Lake Travis

Last season – 15-1, 6-0 in district
vs. Hays: 50-14 W
vs. Lehman: 68-0 W
Yes, only six players are slated to return from Lake Travis’ state championship winning 2016 program. Yes, the Cavaliers will have to fill some substantial gaps, including finding someone to replace the almost irreplaceable Charlie Brewer under center. But to think the Cavaliers are a program that may be going into a rebuilding season is far from the truth. In fact, one can probably use the term “reload,” as opposed to “rebuild” for Lake Travis, which aims to continue its dominance on 25-6A. Hank Carter’s bunch will be led by quarterback Matthew Baldwin, who will have several weapons around him. Lake Travis could epitomize the mindset that talent can go far beyond experience. With a sizable target on its back, however, Lake Travis may be vulnerable enough for teams to take advantage.

Vandegrift

Last season – 6-6, 4-2
vs. Hays: 27-16 W
vs. Lehman: 55-0 W
Speaking of strong defenses, Vandegrift’s 2017 squad will look to vouch as one of the district’s toughest defensive units. Last year, Vandegrift limited opponents to 21 or fewer points in ten of its 12 games. While the Vipers will need to replace five starters on defense, they will be able to build around returning defensive end Oso Ifesinachukwu. On the offensive end, Vandegrift will look to find a quarterback to lead an offense that also returns six starters. Vandegrift could be a wild card that creates a logjam for playoff positioning. 

Leander

Last season – 2-8, 1-5 in district
vs. Hays: 31-24 L
vs. Lehman: 23-21 L
Tough times could continue for a Leander program that closed the 2016 campaign on a five game losing streak. Granted, two of those five losses came at the hands of Lake Travis and Westlake. But during that losing streak, Leander was outscored 192-51. Expect the same to continue for Leander, which will try to avoid the cellar in the district. The good news? Leander quarterback Rashad Carter, who amassed over 800 yards of total offense last year, will return to lead the Lions.

Westlake

Last season – 11-3, 5-1 in district
vs. Hays 44-14 W
vs. Lehman 45-6 W
Listed as one of the frontrunners in 25-6A, Westlake may have its best chance to finally top its rival in Lake Travis and claim a district title. They look to do so with a team brimming with experience. Westlake returns 16 players on both sides of the ball this season, including running back Nakia Watson. The big question is who will emerge as the starting quarterback for the Chaps? Defense may be where Westlake excels, as they return eight starters from a year ago. In fact, if one takes away Westlake’s two losses against Lake Travis, the Chaps only conceded 140 points on the season.

Vista Ridge

Last season – 3-8, 2-4 in district
vs. Hays: 46-43 W
vs. Lehman:  41-21 W
A challenging 2017 campaign could be on the horizon for a Vista Ridge program that reached the playoffs with a sub-.500 record last year. Vista Ridge only brings back 11 total starters from last years squad. Quarterback Jacob Taute, who threw for 1,700-plus yards a year ago, will guide an offense that returns five players, including running backs Joe Goodwin and Jamil Pittman. The Rangers will also look to find their way off the snide as they closed the 2016 season on a three-game losing streak.

What does Hays have to offer this season?

Offense

Eight starters are slated to return on offense for Hays, including a bevy of weapons in the skill positions. Having those weapons could give Hays a leg-up in the offensively minded 25-6A. Cade Powell and Thai Mayberry provide a “thunder and lightning” approach for the Rebels. On the outsides, Nate Tate and Patrick Guerrero (21 receptions, 344 yards) will be viable threats that could open the offense up. Of course, the key to any team is a strong offensive line, which the Rebels will have. Phil McSorely, Jaydan Smith and Brandon Garcia all return this season. The big variable (and maybe question mark) is who the Rebels start at quarterback. Four players are vying for the starting spot, including senior Tyler Conley and Gentry Brawith. Not far behind, however, are Xavier Martinez and Desmond Young.

Defense

Experience will also be found on the defensive side for Hays as they bring back seven starters. While the Rebels lost some experience due to graduation, several players, including defensive end Zane Kuykendall and linebacker Dominic Johnson could shoulder the load. Hays’ defensive backfield will also have experience with Blaze Thomas and Hector Fuentes at cornerback. But will the Rebels be able to halt a district predicated on high-flying offense? If so, Hays could find itself in the thick of the district title hunt.

What does Lehman have to offer this season?

Offense

A new mindset and a new scheme has arrived at Lehman High and it could very well open up the Lobo offense. Utilizing an air-raid style scheme, Josh Kirkland plans to ramp up the tempo and try to keep pace with other teams in the district. Lanky 6-foot, 3-inch quarterback Daniel O’Neal, who will make his first start at the varsity level, will lead a Lobo offense that has experience at wide receiver. Chastin Evans and Braden Sullens will provide downfield support. In the backfield, Lehman will lean on newcomer Diego Romero, who’s sprinted his way into the starting spot and could become a tough player for district opponents to bring down. But will an inexperienced Lobo offensive line be able to stand up to district opposition? That’s the big question for Lehman, as the line harbors three returning players, including Ethan Garcia.

Defense

An influx of talent could outweigh experience for a Lehman defense that aims to prove itself this season. Yes, Lehman only returns four players on the defensive side. But it’s who the Lobos return that could provide the building blocks for the future. Junior defensive end Terry Maher-McGee and Jake Cude will lead a line that may be a little young at certain spots. In the middle, Josh Weusi-Barrera leads a linebacking corp that also will be slightly green. In the backfield, cornerbacks C.J. Scott and Caleb Preistly provide a solid foundation for a group that must find a way to halt the high-powered offenses in the district.