sign in sign up
<<
Home , Vince Young

HIGH S CHOOL FOOTBALL PRES EAS ON TOP 10

In Central , August means scorching days and heated preseason debates about the area's top teams. Leading up to the season's klckoff Aug. 29, we unveil our Top JO, as selected by our high school reporting staff. No. 10 Regents

Regents quaterback Wilson Long, left, has led the Knights to back•to•batk title games in his two years as a starter. The senior returns after amassing 5,200 yards passing, 2.080 yards rushing and TT total In two seasons. [STEPHE'N SPILLMAN/ FOR AMERICAN-SIATESMANJ Coach: Beck Brydon (185-60. FEEDING THE BEAST OUR TAKE 20th season) 2018: ll·2, TAPPS Division II There will be plenty of new Why has Regents been able to state finalist faces in front of QB Long, but sustain its success for so long? Hello: QB Wilson Long, OU one familiar face remains to Rick cantu: Itstarts with the DL Charlie Stone. LB Thomas anchor the offensive line. Senior coach. Beck Brydon established Scully Charlie Stone returns for his a culture many years ago and his Goodbye: OL Noah Bryce, WR/ final year. Brydon touts Stone's players have bought in. A37-4 DB Will Tyler Brydon, RB/OB tenacity, calling the 270-pounder record over the last three years as Zach Smith apancake machine. phenomenal. Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 Thomas Jones: Iagree. Brydon defense DUALTHREAT BACK has been at the school since 1997 2018 stats: Averaged 34.8 ppg, and he's made Regents an attrac­ allowed 14.4 ppg. Versatile RB Andrew Adams tive place to play. He's a primary returns to keep defenses from reason a talented kid like Wilson QUESTIONS TO focusing solely on Long. Adams Long plays at Regents and not at PONDER amassed 900 yards of total awes-.e. t- rlra • Of'Bowie. offense, scored 12 touchdowns Four multi-year start­ and averaged 6.0 yards per cany. PASTTHREESEASONS 1■ ers graduated from the offensive line. How quickly can 010 YOU KN OW? 2018 (U·2): Mother charnpl• the new starters Jell to key the onship meeting with Trinity Knights' high-powered offense. Regents has reached the TAPPS Christian. Knights close the gap, Is Regents becoming a state championship game in but not enough, falling 49-24. 2 ■ hotbed? each of the last three seasons 2017 (13-1): second straight Senior dual-threat passer only to come up :short. Since unbeaten start sees Knights Wilson Lang hOlds multiple Brydon took over, it's the school's reach the pinnacle against FBS offers, and coach Brydon second instance of bac,k·to-back­ talented Trinity Christian, who says sophomore Drew Dickey to-back state championship sprint to a 62·30 win. has the potential to play on game appearances. The Knights 2016 (1H): The bid for the Saturdays as well. reached the pinnacle each year school's first perfect season After three consecutive from 2001-03-amd brought home since 2006 comes up a hair 3 ■ losses in the state cham· the crown each time. Since 2001, short Grapevine Faith Christian pionship game, can the Knights the Knights have reached 10 title wins a double-overtime thriller reach their fourth straight title games, winning five. Three of 30·29. joust and prevail? the losses, including the last two, have come at the hands of Cedar - Ja;y Plotkin, AA·S Hill Trinity Christian. correspondent Four-star safety Xavion Alford is Ille No. 15 prospect on the Statesman's Fabulous 55. He could play cornerback. safety or nickel baclt for the Longhorns. !MIKECRAVEN/ AMERICAN·STATESMA NI Versatile Alford is UT's 16th pledge for 2020

Dy Mike Craven up for grabs opposite lllcr'JVell@ Sta.lt.'Slnm..eom in 2020; Alford wants to make an TeX.ts and Texas A&M impactas a freshman like no longer face each other the one Sterns made last onthefootball field. That year. hasn't ended the rivalry, Texas uses multiple however, especially on safeties,andAlfordwants the state's recruiting to be a part ofthosespe­ trails. cinlty packages. He also The Longhorns scored canhelp on specialteams. a major victory Friday He chose UT because when Xavion Alford, a of how be fits within the four-star safety and the program. Alford likes the 15th-best prospect in the scheme that's deployed state on the American­ by defensive coordinator Statesman's Fabulous 55, ToddOrlando because it's pickedTexasoverA&M. a safety-centric system. "Ilove Texas' defense,• Alford can play nil over Alford said. "It is simi­ the field, and that's the lar to what we do at our kindofversatilityUT likes high school. It's safety­ indefensive backs. oriented, and that'sa fun Alford already knows defensetoplayinbecause most of the ­ it's all aboutspeed." areaprospectsTexas bas Alford is Texas' 16th signed over the past few pledge of the 2020 class seasons and should fit in and its second safety1 easily, especially sincebis joining fellow four-star high school runs a defense prospect Jerrin Thompson similartotheLonghorns'. ofLufkin. Alford, though, Texas appears to is the most versatile be standing pat at defensive back prospect safety with Alford and in the state. He can play Thompson committed. cornerback, safety or The Longhorns also bold nickel back. pledges from comerbacks The6-foot, 182-pound KitanCrawford and Ethan prospect was a first-team Pouncey. Thenextprior­ all-district selection last ity for the secondary is year after recording 61 rangy comerback Joshua tackles and six intercep­ Eaton, who plays select tions. He helped lead seven-on-seven with Shadow Creek to a state Alford. championship game Texas, with16commit­ appearance in Class 5A ments, heldon to its No. Division I. 6 national class ranking, He wants to play right per247Sports'composite away, and he'll be in line ratings. The Longhorns for snaps as a fresh­ trail No. 1 Clemson, No. man with Brandon Jones 2 Alabama, No. 3 Ohio entering bis final season. State, No. 4 LSU andNo. So there should be a spot 5Georgia. AMEIUCAN·STATESMAN 2020 FABULOUS 55

The Ametican-Statesman's updated Fabulous 55 list of the state's top recruits for 2020. oom1>11ed bystaff writer Mike Craven. Rank in parentheses was that prospect's rank in our last updated list in June. The fist will be updated again in December.

