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Cantu, Gordon: The highs, lows and surprises of Central Texas football after three weeks

rick cantu and colby gordon, austin american-statesman
·6 min read

District play has kicked off around Central Texas, and we're tapping the brakes a bit after the first three weeks and looking at several topics on the high school football front:

Our most memorable games

1. What has been the best game in Central Texas so far?

Cantu: It's hard to dispute Liberty Hill's 82-80 victory over Hutto. Hippos quarterback Will Hammond threw for 719 yards — ranking No. 3 in state history — and racked up 10 touchdowns in defeat.

Gordon: Cedar Park's 28-24 win over Round Rock was a display of high-quality football from both sides. It also signaled the Timberwolves are a contender to win District 11-5A Division I.

It ain't over till it's over

2. What 0-3 team has the best chance to make the playoffs?

Cantu: LBJ is still regrouping after losing a strong senior class, but don't be surprised if the Jaguars win District 12-5A DII. First-year head coach Joseph Rauls' team has played a stiff non-district competition early and that should prepare them for the real season.

Gordon: Round Rock. The Dragons have lost games to three teams that are a combined 8-1 with their best player, wide receiver/defensive back Leonard Moore, battling an injury. It would still be a major surprise if Round Rock misses the postseason.

Westwood and running back Demani Stewart have been among the biggest surprises after three games this year. The Warriors have been strong at 3-0 while averaging 47 points a game.
Westwood and running back Demani Stewart have been among the biggest surprises after three games this year. The Warriors have been strong at 3-0 while averaging 47 points a game.

Teams that have impressed early

3. What has been Central Texas' most surprising team thus far?

Cantu: The first team that comes to mind is Westwood. Yes, Westwood has started previous seasons 3-0, but this year's team feels different. With running back Demani Stewart leading the offense, the Warriors are averaging 47 points a game while carving through their first three opponents.

Gordon: Vista Ridge. The Rangers are 3-0 with victories over good Bowie and Georgetown teams and have impressed in the process. Vista Ridge's defense has looked exceptional, and that's something I didn't anticipate three weeks ago.

Teams that are coming up short

4. What has been the most disappointing team in the area?

Cantu: In my opinion, Round Rock is the obvious choice. Expectations skyrocketed when the Dragons won the state 7-on-7 tournament championship in the summer. The offense was supposed to be their strength, but their average of 20 points a game is startling.

Gordon: This is a tough one, but I'll go with Lockhart. Back in August, the Lions looked poised to be 4-0 before the start of district play. But they've already dropped two games and have given up more than 40 points in both of those losses.

Last year, Westlake defeated Lake Travis 35-20. When the rivals meet again next Friday at Cavalier Stadium, it's a good bet the winner of that game will have the inside track to winning District 26-6A.
Last year, Westlake defeated Lake Travis 35-20. When the rivals meet again next Friday at Cavalier Stadium, it's a good bet the winner of that game will have the inside track to winning District 26-6A.

Mark this one on the calendar

5. What game are you looking forward to the most?

Cantu: Westlake-Lake Travis never gets old. Next week's game should determine the District 26-6A crown. With a combined 10 state championships between them, here's betting that the game will be close and low-scoring.

Gordon: Georgetown-Cedar Park in the last game of the regular season should be great. It's a contest between two quality sides and will have major implications in District 11-5A Division I playoff seeding.

More: Cedar Park had Gold Out to honor former student

Eyes on the biggest prize

6. What three Central Texas teams have the best chance to win state?

Cantu: In order, Westlake, Wimberley and Vandegrift. Wimberley has flown beneath the so-called radar, but the Texans are beating teams by an average score of 46-13. Quarterback Cody Stoever has been special, combining for 16 total touchdowns. As for Vandegrift, Deuce Adams has lived up to lofty expectations for a team that went to the state finals last year.

Gordon: Vandegrift, Wimberley and Lampasas. This assumes the Vipers are in Class 6A Division II again for the playoffs, but this appears to be the best Vandegrift team in school history. Wimberley has been bludgeoning opponents and Lampasas has wins over four Class 5A teams, including a strong Elgin squad.

Teams to keep an eye on

7. What dark horse team might make a strong playoff run?

Cantu: The best team I've seen in person so far is Weiss. The Wolves are hungry and loaded with DI talent. Quarterback Jax Brown has settled into the position after having an ACL injury ruin his 2022 season. A defense led by lineman Brian Bacon and safety Peyton Morgan is holding teams to 12 points a game.

Gordon: It's strange to write considering the history of the program, but Cedar Park has a squad that could go three or four rounds deep. Few would have thought that likely three weeks ago, but the Timberwolves have wins over good Class 6A teams in Cedar Ridge and Round Rock and weren't completely run off the field by Vandegrift.

Manor's Titus Petteway played linebacker last year for the Mustangs but has impressed early this season at running back. He opened with a 241-yard effort to help Manor beat LBJ in the season opener.
Manor's Titus Petteway played linebacker last year for the Mustangs but has impressed early this season at running back. He opened with a 241-yard effort to help Manor beat LBJ in the season opener.

This season's biggest surprise

8. What area player has seemingly come out of nowhere to be a star?

Cantu: For me, that's an easy one. It's Manor running back Titus Petteway, who spent all of 2022 playing linebacker while former Mustang (and current) USC running back Quinten Joyner rushed for 1,794 yards and 25 touchdowns. Petteway has stepped in to average a Central Texas-leading 250 yards rushing a game.

Gordon: Johnson running back Kael Hatnot. He's broken onto the scene as a junior with 514 yards rushing against three strong teams in San Antonio Clark, Lake Belton and Lake Travis. Don't be surprised if he finishes with 1,500 yards on the ground and leads the Jaguars to a playoff spot in District 26-6A.

The best seat in Central Texas

9. What's the best place to watch a high school game in the area?

Cantu: There are some good ones — House Park and Kelly Reeves Stadium come to mind — but I've always enjoyed my trips to Wimberley. With green, rolling hills serving as a backdrop, Texan Stadium comes alive on Friday nights with a family atmosphere that serves the entire community.

Gordon: If there's a big crowd, it's hard to beat The Pfield in Pflugerville. It's a top-rate facility that's easy to get in and out of, and the district treats the media with class. The Hendrickson-Weiss games in 2020 and 2021 were two of the best high school sporting events I've covered.

Let's hear it for the small schools

10. What small school has impressed you so far?

Cantu: The thrill is back at Thrall. The Tigers were 3-7 last year and were beaten by an average score of 37-21. This year is different. Coach Aaron Vanecek's team is 3-0 and outscoring opponents by an average score of 49-19.

Gordon: Johnson City. The Eagles graduated a lot of talent from last year's team that went 7-4 and lost to a very good Thorndale squad in the playoffs, and not much was expected of them this fall. But they seem poised to start the season 3-1 and make the playoffs for a fourth straight year.

Picks: How our sports writers predict this week's games

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Will Hammond, Titus Petteway among early stars for 2023 area football