the action at inside linebacker. He'll also see time at run­ning back, receiver and is one of the Cavaliers' pri ­mary kick returners.

Serving the youth

A year ago, Edmundson stood out as one of a very few sophomores to make their mark on varsity. This year's roster includes as many as seven sophomores, all of whom are expected to play important roles. "With sophomores, we only want to carry them on the varsity if they are going to be the starter or the primary sub at their position," Carter said. Offensive­ly, sophomores Adrian Oratokhai and Nico Hamilton could quickly become familiar faces. Defensively, Markus Boswell, Josiah Estes, Cole Munnerlyn and Jacob Henry all figure to jump the junior varsity and plug directly into the varsity lineup.

2. Speaking of quarterbacks, is Edmundson devel­oping into the school's next Power Five recruit? In a word, yes. Recruiting picked up over the summer with offers from Penn State, Michigan State, Kentucky and SMU for starters, and Edmundson is taking ownership of the offense. "He's really into football," Carter said. "He's one of the more vocal guys we've ever had. He will definitely make us a better football team." If his development continues, he'd be the Cavs' 10th straight starting QB to earn an FBS scholarship. 3. How does l ake Travis shake off a d isjointed and substandard 2020 season t hat saw games canceled over COVID protocols and a surprising first round playoff exit? By putting last season behind them and getting back to the basics, senior receiver/quarter­back Isaac Norris says. •we're full steam ahead and excited to redeem ourselves," he said. •1 know we've said it a number of times, but we want to make up for what happened last year and do everything we can to win a state title."

Feeling special

lake Travis' program has been known for its quarter­backs, and rightfully so. But for as far back as Carter can remember, the Cavaliers have been solid - and at times elite - at kicker {see, Dicker, Cameron). it hasn't been just the accuracy when kicking extra points and field goals - Dicker (2015-17), Hays Mccannon (2018-20) and Nathan Ellisor (2019-20) combined to make 99% (441 of 447) of their career PATs - it's negating opposing kickoff returns by gen­erating touchbacks. "That's been a big weapon for us over the years," Carter said . For 2021, Hunter Rioux and Bane Maybury will look to take their kicks and deliver similar results. Based on history, Carter be­lieves they can. "We've had solid kickers through the years; Carter said. "That's why I'm confident we'll

Did you know?

lake Travis begins the 2021 season ranked 8th in Dave Campbell's Texas Football's state preseason rankings. It's the sixth straight season the Caval iers begin the year ranked in the top 10. In 2015, the Cav­aliers began the season ranked 14th. They reached the state championship game that season.

Untimely early exit

Just how unexpected was last year's bi-district play­off loss to Round Rock? The loss marked only the second time since 2007 that the Cavaliers have failed to make it beyond the first round. In the 14 seasons that date back to 2007, Lake Travis has reached the state semifinals 11 times. The three exceptions: bi­district losses in 2012 {Pflugerville) and 2020 and an area loss in 2014 (Spring). In its history, lake Travis has a 61-12 playoff record, including 59-8 si nee 2007.

Our view

Will the Cavs knock off r ival Westlake t h is y ear? Thomas Jones: Can you ask again in early November, before the rivals meet in the regular season finale? While the Cavs don't quite have the potent offense of Westlake, they may just have a more complete team. And they have history on their side; Lake Travis holds an 11-4 edge in the all-time series, which includes a 25-24 win the last time the teams played in 2019. Rick Cantu: I'd give Westlake a slight edge on offense with Cade Klubnik at QB. I'd give lake Travis a slight edge on defense with the return of eight starters. It was a shame this game was canceled last year over COVID-19 concerns. In August I'm picking Westlake, but something tells me Hank Carter's team is ready to make another run at state.

AMERICAN-STATESMAN'S CENTRAL TEXAS TOP 10

No. 2 Lake Travis has a chance to be 'special' Lake Travis

quarterback Bo

Edmundson, taking a

snap during preseason practice, is focused on helping the

Cavaliers erase the

memory of 2020's

playoff exit. JAY PLOTKIN

FOR AMERICAN­

STATESMAN

Jay Plotkin Special to Austin American-Statesman

USA TODAY NETWORK

Rumors of Lake Travis' demise fol­lowing last season's first round playoff exit may be greatly exaggerated.

Despite - and most certainly fueled by - a 35-21 bi-district loss to Round Rock last year, Lake Travis enters the 2021 season eager to get back to busi­ness. Led by its trademark college­bound quarterback, overall versatility, a youth movement and the arrival ofa fa­miliar 5-star receiver, the Cavaliers are again poised to make a deep playoff run.

"I think we have a chance to be a spe­cial team," Cavaliers coach Hank Carter

said. "We have depth where it's impor­tant to have it."

These Cavaliers, ranked No. 8 in the state's Class 6A preseason poll, check all the usual boxes. They'l] feature a col­lege prospect at quarte.rback (Bo Ed­mundson), a deep receiving group led by one of the nation's top recruits (Del Valle transfer and Ohio State recruit Ca­leb Burton) and a defense that blends size, speed, experience and youth.

Carter thinks the team's size in the trenches allows it to compare favorably to past Lake Travis teams that chal­lenged for and won state titles.

"We play against big dudes, big run-

See TOP 10, Page~

Top IO Continued from Page 1C

ning backs and defens ive ends who are going to play big-time college football, so you haveto havebig guys to match up with that,» Carter said.

The Cavaliers have their share ofbig guys on both sides of the ball. Returning offensive linemen Ben Hartman and Seth McDaniel form a sizeable nucleus. Fischer Felton and William Bishop are experienced as well. Adrian "Big Mo" Oratokhai, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound sophomore, joins the group as a promising left tackle.

"Our offensive line has an opportunity to be spe­cial again," Carter said. "It's a deep group ofbig kids, and 'Mo' has a chance to be a special player. He's got really good feet. He's long. He's super smart and he's very aggressive."

It's a similar story on the defensive line. Seniors Jonathan Salem and Griffen Willis were key players last season, and classmate Jaden Nguyen returns af­ter missing2020 dueto heat stroke. They're joined by Jacob Henry, a 6-foot-1, 280-pound sophomore who, like classmate Oratokhai, ranks among the strongest players in the program.

"Big Mo and Jacob Henry are unique sophomore body types;• Carter said. "Both ofthem are already in the top 40 of the strongest kids we've had in the pro­gram. They are big, powerful kids."

The tackles will be flanked by a defensive end ro­tation that starts with thedisruptive duo ofTrey Dor­sett and Max Linhoff, a second-team, all-district se­lection as a varsity newcomer in 2020. Evan Kelley and Daylan Kazmierski will also figure into the mix.

"We really haven't hadthis much depth on the de­fensive line before," Carter said.

lf the Cavaliers can control the line of scrimmage and ifEdmundson improves on a debut that saw him complete 68% of his passes that included 16 touch­downs in just five games, the receiving quartet of Burton, Chemet Estes, Noah Byrd and Isaac Norris will be tough for opposing defenses to bottle up.

"We have some experience and some versatility there," Carter said. "I think Isaac is going to have an­other big year for us."

Norris is Lake Travis' leading returning rusher and receiver and he's also the back-up quarterback. With Estes, Byrd and Burton working against defensive backs on the outside, Norris becomes a challenging match-up for linebackers who have to cover him across the middle ofthe field. He was the Cavaliers' top receiver in a preseason scrimmage, getting free for seven catches, including a 41-yard touchdown.

"We've picked up where we left off," Norris said. "I think we're ahead ofwhere we were last year (follow­ing the preseason scrimmage). We're more sound fundamentally and it's going to be a good year."

Burton, who enrolled at Lake Travis after his fa­ther Charles resigned from Del Valle and joined the Lake Travis staff, is healthy again after a knee injury cost him the 2020 season. He's eager to get back to action and help his new team improve.

"Missing last season, this has just been a blessing to play the sport I love," he said. "It feels good to be backon thefield. Itfelt good to get hit (ina scrimmage against Cedar Ridge). We're just looking to improve and get better."

The Cavaliers' lone offensive question centers on the running back spot. Lake Travis will open the sea­son leaning on defensive standout D.J. Johnson to lead a group that includes sophomores Nico Hamil­ton and Markus Boswell (also a linebacker) and ju­nior Aidan Albright. Johnson's been getting a crash course in running back responsibilities in addition to learning a new role on defense, moving from rover to linebacker.

"With his athleticism and his ability to move and make plays, we wanted to get him closer to the foot­ball," Carter said. "He'll also be a big part of our of­fense."

Johnson showed his athleticism with a 70-yard touchdown run in the preseason scrimmage against Cedar Ridge on the same field where the Cavaliers' 2020 season came crashing down.

"It's no fun to lose in the first round," Carter said. "We've done it that way and we've won it all. Twould much prefer to (end a season) the second way."

Players are focused on giving carter his prefer­ence.

"I know we've said it a number of times, but we wantto make up for what happened last year and do­i ng everything we can to win a state title," Norris said.

2021 CENTRAL TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW: DISTRICT 25-6A

Favorite

Vandegrift. The Vipers have won three straight district titles, and they don't seem in a sharing mood after splitting the crown with Round Rock a year ago. No team has as much balance in all three facets of the game, and the de­fense can be downright dominant -something no other team in 25-6A can claim.

Preseason MVP

Grayson Doggett, Hutto. The pieces seem in place for a big season from the senior. A three-year starter with a wealth of returning talent, the heady and accurate Doggett has mastered coach Brad LaPlante's intricate spread offense and will key any playoff push by the Hippos.

Games to watch

Vista Ridge at Vandegrift, Oct. 1: Vista Ridge enters a new era with plenty of new faces on the sideline and on the field, and the Rangers will get an early chance to make a statement against their fierce Leander school district rival. Hutto at Cedar Ridge, Nov. 5: The final evening of the regular season will have massive playoff implications for the entire district, and this contest could be a do-or-die affair for either team's postseason hopes. Round Rock at Vandegrift, Nov. 5: The Dragons snapped Vandegrift's 21-game district winning streak a year ago to claim a share of the 25-6A title, and this regular season finale could have similar stakes.

Predicted order of finish

1. Vandegrift 2. Round R0<;k 3. Hutto 4. Cedar Ridge 5. Vista Ridge 6. Stony Point 7. McNeil 8. Westwood

Vandegrift's Reece Beauchamp races to the end zone in a 2020 playoff win over Austin High. PAUL KNIGHT FOR AM£RICAN-STATESMAN

playoffs. LaPlante says he expects his team to make the playoffs this season. ... A three-year starting quarterback such as Doggett inspires such opti­mism. Doggett has thrown for 3,708 yards and 36 touchdowns in 18 career starts, and Hutto's impressive playmak­ers always seem to get the ball in the right spot.•.. Those playmakers include speedy receivers Lambert and Gary Choice, who combined for 54 catches and 631 yards in 2020. Coaches are also excited about junior running back Banks, who would have played on varsi­ty as a sophomore but missed the sea-

eluded an upset of lake Travis in the first round of the playoffs.... With heavy losses on offense, look for the defense to carry the team, especially early in the season. Brown headlines the group after a second-team, all-district cam­paign that included 43 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss, while the stout Jones anchors the interior. Ansel Nedore brings more size inside at 6 feet, 4 inches and 270 pounds.... The Dragons may just have the best defen­sive front seven in the district, especial­ly with the return of inside linebacker Wagner, who had 85 tackles, two sacks

2018: 12-1 (2-1) Overall: 32-5 (6-3) FYI The Vipers have had an old- fashioned quarterback battle in camp, wit h Beau­champ and junior Brayden Buchanan fighting for the starting spot. It's likely whichever player isn't quarterback will play wideout or be a part of the rushing attack, and Sanders won't likely name a starter until a few days before the opener against Cedar Park on Friday.... The versatile Beauchamp earned sec­ond-team, all-district honors at defen­sive back a year ago after making 43 tackles and breaking up four passes.... Regardless of who wins the quarterback job, Sheppard will see plenty of touch­es. He had 922 yards and six touch­downs rushing a year ago and added 13 receptions for 122 yards and two scores.... All-district cornerback Shaffer excels against the run and had 86 tack­les and two forced fumbles last season • ... Vandegrift has won three consecutive district titles.

V1sta Ridge

Coach: Chad Scott (first season) 2020: 7-3 (5-2 district) Postseason: lost to Hays 38-7 in Class 6A Oil bi-district round Starters returning: 4 offense, 7 defense Players to watch WR/DB Jonathan Clark, sr. , 6-1, 195 OB Axel Allen, sr. 5-10, 170 WR Wyatt Gates, sr., 6-2, 190 OT Trey Johnson, sr., 6-0, 260 OT Ethan Ellsworth, sr., 5-10, 265 2020stats Averaged 34.6 ppg, allowed 24 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 7-3 (0-1 postseason) 2019: 8-3 (0-1) 2018: 1-9 Overall: 16-15 (0-2) FYI It's a new era at Vista Ridge, with long­time coach Rodney Vincent now coach­ing at Shallowater in West Texas and all-state quarterback Kyle Brown play-

Scouting area teams

Cedar Ridge

Coach: Sam Robinson (34-14, fifth sea­son) 2020: 6-4 (5-2 district) Postseason: Lost to Westlake 57-14 in Class 6A DI bi-district round Starters returning: 4 offense, 3 defense Players to watch ATH Victor Taylor, sr., 5-10, 170 DB Jackson Donohoe, sr. , 6-1, 190 DL Dominick Bolden, sr., 6-0, 300 TE Matthew Brooks, sr. , 6-2, 200 OL Joshua Wollard, jr., 6-0, 275 RB Karlos Jackson, jr., 5-9, 180 2020stats Averaged 28 ppg, allowed 25 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 6-4 (0-1 postseason) 2019: 6-5 (0-1) 2018: 9 -3 (1-1) Overall: 21-12 (1-3) FYI The versatile Taylor will get lots of touches at various positions, and he'll need a big season for Cedar Ridge, which must replace the bulk of its of­fensive production. Taylor, who boasts 4.5 speed, had 25 catches for 367 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. ... A promising offensive line should help ease in new starters at quarterback and running back. Wollard is the only re­turning starter up front, but the unit will get a boost from senior Andrew Morris, a 6- foot-1 , 285-pound mauler who moves over from defense and will team with Wollard in the interior. ... Robinson, who served as defensive coordinator before taking over as the head man, likes his defensive front. Bolden enters his third season as a starter in the middle and had 35 tackles and four sacks a year ago, while 6-foot-1, 215-pound hybrid Dave Nwaneri racked up 49 tackles and eight sacks a year ago.

son with an injury. ... A bruiser with running-back speed, Bujnoch had 96 tackles and 20 tackles for a loss during his all-district season a year ago.