Rank Player SChoaj (Class) Ht, wt. COiiege not• L(l) RB Zachary Evans Galena Park North Sl1ore (6A) 5-11, 200 SeYera~ ind. Alabama. Georgia. LSU, OU 2.(3) -WR Demond Demas Tomball (SA) 6-3, 182 Committed to Texas A&M 3.(5) C8 JaylonJones Cibolo Steele (6A) 6-1, 190 Committed to Texas A&M 4.(2) ATH Ja'Quinden Jackson Duncanville (6A) 6-2, 219 Committed to Texas 5.(6) ATH DrewSanders Denton Ryan CSA) 6-5, 222 Committed to Alabama 1.(4) OT Chad Lindberg Hou Clear Creek (6A) 6-2. 327 Committed to Georgia 7.(8) OT Vernon Broughton Hou. Cypress Ridge (6A) 6-5,296 Committed toTexas 8.(15) QB Hudson Card Cinm:..:il (6A) 6-2, 179 committed to Texas 9.(7) RB Jase MCCieiian Aledo(SA) s-10. 201 committed to 04dahoma 10.(18) QB Haynes King Lmgvicw(6A) 6-2, 185 committed to TexasA&M 11 (10) s RI Mickens Sooth....Carroll(6A) 6-0, 197 Committed to Clemson 12(39) WR Quentin Johl1Soo Temple(6A) 6-4, 180 Several, ind. TCU. Baylor. Duke. Houston 13 (11) OT Jaylen Garth POrt Neches-Gro,;es (SA) 6-5,285 committed to Texas 14.(13) DE Alfred COiiins Bastropcedar Creek (SA) 6-5,247 severa, Ind. Texas, Texas A&M. LSU. OU 15.01) s xavion Alford Alvin Shadow Ottk (SA) 6-0, 188 committed to Texas 11.(9) WR TroyOmeire F<>rt Bend Austin (6A) 6-3, 217 Committed toTexas A&M 17.(25) OT Nate Anderson Frisco Reedy (SA) 6-5,262 Committed to Oklahoma 18. (14) CB JalenKimber Mansfield Timberliew (!W 6-0, 170 committed to Geomia 19.(19) Ol8 Prince oorball Highland Park (SA) 6-2, 208 committed to Texas 20.(29) WR Jaxon SmittrNjiba Rockwall (6A) 6-1, 188 Committed to Ohio State 21.(21) DE AlecBtyant Alvin ShadowCreek CSA) 6-3, 230 Committed to LSU 22.(28) DE Princely umanmielen Manor(SA) 6-4, 256 committed toTexas 23.(20) RB EJSmith Dallas Jesuit C6A) 5-11.198 Severa, ind. Stanford. Ohio State 24.(U) s Chris ThomPSOO Jr. Duncanville (6A) 6-2, 195 committed to Auburn 25.(16) 08 Malik Hornsby l'ori 8cnd Marshall (SA) G-2,l'IS SC¥Cral incl. Texas A&M, North Carolina 21.(23) RB Seth McGowan MCS

JuniorTE already pledgedtoTexas

Staffreport

£iie'!lliills' football season bit anearlybump in the road. Junior tight end nndTexas commit I t McRee suffered a knee injury during a pass- ing drill duringan afternoon practiceAug.13and will miss theseason, i. ~ s coach Hank Carter confumed on Wednesday. "He made a catch along thesideline in coverage, and when he t urned to bead up the field, bis cleat caught in thegrassandbewent down," Cartersaid. "lt'sdisappoint­ ing. I hate it for him and for our team. We want allof our guys outthere playing. It's a bummer forsure." Afterswitchingfrom quar­ terback to tight end, McRee missed the early part of the 2018 season before makinga splash late in the seasonand in the playoffs. He caught 16 passes for 255 yards and two scores in just six games nnd was poised to make a larger inlpact in 2019. 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW: OFFENSE Cavsexpectanother high-powered attacl,

