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-
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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.