McNeil

Coach: Scott Hermes (0-9, second sea­son) 2020: 0-9 (0-7 district) Postseason: None Starters returning: 9 offense, 3 defense Players to watch QB Luke Hutchison, sr. , 6-0, 185 RB Kaleb Cooper, jr., 5-10, 170 DL Hunter Snider, sr. , 6-0 , 230 WE Mark Henke, sr., 5-10, 170 OT Amarea Lee, sr., 6-4, 255 WR/DB Joseph Patterson, j r., 6-0, 165 2020stats Averaged 10.8 ppg, allowed 35.3 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 0-9 2019: 3-7 2018:4-6 Overall : 7-22 FYI Despite going winless for the first t ime in school history a year ago, optimism abounds for the long-struggling pro­gram. Hermes, the former Vandegrift defensive coordinator, believes a full offseason in his system will help the Mavs make strides in 2021 .... The return of the dynamic Hutchison also fuels hope for a turnaround. He earned the district's newcomer of the year award as a sophomore with 1,036 yards pass­ing and another 667 yards on the ground and had a pair of 100-yard rush­ing games to open 2020 before an in­jury all but ended his season .... The return of Hutchison will also help Coop­er, who ran for BOO yards and added another 200 through the air during an impressive debut varsity season.... The lack of seasoning on defense concerns the coaches. Snid er showed promise up front last year, but the line looks thin. The secondary could develop into a

and two interceptions a year ago.... Jack Duncan, an all-district linebacker last season, will l ikely move to safety. ... McCoy-Gay flashed his ability in limited action a year ago, amassing 626 yards and eight touchdowns on 88 carries. He'll now get a heavy workload, espe­cially as the Dragons adapt to a new quarterback and a revamped set of receivers.

Stony Point

Coach: Craig Chessher (106-82, 18th season) 2020: 2-4 (1-4 d istrict) Postseason: None Starters returning: 5 offense, 6 defense Players to watch RB Cameron Cook, jr., 5-10, 180 LB Jake Chambers, sr., 6-0, 225 RB/WR Jadon Leonard, sr., 6-0, 175 DE Adam Whitfield, sr., 6-3, 200 OT Brian Lucero, sr. , 5-10, 250 WR Lukas Morin, sr., 6-3, 185 2020 1:tats Averaged 14.1 ppg, allowed 30.5 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 2-6 2019: 7-4 (0-1 postseason) 2018:6-4 Overall: 15-14 (0-1) FYI Stony Point had its lowest scoring aver­age since Chessher went winless in his first season at the school in 2004, but an impressive set of skill p layers could help key an offensive jump. Leonard, a first-team, all-district selection a year ago, will line up everywhere from the outside to the slot and excels on jet sweeps as well as receiver screens. Morin, another all-district selection last season, creates mismatches with his length.... Cook looks poised for another big year after earning first-team, all­district honors as a sophomore., and coaches like the potential of 5-foot-11, 200-pound junior running back Kory Thomas, who missed 2020 with an in-

ing for West Texas A&M. Former defen­sive coordinator Chad Scott takes over as head coach after 12 years as one of Vincent's top assistants.... Almost 80% of the Rangers' offense came through the air a year ago, and that shouldn't change even with the departure of former all-state quarterback Brown. The Rangers boast plenty of depth at receiver, and Gates has 4 .6 speed and can create m ismatches across the field. ... Clark, an all-d istrict defensive back and arguably the best athlete on the team, will also see spot duty on offense when the Rangers need a big play. ... Clark, who had 80 tackles and three interceptions a year ago, leads a tal­ented secondary that includes Allen and Reed Runkel at safety. Junior Syion Allen, the yaunger brother of former Vista Ridge star Emon Allen and the son of former Texas football player Taje Allen, emerged as a starter at corner­back last year and gives the unit anoth­er emerging star.

Westwood

Coach: Anthony Wood (76-93, eighth season) 2020: 3-6 (2- 5 d istrict) Postseason: None Starters returning: 5 offense, 4 defense Players to watch ATH Zach Pryor, sr. , 5-9, 160 OT Jack Ziebell, jr., 6-4, 290 RB/DB Darion Barnes, sr. , 5-9, 160 OL Evan Her rera, jr., 6-2, 245 WR Grant Jaeger, jr., 5-9, 150 WR Chase Griffin, jr., 6-2, 190 2020stats Averaged 29 ppg, allowed 41.2 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 3-6 2019:4-6 2018: 4-6 Overall: 11-18 FYI This won't be a surprise for those famil­iar with Westwood's high-flying ways,

Hutto

Coach: Brad laPlante (24-8, fourth season) 2020: 4-5 (3-4 district) Postseason: None Starters returning: 6 offense, 7 defense Players to watch LB Brody Bujnoch, jr., 6-4, 230 QB Grayson Doggett, sr., 6-0, 185 WR/DB Jairez Lambert, sr. , 5-10, 180 RB/DB Jalon Banks, jr., 5-10, 185 LB Jaylen Parkinson, jr., 6-0, 225 OL Rodrigo Gaona, sr. , 6-3, 280 2020 ctatc Averaged 22 ppg, allowed 27.8 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 4-5 2019: 9-2 (0-1 postseason) 2018: 11-1 (1-1) Overall: 24-8 (1-2) FYI The Hippos endured their share of struggles in 2020 - the coronavirus hammered an already thin roster for the district's smallest school - as they competed in Class 6A for the first time but still came within one win of the

strength if players such as juniors Pat­terson and Aaron Crowe quickly grow up.

Round Rock

Coach: Jeff Cheatham (70-52, 12th season) 2020: 8-3 (6-1 district) Post season: lost to Cibolo Steele 26-19 in OT in Class 6A DI area round Starters returning: 3 offense, 6 defense Players t o watch RB Tray McCoy-Gay, sr., 5-11, 180 DETravien Brown, sr., 6-2, 220 S Jack Duncan, sr., 6-0, 185 LB Carter Wagner, sr., 6-1, 225 DB Jalen Gilbert, jr., 6-2, 175 DL Jett Jones, jr., 5-10, 290 2020 stats Averaged 36.2 ppg, allowed 22.5 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 8-3 (1- 1 postseason) 2019:6-4 2018: 7-5 (1-1) Overall : 21-12 (2-2) FYI The Dragons shared the district title with Vandegrift last year, which in-

jury.... Rebuilding the offensive line and breaking in a new quarterback look like top concerns for Chessher and his staff. ... A four-year starter, Chambers is the heart and soul of the Tigers' defense. He averaged almost 14 tackles a game while earning first-team, all-Centex honors from the Statesman as well as all-state honors a year ago.

Vandegrift

Coach: Drew Sanders (95-38, 12th sea­son) 2020: 9-3 (5-1 district) PoctHacon: Lost to Hays 38-10 in Class 6A 011 regional final Starters returning: 6 offense, 5 defense Players to watch ATH Reece Beauchamp, sr., 6-0, 185 RB Ryan Sheppard, sr., 5-11, 175 DB Griffin Shaffer, sr., 5-8, 165 WR Graylan Spring, sr., 6-2, 190 DB Jaxon Oliver, sr., 6-3, 175 2020 stats Averaged 30.1 ppg, allowed 13. 7 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 9-3 (3-1 postseason) 2019: 11-1 (1-1)

but a deep and speedy receiving corps looks like t he team's strength. Jaeger had 18 receptions for 142 yards a year ago and looks poised for a big year, while Pryor - a burner who clocked a 200-yard time of 21.9 seconds in the spring - had 17 catches for 294 yards and three touchdowns in his first sea­son of 11-man football. The versatile Griffin provides matchup issues and will line up everywhere from tight end and H-back to the outsid e .... That group of receivers will help break in new quarter­back Owen Norrell, a promising 6-foot-2, 175-pound sophomore who replaces record-setting R.J. Martinez.... No team allowed more points or more yards per game in district play in 2020 than Westwood, and the Warriors will need big seasons from veteran safety Jake Davis and Ziebell to lower those numbers. Ziebell, an all-district football player who also won a district title as a wrestler and competed in the shot put during track season, had 36 solo tackles among his 42 stops last season.

- Thomas Jones

CENTRAL TEXAS' TOP 10 TEAMS: ALL ABOUT NO. 1 WESTLAKE CHAPARRALS

Rick Cantu Austin American-Statesman

USA TODAY NETWORK

No. 1 Westlake

Coach: Todd Dodge (217-72, 23rd sea­son) 2020: 14-0, Class SA Division I state champion Hello: QB Cade Klubnik, OL Connor Robertson, DB Carter Barksdale Goodbye: RB Zane Minors, LB Nick Mor­ris, CB Lucas Mireur Returning starters: 6 offense, 2 de­fense 2020 stats: Averaged 52.6 ppg, allowed 7.6ppg.

Questions to ponder

1. Will the Chaparrals have enough to win a Class 6A state championship for the third straight year? Barring major injuries, the Chaps should be in the mix Westlake receiver Jaden Greathouse could make a run at 100 catches for the year in December to win another title. They if the Chaparrals make a deep playoff rl.Rl. RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL/AMERICAN- STAT6MAN

already have the best quarterback in the state (Klubnik) and a coach (Dodge) who has six titles of his own. The of­ Here's the good news for both of those Challenges will begin early fense promises to be explosive. The teams: Losing this game has no bearing

Dodge said it will take three weeks tobiggest question mark is a defense that on whether they will reach the state

determine whether Westlake is a seri­lost nine starters to graduation. finals in late December.

ous contender to win state again. The2. Who will be this year's breakout Klubnik says Clemson can wait first three games are against Temple,star? Wideout Jaden Greathouse has

Euless Trinity and Mansfield Summit.been a solid player since his freshman While Southlake Carroll's Quinn Ewers is

Those programs combined for a 29-9 year, but he has shared the load with skipping his senior season to pursue

record in 2020. All three are capable ofother receivers. This year he will be endorsement opportunities, Klubnik

exposing Westlake's weaknesses, heKlubnik's main receiving weapon. Al ­ said he has no interest in profiting from

said.ready one of the top receivers in Cen­ his name, image and likeness this sea­tral Texas, he could make a run at 100 son. "I've always had a lot of respect for Who replaces Dodge next year? catches if the Chaparrals make a deep (Ewers) but this is my senior year,"

Dodge recently announced that 2021playoff run. Klubnik said. "Players dream about their

will be his last season. He said his re­3.Who is the biggest threat to knock senior year; We have a really good shot placement will not be named until the

off the Chaps? Lake Travis, of course. of having a good year. I'm excited to season is over. Westlake is one of the

The six-time state-champion Cavaliers j ust go out in my senior year with my state's most attractive positions and it's

have been Westlake's chief rival for good buddies and have a chance to a given the list of candidates will be

several years. Last year the teams can­ three-peat and enjoy the year." long and impressive. Around Westlake,

celed their game for COVID-19 reasons.

though, there is a strong sentiment to hand it over to defensive coordinator Tony Salazar, chief architect of a unit that has been the backbone of the team since he and Dodge arrived on campus together seven years ago. Is Salazar interested? "Obviously, yes. What a tremendous place this is. We're blessed to be a part of it. We feel like we've put our stamp on this program. The proof's in the pudding with the results these kids and this coaching staff have had in the years we've been here.•

Did you know?

Dodge will be remembered for many accomplishments, including six state championships. His greatest feat, though, came during a five-year stretch from 2002-2006. In that span Southlake Carroll went 79-1 and won four state championships.

Our view

Will Cade Klubnlk go down as the best high school quarterback in school his­tory? Thomas Jones: The Clemson pledge, who recently earned a fifth star from the recruitniks who rank such things, is certainly the highest-recruited quarter­back in school history. Sam Ehlinger carried a heavier offensive load and Drew Brees carries the mantle of leg­end, but if Kubnik can earn a third ring, there's no question he reaches the top of the prestigious list. Rick Cantu: If you count what happens after high school, the answer is no. Brees is a future NFL Hall of Farner. But if the question centers only on high school football, it's a slam dunk he'll be the best if he wins a second state ring as a starter.

2021 CENTRAL TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW: LAKE TRAVIS, WESTLAKE ATOP DISTRICT 26-6A

Favorite

Westlake: While an inexperienced de­fense keeps the Chaps from entering the season as the overwhelming favor­ite, the back-to-back state champs still boast arguably the best quarterback and the best offensive line in the state.