l:alll 1' i'licavafiers wxle receiver Sterling Hupp (3) escapes defender Copeland Gothard (21) alter catching a pass during a recent football practice at wl'i-i..i/8High school. IJOH!IGlfflERREZ/Klfl SlATESMANI Depth shouldhelp to emerge. Junior tight end primary target when Garrett significant time as asopho­ Cavs overcome Injury ;,.· McRee'sinjuryremoves Wilson was sidelined for a more and junior ploying both toTEClllil McRee a key component from the four-game stretch. Senior safety and comerback. Cavaliers' offense, but coach Grayson Sandlin missed "He's got some pretty Hank Carter said a deep much of2018 with a shoul­ unique skillsets when he By Jay l'lolkln group of receivers can help derinjuryandis eager to be has the ball in his hands," Americ:a:n•St:aleSlnln lessen the blow. a bigger part ofthe offense. Carter said ofFoit. "He is a Correspondent In 2018, li •kl rr ... had His 6-foot -4 frame serves really creative runner after seven players catch at least him well as a receiver who thecatcb." Most conversations about 17 passes. With McRee's can also play inside as tight Foil displayed t hat cre­ ~ I!"· . 11 football begin absence, only three return, end when needed. ativity during the team's with the offense, and with buttheCavaliers have never "Idon't know that there is scrimmage on Aug. 17. good reason. The Cavaliers been short on willing - or a more ferocious competitor After catching a short pass perennially feature an FBS­ capable - receivers. than Kyle Eaves," Carter from Card, Foil wrestled bound quarterback and an "I think we're going to be said. "He's gotten bigger and away from linebacker Tag abundance of skill players in the same boat again this stronger, and begoes at full Humble and then battled who keep scoreboard opera­ year,'' Carter said. "Some of speed all of the time. And I former defensive back part - torsontheir toes. theguys we'll count onwere really think Grayfson] is ner Copeland Gothard before Heading into the 2019 on junior varsity, and some goingloburstonthe scene." stepping out ofbounds just season, that formula holds are guys who we may have Newcomers who have short of thegoal line. true, though a key preseason been hiding on defense." impressed in early prac­ It was the second near­ injury raises a question and Senior Kyle Eaves returns tices include junior Jackson in Foit's varsity could lead lo some reshuf­ after a 69-catch, 1,052- Scruggs, who played on career. Last season while fling that will provide new yard season in which he the JV last season, and opportunities for players served as Hudson Card's senior Max Foit, who saw SeeCAVS, Ato Erwinand Marcelo Alanis all CAYS return for their junior sea­ sons. Erwin, healthy after a FromPageA8 rashofinjuries during bis first two seasons, took the bulk of the first-team snaps during playing defense against Saturday's scrimmage and Bowie, Foit scooped up a broke off a 75-yard touch­ fumble along the sideline and down run. Stephens led the sprinted untouched into the team in rushing last season, end zone. A referee's inad­ andAlanisexcelled at gaining vertent whistle cost him the L.llalla~is Cavaliers wide thetough yards in the middle score, but the move to the receiver Max Foil (16) has of the line. As a trio, they offensive side ofthe ball may impressed since moving to combined for 1,377 yards and providehim more opportuni­ wldeout in the affseason. (JOHN 17 IDs, more thanenough to ties to find theend zone. GUTIERRE2/fOR STATESMAN) keep defenses from focusing "I'm just trying to help the on - andoffensive coordina­ team wherever they need it," torWillStein to rely on - Card Foitsaid. "Ithoughtitwasreally for 3,528 yards and so touch­ as the Cavaliers' mainrunning good news when the coaches downs, had an impressive threat. toldmeI'dbe getting some reps summer, starring in the Carter says: "We're very onoffense, andI'mjusttryingto finals of the national Elite u excited about our depth there. make the bestofthat." competition. He's the eighth Those guys have different Though the offense scored consecutive Cavalier quarter­ skill sets, so we' 11 use them just one touchdown during back to earn a Football Bowl all where we can accentuate Saturday's scrimmage, Fait Subdivision scbolarsbip. Nate their abilities.'' said the Cavaliers continue to Yarnell, a 6-foot-6 junior improveandovercometheearly with several scholarship Offensive line lossofa key player as the Aug. offers, will be theninth. With 30 opener against Arlington Ca.rd attheElite 11, Yarnell led The offensive line got a Martindraws near. the Cavaliers' 7-on-7 team at boost when junior Jacob Tracy "It's obviously a bummer thestatetournament, gaining moved over from the defensive that r ;e's gone, but I think valuable experience running line and won a starting spot at we're looking solid," Foit said. the basics ofthe offense. center. Astate-championship "We'redoingsomegoodthings Carter says: "One of the qualifierintheshotputand inboth the run and passgames, benefits of 7-on-7 is that the discus, Tracy is an athletic and I know we'll get better on quarterback calls the entire addition to a line anchored by Monday. We know the things offense. It's a unique experi­ three-year starters Dawson we need to improve on before ence, and I thoughtNate was Weiss and Andrew Salem, the first game, and we're going fabulous in that statetourna­ who's healthy after missing totake it from there." ment. He got the ball out on a handful of games in 2018. Here's a position-by-posi­ time, be put the ball where Todd Moon and Judge Niland tion look at the rest ofthe it needed to go and be was also started in 2018. i h1•i! Offense extremely accurate." carter says: "Jacob is an exceptiona.lly powerful ath­ Quarterback Running back lete who can move really well. He is as good an athlete as we Card, fresh off a junior Thethree-headed monster have bad on the offensive season in which he passed ofWeston Stephens, Wesley line." Cavs top Westwood, make case for best team in area

