As the majority of teams in District 12-5A, Division I are idle this week, we at the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch aim to prepare our sports readers with a look ahead to what our local teams will be facing as district play starts up. Here, we take a look at our three local programs (Dripping Springs, Lehman and Johnson) and how they might stack up against the remaining teams in the district.
Johnson Jaguars, Current record: 2-1
So far, so good for the Johnson Jaguars who in their first full year at the varsity level have exceeded many people’s expectations. That includes last week’s tough-luck loss to a hardened Alamo Heights team. But will that early success translate to victories in what could be a grueling run through district? Additionally, how will the Jags fare in a full 10-game varsity level season? Propelling the Jaguar offense thus far is an aerial assault led by dual threat sophomore quarterback Jesse Medina and wide receivers Ethan McAlister, Connor Crabtrey and Rich Kelly. Defensively the Jaguars are led by linebacker Alex Izaguirre and defensive lineman Grayson Allred.
Dripping Springs Tigers, Current record: 2-1
Following a slow 1-1 start, Dripping Springs woke up in a big way Oct. 9 by exploding for 800-plus yards and a school-record 76 points in last week’s win over Lockhart. Aided by sophomore quarterback Austin Novosad, who came in late in the team’s Oct. 2 loss against Hays, Dripping Springs is once again a favorite to claim the district crown. Backing up Novosad are wide receivers Cameron O’Banon and Parker Alford, as well as running back Hunter Pierpoint. But can the Tiger defense hold firm? The Tigers have allowed 30-plus points in the past two contests.