Preseason MVP

Cade Klubnik, Westlake: With no proven running backs and another load­ed receiving corps, the Clemson quar­terback pledge could carry a heavier load than last season, when he account­ed for more than 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns.

Games to watch

Del Valle at Bowie, Oct. 1: How big an impact has new coach Bobby Acosta made at Del Valle? We will know in this early district game between the intrigu­ing Cards and a Bowie team that looks on the rebound. San Marcos at Hays, Oct. 8: In a meet­ing between two old rivals on different trajectories, can a resurgent Rattler program under second-year coach John Walsh upset a Hays squad in a full re­build?

Lake Travis quarterback Bo Edmundson is focused on helping the Cavaliers erase the memory of 2020's first-round playoff exit. JAY PlOTKIN FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Hays running back Chris is arguably the team's top athlete and has experience at running back. JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Linhoff and Trey Dorsett lining up on the ends and an impressive set of inte­rior linemen that includes 6-foot-2-inch, 290-pound Jaden Nguyen, the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Griffen Willis and sophomore Jacob Henry, the 6-foot, 265-pound son of professional wrestler Mark Henry.

San Marcos

Coach: John Walsh (2-7, second sea­son) 2020: 2-7 (1-6 district)

Lake Travis at Westlake, Nov. 5: Gilbert and Foles. Baker and Sam. Now Bo and Cade. Star power - especially at that quarterback position - always abounds in this annual blood feud between the two premier Austin programs of their generation.

Predicted order of f inish

1. Westlake 2. Lake Travis 3. Bowie 4. San Marcos 5. Del Valle 6. Hays 7. Austin High 8. Akins

Scouting area teams

Akins

Coach: Joey Saxe (first season) 2020: 1-7 (0-6 district) Postseason: none Starters returning: 4 offense, 4 defense Players to watch OT Nikolas Hall, sr., 6-6 , 285 ATH Kimani Smith, sr. 5-10, 165 WR Michael Ybarra, sr., 6-1, 185 WR/LB Zach Cagle, sr., 5-11, 200 OL/DL Corban Melder, sr., 6-0, 230 2020stats Averaged 12.1 ppg, allowed 38.4 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 1-7 2019: 2-8 2018: 4-6 Overall: 7-21 FYI Saxe, who takes over for Humberto Garza, had served as the Eagles' offen­sive coordinator since 2012 •... Hall, the highest- rated recruit to ever come out of the South Austin program, has pledged to Kentucky. He anchors argu­ably the strongest unit on t he team, which also includes a returning starter

commit can return at some point this season. ... Rosenthal, a former offensive l ineman in the NFL, has helped produce several impressive offensive linemen over the years .

Bowie

Coach: Jeff Ables (134-80, 20th season) 2020: 3-5 (3-4 district) Postseason: None Starters ret urning: 6 offense, 9 defense Players to watch QB Diego Tello, sr., 6-1, 205 WR Cash Peters, sr., 6-2, 170 RB Noah Camacho, sr., 5-9, 200, DL Kyle Knudson, sr., 6-1, 245 OL/DL Rick Mao, sr., 6-0, 230 LB Saul Garcia, sr. , 5-10, 170 2020stats Averaged 28.1 ppg, allowed 31.9 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020, 3-5 2019: 5-6 (0-1 postseason) 2018: 7-4 (0-1) Overall: 15-15 (0- 2) FYI The Bulldogs are coming off back-to­back losing records for the fi rst t ime since the 2006 season and missed the playoffs last season for the first time in 14 years .... Tello, a UTSA pledge, threw for 2,109 yards and 23 touchdowns in eight starts a year ago while earning all-district honors.... Bowie boasts good balance on offense but will need to rebuild an offensive line around three­year starter Mao. The team doesn't have its usual size up front, with Mao and starting center Connor McClellan both around 230 pounds.... A stout defensive line includes Knudson, who enters his third season as a starter and anchors the team's run defense. Bowie will generate pressure from 6-foot-2, 200-pound j unior Aaron Gall and 6-

Hays

Coach: Les Goad (26-10, fourth season) 2020: 10-4 (6-2 d istrict) Postseason: Lost to Katy 63-7 in Class 6A 011 state semifinal Starters returning: 1 offense, 2 defense Players to watch ATH Chris Bruce, j r., 6-1, 190 C Trey Webb, sr. , 6-0, 260 RB/DB Kyree Payton, jr., 5-6, 160 RB Zach Obara, j r. , 6-1, 190 WR/DB Marcus Taylor, sr. , 5-11, 160 OL/DL David Szoboszlay, jr., 6-0, 289 2020 stats Averaged 33.1 ppg, allowed 32.5 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 10-4 (4-1 postseason) 2019: 8-3 (0-1) 2018: 8-3 (0-1) Overall : 26-10 (4-3) FYI Goad, a slot-T disciple, led Hays to its first state semifinal as a 6A squad last season but must rebuild after heavy losses to graduation.... Hays officials have removed their Rebel mascot be­cause of its links to the Confederacy and have adopted the Hawk as the school's new mascot. ... Four new start­ers will fill out the offensive line for a team that averaged 396 yards and 35 points a game, but the one familiar face in Webb may just be the top center in the Austin area.... Goad's offenses t ra­ditionally use lots of running backs. Bruce is arguably the team's top athlete and has experience at running back, but he may line up at quarterback. Obara ran for 131 yards a year ago, and speedy move- in Payton arrives from rival Leh­man and will see carries.... Bruce also shined in the secondary a year ago with 83 tackles, 16 pass breakups and three interceptions but will likely see more

Postseason: None Starters returning: 8 offense, 6 defense Players to watch QB Isaiah De Leon, jr., 6-3, 210 ATH Malik Gordon, sr. , 5-10, 180 RB Kanui Guidry, sr., 6-0, 175 DE Ja'kwavius Simmons, jr., 6-2, 215 WR/DB Jamil Gordon, sr., 5-10, 175 DB Jonathan Vega, jr., 6-2, 180 2020stats Averaged 16.7 ppg, allowed 36.4 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 2-7 2019: 1-9 2018: 1-9 Overall : 4-25 FYI With lots of retuning talent, could this be the year that Walsh starts a major turnaround for the Rattlers? Walsh ar­rived in San Marcos prior to the 2020 season with an impressive list of achievements that included a 131-56 record, two state championships and four appearances in state title games during a 14-year career at Denton Guy­er.... De Leon threw for 777 yards and six touchdowns and ran for another 376 yards as a sophomore and looks poised for a breakout season •... The speedy Guidry gives the Rattlers a home-run threat in the backfield. He only played in five games a year ago but had 618 yards and four touchdowns on only 102 carries, and one of his scores went 99 yards. ... Senior Malik Gordon, a con­verted quarterback who will likely still see action on offense in wildcat pack­ages, will anchor the defense from a safety spot. The 5- foot-10, 180-poun­der earned second-team, all -district recognition a year ago after making 53 tackles.

Westlake

Coach: Todd Dodge (84-13, eighth sea­son)

in 5-foot-11, 245-poundjunior Isaak Gonzales as well as Melder, who will likely start on both sides of the ball.... A veteran linebacking corps led by Cagle is the most experienced defensive unit. Cagle made 60 tackles with a forced fumble in 2020 while earning all-district honors.... One of the best athletes on the team, senior Smith will need a big season if the Eagles' secondary hopes to hold up in a district that features up to five college-bound quarterbacks. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Smith, who boasts 4 .5 speed, had 40 tackles and an interception a year ago.

Austin High

Coach: Mike Rosenthal (42-51, 10th season) 2020: 5-4 (4-3 district) Postseason: Lost to Vandegrift 45-24 in Class 6A 011 bi-district round Starters returning: 5 offense, 6 defense Players to watch WR Jax Rush, sr., 5-11, 165 DL Jack Nelson, sr., 6-2, 245 WR/DB Herd Holland, sr., 5-10, 165 LB Andrew Mosser, sr., 6-0, 205 OB Andrew Alexander, jr., 6-1, 175 2020stats Averaged 38.6 ppg, allowed 39.6 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 5-4 (0-1 postseason) 2019:4-6 2018: 3-7 Overall: 12-17 (0-1) FYI Three-year starting quarterback Charles Wright now throws passes for the University of Texas, and his absence leaves a huge gap behind center for the Maroons' dynamic spread offense. There's been a battle for the quarter­back spot all offseason . Wilder Daven­port, a sophomore with no varsity ex­perience, will lead the attack.... The Austin High defense took a hit when all-district safety Zach Mercado suf­fered an offseason injury. Coaches are hopeful that the Syracuse lacrosse

foot-6, 200-pound Gabe Musat.... Gar­cia had 75 tackles a year ago while earning all-district accolades and he sets the tone for the Dawgs' defense.

Del Valle

Coach: Bobby Acosta (first season) 2020: 3-6 (2-5 district) Postseason: None Starters returning: 4 offense, 4 defense Players to watch WR Braylon James, jr., 6-3, 180 WR Damien Jones, sr., 5-9, 160 LB Taj Johnson, sr., 6-0, 215 OB Lawrence Falke,jr., 5-10, 175 QB Skylar Hausenfluck, jr., 6-1, 180 DL PJ Goode, sr., 6-4, 215 2020stats Averaged 22.2 ppg, allowed 29.8 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 3-6 2019: 5-5 2018:4-6 Overall: 12-17 FYI No school raised more eyebrows in the offseason than Del Valle, which plucked head coach Bobby Acosta from IMG Academy in Florida after longtime head coach Charles Burton resigned and eventually joined the staff at Lake Tra­vis.... The head coach isn't the only change for the Cardinals. Several stars from last season such as receiver Trent Leary (LBJ), linebacker Kaleb Brown (LBJ) and defensive tackle Jayden Co­field (Manor) have transferred to other schools, but new quarterback Hau­senftuck moved in from Stony Point.... James, a blue-chip recruit chased by colleges from across the country, had 42 catches for 420 yards and six touch­downs last season despite some quar­terback issues.... Arguably the best pass rusher in the Austin area, Goode racked up 60 tackles and nine sacks a year ago. He leads a strong defensive front that also includes sophomore Steven Flores, a 6-3, 315-pounder.

time on ottense in 2u21.

Lake Travis

Coach: Hank Carter (136-18, 12th sea­son) 2020: 6-1 (6-0 district) Postseason: Lost to Round Rock 35-21 in Class 6A DI bi-district round Starters returning: 5 offense, 8 defense Players to watch LB Derrick Johnson, sr., 6-0, 195 QB Bo Edmundson,jr., 6-2, 190 ATH Isaac Norris, sr., 5-11, 185 WR Caleb Burton, sr., 6-0, 165 OL Ben Hartman, jr., 6-3, 300 DE Max Linhoff, sr., 6-1, 205 2020stats Averaged 52.6 ppg, allowed 18.3 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 6-1 (0-1 postseason) 2019: 13-2 (4-1) 2018: 12-2 (4-1) Overall: 31-5 (8-3) FYI Edmundson will be the latest Cavalier quarterback to play collegiate ball, but he still has two seasons left for Lake Travis. Thrust into a starting spot as a sophomore in 2020, Edmundson re­sponded by throwing for 1,369 yards and 17 touchdowns in just five games.... No team made a bigger splash in the offseason than the Cavs, who hired former Del Valle head coach Burton as a defensive assistant and welcomed his son, Caleb, a five-star speed merchant pledged to Ohio State.... Versatile Nor­ris, who threw for 398 yards and had more than 200 yards rushing and re­ceiving in 2020, is the only returning player with more than one catch last season.... Johnson leads a veteran de­fense. The versatile athlete who has started at both linebacker and in the secondary during his career earned unanimous first-team, all-district hon­ors after 49 tackles during the Cavs' abbreviated 2020 season.... The Cavs look like they have their most physical defensive line in several years, with

2020: 14-0 (6-0 district) Postseason: Beat Southlake Carroll 52-34 in Class 6A DI state title game Starters returning: 6 offense, 2 defense Players to watch QB Cade Klubnik, sr., 6-2, 185 WR Jaden Greathouse,jr., 6-2, 210 OT Bray Lynch, sr., 6-5, 280 OT Connor Robertson, sr., 6-4, 300 WR Keaton Kubecka, jr., 6-3, 185 OB Carter Barksdale, sr., 6-1, 175 2020stats Averaged 52.6 ppg, allowed 7.6 ppg Trending: a three-year look 2020: 14-0 (6-0 postseason) 2019: 15-1 (6-0) 2018: 13-2 (5-1) Overall: 42-3 (17-1) FYI Dodge announced his impending retire­ment earlier this summer, and he'll en­ter his final campaign with a 217-72 career record and six state champi­onships. Four of those titles came dur­ing a dominant run at Southlake Carroll in the 2000s, and his past two champi­onships have come the past two sea­sons at Westlake.... Klubnik, a five-star Clemson recruit, brings a complete package to the Chaps. He threw for 3,495 yards and 35 touchdowns on 67.7% passing in 2020and showed his elite speed while running for 583 yards and another 15 touchdowns.... Greath­ouse remains on pace to become the Chaps' all-time leader in virtually every receiving category and already has 116 receptions for 1,860 yards and 23 touchdowns in a career that began as a freshman. Look for Kubecka to have a big year opposite Greathouse.... Highly touted offensive lineman TJ Shanahan moves in from Florida, and the 6-foot-4, 300-pound guard strengthens an al­ready powerful line that also includes Indiana recruit Lynch, Texas pledge Robertson and all-district center Jack Griffin.... Barksdale (61 tackles, 2 in­terceptions) leads a fresh defense.