ByColby Gordon I.J.kf ..-.Ylli senior defensive AJJ)l".Jieun•Statesm.anCorrespomxJCU specialist Ginger Baldwin said. "Thesecond set, we came l'..»c• Tl'd,u is making an togetherasa teamandsaidwe earlyseasoncase for beingtbc need toget intothis as much topvolleyball teaminCentral mentallyas we are physically, Texas. and that turned ii around.• While potential matchups Besecker led all hitterswith against other area powers in nine kills, while Wheeler the Leander tournamentlater knockeddownsevenshots and this month and two District added four aces. 25-bA contests against rival ln all, the Cavs had seven Wesft:l:.! will have nsayinthat p layers whorecordedat leru.-t distinction, the Cavs posted twokills. theirsecondwininthreedays "The hitters did a good job over a teamintheStatesmru,'s of talking with the setters, Fnb Five rankings Monday. having them move the sets r · '!"· t topped around to where we wanted Westwood - which entered and our defense did a great the matchcomingoffwinning job of telling us what shots its owntournamentSaturday were open,n Besecker said. and gnrnered the No. 1 spot "This team plays really well in The Statesman's ClassoA together." areapoll- 13-25, 25-19,25-13, Both Besecker and Baldwin 25•16 alhometwodays ulter credited teambondingin the knocking off No. J Georgetown off-season as a key to r theAdidas JohnTurner Classic 'Ii.i'RI' bot start. inPearland. uwe focused on chemistry "I'm really happy with our asateamnsmucbaswedidon team,,., r'!ill ~ coach thesportitselfandcondition ­ Westwood•s Zoe- Menendez returns a shot against UIM TtaY;it during the cavs• four•set win ow,r Westwood Brandace Boren said. "Our ing," Baldwin s.nid. i.iwe're in• nondislrict wolleyboll go.me at l ....Tr High School Aug.12. IJOHNGUTtERRU/fOll STATESMANI setterKian a Reed had a phe­ really meshed as a team right nomenal nigh t. We put her now. Webavealotof talenton ina (one-setter) offense, and this tean.1. When we're corn• l.altell'l•Vil our hittershit reollywell. We munieatingand have thebest cavallerS' served very, very aggressive, chemistry, that's when we middl• blocker andI thinkwegot themourof perform." Btooke Jeffreys theirsystem a lot.• /\dded Besecker: "This is scores a point The Cavs (8-3) got stron ­ p robably one ofthe funnest during the ger as the match went along. teams I've been on. It1s such taV5'four· Following a fir st set where agreatatmosphere. Everyone ~twlnowt the Warriors (9-3)dominated really loves each other." Westwood in thanks to strong hittingfrom Menendez finished with a nondistrict seniors Zoe Menendez and eight kills and Kenzie v,,lleyball game Audrey Quesnel, ~'I'.,..., Beckham added fiveto lead the at lilifi­ flipped the script the rest of Wnrriors, whoturnedaround HighSchool the night. for anothertough roadmatch Aug. 12. LJOHN The Cavs built nine-point Tuesday at Cedar Park , the GUT1£RR:EZ/f0R leads by the midway point No.4 teamintheStatesman's 51ATESMAN) in eachofthe final three sets ClassSA area poll. as Arden Besecker, Jamison The Cavs want to continue WheelerandMykennaEklund the statement they've made combinedfontldllsoffaclin· duringtheseason'sfirst seven ically runoffenseby Reed and days. AbiWatts. "Having a good preseason "I don'tthinkwestarted the sets the tone for going into matchmentally ready to play,• districtplay," Baldwinsaid. HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

DIG, SET, SPIKE FABFIVES

Centra!Texashigbschool ClaSS6A volleyball teams traveled 1.vandegrifl 14·3 tbestatelastwcekendwith 2.CCdar Ridge I 7-3 CedarRidge, Liberty Hill, 3. Lake Travis 14-6 Rouse, Dripping Springs 4. Round Rock 11•4 and Vandegrift making 5. Westwood 12·5 the most oftheu volleyball Class SA opportunities. I. Rouse9·6 Cedar Ridge, coached 2. Dripping Springs 12·7 by former Hutto stand­ 3. McCallum 11·8 outMacie Trotterimproved 4. Cedar Park 10· 10 to 17-3 on lbe season by 5. Georgetown 9-10 posting a 9-o record and Class 4A and Others clniming the champion­ 1. Lioo-tY Hill 13·7 ship of the Bastrop !SD 2. Round Rock Christian 9·l Invitational with a 25-21, 3.Wimberley 15-4 25-22sweep victoryover 4. LaGrange 11·6 ~Hill_in thefinals. 5. Brentwood Christian 6·2 Le

Independence Day Sims isn't the only one to Garden. "It just needs to be noted the "positive ripple like this," Stanley said. event Included float notice a differcnce in thecom­ made social and everybody effectinthe community" that She acknowledged theJuly sponsored byLake munity's opennessabout gay needs to come out and hove a emerged ns a result ofthe July eventboostedthecommuni­ Travis LGBTQAlliance pride since its Independence safe place." event, lncludingEthel's party. ty'ssupportofitsgay youth. Doy event included the He admitted there are "Thot event, in turn, "They're grateful but they By Leslee Bassman city's first float sponsored still some residents who brought out some long­ also know there's n lot of Lake,.'rravJ$ View by the newly formed Lake don't approve of "who time Lakeway residents who work to be done," Stanley oontribuUngwntc.r Travis LGBTQAllinnce that we are." Nonetheless, be expressedtheirgratitude for said, adding some oftheteens incorporates Lake Travis called Lakeway "a great inclusionbya local business," sought confirmation that the It was Friday night in High School's Goy Straight community.• Higginbotham said. group would continue tosup­ Lakeway and Ethel's Wine Alliance. The alliance entered a new Baczewski, who bas lived port them after high school Markel, a popular bar on "Thh is historic," said float in the AustinGay Pride inLakeway for three decades, begins thls month. "That's Lohmllll'S Spur, W:IS filling David Baczewski, a member Parade, withsponsorshipfrom said he also met Stllllley as why we formed the alliance up fast with regulars. But ofthe city'sgay community, local Jaw firm Wbilehwst, a res ult of the July Fowlh ... losupportthoseguys, help that evening - Aug. 9 - the of the Ethel's celebration. Harkness, Brees, Cheng, parade. And Stanley credits them understand thatyou can familiar local gathering spot "When I drove up and saw Alsaffar, Higginbotham & theirfriendship lotimingand Jive your dreams. There are was adorned ingay pride flags the gay pride flags on the Jacob, PLLC. Lakeway Mayor initiative. gay adultsbeinga partof the as staff welcomed patrons fences, I thought, 'Tbls can't Pro Tern and firm partner "(The parade appearance) community, al City HalL We lo a party in celebration of beLakeway,"' Lawie Higginbotham, along opened those conversations," put ow pants on one legat a Austin's Gay Pride festivities Although Ethel's bartender with Mayor Sandy Cox, par­ Stanley said. "I'm having lime just like everybody else." andparade the following day. David Johnson bas been a ticipated in the float that conversations with the wives Baczewski believes the "When I heard about the resident of Lakeway for 20 ascribed tothis year's "Boogie of (former) councilmen or recent activism of the Gay Fourth of July Parade and years, he said he hadn't met Wonderland" !theme. (former) mayors who didn't Straight Alliance was thestart the float that wonfirst place Tanuny Stanley, a longtime As a city offi cial, usedto even look me inthe eye neededto push thegay com- (in the general classifica­ Lakeway resident who heads Higginbotham said she is when1showedupatCityHall. munitytobeunified and open. tion category), I beard it was upthealliance, until thegroup proud to support Lakeway's Now they're hugging me." HJ would never have the first time there had ever frequented the wine bar a few LGBTQ community, and She said some former city thought 30 years ago when I been a Gay Pride float in the weeks ago. standing with Cox on the leaders approached her after moved herethat I'dseepride parade," said Ethel's propri­ 11AU ofa sudden, this small Alliance's Austin Gay Pride the Fourth ofJuly parade with flags at anyestablishment in etor and Lakeway resident gay community which we float sent a message to the positive words, and one gen­ Lakeway," he said. "So, the ChristiSims. "I was shocked, thought was in Lakeway is 400,000 peopleat the event tleman"had tearsin hiseyes." parade was a big deal. This first ofall, and soexcited for reaHy not that small," said that "Lakeway is a welcom­ "These guys, they're hard partytonight is also a big deal thediversity. I look at today Johnson, whose husband, Tim ing, inclusive place to all tocrack, but they're realizing because it's an open invitation as a reason to celebrate love of Gates, owns the landscaping neighbors. n the amount ofcourageittakes but notification tothe com­ all kinds.• business Lakeway Lawn and The city's mayor pro tern to stand up in a community munity that we're here." Rael< to school r..:1111 na.&students return to class; new Bee cave Mlddle school opens

