Dripping Springs Tigers (3-1, 1-0) at McCallum Knights (2-2, 0-1)
When: Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: House Park (Austin)
Last week: Dripping Springs and McCallum were idle
Last meeting (2008): McCallum 41, Dripping Springs 14
A fight for possible playoff positioning, as well as maintaining district title hopes, will all be on the line at House Park Friday. Drip and McCallum, programs expected to reach the postseason, battle in a game featuring some of the most prolific athletes in the Austin area. Despite losing talent from last season’s magical run, McCallum continues to be a formidable district contender, primarily due to their effective ground game. The Knights, led by the one-two punch of RB Jalen Sutton and QB Cole Davis, take on a Tiger defense that shut down Travis to less than 100 total yards. But can the Tigers repeat a similar performance? Prior to the Travis game, Dripping Springs’ defense gave up 30 or more points in each contest. Meanwhile, the Tigers counter with QB Tanner Prewit and RB Jake Cox, who also have burned rubber on the ground this year. But a key factor could be Dripping Springs’ aerial attack, and whether or not McCallum will be able to stop it. So far through four games, Prewit has amassed over 1,000 yards passing and 10 touchdowns to only one interception.
Hays Rebels (4-0, 2-0) vs. Akins Eagles (3-2, 1-2)
When: Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Hays def. Bowie 35-28; Akins def. Del Valle 21-14
Last meeting (2015): Hays 32, Akins 0
Fresh off an emotional win, Hays must find a way to refocus as they take on an Akins program that remains as a possible playoff contender. Akins will lean heavily on dual-threat QB Nick Cagle, who amassed 264 total yards and all three of the Eagles’ touchdowns in their upset win over Del Valle. So far this season, Cagle has accumulated over 80 percent of Akins’ 940 total offensive yards; he’s also scored seven of the team’s eight total touchdowns. Hays’ success will be dependent on whether they can corral Cagle and force Akins to find a second option on offense. Meanwhile, a variety of options in the backfield could prove beneficial for a Rebel offense that continues to improve. Hays will look to RBs Xavier Green, Martin Shoemaker, Sam Scott and a host of others that have thrived behind a dominant offensive line. But with Friday also being homecoming, can the Rebels avoid all the distractions that come with it? While Hays has the advantage on paper, Friday could be a possible trap game for a Rebel program eyeing its best start since the 2006 season.
Lehman Lobos (0-4, 0-2) at Lake Travis Cavaliers (4-0, 3-0)
When: Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Cavalier Stadium
Last week: Westlake 54, Lehman 0; Lake Travis 66, Austin High 21
Last meeting (2017): Lake Travis 56, Lehman 0
David meets Goliath in a battle of programs going in opposite directions. Lehman, which is in the midst of an 11-game losing streak, takes on a high-octane, state ranked Lake Travis squad that’s practically running on all cylinders. Taking on a team armed with weapons such as QB Hudson Card, WR Garrett Wilson and RB Marcelo Alanis, Lehman’s embattled defense will be hard pressed to pull the plug on the Cavs. Through four games, Lehman has given up an average of 48 points per game. The Lobo offense, which was shut out last week, will equally struggle against a Lake Travis defense that hasn’t given up more than 21 points in any game this season. Look for the Lobos to try to chip away with QB Cayden Raymond, WR Bryant Lewis and WR Daniel O’Neal. But can the Lobos catch the Cavs looking ahead to their showdown with Westlake? A perfect game by Lehman will have to be necessary, but doing so could make things interesting.