-Thomas Jones

ALL-CENTRAL TEXAS PRESEASON FOOTBALL TEAM

Thomas Jones Austin American-Statesman

USA TODAY NElWORK

Offense

QB: Cade Klubnlk, senior, Westlake

Clemson pledge accounted for more than 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns while leading Chaps to second consec­utive Class 6A state title in 2020.

RB: Preston Alford, senior, Dripping Springs

Two- time all-district selection on both sides of ball had almost 1,700 yards from scrimmage and 24 touchdowns la.st year.

WR: Che Nwabuko, senior, Manor

Pitt recruit as a slot receiver had l ,171 yards from scrimmage in 2020 and a dynamic kick returner.

WR: Jaden Greathouse, junior, Westlake

leading returning receiver in Austin area had 1, 145 yards receiving a year ago.

WR: Troy Oliver, senior, Rouse

Only other area wideout with 1,000 yards last season provides deep threat for Raiders.

OL: Connor Robertson, senior, Westlake

Texas recruit graded out at 979'. with 67 pins and knockdowns.

Manor's Che Nwabuko runs for a TD against Pflugerville last season. JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

OL: Btay Lynch, senior, Westlake

Indiana pledge forms elite tackle boo­kend with Robertson.

OL: Trey Webb, senior, Hays

All-d istrict anchor of Hawks' line didn't allow a sack last season while keying slot-T ground game.

OL: Matthew Gllbey, senior, St. Michael's

Athletic 6-foot- 1, 255-pounder graded out at over 95% for rejuvenated Cru­saders' program.

OL: Nikolas Hall, senior, Akins

Kentucky pledge a prototypical tackle at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds.

K: Will Stone, senior, Regents

Texas recruit boasts big leg, accuracy

and ability to pin opponents deep on kickoffs.

UTIL.: Case Brister, senior, Lampasas

M iddle linebacker and running back has 296 solo tackles over past season, ran for 299 yards and seven TDs in 2002 and returns kicks.

Defense

DL: Cedric Roberts, senior, Hendrickson

The 6-foot-4, 285-pounder is the pre­m ier run stuffer in Austin area and flashed pass-rushing skills in 2020.

DL: PJ Goode, senior, Del Valle

Fierce edge rusher had 60 tackles, nine sacks in productive 2020.

DL: Ian Ferguson, senior, Cedar Park

Part of loaded line, the 6- foot-1 , 225-pound end with relentless motor had 13 sacks a year ago.

LB: Andon Thomas, senior, Liberty Hill

The do-it -all Panther was all over the field, finishing with 161 tackles, five sacks, three interceptions and four fumble recoveries in 2020.

LB: Jake Chambers, senior, Stony Point

Now in his fourth season as starter, the team captain averaged 14 tackles a game last season.

LB: Bryce Jackson, senior, Lago Vista

Ballhawk for 3A power from inside spot had 139 tackles for team that reached fourth round of playoffs.

LB: Derrick Johnson, senior, Lake Travis

Rover had 49 tackles in abbreviated season for Cavs a year ago will line up everywhere from deep in secondary to on the line.

DB: Nathan Simpson, senior, Wimberley

The 14-4A defensive MVP had 111 total tackles, three fumble recoveries and four interceptions for a team that reached 2020 state semifimtls.

DB: Lawrence Falke, junior, Del Valle

Playmaker burst onto the scene a year ago with 65 tackles, eight Interceptions.

DB: Charles Hodge IV, senior, Smithville

Elite athlete who also starts at receiver racked up six interceptions while locked on foes' top target.

DB: Jake Hissey, senior, McCallum

Team captain a true ballhawk from free safety spot.

P: Charlie Bamett, senior, West.lake

leading return ing punter in area aver­aged almost 40 yards a punt in 2020 and serves as stellar kicker.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: STATE POLLS

It its partnership with The Associated Press, Dave Campbell's Texas Football has released its top 10 football poll for each UIL classification and division. Headed by defending Class 6A Division I state champion and top-ranked West­lake, seven Austin-area teams enter the season in the rankings. - Thomas Jones

Class 6A

Team (2020 record) 1. Westlake (14-0) 2. Katy (14-1) 3. Southlake Carroll (12-2) 4. Galena Park North Shore (14--1) 5. Duncanville (10-2) 6. Humble Atascocita (7-3) 7. Euless Trinity (10-2) 8. Lake Travi.s (6-1) 9. Arlington Martin (10-2) 10. Allen (10-1)

Class SA Division I

1. Denton Ryan (15-0) 2. Manvel (9-2) 3. College Station (10-2) 4. Highland Park (11-1) 5. Longview (9-3) 6. Cedar Parle (13-1) 7. Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (13-1) 8. Colleyville Heritage (8-1) 9. Frisco Lone Star (7-4) 10. Mansfield Summit (8-5)

Class SA Division II

1. Aledo (13-1) 2. Fort Bend Marshall (12-1) 3. Lucas Lovejoy (13-1) 4. Liberty Hill (12-1)

•VESt\.lll......

Westlake q uarterback Cade Klubnlk celebrat es after t he Chaps' 52-34 win over Southlake Carroll in the Class 6A Di-vision I state t ide game last season. Westlake enters t his year ranked No. 1 in t he state poll. PAUL BRICK FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

5. Huntsville (1 1- 1) 6. Lubbock Cooper (11-2) 7. Ennis (9-1) 8. Mansfield Timberview (10-2) 9. Ro use (10-2) 10. Grapevine (10-4)

Class 4A Division I

1. Argyle (16-0) 2. Corpus Christi Calallen (10-3) 3. Melissa (11-2) 4. El Campo (9-2) 5. Waco La Vega (9-3) 6. LBJ {9-3) 7. Paris (9-5) 8. Lindale (13-3) 9. Kilgore (10-4) 10. Midlothian Heritage (9-3)

Class 4A Division II

1. Carthage (14-0) 2. Gilmer (14-2) 3. Wimberley (12-4) 4. West Orange-Stark (8-1) 5. Texarkana Pleasant Grove (9-4) 6. Celina (6-5) 7. China Spring (10-3) 8. Bellville (9-2) 9. Sweetwater (8-2) 10. Sinton (8-4)

Class 3A Division I

1. Jim Ned (14- 1) 2. Brock (12-1) 3. Gladewater (8-3) 4. Tatum (8-2) 5. Malakoff (10-3)

6. Vanderbilt Industrial (11- 2) 7. Grandview (11-1) 8. Lorena (9-3) 9. Pilot Point (10-4) 10. Hallettsville (13-3)

Class 3A Division II

l. Franklin (12-3) 2. Gunter (13-2) 3. Canadian (15- 1) 4. Waskom (12-2) 5. Newton (7-3) 6. Childress (10-3) 7. Holliday (11- 2) 8. Elysian Fields (11-3) 9. East Bernard (8-2) 10. Lexington (8-4)

Class 2A Division I

1. Refugio (11-1} 2. Shiner (14-0) 3. Timpson (14-1} 4. Crawford (13-2) 5. Cisco (10-4) 6. Mason (8-5) 7. New Deal (5-4) 8. Garrison (6-6) 9. Hawley (10-3) 10. Lindsey (11- 1)

Class 2A Division II

1. Mart (14-1) 2. Wellington (13-1} 3. Windthorst (15-1) 4. Muenster (10-4) 5. Albany (10-2) 6. Falls City (11-3) 7. Tenaha (10- 3) 8. Stratford (7-6) 9. Wink (10-2) 10. Vega (10-3)

22 FOR 2022: RANKING THE TOP FOOTBALL RECRUITS FOR AUSTIN AREA

Thomas Jones Austin American-Statesman USA TODAY NETWORK

The Austin American-Statesman ranks the top collegiate senior recruits in the Austin area.

1. Cade Klubnik, QB, Westlake

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Clemson pledge is the first five-star quarterback recruit from the area since Garrett Gil­bert of lake Travis in 2009.

2. Caleb Burton, WR, Lake Travis

The 6-foot, 165-pound speedster and four-star Ohio State pledge is the sec­ond blue-chip Cav wideout to commit to Big Ten school, following Garrett Wilson in 2019.

3. Connor Robertson, OL, Westlake

The three-star Texa.s pledge plays tack­le for the Chaps, but the 6-foot-4, 295-pounder will likely transition to the interior for his hometown team.

4. Cedric Roberts, DT, Hendrick.son

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound three-star tackle has committed to Oklahoma, continuing a long tradition of top recruits under Hawks coach Chip Killian.

S. Nikolas Hall, OT, Akins

Prototypical three-star offensive tackle at 6 feet, 6 inches and 300 pounds is a Kentucky pledge, the highest-ranked recruit in school history.

6 . Che Nwabuko, WR, Manor

One of the fastest recruits in his class, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound three-star

Hendrickson defensive tackle Cedric Roberts, one of the top interior linemen in the state, has pledged to Oklahoma. LOURDES SHOAF FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Likely a DB at next level, la Grange's Bravion Rogers holds offers from Baylor and Michigan. JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

multiple Power Five offers.

Jaden Greathouse, WR/TE, Westlake

Projected as a TE at next level, the un­committed four-star wideout for 2023 has offer from hometown Texas on table.

Braylon James, WR, Del Valle

Uncommitted 6-foot-2, 175-pound, four-star recruit for 2023 has all the tools sought by Power Five programs.

Keaton Kubecka, WR, Westlake

Pittsburgh pledge has transitioned into full -time wideout.

7 . Kaleb Brown, LB, LBJ

Three-star Houston pledge with stellar speed at 6 feet, 200 pounds can rush passer, drop in coverage.

8 . Bray Lynch, OL, Westlake

The versatile 6-foot-4, 285-pound three-star Indiana recruit continues long pipeline between Austin and Big Ten.

9. Drew Dickey, QB, Regents

A dual-threat signal caller, the 6-foot- 1, 205-pound three-star recruit is first Regents player to join a SEC school.

10, Will Stone, K, Regents

The three-star, 6-foot, 175-pound Tex­as pledge is one of the top kickers to come out of Austin since Westlake's Justin Tucker in 2008.

11. Derrick Johnson, DB, Lake Travis

Versatile S-foot- 11, 185-pounder is an uncommitted three-star recruit that has played safety, rover, linebacker.

12. Diego Tello, QB, Bowie

Big-armed 6-foot-1, 205-pound UTSA pledge is a three-star recruit and the highest- ranked QB p rospect from Bow­ie since one of his coaches, Ty Branyon in 2003.

13. Tavian Cord, WR, Weiss

Fast-rising, three-star uncommitted speedster at 6-foot- 1, 175 pounds has picked up offers, another star in the offseason.

14. Tyler Ross, QB, Wimberley

Sturdy 6-foot , 200-pounder moved to Wimberley in offseason from noted football charter IMG Acad emy in Flori­da.

15. Aaron Brewer, edge, Liberty Hill

Uncommitted athletic 6-foot-4, 225-pounder who has played on DL and at LB is field ing offers from military acade­mies, among others.

16. PJ Goode, edge, Del Valle

Temple, Air Force among suitors for uncommitted 6-foot-4, 215-pound pass rusher r ising up rankings.

17. Preston Alford, RB, Dripping Springs

Uncommitted 5-foot- 11, 190-pounder with diverse skill set has started draw­ing in offers over the offseason.

18. Darson Herman, QB, Georgetown

Prototypical size at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, fielding multiple offers but remains uncommitted.

19. Oscar Gordon Ill, QB, LBJ

Texas Southern pledge boasts good size at 6 feet, 2 inches and 190 pounds along with mobility.

20. Andon Thomas, LB, Liberty Hill

Physical 6-foot-1, 200-pounder pledged to Army earlier this month.

21. Troy Oliver, WR, Rouse

Playmaking S- foot-9, 180-pounder is uncommitted and enjoyed strong camp circuit, quick rise in interest.

22. Jai Lambert, WR/DB, Hutto

Blazing 5- foot- 10, 165-pounder un­committed and w ill likely p lay receiver at next level.

10 younger stars to watch

These 10 players are among the most coveted recruits from the Austin area for the 2023 and 2024 class (listed al­phabetically}:

Jayden Cofield, DL, M_,or

Massive 6-foot-2, 335-pound tackle in 2023 class remains uncommitted and recently picked up first Power Five offer from Kansas.

Bo Edmundson, QB, Lake Travis

Latest in Cavs' quarterback pipeline, the uncommitted 6-foot- 2, 195-pound three-star recruit for 2023 weighing

Uncommitted 6-foot-3, 185-pounder from 2023 class picked up first Power Five offer this summer and is drawing more interest.

Fatu Mukuba, WR/DB, LBJ

Younger brother of Clemson's Andrew Mulcuba is arguably top area recruit for 2024 at 5- foot-10, 175-pounds with elite speed .

Austin Novosad, QB, Dripping Springs

The 6- foot-3, 18S-pound three-star recruit from 2023 is uncommitted but rising fast, as evident from recent Bay­lor offer.

Whitefield Powell, edge, Regents

The 6 -foot-4, 210- pound diamond- in­the-rough for class of 2023 is uncom­mitted and recently received offers from Pac-12 schools Arizona, Washing­ton State.

Bravion Rogers, ATH, La Grange

Likely a DB at the next level, the un­committed 5-foot-10, 185-pounder from Class 4A school is no secret to programs like Baylor and Michigan.