RyLuzMorc.no-L.oz.ano hn,orl!,n,o• lm:~tal~man.com

Si xth-grader Dylan Loomer anxiously walled for the doors ofthe newBee Cave Middle School campus to openthemorning ofAug. 14 alongsidehismother Valorie. The two got to the campus anhoUI early because Dylan Eighth graders camille Coldwel~ 13, leftand Ashley Chamberlain, 14, embrace each other on the 6rst was soe,,ger tobestarting at day of school at Bee cave Middle !School on Aug, 14, The new $76.2 million, 240,000 square foot school a brand new campus. In the t..>lo,e 11' school dlstrkt llas 900 students In grades sixth, seventh and eighth. The new school "I'm excited but a little was part of the district's $253 milllon bond program approved by voters In November 2011. LJAY .lANNER/ scared too," said Dylan, who AMERICAN-STATESMANI worea redT-shirt, andshorts and carriedablack backpack. grew up attending Leander in November 2017, she said schoolcampus. The Loomers moved to schools, but moved to shewas excited to beable to "Wemo•edback last year the Wine n.,... school dis­ Florida about 20 years to send Dylan to what she while Dylan was in fift h trict last year from Florida. ago. After bearing voters considers the bestscbools­ Valorie Loomer said she approveda s253 millionbond specificany the newmiddle SeeSCHOOL, All seventh• grader Jaida Nichols, 12, says goodbye to he< parents Chris Grant and Tessa Grant on the first day of school at Bee cave Mlddlo School-••sday. on

volunteer with lhe c.nmpus' and ensuringstudents were parent teacher organization, gettingtoclass, especialJy the stood outside the school sixth graders. Wednesday morning offer­ Thepairwelcomed students ing directions and guidance at the car drop-off line out­ for families. sideand inthe lobby as they "We are very excited to be were directed to their grade welcomingstudents today,• level houses. Longhenry said. "I know Each grade level is broken some students are scared, so up into wings and divided I'm here to help guide them between two floors. Each Bee Cave Middle School st\ldents,from loft, Liam Winzer, 12, Hollis Pinczebely~ 12, Ava Menfi, 11, John as they head inside.... It's wing includes classrooms, Menft, 11, and Alejandro Loredo, 12, checktheirscheduleswhile waiti119 for the ftrst bell to ringon the goingtobea greatfirst dayof collaborative learning spaces ftrst day ofschool Wednesday.The newS76.Z million. 240,000-square-foot schoolinthe Lalce Travis school school." andlockers. district has900students In sixth, seventh and •lghth grades. It was partof the district's$253 minion bond Teacher Erin Root, who "Weareso excitedtocreatc prog:ram approved by voters In November 2017, (PHOTOS B'r' JAY JANNER/AMERICAN·STATESMANJ stood outside her classroom ourowncultureandcommu­ guiding children until the nity here," Keogh said. "Staff bell rang, was also excited to basbeenworkingbard toget The new middle school As thebellrangtoletinstu­ meet students Wednesday thecampus ready. It'snice to SCHOOL campus opened it doors dents, some parentssnapped morning. see the kiddos here andenjoy• Aug. 14, welcoming 905 new a quick photo, gaveahugand "My goal for the first doy iog their first day." From l'agtAI students. sent their children off with is to help everyone feel safe, Students will spend the The $76.2million facility, well wishes for the first day. secure and at home," Root remainder of the week getting which features a two-story, Teachers, administrators and said. acquainted with their classes gradesobecouldmake friends 2401000-square-foot volunteers gree-ted andguided Principal Amanda Prehn andclassmatesandsiguingup and go withthemto thenew campus with a football field students as they walked andAssistant Principal Laura for extracurricular activities. middle school,• Valorie andtrack, is the district's first through thefrontdoors. Keogb spent their morning Dylan Loomer said be would Loomer said. newcampusin five years. Karen Longhenry, a looking at class schedules bejoiningtheband this year. Gearing up for a new year