TJ Shanahan, OL, Westlake

Expect more stars to arrive for the 6-foot-4, 300-pound three-star interior lineman from 2023 class. He already holds offers from powerhouse pro­grams such as Ohio State, Texas, Ala­bama and Texas A&M.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PICKS

How we see it Statesman reporters make high school football picks

Last week

Overall

Percentage

East View at Westwood

Bowie at Vista Ridge

Arlington Martin at Lake Travis

Westlake at Temple

Cedar Park at Vandegrift

McNeil at Del Valle

San Marcos at New Braunfels

Connally at Austin High

Anderson at McCallum

Manor at LBJ

Johnson at Crockett

Leander at Glenn

Akins at Elgin

Cedar Creek at Smithville

Wimberley at Canyon Lake

Rick Cantu

0-0

0-0 .000

East View

Vista Ridge

Lake Travis

Westlake

Vandegrift

Del Valle

San Marcos

Austin High

McCallum

LBJ

Johnson

Glenn

Elgin

Smithville

Wimberley

Thomas Jones

0-0

0-0 .000

East View

Bowie

Lake Travis

Westlake

Vandegrift

Del Valle

San Marcos

Austin High

Anderson

LBJ

Johnson

Leander

Akins

Smithville

Canyon Lake

Albert Alvarado

0-0

0-0 .000

East View

Vista Ridge

Lake Travis

Westlake

Vandegrift

Def Valle

San Marcos

Austin High

McCallum

Manor

Johnson

Glenn

Elgin

Cedar Creek

Wimberley

Chris Dukes

0-0

0-0 .000

East View

Bowie

Lake Travis

Westlake

Vandegrift

Del Valle

San Marcos

Austin High

McCallum

Manor

Johnson

Glenn

Elgin

Smithville

Wimberley

Colby Gordon

0-0

0-0 .000

East View

Bowie

Lake Travis

Westlake

Vandegrift

McNeil

San Marcos

Austin High

McCallum

LBJ

Johnson

Glenn

Akins

Cedar Creek

Wimberley

Jay Plotkin

0-0

0-0 .000

East View

Bowie

Lake Travis

Westlake

Vandegrift

Del Valle

New Braunfels

Austin High

McCallum

LBJ

Johnson

Glenn

Akins

Smithville

Wimberley

ON THE AIR

THURSDAY Major league baseball-Time-TV L.A. Angels at Baltimore-noon-MLB Chi. White Sox at Toronto-3 p.m.-MLB (in progress) Texas at Cleveland-6 p.m.- Bally Sports Southwest / 101.9 / 1260 L.A. Dodgers at San Diego-8 p.m.-MLB Minor league baseball-Time-Radio Round Rock at Albuquerque-7:30 p.m.-1300 High school football-Time-TV Anderson at McCallum-7:30 p.m.-KBVO Golf-Time-TV USGA Women's Amateur-8:30 a.m.-Golf European Tour-10 a.m.-Golf Korn Ferry Tour- 11:30 a.mi.-Golf PGA Tour-2 p.m.-Golf Little league baseball-Time-TV Little League World Series Teams TBA-2 p.m.-ESPN Teams TBA-6 p.m.-ESPN Track and field-Time-TV IAAF Diamond League-1 p.m.-NBCSN

FRIDAY Major league baseball-Time-TV Houston at Texas-7 p.m.-Bally Sports Southwest/ AT&T SportsNet / 101.9 / 1260 Chi. Cubs at Chi. White Sox-7 p.m.-MLB Minor league baseball-Time-Radio Round Rock at Albuquerque- 7:30 p.m.- 1300 High school football-Time-Radio Arlington Martin at Lake Travis-7 p.m.-104.9 Cedar Park at Vandegrift-7 p.m.-101.9 / 1260 Westlake at Temple-7:30 p.m.-1300 Bowie at Vista Ridge-7:30 p.m.-105.3 Golf-Time-TV USGA Women's Amateur-'9 a.m.-Golf Korn Ferry Tour-10 a.m.-Golf Champions Tour-noon-Golf PGA Tour-2 p.m.-Golf European Tour-11 p.m.-Golf (tape) Motor sports-Time-TV Xfinity race-6:30 p.m.-NBCSN College volleyball-Time-TV San Diego at Texas-6 p.m.-LHN Baylor at Minnesota-8:30 p.m.-ESPNU Mixed martial arts-Time-TV PFL playoffs-9 p.m.-ESPN2 Soccer-Time-TV MLS FC Cincinnati at Columbus-5:30 p.m.-ESPN Inter Miami at Orlando City-7:30 p.m.-ESPN Liga MX Monterrey at Tijuana-9 p.m.-FS1

LOOK AHEAD: TEXAS LONGHORNS Friday-Time-Location Volleyball: vs. San Diego-6 p.m.-Gregory Gym Sunday-Time-Location Volleyball: vs. UTSA-1 p.m.-Gregory Gym Soccer: vs. Georgetown-7 p.m.-Myers Stadium

LOOK AHEAD: AUSTIN FC Saturday-Time-Location vs. FC Dallas-7 p.m.-Q2 Stadium

LOOK AHEAD: ROUND ROCK EXPRESS Thursday- Time-Location at Albuquerque-7:35 p.m.-Albuquerque, N.M. Friday-Time-Location at Albuquerque-7:35 p.m.-Albuquerque, N.M. Saturday-Time-Location at Albuquerque-7:35 p.m.-Albuquerque, N.M.

LOOK AHEAD: TEXAS STATE BOBCATS Friday-Time-Location Volleyball: vs. Kentucky-10:30 a.m.-Dayton, Ohio Volleyball: vs. Cincinnati-7 p.m.-Dayton, Ohio Saturday-Time-Location Volleyball: at Dayton-2 p.m.-Dayton, Ohio

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: AUSTIN-AREA POLL

The Austin American-Statesman polled staff writers Rick Cantu and Thomas Jones as well as contributing writers Jay Plotkin, Chris Dukes, Colby Gordon and Albert Alvarado for their top 10 football teams re­gardless of classification. The Statesman will begin its weekly top- five poll for each classification next week. Team (first-place votes) points 1. Westlake (6), 60: Loaded Chaps look for SA three­peat in Coach Todd Dodge's final season. 2. Lake Travis, 54: Six-time state champ tries to bounce back from SA first round playoff loss. 3. Cedar Park, 33: New coach, new QB mark new era at SA DI perennial power. 4. Wimberley, 29: State contender in 4A DII seeks another lengthy playoff run.

5. Rouse, 28: QB Mason Shorb leads SA DII program on rebound. 6. Vandegrift, 26: Annual SA contender fields anoth­er solid squad. 7. Regents, 18: Defending TAPPS state champ hopes for repeat run. 8. LBJ, 17: Loaded 4A DI club could be even better than 2020 state semifinalist. 9. Weiss, 9: Talent- laden SA DI team could be sur­prise contender. 10. Dripping Springs, 6: Skill players abound for SA DI contender. Others receiving votes: Bowie, Liberty Hill, McCal­lum, East View, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Lampasas, Granger, Hutto.

Lake Travis quarterback Bo Edmundson, looking for a target during practice, has four outstanding wide receivers at his disposal. A Junior, Edmundson has nine scholarship offers. JAY PLOTKIN !'OR

AMERICAN­

STATESMAN

Lake Travis is making comeback with air force

Upon Further Review Rick Cantu

Austin American-Statesman

USA TODAY Nl:'TWORK

ROUND ROCK - Bo Edmundson wasted little time hooking up with the new kid on the Lake Travis football ros­ter.

on the fifth play of a controlled scrimmage last week against Cedar Ridge, the Cavalier quarterback con­nected with Caleb Burton on a 65-yard touchdown pass. The play reminded

Lake Travis fans just how good Ed­mundson is and gave them a better un­derstanding ofwhy Burton will be play­ing for Ohio State next year.

This Edmundson-to-Burton combi­nation should unlock the door to a 2021 season filled with promise for the six­time state champion Cavaliers.

You remember the Cavaliers, right? While Westlake has deservedly received most of the media attention in Central Texas by winning consecutive Class 6A state championships, the Cavaliers have been overshadowed. A 2020 sea-

s- CANTU, Page 3C

Cantu Continued from Page_!£

son highlighted by COVID-19 cancella­tions and a first-round exit from the state playoffs is one to forget.

After an impressive performance against a good Cedar Ridge team, it be­came apparent coach Hank Carter's group is ready to emerge from its one­year hibernation. Lake Travis will com­pete with Westlake for District 26-6A honors again. More important, the Cav­aliers have a chance to join the Chapar­rals for another deep run in the state playoffs.

"Ifwe want to be the kind ofteam we want to be, we have to be able to run it and throw it," Carter said. "We've got an experienced quarterback anda bunch of guys who can catch it."

Lake Travis will be strong on defense, too, with the return ofeight starters, in­cluding defensive ends Max Linhoff and Trey Dorsett and linebackers Watson CUsick and Tavin Lewis.

On a team stacked with good players across the board, no unit Is more im­pressive than the Cavaliers who throw and catch the football. Edmundson al­ready has nine college scholarship of­fers, and he'll be just a junior when Lake Travis plays host to Arlington Martin in the season opener for both teamson Fri­day. Burton is the headliner ofa bumper crop of receivers that includes three others talented pieces - Isaac Norris, Chernet Estes and Noah Byrd.

Most eyes will focus on Burton, a sure-handed receiver who runs terrific routes. A transfer from Del Valle, he missed the entire 2020 season with a knee injury. When he caught the bomb

Lake Travis receivers Noah Byrd, left, and Caleb Burton stretch out for a pass during practice. led by Burton, a transfer from Del Vale, the Cavaliers are expected to have a strong passing offense. JAY PLOTKIN FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

from Edmundson to open the scrim­mage against Cedar Ridge, he was com­forted to know the knee injury is buried in the past.

Nevertheless, moving from Del VaJle ls a major adjustment. lt's different playing for a school that enters every season believing it will make a run to state glory. It didn't take Burton long to learn that Lake Travis Is different. For starters, the Cavs are ranked No. 8 in the state in The Associated Press preseason Top 10 poll for 6A teams.

"Wehavea reaJly big (offensive) play­book here, way deeper than anything I've seenwith other teams," he said. "It's like a college playbook, and there's a lot of learning to do."

Burton said he has quickly formed a strong bond with Edmundson and his fellow receivers. Another Cavalier strength Is an offensive line that fea­tures returning starters Seth McDaniel and Ben Hartman as well as William Bishop and Fischer Felton. The quarter­back's blind side will be protected by a precocious left tackle, sophomore Adri­an "Big Mo" Oratokhai.

As for Edmundson, he will be the nth straight Lake Travis quarterbackto earn an athletic scholarship with an NCAA footbaJJ team, a group that started when former Cavalier Todd Reesing signed with Kansas In 2006.

"I feel more comfortable thLc; year; the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Edmundson said. "The game is slowing down for me. That comes from preparation and being in the film room with (offensive coordi­nator coach Tommy) Mangino.

"It makes it a lot easier to have guys Uke Caleb, Isaac and chemet. From the film room to spring ball to the first few weeks of summer camp, it's been cool."

It won't take Lake Travis long to fig­ure out just how well it stacks up with other elite 6A teams. Its first three oppo­nents - Martin, Converse Judson and RockwaJJ - were a combined 25-7-1 last season.

Carter, who never shies away from scheduling tough competition early, is cautiously optimistic this team will be playing in December. But it takes more than individual talent to make a talent­ed team.

"We've got tolove coming towork ev­ery day; we've got to love being in the weight room; we've got to love being in the training room,» the coach said. "That's what makes the difference for teams that are special. I love the make­up of our team right now. our kids love each other, and they love the coaches. We have a lot of great players, but we'll see."

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FRIDAY'S GAMES

Game of the Day

Cedar Park (13-1 last year) vs. Vandegrift (10-3) 7 p.m. Friday, Monroe Stadium Quarterbacks: Senior Josh Pell starts his first game Friday, but the Cedar Park coaching staff loves his accuracy, intelligence and athleticism, especially after a strong offseason.... Look for Vandegrift to get both Reece Beauchamp and Brayden Buchanan time behind center as the coaching staff seeks a new starter. The versatile and athletic Beauchamp played multiple positions a year ago while Baylor baseball pledge Buchanan offers more size and almost as much athlet­icism. Edge: Even Other offense: Cedar Park lost its entire receiving corps to graduation and transfers, so running back Kevin Adams might need a b ig season after rushing for 676 yards a year ago.... With Vandegrift breaking in a new quarterback, look for senior Ryan Sheppard to get lots of touches at running back while working behind a strong offensive line. He had 922 yards on the ground while sharing carries last season. Edge: Vandegrift Defense:New coach M ichael Quintero has deep de­fensive roots, especially in Cedar Park's touted Black Rain defense. Nose guard Murray Robinson and end Ian Ferguson lead what looks like another stellar unit. ... Defensive end Tucker Harrison earned all-state honors last season and leads the always sound Vipers defense. Griffin Shaffer and Jaxon Oliver anchor a solid secondary, which matches up well against a Ce­dar Park squad that likes to air it out Edge: Cedar Park Special teams: Cedar Park must find a new kicker but has a long tradition of solid play in the kicking game.

Vandegrift running back Ryan Sheppard could carry a heavy load in Friday's season-opening showdown against Leander school district rival Cedar Park. PAUL KNIGHT FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

About Vista Ridge: Change abounds for the District 25-6A Rangers, who welcome a new head coach, for­mer defensive coordinator Chad Scott, and must break in a new quarterback after the graduation of all-state passer Kyle Brown.... Skill players abound for the Rangers, with all-district DB Jonathan Clark likely to see action on the offensive side of the ball and dynamic receiver Wyatt Gates a proven deep threat.... Vista Ridge breaks in a new set of starters on the offensive line, and those players face a tough task against a veteran Bowie defensive front. Edge: Bowie. For a pair of playoff hopefuls that just might meet in the first round of the playoffs, the Bull-

Keep an eye on the punter; Pell excelled in the role a year ago, but the coaches might not want their start­ing quarterback on special teams.... Like the Timber­wolves, Vandegrift must replace its kickers and punt­ers, but the Vipers have always had strong special teams under head coach Drew Sanders. That tradition outweighs any inexperience. Edge: Even Intangibles: This is the sixth consecutive season that Class SA Division l's Cedar Park has opened the sea­son against its Leander school district neighbor. The Timberwolves have won three of the past five games, including a 21-7 win last season, but they're breaking in a new head coach in Quintero.... Sanders, the only coach the Vipers have had in their 12 years, has Van­degrift rolling with three consecutive district titles in Class 6A and 10 consecutive winning seasons. Edge: Vandegrift

Other games to watch

Bowie (3-5) vs. Vista Ridge (7-3) 7 p.m. Friday, Gupton Stadium About Bowie: The District 26-6A Bulldogs are coming off back-to-back losing seasons and a playoff absence for the first time in 15 years, but 20-year coach Jeff Ables loves the experience of a team with 15 starters and 45 lettermen back.... QB Diego Tello, a UTSA pledge, returns along with top target Cash Peters and a pair of hard-nosed, physical runners, Noah Camacho and Max Barnes .... A defense with nine returning starters hopes to lower last year's average of 32 points allowed per game.

dogs' experience could provide a slight edge. Arlington Martin (9-2-1) vs. Lake Travis (6-1) 7 p.m. Friday, Cavalier Stadium About Martin: Martin came within one possession of knocking off eventual Class 6A DI state finalist South­lake Carroll a year ago and expects to make one of the deepest playoff runs in school history.... Stars abound, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Ernest Cooper IV, a Stanford pledge, is an elite pass rusher at 6 feet 5 inches and 240 pounds, and line­backer Trevell Johnson has pledged to Texas.... New QB Cydd Ford, a receiver last season, gives Martin a dual threat and adds to a loaded ground game. About Lake Travis: Cav fans will finally get a chance to see Power Five quarterback recruit Bo Edmundson connect with receiver Caleb Burton, an Ohio State pledge who transferred into the district from Del Valle along with his father, defensive assistant coach Charles Burton.... Look for seniors Isaac Norris and Derrick •D.J." Johnson to play all over the field. Norris will line up at tight end, receiver, quarterback and running back while converted defensive back Johnson now lines up at inside linebacker and will also see time at running back, receiver and kick returner.... Last season's first-round playoff loss to Round Rock marked only the second time since 2007 that the Cav­aliers have failed to win a playoff game. Edge: Lake Travis. In the only statewide meeting be­tween teams ranked in the preseason top 10, home­field advantage should be enough for a balanced Cavs team. Thomas Jones

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Dig, set, spike

Gateway Prep won the first Northeast Early College Raider Invitational tourna­ment Saturday, beating the host Raid­ers to claim the championship, winning 25-11, 22-25, 25-7 in the finals. Navarro beat LBJ for third place in a remarkable contest as Kathy Moten, coach at Na­varro for the past 34 years, guided the win over her daughter, Tlmesha Moten­Tibbs, in the third-place match. Weekly games of note included Round Rock sweeping Georgetown to avenge its earlier loss, Cedar Ridge handing Austin High its first loss of the season in a five-set gem between the top two teams in the local Class 6A polls, and Lake Travis beating Dripping Springs on Tuesday. Saturday afternoon, the Cava­liers beat the Tigers again to win third place in the gold bracket at the Fraulein Volleyfest. Arlington Martin defeated San Antonio Clark in the final. Rouse got a payback win over Round Rock and won the silver bracket at the Fraulein Volleyfest while Westwood won the copper bracket championship. Wimberley had a strong effort at the Glen Rose tournament as the Texans beat Clifton 23-25, 25-9, 25-13 behind 11 kills by Paige Crawford. Crawford added 11 more kills as the Texans swept Grandview 25-18, 25-18 and finished

Hendrickson outside hitter Katherine Neille celebrates scoring against Georgetown on Aug. 10. Over the weekend, the Hawks won the Bastrop ISD Classic volleyball tournament with a perfect 9-0 record. STEPHEN SPILLMAN FOR AMERICAN STATESMAN

the first day with eight kills and four blocked shots as Wimberley won its pool by beating Sanger 25-23, 25-12. Ellie Marko led Wimberley w ith 12 as­sists as the Texans beat Bowie 26-24, 25-17 but Wimberley lost to Springtown 25-22, 25-20 despite nine kills and 10 digs by Crawford and 12 assists by Jes• se Weeks. Wimberley lost to China Springs in a three-set contest 25-20, 21-25, 25-23 to wrap up the Glen Rose event. Austin High rose to the challenge at the Texas Open in Allen after the Maroons were seeded No. 29 out of 32 teams. Led by all-tournament selection Tanon Rosenthal, the Maroons posted a 6-2 record and finished second in the gold bracket, losing to Plano West for the championship. Hendrickson won the Bastrop tourna­ment where the Class SA Hawks defeat­ed three Class 6A opponents on Sat­urday, starting with state-ranked Cedar Ridge then Stony Point and San Marcos in the championship match. Stony Point finished fourth while Cedar Ridge fin­ished the tournament with an 8-1 rec­ord by rallying back from the three-set loss to the Hawks to win the consola-

tion gold title. TAPPS 3A power Round Rock Christian Academy improved to 12-4 as the Cru­saders won the silver bracket at the Bastrop tournament. The Crusaders lost to McNeil in a three-set pool play contest on Friday but came back to beat the Mavericks in the silver bracket final. In silver bracket play, RRCA beat Copperas Cove 19-25, 25-20, 25-8 then defeated El Paso Hanks 22-25, 25-11, 25-13 before edging a tall and talented McNeil team 25-22, 26-24. RRCA was led by Ryann Holley with 13 kills and nine digs and Savannah Johnson who added seven kills and six digs. Emma Owens, Rachel Millikan and Emily Milli­kan had five kills each while Reagan Sawyer finished with 33 assists. Class 2A Thrall had a strong showing at the Bastrop event as the smallest UIL school (by far) in the field. The Tigers posted a 6-3 record, including impres­sive wins over Rockdale 25-12, 25-13 on day one. They won all three day two matches, beating Temple 25-17, 25-21, Cedar Creek 25-5, 25-11 and Ann Rich­ards 25-15, 25-18. In bronze bracket play, the Tigers lost to Pflugerville but

beat Hutto 25-23, 25-10 and Crockett 25-22, 25-10. In contrast to the 2020 COVID-19 im­pacted start when tournaments were canceled, local Class GA teams are off to impressive starts. Teams posting good records to open include Cedar Ridge (18-3), San Marcos (17-3), Austin High (14-3), Stony Point (16-3), Vista Ridge (16-3), Vandegrift (15-3), Round Rock (16-4) and Lake Travis (15-7).

State polls

Three Austin area schools are ranked in the top 10 of the Texas Girls Coaches Association state volleyball polls led by Wimberley (No. 7 ln Class 4A), w ith both Austin High (6A) and Thrall (2A) ranked No.8. In Class SA, Hendrickson is No. 11 fol­lowed by Rouse (12) and Dripping Springs (15) while Cedar Ridge is No. 14 in GA. Nine local schools earning honor­able mention including Lago Vista, Ga­teway Prep, Anderson, Liberty Hill, San Marcos, Stony Point, Vista Ridge, Van­degrift and Lake Travis.

Player of the week

Aubrey Johnson, senior, Northeast: Johnson served, set and hit the Raiders to a second place in the inaugural Northeast Early College Raider tourna­ment. Johnson averaged four aces, 12 assists and 10 kills in four matches.

Team of the week

Hendrickson: Head coach Carrie Sulak and her Hawks won the Bastrop ISO Classic with nine straight wins including a gold bracket three straight wins over Class 6A playoff hopefuls Cedar Ridge, Stony Point and San Marcos.

This week's matches to watch

Tuesday Bowie at Round Rock, 6:30 p.m. Rouse at Vandegrift, 6:30 p.m. Shoemaker at McNeil, 6:30 p.m. Stony Point at Hendrickson, 6:30 p.m. Crockett at McCallum, 7:30 p.m. This weekend's tournaments Leander ISO Volleypalooza and San Marcos Ragin' Rattler Invitational - Butch Hart, American-Statesman correspondent

DISTRICT 26-6A VOLLEYBALL UPDATE

Austin High nabs 2nd at Texas Open Colby Gordon Special to Aust.In Amencan-Statesman

USA TODAY NETWORK

Team ofthe week: Austin High The Maroons (14-3) continued a sol­

id start to the season by taking second place in the 32-team Texas Open ToUI­nament in Allen. Austin High - which strangely entered the tournament seeded 30th - went 6-2 overall, taking wins over North Forney, Prisco Leba­non Trail, Liberty Christian, Colley­ville High, Trinity -Christian and Col­leyville Heritage. It lost to McKinney North in pool play and Plano West in the championship match. Tanon Ro­senthal (see below) had an outstand­ing tournament, while Brooke Jeffrey - who recently pledged to play Divi­sion I volleyball at Sacred Heart - led the Maroons in hitting with 133 kills. Kasen Rosenthal added 95 kills, 19 ac­es, 158 assists, 85 digs and 14 blocks over the eight matches, while Saman­tha Unbehagen tallied 83 kills, eight aces and 88 digs. &mily Tate's 80 digs and Emmy Swift's l4kills and 19blocks rounded out the notable stats for Aus­tin High.

The Maroons play next at the Smithson Valley Texas Showdown ToUinament Thursday through Satur­day.

Honorable mention: Lake Travis The Cavs (15-7) went 7-3 and fin­

ished third overall at the loaded Frau­lein Volleyfest in New Braunfels after sweeping Dripping Springs earlier in the week. At the tournament, Lake Travis beat Brenham, Kerrville Tivy, Franklin, Rouse, Round Rock, El Paso Franklin and Dripping Springs again. It lost to Arlington Martin, San Anto­nio Reagan and New Braunfels Can­yon. Kiana Reed (see below) had a good tournament, while Avery Hamlin knocked down 68 shots to earn all­tournament honors and lead the Cavs in hitting. Logan Brannan had 59 kills, with Brinkley Barker and Liliana Mechura combining for l0lkills. Emily Contreras paced the Lake Travis de­fense with 140 digs, while Abby Teel added 68 saves and Barker finished with 62 digs.

Player of the week: Tanon Rosen­thal, Austin mgh

Rosenthal, a senior, was part ofthe all-tournament team at the Texas Open Tournament in Allen after firing 108 kills, serving 14 aces, recording 173 assists and making 96 digs to help the Maroons go 6-2 and finish runner-up.

Honorable mention: Kiana Reed, Lake Travis; Ruby Gordon, San Mar­cos; Maggie Walsh, San Marcos

Reed, a senior, earned a spot on the all-tournament team at the Fraulein VoUeyfest after compiling 229 assists, 87 digs and 21 kills.

Gordon, a junior,. helped the Rattlers to a second-place finish at the Bastrop ISD Classic while earning all-tourna­ment honors and recording her l,00Oth career assist in the process.

Walsh, a senior, reached 1,000 ca­reer kills and digs during a nondistrict win over McCalJum then was named all-tournament at the Bastrop ISD Classic as the Rattlers finished second.

The rest of the district: San Marcos (17-3) went 8-1and fin­

ished second at the Bastrop ISD Clas­sic as Joselyn Roberson joined Walsh

See OPEN, Page 12A

Open Cont inued from Page 11A

and Gordon on the all-tournament team. The Rattlers defeated El Paso Hanks, Corpus Christi London, Lexing­ton, La Grange, Johnson City, Lubbock Cooper and Bellville before losing to Hendrickson in the final. ... Westlake (10-9) was also at the Fraulein Volleyfest where it went 5-4 and recorded wins against Katy High, Georgetown, New Braunfels, Leander and Arlington High.

Week ahead Teams continue with nondistrict and

tournament play this week.

Austin HiOh'sTanon Rosenthal passes the ball against the Cedar Ridge Raiders last week. Rosenthal, a senior, was part of the all-tournament team at the Texas Open Tournament in Allen afte.r flring 108 kills, serving 14aces, recording 173 assists and making 96 digs to help the Maroons go 6-2 and a runners-up flnlsh. JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR

AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Despite absences, Lake Travis sweeps Dripping Springs Thomas Jones Austin Amerlean-Statesman

USA TODAY NETWORK

LAKEWAY - Following nine matches in three days at the Pearland tourna­ment over the previous weekend, Lake Travis entered its Tuesday gameagainst visiting Dripping Springs with weary legs, nervous anticipation and a roster depleted by a bout with the coronavirus.

But all that made a three-game sweep of the perennially powerful Ti­gers that much more rewarding.

Despite missing three starters and three other players off the bench, the

Cavs pulled away late in each set for a 25-21, 25-20, 25-20 win. The victory not only testifies to her team's depth, said Lake Travis coach Brandace Boren, but it also reflects a unity.

"They're a family,n Boren said. "They lean on each other so much. When one person is out, another person steps in. I couldn't be more proud of them."