CIII.-, team.rs and staff members gear up for the new school year during a convoc.ation Aug. 7. {PHOTO COURTESY tM:l ._, .. SCHOOl DISTRICTJ Lakeway City council City manager resigns unanimously appalnted former Lakeway council act ing cit y La~way appoints acting manager. Assistant manager,addresses "Steve City other city Issues made a big Manager impact on JU~ Oakley t h e com· asading Uy ~lee Hassman Jones mun ity of city manager Contn"butiug writer Lakeway on Monday. during his 14 years as City [PHOTO Withan unusualstart by Manager,• said Mayor Sandy BY LESLEE holding an executive ses• Cox in anews release. "We BASSMAl< J sion, Lakeway City Council appreciate hiscommitment approved the resignation to our residents and staff explore options for hiring According to the city's of longtime City Manager over that timeandwisb him a firm to conduct a formal website, Jones has served Steve Jones. Assistant City wellfor the future." search for a candidate to as Lakeway's City Manager Manager Julie Oakley was Councilwill search for an fill the position, the release unanimously appointed interim city manager and staled. See LAf(EWAY, As "This was a successful rAKEWAY audit," Baker Tilly Senior Manager Robert Zellmer FromPageAJ said. A complete wrapup of t he project is forth­ sin ce April 2005 and coming, Mth $218,ooo began his position after ofthe project cost being serving in t h e same returned to the city's capacity for t he city of coffers as well as bond Pflugerville from 1996- interest for a total of 2004 . Inbiscareer, Jones about $600,000, Oakley bas mana ged p ublic said. projects, including a new library, recreation center, Beauty salon OK'd parks, a police station, water and wastewater The council approved systems, a city boll and a five-year special use several major roadways. permit for a beauty salon, He bolds a Bachelor of Posh Permanent Makeup, Science degree in busi­ to belocated at 3313 RM nessadministration from 6 2 0 South, Ste. 200. the University of Texas at The permit is required Austin and isa member of because the property is theTexas City Managers located less than 300 feet Associntion. from residentially zoned property. Billboard moratorium Portablebuildings In light ofthe planned approved fortillTrd Texas Department of Elementary School Transportation wid­ ening of RM 620, t he Bya 5-2 vote, with Cox conncil nnanimously pro­ and Howell opposed, City hibited billboard signs in Council tabled adecision the city. Building and on a special use permit Development Seroices lo provide for two por­ Di rector Charlott e tables at thet:m.~ !h .. Hodges said billboards Educational Development that a.re not required to Center located at 607 be relocated due to tbe RM 620 North. The roadway project wiU be permit was approved by grandfathered,orpermit­ the council in April, but ted to remain. However, notifications were not a billboard that must be sentout to the appropri­ moved for the project ate neighbors. won't be allowed to be Ka thryn Allen, the constructed ina different adjoining neighbor lo location, she said. the tract, approached the council, requesting the Police station audit school district follow the complete same permit rules that other applicants must. Upon review ofdocu­ She said the impervious mentation surrounding cover caused by the por­ fs ,1 .t'wny's new police tables as well as another station , city auditor project on the adjacent Baker Tilly Virebow, ~ 1'l'r ~ Elementary Krause LLP's final audit School site may cause showed minima) find- drainage and water qual­ ings and didn't require ityissues on her property, credits from contractor harming the animalsliving SpawGlass for overages. onher working ranch. Measuring school performance t.allen....a schools in academic growth on that receive A rating campus. from the state "Ourstudents are improv­ LAKE TRAVIS HIGH SCHOOL ing from the past year," Deterrasaid. "Based on bow By LtuMoreno-Lozano they did the year before to lmoreno•Joi::mo@Slal61ll3JLeotn Home of the Cavallers where they are now, you can see that campus is making WM'fra<;, schooldistrict biggerstrides in growing nod officials are praising teach­ embracing the ideaofclo•-ing ers rutd staff'1fter thedistrict the gap for those particular received an overall A grade - students." under the state accountabil • However, Delena said the itysystem. ratings are not completely With a 94 overall, the dis• representative of the every­ trict was able to demon.,trate day approach teachers and a positive impact onstudent stafftake tomakesure allstu­ achievement and school dents' needs are met at every progress. campus. "We are very proud of By using rigorous rutd more district and campus rat· authentic learning experi­ ings," saidElizabeth Deterra, ences for kids, Deterra said, assistant superintendent for educators are focusing their learningandteaching. efforts on the st udent as a The Texas Education whole t o help them grow as Agency started rolling out muchas possible. the A· tbrou gb- F ratin g She said teachers measure system last year, assigning student knowledge andskills letter grades to districts and throughout theyear to gauge numeric scores to campuses learning as itis happeningas onascaleofo-100.Tbisyear, The district and high school are graded on graduation rates as part ofthe state accountability rating. opposed toatthe veryend. the agency gave A through F mt1' ;vJ!s received an A. Julia Hathaway, left,and Anna Sentmanat, right, were named valedictorian and "Weare pretty focused on grades t o school districts, salutatolian for the ~ ~ J- ,,.High school class of 20ll9. ILUZ MORENO•LOZAH(lil VIEWI watching kids along the way public c harter schools and and adjusting ourteachingfor their campuses based heavily themsothatwecanmaximize on student performance on the oncollege, career and military score will count toward the graduationrates. theit learning," Deterra said. State ofTexas Assessments readiness measures. overall school progress score. Oftheninecampusesrated, She also credited the abil­ ofAcademic Readiness. High Thedistrictearned an87 in The district also earned a sevenreceived overall A rat- ity ofeveryone inthe district schools also were evaluated school progress, which con · 9S inclosing the gaps, which ings with a B at t ,- working toward the same goal based on graduation ratesas sists of two subcategories that measures how well students Elementary and ~ ·7 ofbecomingbetter. well as how many students measure bow many students performedbased on their race M1ddle School. "We are working to inspire were prepared for college, a improved on the STAAR, as orethnicity, income level, dis­ Deterra said I..&. n. - and empower student s to careeror themilitary. well as school and district per· abilityand other factors that Elementary bas a diverse be critical thinkers, work I,.;. T, "iJ earned a 93 in forrnance compared withother migbtaffect learning. Forbigb c:tmpus and the most eco­ together with others, and be student achievement , which campuses and districts with schools, the score alsoreflects nomically disadvantaged curious and innovative so measwes how well students similar percentages of low­ bowwell these different types students, but the campus has t hey are more successful in performedonSTAARand bow income s tudents. Only the of students are prepared for made greatstrides in growth whatever they pursue after bighschoolstudentsperformed subcategory with the higher college or careers, as well ns withintheyear, earniog an82 graduation," Deterrasaid. Superintendent Tom Leonard addresses teachers, staff and administrators during convocation at the Westlake High School Performing Arts Center Aug. 15 conveying the message of being a hero for students. ILUZ MORENO-lOZANc.-'WESTLAKE PICAYUNE] Eanes transfer students provide boost to budget, stretch class sizes

By Luz Moreno -Lozano the2019-20school year. hnoreno·lozano@ The Eanes school district slo:lesman.com welcomed students back Wednesday with a record A slight increase in resi • enrollment at the high dent student population school and 66 students, and the admission ofnearly or about 0.5%, above its 30 additional transfer stu• overallstudent population dents this year has put the projections, district offi­ Eanes school district mar· cials said. ginally above its student population projections for SecTRANSFER, A7 Eanes board TRANSFER members heard an EromPageAl enrollment update from deputy An enrollment update in superln• August showed the district tendent was looking at an enrollment Jeff Arnett of 8,252 students for the new during a school year, ofwhich 369 are special transfer students. District meeting Aug. officials said the transfer 13. Members number is down about 15'!1, posed In percent compared to three their best years ago. super- Teff Arnett, deputy super­ hero stance intendent for Eanes, said outside the the district decided in Tune boardroom. it would accept an additional (LUZ MORENO­ number of out -of-district LOZANO/ transfers above its targeted WESTI.. ~ number to help balance outits PICAVUl'IEJ budget following the imple­ mentation of House Bill 3. House Bill 3 provided approximately sn.6 billion in new funding for education and tax reduction-$5 billion for tax relief, $4.6 billion for education and $2 billion for teacher raises. Under the new bill, the dis­ trict netted anadditional s1.9 million from the state. To stay ~om~titi~~~, the sch~! board students give us an oppor­ transfers, especially at the forthe upcoming school year. which 148 are transfer stu­ approved a 4.5% raise for all tunity at times to balance highschool Arnett said some fami­ dents. Arnett said the transfer staff, resulting in a budget class sizes where we may Eanes received 381 requests lies were offered an option populationat the high school shortfall ofnearly $409,000. have space, or it gives the for transfer, rejecting u this to attend another campus if is slightly over what was Arnett said thedistrict gives (school) board somefinancial year. ln 2018, the Austin space allowed. 1nother cases, anticipated but attributed two-thirdsofresidentstudent latitude." school district, which has an he said, the district asked thattosomeresidentstudents money back to the state in While the increase in fund­ open enrollment policy for families not to return at all. movingoutofthedistrictbut recapture. However, funding ing is a financial benefit to out-of-district transfer stu­ Those "tough decisions," wanting tocontinue theirlast for out-of-district trans­ the district, Arnett said the dents, receivedl 937 requests he said, are made based ona yearor two atEanes. fer students is not subject to increasein thenumber ofstu­ for transfer, ofwhich 170 were number ofreasons, including Arnett said the high school recapture, meaning the dis­ dents meanssomeelementary denied.Thel..t.~c'l'r..;.,i.b school academics and behavior. receives the most scrutiny trictgetstokeep more money. classrooms may be at or just district does notaccepttrans­ "We realize every family when it comes to transfer The district receives about over the student-teacherratio fer students, officials said. and child has a story, and students becausesomecom- $6,000 for every transfer ofnto l. "lf we know a particu­ so we want to talce that into munity members feel the student per year. Accepting Arnett said the district tends lar grade level ms going to be consideration," Arnett said. district should give its resi­ the additional 29 transfer to attract transfer students above ourguidelines for opti­ "Sometimes ifwe decline a dentstudents first preference studentsthat generates about because of tbe opportunities mal class size, then we're less student, sometbing in that for extracurricular activities $180,000 moreinrevenue for available for students aca­ likely to take transfers in that story hascausedustobelieve and athletics. the district. demically and athletically, gradelevel," Arrnettsnid. "We this may not betherightplace "Our reputationas a school Arnett said w bile the addi­ especially at the high school didput a moratorium insome forthem, butmoreoften than district andthe opportunities t i onaI money for transfer level. The district's Spanish schools and grade levels." not, it has more to do with forstudents academically and students didn't completely immersion program has also For example, Forest class sizes and ... capacity." athletically is why we get (so offset the deficit, itdoes help become a draw for out-of­ Trail Elementary tradi­ The districtputa morato­ many transfer requests)," a bit. district families inthelastfew tionally has the largest rium on transfers at the high Arnett said. "Especially at "Fast growth districts years. population of transfer stu­ school, Arnett said. Out-of­ the high school with extra- don't have this issue because But not all families who dents. In the 2018-19 school district transferstudents not curriculars and athletic they don't have the space for apply for transfer - includ­ yearthecampushad42trans­ already enrolled were not opportunities. And (par­ (the additional students), and ing current transfer families fer students. But, Arnett accepted for the new school ents) know our studentsare theydon't have to worry about - can be accepted. Arnett said, the growing population year. heavily recruited by top tier economics because theyhave saidthreeyears ago the school of resident students at that However, the high school universities and have more an influx of new students, board made a conscientious campus forced the district will have the largest enroll­ scholarship opportunities, to whereas our enrollment is decision to draw down the to draw down the number of ment in history with 2,885 expose their children to that flat,• Arnett said. "Transfer number of out-of-district transfers at the campus to 29 students this year, of potential is enticing." Triplets ofthe Big12: Schools' top QB, RB, WR TtllAS' to0 offtnslw playe~ this stason will i,. quarterback 5am Ehlingtr (top), running back Ktaontay Ingram (bottom left) and wide recelYef Collin Johnson. {AMERICAN SlATES'-1AN SfAFfl Uy Suzanne HaUlburton sb.:[email protected]