Setter Kiana Reed, who earned all­Centex honors last season as a junior, delivered a masterful performance de­spite missing two of her three top at­tackers in Kendall Jurgens and Arden Besecker. Reed not only doled out a sea-

son-high 51 assists, but she also kept Dripping Springs off balance with four kills, a block and an unofficial 16 digs. She added countless pats on the back and words of encouragement to all the new faces in the starting llneup.

"We were a little worried (with the absences), but we came into today with a good attitude, and we were ready to play; Reed said. "We've been looking forward to playing Drip this entire sea­son."

And how about setting a different ar­ray ofbitters? Not a problem, Reed said.

"I know everyone on this team was

put on the team for a reason," she said. "This entire team is full of talent, no matter ifthey're coming offthe bench or starting. They were ready."

Sophomore Avery Hamlin, who has emerged as a key attacker throughout the early days ofthe season, delivered a team-high 18 kills, including four points ina 5-1Cavs' run thatclosed the first set. Classmate Carrington Jaimes had nine kills in her most extensive action of the year. Logan Brannan and Brooke Davis also rarely left thecourtand contributed

See VOLLEYBALL, Page 12A

Volleyball Continued from Page 11A

11 and nine kills, respectively. Libero Emily Contreras also had a big

game, digging 21 shots and keeping mul­tiple rallies alive with quick hands.

"She killed it," Boren said. Lake Travis (8-4) and Dripping

Springs (7-6) share more than a long school-district bordeL Both volleyball programs share a similar approach to scheduling challenging nondistrict con­tests.

"You have to challenge yourself and learn to get through adversity," said Dripping Springs coach Michael Kane, whose team also had some absences and new faces In the lineup. "To play a team that's not our caliber or better, that's not going to challenge us. That's not going to help us."

Kane credited Lake Travis for "just outworking us" and also bemoaned his squad's passing.

"We were stringing two or three bad contacts together, and you can't do that against a team of that caliber," he said.

But Kane isn't worried about a slow start to the season that includes losses toClass 6Aplayoff teams such as Smith­son Valley, Westwood, The Woodlands and now Lake Travis. In last year's ab­breviated season, the Tigers lost two of their first four district matches and still

Lake Travis setter Kiana Reed sets the ball In the first set against Dripping Springs at the nondistrict volleyball game Tuesday at Lake Travis High School. Reed had a season-high 51 assists as the Cavs won 3-0. JOHN

GUTIERREZ FOIi AMERICAN-STATESMAN

won the Class SA Region IV champion­ship.

"I'd like to think that Dripping Springs and Lake Travis are two of the better programs in the area," he said. "Anytime you play another program like that, it helps you. It'll pay dividends in the long run."

Dripping Springs junior Mackenzie Plante, who played for Lake Travis as a freshman, hammeredl4 kills in her first game against her former team.

'Penny swap' on ballot Lake Travis school board votes to put tax ratification election before voters Sarah Asch Austin American-Statesman USA TODAY NETWORK

The Lake Travis school board voted to hold a tax ratification election in November in an attempttokeep about $3 million tax dollars in local schools annually.

Sometimes called a "penny swap," the move would allow the district to move two cents from

the interest and sinking, or I&S, tax rate, which pays for bonds, to the maintenance and opera­tion, or M&O, tax rate, whlch pays for opera­tions. The M&O fund mainly pays for staff sala­ries and benefits.

The ability to transfer over these two additional "golden pennies" that are protected from recapture was part of the 2019 school funding reform put

forward in House Bill 3. Neighboring Eanes had a penny swap measure on the ballot last November and It passed by an over­whelming margin.

Chief Financial Officer Pam Sanchez said that while this might look like a tax increase on the bal­lot, the board has prom­ised to lower that l&S tax rate if this measure passes, whlch means tax­es would not go up.

The Lake Travis school board voted to hold a "penny swap" election in November in the hopes of keeping $3 million in tax money in local schools. PROVIDED

Board President John Aoueille said he feels this choice is a no-bralner for local voters.

"There shouldn't be any parent in our district

against taking two cents from I&S and putting it on the M&O side. Their tax rate doesn't change, it only gives us more money to teach ~d operate,n he

said. "Both pennies are golden, which means we do not have to pay any of that money generated from those two cents back to the state. We get to keep all ofit. This is a tre­mendous win for our stu­dent population."

The board also voted to table a resolution that would have ended the del­egation of special powers to the superintendent to respond to the pandemic. The board will revisit this at the next meeting.

The board also ap, proved the district's bud­get for the next fiscal year broken into three parts -the general operating budget, the budget that pays for debt from bonds and the food services budget.

Sanchez said the bud­get overall is around $199 million, about a 5% in­crease from last year. This Is In part because ofa pay increase for staff and the need to accommodate new student enrollment by hiring more people.

In June, the school board voted unanimously to include a 2% midpoint raise for all district em­ployees. With the raise, employees would receive an increased salary based on their position's mid­point salary or hourly rate.

The operating budget is currently projecting a deficit of $1.5 million but Sanchez said the district's reserve fund balance is healthy and can help make up the difference if needed. However, she said the revenue esti­mates in the budget are conservative and might come in higher than pro­jected, which would help reduce this deficit.

As of Aug. 10, the dis­trict is projecting an en­rollmentofjustover D,500 students, which is higher than last year and higher than expected growth.

Full crowds and few mask mandates Rick Cantu Austin American-Statesman

USA TODAY Nfl'WORK

While COVID-19 rages on with record numbers, high school football teams in Central Texas are taking a business-as­usual approach as the new season con­venes.

So when Cedar Park takes on Vande­grifton Friday night at Monroe Stadium, there will be no restrictions on seating capacity or face masks. Together, the fans will enjoy an atmosphere that in­cludes pep bands, drill teams and per­haps the best football game this week in Central Texas.

"We're glad to be able to have full crowds this year," longtime Vandegrift coach Drew Sanders said. "Great to see the community out supporting our team."

Sanders' comments reflect the mind­set for most schools in the area. None of the districts contacted by the Ameri­can-Statesman on Thursday reported changes in stadium capacity or mask mandates.

"As of right now, the outdoor stadi­ums do not have capacity restrictions, and masks are highly recommended,n said Jonathan Lamb, athletic director for the Leander school district.

Lamb added that press boxes will limit capacity to 50% and masks will be required for entry. For the second straight year, there will be no meals pro­vided in district press boxes.

The Austin school district an­nounced Monday that it will allow 100% capacity for football games, beginning with Thursday's night annual Taco

Wimberley fans, pausing for the national anthem before a football game against Fredericksburg last season, will join area district s In allowing 100% capacity this year. Masks are optional at most Central Texas venues. STEPHEN SPIUMAN FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Shack Bowl between Mccallum andAn­derson. The district reversed course af­ter announcing a 25% limit to stadium capacity last week. Masks, however, will be required at games.

Across the state, the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on high schools. More than a dozen games have been either canceled or rescheduled. Last week, Travis High School had a game canceled because San Antonio Burbank reported rising COVID-19 rates.

Hutto coach Brad LaPlante is fired up and optimistic about the season. The only face masks to be found will be on the players' helmets, he said.

How some area districts are handling stadium attendance, masking

Austin ISO: 100% attendance, masks required

Leander ISO: 100% attendance, masks highly recommended

Pflugerville ISO: 100% attendance, masks recommended

Round Rock ISO: 100% attendance, no mask mandate

Lake Travis ISO: 100% attendance, no

mask mandate

Eanes ISO: 100% attendance, masks recommended

San Marcos CISO: 100% attendance, masks highly recommended

Wimberley ISO: 100% attendance, no mask mandate

Liberty Hill ISO: 100% attendance, no mask mandate

Lampasas ISO: 100% attendance, no mask mandate

Burnet ISO: 100% attendance, masks optional

St. Michael's Christian Academy: 100% attendance, masks strongly encouraged

St. Stephen's Episcopal School: 100% attendance, masks encouraged

Golden's Nuggets Cedric Golden

Austin American-Stat~man

USA TODAY NETWORK

Sark likes having a QB game manager

Steve Sarkisian has plenty in com­mon with coaches who are entering the season with a new starting quar­terback.

While fans cringe at the game man­ager tag, it's just the tonic this offense will need, though Sark has already promised that he'll be takingthe train­ing wheels off Casey Thompson or Hudson Card for the season opener.

Ifpreseason projections mean any­thing, running back Bijan Robinson will be getting fitted for a tux for Heis­man weekend in four months, but the Longhorns aren't going anywhere as a one-man band. Robinson has the look of an All-American, but he will need help.

It's why the upcoming decision Is the biggest Sark will make in his first season. Will hego withthe institution­al knowledge of Thompson or the big­ger-armed upside of Lake Travis' Card?

Sark said both had a good week, in­cluding improved [Play in Saturday's scrimmage, a positive sign, though It needs to be mentioned that the media isn't watching scrimmages. Draw your own conclusions.

Since Sam Ehlinger isn't walking through that door this fall, Sarkisian will have to figure out what works for an inexperienced man behind center.

"Ith.ink the onething wereallytryto do is find the things that he does well

See GOLDEN, Page SC

Casey Thompson, left., watches as Hudson Card throws during an open practice session for fans last week. STEPHEN SPILLMAN FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Golden Continued from Page_!_

and we have to identify that throughout camp and throughout practice," Sarki­sian said, "then put them in position when it comes time to scrimmages, and ultimately games, to have success.•

It was interesting thathe didn't avoid the game manager tag, correctly noting that all quarterbacks manage a game on certain levels. With that said, recent na­tional champions have mostly been about superstar quarterbacks leading the way to special places.

In 2020, Alabama's Mac Jones threw for 464 yards and five touchdowns in the title win over Ohio State, won the O'Brien, Unitas and Manning awards and also was a Heisman finalist.

In 2019, Heisman winner Joe Burrow had a dream season for national cham­pion LSU with a ridiculous 60 touch­down passes and only six interceptions. His shootout win over Texas was one of the top games ofthe season.

In 2018, Clemson freshman Trevor Lawrence threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns in a 44-16 demolition of Alabama, handing coach Nick Saban his worst loss as a head coach.

In 2017, Jalen Hurts went 27-2 as a starter at Alabama before freshman Tua Tagovailoa replaced him in the second half of the title game and powered the Tide to a 26-23 win over Georgia with a 41-yardpass to Heismanwinner DeVon-

ta Smith. In 2016, Clemson quarterback Desh­

aun Watson shredded Alabama's top­ranked defense in the title game win with 420 yards and three touchdowns, including a late game winner to Hunter Renfrow.

Today's game lends itself to a quar­terback not blending intothe attack, but with Robinson poised to put up freakish numbers, Texas' starter will go in know­inghewon't beplaying lead inthis band.

The aforementioned quarterbacks are the polar opposite ofthe days ofyes­teryear when some teams actually rode running backs to championships. Long­horns fans remember that brutal 2010 night in Pasadena when Colt McCoy went downwith a shoulder onthatgoal­line run against Alabama in the title game.

Colt was the centerpiece and his loss was too much for freshman Garrett Gil­bert to overcome. Meanwhile, Alabama won with a game manager at quarter­back. Greg McElroy completed only 6 of 11 passes for 58 yards in the title game and spent most of the night handing off to Heisman Trophy winner Mark In­gram and his backup Trent Richardson, who combined for 266 yards of offense and four touchdowns.

In his final two seasons, McElroy av­eraged only 23.6 pass attempts per game and threw only 37 touchdowns in 27games.

As for the Homs, the good news is progress is apparently being made. A straw poll of the Texas media at

Wednesday's practice viewing revealed an overwhelming consensus - includ­ing yours truly - who believe Card will be named the starter.

Either way, it will be Interesting to observe how Sark navigates the han­dling of an unproven at the position.

Benson's mentoring: Texas legend Cedric Benson left us much too soon, but his legacy will live on, not only in Longhorns football lore where he's the only Big 12 player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons, but also off the field in the area ofmen­toring.

We respected Benson in the media because he always shot straight, giving honest answers to all questions, from those about his greatest accomplish­ments on the field to the off-field legal issues that were also part of his story. Through the good andthebad, be never lost a real passion to help young people.

His mother, Jackqueline, was on hand at Gus Garcia Young Men's Lead­ership Academy last Fridayto announce a partnership between theacademy and the Cedric Myron Benson Trust to men­tor young students of color in STEM, reading and social justice while they pursue advancement in higher educa­tion. rn the years between his final game in 2012 and his death at age 36 in a mo­torcycle accident in August 2019, Ben­son was no stranger to civic service.

For years, his NUFCED charity pro­vided aid to underprivileged families in Austin and across the state in his years after football and also assisted local

families whose homes were damaged by the terrorist bombings of 2018.

Benson is gone, but the works of his organization will continue through his mom, who raised himas a single parent. His No. 32 jersey will occupy a perma­nent spot in the school's trophy case.

"r want to give young men of color a chance to see the future through the eyes ofsomeone who believed in them," Jackqueline Benson said in a statement. "I am grateful to the organizations that willband together to help make this pro­gram a life-changing experience."

Manny loss was Spence's Joss: It's rare when boxing super fights come to pass and we nearly had one over the weekend, but Dallas' Errol Spence suf­fered aneye injury and had to pull out of a welterweight clash with the 42-year­old fight legend Manny Pacquiao.

ln stepped 35-year-old WBA champ Yordenls Ugas, who outworked the Fili­pino senator for a unanimous decision after 12 rounds.

The worst storyline coming out ofthe fight was boxing fans alleging the fix was In the works.

To benefit whom? Ugas couldn't draw flies if he bathed

in honey, whereas a fixed outcome in fa­vor of Pacquiao would have made more sense because it would have pressureda mega fight with Errol Spence or Terence "Bud" Crawford.

Typical boxing narrative. The sport is so crooked, its fans can't even get its conspiracy theories right.

TEXAS LONGHORNS ROSTER

Longhorns' roster features depth Brian Davis Austin Americ.an•Statesman

USA TODAY NETWORK

Maybe he was just following the script during his introductory press confer­ence or checking a necessary box. Ei­ther way, new Texas coach Steve Sarki­sian put it on the record early that he understood the roster he inherited. "First of all, I'd like to say that this is a talented roster," Sarkisian said on Jan. 2. "You know, there's plenty of good football players on this team to go win a championship.• And he's right, to a degree. There are plenty of athletes on this roster to be competitive, as evidenced by four straight winning seasons and recruiting classes that have ranked third, third, eighth and 15th nationally the last four years. But Sarkisian was hired to win Big 12 championships and reach the College Football Playoffs. That takes turning good players into great ones. Great players must become elite. Is this roster good enough to do that in 2021? Just getting through September will be challenging enough. Still, practi­cally every player in Texas' locker room was coveted by another school. Every Longhorn comes with a strong pedi­gree. Here's a look at Texas' scholarship ath­letes that will try to help the longhorns,

Texas players prepare to take the field ahead of the 2019 Alamo Bowl win over Utah. Two season s later, new longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian's Texas debut will come Sept. 4 at home against Louisiana. RICARDO B. BRAZZIELl/AMERlCAN-STATESMAN

and where each is at as the season opens. Players within position groups are listed by order of jersey number (in parenthesis), and asterisks denote a redshirt.

Quarterbacks

Hudson Card (1), 6·2/200, Fr.•: The Lake Travis product has all the desired skills, intangibles - just not much play­ing time. That may soon change. Casey Thompson (11), 6-1/192, Jr.: Was Sam Ehlinger's backup the last two years. Threw 4 TDs in the Alamo Bowl. Is it his time? Charles Wright (14), 6-1/200, Fr.: Somewhat of a surprising signee, but was nation's 25th-best dual threat QB, per Rivals. Cole Lourd (19), 6-2/228, Fr.: Califor­nian threw for 2,833 yards two years ago; his grandfather, Jim Bob Moffett, played for DKR.

Running bac;ks

Roschon Johnson (2), 6-2/219, Jr.: Signed as a QB, RoJo is capable of hur­dling open-field tacklers, averaged 5.2 ypc last year. Bijan Robinson (5), 6-0/214, So.: A Heisman contender after 899 all-pur­pose yards last season. Big year, big expectations. Keilan Robinson (7), 5-9/183, Jr.: Ala­bama transfer can help spread Sarki­sian's message. Opted out in 2020, had 254 yards in 2019. Jonathon Brooks (24), 6-0/199, Fr.: Was one of state's top RBs after a huge year at Hallettsville. Once scored 7 TDs in a game. Daniel Young (32), 6-0/220, Sr.: He's back after opting out in 2020. Has rushed for 589 yards in 36 games since 2017. Gabriel Watson (33), 6-2/235, Sr.: A top Div. II RB before transferring, was a role player last year on special teams.

Kai Money (83), 6-0/179, Jr.: Former walk-on keeps hanging around. Had 9 catches for 71 yards and a TO in 2020. Casey Cain (88), 6-3/192, Fr.: Was ranked as the 24th-best receiver pros­pect in Louisiana last year.

Tight ends

Ja'Tavion Sanders (3), 6-4/256, Fr.: One of the state's top recruits also can play defense. Averaged 18.4 yards per catch as a senior. Jared Wiley (18), 6-7/251, Jr.: After two years as a blocker, it's time to turn him loose. Has 10 career catches, 181 yards, one TD. Cade Brewer (80), 6-4/243, Sr.: Solid senior returns one more time. Seems like that big TD catch at USC was just yesterday (2017). Juan Davis (81), 6-4/226, Fr.: Nice hands, athleticism. Eye-catching. Look­ing for a September surprise? Might be him. Gunnar Helm (85), 6-5/238, Fr.: Playing time might be sparse. Had 28 catches for 367 yards, 7 TDs his senior HS year. Brayden Liebrock (89), 6-4/228, So.: Has played mostly special teams after an All-American prep career in Arizona.

Offensive tackles

Andrej Karle (69), 6-4/300, Fr.•: Will see time at tackle this season. First career start was the Alamo Bowl win over Colorado. Christian Jones (70), 6-6/314, Jr.: Like­ly starting LT. Started all last year. Can play either tackle spot after two full seasons. Tyler Johnson (72), 6-6/325, So.: For­mer No. 5 recruit on our Fab 55. Started and played vs. Colorado last season. Isaiah Hookfin (73), 6-5/299, So.: Likely to get more snaps this season as a backup tackle after two years as a re-

Has 14 starts in 48 career games.

Defensive tackles

Vernon Broughton (45), 6-4/306, Fr.*: Played three games last year. Had two tackles, one sack vs. Colorado. Byron Murphy II (90), 6-1/297, Fr.: Was one of DFW's top DL prospects. Initially needs to find ways to help on special teams. Sawyer Goram-Welch (91), 6-4/301, Fr.•: Was used sporadically last year. Had 64 tackles, 15 TFL as a Longview senior. Myron Warren (92), 6-2/285, So.: Ar­rived as Louisiana's 12th-best recruit in 2018 but hasn't played the last two seasons. T'Vondre Sweat (93), 6-4/335, Jr.: A steady contributor the last two years, will be in the regular rotation. Ready to break out. Aih-ed Collins (95), 6-5/302, So.: Every­one saw his spectacular Alamo Bowl interception. What can he do for an encore? Moro Ojomo (98), 6-3/286, Jr.: Entering his second year as a full-time starter. Had 21 tackles, two sacks last year. Keondre Coburn (99), 6-2/346, Jr.: The defensive anchor was All-Big 12 honor­able mention last year with 26 tackles.

Defensive ends

Ben Davis (6), 6-4/236, Sr.: Alabama transfer. Had one tackle in the national title game vs. Ohio State. Ovle Oghoufo (18), 6-3/237, Jr.: Notre Dame transfer has been a camp sur­prise with his physicality. Played 20 games with the Irish. Prince Dorbah (32), 6-3/234, Fr.•: Played in just one game last year, but Ivory Coast native has all the physical skills needed. Jacoby Jones (36), 6-4/255, Sr.: Loqua-

Rangy athleticism will serve him well. Played S, special teams at Arlington Martin. Ayodele Adeoye (40), 6-1/240, Jr.: Almost transferred but stayed. A 2019 starter but only two games in 2020 (knee). Jaylan Ford (41), 6-2/230, So.: Played all 10 games last year on special teams. May have a path to playing time. Luke Brockermeyer (47), 6-3/225 Jr.: Former walk-on is now a possible start­er alongside Overshown. Jett Bush (52), 6-2/236, Jr.: Had 12 tackles in eight games. When he's on the field, Bush is usually flying around. Carlton Smith (53), 6-3/237, Sr.: A walk-on for four years at LSU. Played 11 games there, earned a 2019 ring.

Cornerbacks

Darlon Dunn (4), 6-1/192, Sr.: McNeese State transfer had 23 starts there. Ter­rific athlete with a track background. D'Shawn Jamison (5), 5-10/184, Sr.: A ferocious corner and one of the Big 12's most dangerous kick/punt returners. Josh Thompson (9), 6-0/191, Sr.: Has played in 36 career games with 75 tack­les. On track to being a team captain. Ishmael lbraheem (19), 6-1/160, Fr.: Was the state's 19th-best CB prospect last year, out of Dallas Kimball. Kitan Crawford (21), 5-11/196, So.: Played in all 10 games last year. Can he make the j ump to key contributor? Jahdae Barron (23), 5-11/186, So.: Played in four games last year. Will he keep progressing? Marques Caldwell (24), 6-1/198, So.: Seemingly got lost in the shuffle at times last year. Played in two games. Jamier Johnson (31), 6-0/166, Fr.: A two-way prep player who had 32 tack­les in '19. California didn't play HS foot­ball last year.

Receivers

Jordan Whittington (4), 6-1/203, So.: Has always shown potential, but injuries have slowed him - he's played six games in two years. Joshua Moore (6), 6-1/168, Jr.: Starts season as the Horns' No. 1 receiving threat after making 9 TD catches in 2020. Xavier Worthy (8), 6-1/160, Fr.: Former Michigan signee has turned heads in training camp. Can he do it on Sat­urdays? Al'Vonte Woodard (9), 6-2/193, Jr.: Steady presence in the locker room, played mostly special teams last sea­son. Jaden Alexis (13), 6-0/188, Fr.: Comes with strong credentials and good pedi­gree. His dad played for two NFL teams. Marcus Washington (15), 6·2/191, Jr.: Spot receiving duty last year, caught a TD vs. UTEP. Must be more consistent. Kelvontay Dixon (16), 6-0/179, Fr.*: Started vs. TCU and caught a 73-yard TD in the Alamo Bowl. Also needs con­sistency. Troy Omeire (21), 6-3/220, Fr.*: Lots of hype, but how much will he contribute? Missed last year with a major knee in­jury. Dajon Harrison (30), 5-10/165, Fr.*: Former Hutto star didn't play last year after a standout two-way prep career (track). Montrell Estell (39), 6-1/196, Sr.: Fifth­year Horn switching to WR this season after playing 27 games (2 starts) at DB.

serve. Rafitl Ghirmai (74), 6-5/296, Jr.: Fourth-year OL played all last season, knows what's expected from his unit. Hayden Conner (76), 6-5/332, Fr.: Highly-touted recruit (49 prep pancake blocks in 2020) is a likely redshirt candi­date. Max Merril (79), 6-4/285, Fr.: Like Con­ner, needs to spend his first season bulking up, getting stronger.

Centers

Jake Majors (65), 6-3/310, Fr.*: Might start at center. Played three games last year, starting twice, including the bowl game. Derek Kerstetter (68), 6-5/310, Sr.: Can play every OL position. Has bounced back from an awful ankle injury at K­State. Logan Parr (71), 6-4/308, Fr.*: Alamo Bowl was his UT debut. A backup C candidate, but played mostly Gin high school

Guards

Tope lmade (67), 6-6/361, Sr.: Hasn't played much (8 games, 5 seasons) but called into action at the end of last season. Junior Angil■ u (75), 6-6/319, Jr.: His third season as a starting guard. Is on the Polynesian College POV watch list. Jaylen Garth (77), 6-5/309, Fr.*: Did not play last year, giving him time to fully recover from a 2019 knee injury. Denzel Okafor (78), 6-4/322, Sr.: Is on his third head coach in his sixth season.

cious veteran had 29 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries last season. D.J. Harris Jr. (42), 6-2/226, Fr.: Was a star OLB at New Caney but missed most of the 2020 season with a knee injury. Ray Thornton (46), 6-3/238, Sr.: LSU grad transfer comes with a national championship, 41 games as a Tiger. Jordon Thomas (50), 6-3, 273, Fr.: An­other OLB whose physical tools should translate well to the college game. David Abiara (55), 6-4/256, Fr.: Needs to bulk up. Had 17 HS tackles, two fum­ble recoveries last year. Barryn Sorrell (88), 6-3/246, Fr.: Rated Louisiana's 31th-best SOE last year after playing TE in 2017 and 2018.

Linebackers

DeMarvion Overshown (0), 6-4/223, Sr.: Agent Zero is the face of the de­fense. Stock up on armbands now. Marcus Tillman, Jr. (13), 6-1/239, So.: Only six games in two years, but quietly appears to be putting it all together. Jaden Hullaby (29), 6-2/223, Fr.*: For­mer HS QB is a terrific athlete. Played on special teams at the end of last sea­son. Devin Richardson (30), 6-3/233, Jr.: Transferred after New Mexico State's 2020 season was postponed. David Gbenda (33), 6-0/224, So.: His last name is pronounced with a silent G, but he looks ready to make some noise. Terrence Cooks II (35), 6-2/220, Fr.: Was No. 44 on our Fab 55 after 72 tack­les, nine TFL and five sacks in 2020. Morice Blackwell Jr. (37), 6-1/203, Fr.:

Nickel backs

Chris Adimora (1), 6-1/204, Jr.: 10 starts last year, 46 tackles, 1 INT. Will factor heavily into the secondary rota­tion. Anthony Cook (11), 6-1/191, Sr.: A key DB the last three years (35 games). A candidate to start in the nickel package.

Safeties

Brenden Schooler (14), 6-2/206, Sr.: Taking his wild hair, crazy thigh tattoos from offense (WR) to defense this year. B.J. Foster (25), 6-2/199, Sr.: Veteran (31 games, 16 starts) gets emotional at times, but always brings t he lumber. JO Coffey Ill (27), 6-0/183, Fr.: Had 313 tackles, 19 INTs, 25 pass breakups in a busy prep career at Kennedale. Jerrln Thompson (28), 6-0/188, So.: Safety or nickel? Special teams guy last year always was around the play. Tyler Owens (44), 6-2/203, Jr.: Solid rotational player also has logged 22 games the last two years on special teams.

Specialists

Ryan Bujcevski (8), 6-0/177, Sr.: Fourth-year punter missed the last three games last year with a torn knee ligament. Cameron Dicker (17), 6-1/216, Sr.: Dick­er, the kicker, is No. 6 on UT's career points list. He'll make it interesting from anywhere. Isaac Pearson (49), 6-2/224, Fr.: Next in line of Texas' Aussie punters.