Our annual Triplets of the Big 12 series looks at every conference school's expected standouts at quarterback, running back and receiver:

Baylor

Quarterbat:k: Charlie Brewer. The 6-foot·l. 206-pound junior from ~ + T was the Big 12 co-offensive freshman of the year and has the second-best career completion percent· age (63.8%) in Baylorhistory, behind Robert Griffin Ill (67.1). Has seven 300-yard pass• Ing games and two ,oo-yard games. Last year: Started 12 games - 240 of 390 for 3,019 yards, 26 combined TOs and nine INTs.

Iowa state

Quarterback: Btock Purdy. The 6-1, 210-pound sophomore from Gillx!rt, Ariz., went 6·2 as a starter last year, the best season by a freshman quar• ter1>ack in school history. Beat sixth-ranked w est Virginia In his first career start. Last year: Started eight games. played in 10 - 146 of 220 for 2,250 yards, 21 combined TDs and seven INTs. (career: Same.) was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection. Running bade Ke.ne Nwanpu. The 6-1, 205-pound Junior from Frisco Heritage was a double lhreaI for ltie Cyclones In 2018 as a backup running back and one of lhe top return men in the country. His fong~t carec.r carry is 24 yards. whic:h came against Texas last year. Las! year: Played in all 13 games - 39 carries for 157 yards and no TDs. (Career: 66·290-0.) Earned second-team All-Big 12 kudos as a kickoff returner, though - tie led the conrerence and was 12th in the country with his 26.8-yard avera!je. Wide receivff: Deshaunte Jones. The 5-10. 180-pound senior fl"Of"I\ Cincinnati was the second-ranked recruitin Ohio in 2015. His slreak of 32 games with a catch was snapped by Texas atRoyal-Memorial Stadium in November. That was the second-longest streak In school history. Last year: Played in all 13 games - 43 catches for 366 yards and four TDs. (Career: 108·1.175-10.) Kansas

Quarterbatk: Thomu M&cVittio. The 6-5, 225-pound Junior from Cincinnati is a tanner Pitt signee and was one of the country•s top JUCO quarterback prospects when he signed with lhe Jayhawks out of Mesa community COiiege. Heredsh1rtedat Pitt in 2017, getting into three games on special teams. Last year: Played al Mesa - 92 of 172 for 1,064 yards. 16 TOs and eight INT$. COO,pleled 53.5% of his throws. Mesa went J.-3 in hissix fr-2. 219-pound senior transfer honQf"S la$t year as a sophlr games. from Chan.netview went 26-2 as more, when he WilS one of Running back: Poolcil Wiffiams a $tarter at Alal:aatna, leading three finalists for the 8iletnikoff Jr. The S.10, 170.-pound sophtr theCrimson Tide ro the 2016 Award-. Last year: 96 catches more from New Orleans WilS national championship as a for 1,,91 yards ilnd 12 TOs. last year's Oig 12 offensive freshman. Has already staned (Career. 93·1,<,09-12.) freshman of the year. picked In rour college FootbaJIPlayoff by conference ooacht's. lcd oamcs. He's Alabama's all-time TCU the Bio u and was sixth In the tcadcr In rushing touchdowns country on ldckotf returns and and Is second in school history Quarterback: Alex Delton. T~ was oneofonty two pbyers for careerrushing yards by a 6-0. 200·DOund senior from In the Bio 12 with a 100.yard ouanCf'back. Last year. Playc,cl Hays. 1<.an., by way of Kansas rush.Ing and rtalvfno game. in l3 games as a backup lo Tua State. started six Qaml."S ltl Last yoar. Av(>(agcd 102.3 yaids Tagovailoa - Sl of 70 fof 765 his Wildcats care«. all Bio u a. game - 161 wries for 1,125 y,11ds. e1ght TOs. And two IHTS, matchuos (TCU, Oklahoma.. yards and seven TDS. (carct-r: Rallied sama pa;st G(.-orgiil in Kansasand T~.xas T«tl j_n 2017, Same.) the SECchampk>nshJp game and then Texas and Kansas last Wtde receiver. ~yion ChatloL when Ta!)()Va.ilo.a was injured yea,). KMSas State went 3-3 in The 6-0, 193-poond senior from in the fourth quarter. (Career. those gilmes. last year.44 of80 Patterson. la., started his '45-707-5.626. %.) for 554 yards. two TDs and two Ca.reefwith Alabama. playing Running back: Trey Sermon. INTs in seven games, includ­ in five games for the Crimson The 6-0, 221-pound junior from ing two starts. (Career. all at Tide as a freshman in 2015 (two Marietta. Ga.. played in all 14 Kansas State-: 9&-171-l,202. l.if. catches for 9 yards) before games, including a 206-yard, plus 213-868-ll on the ground.) transferring. Lastyear. Played three-toochdown day against Wide r«eiver: Jaien Reagor. in all 12 games - l? catches for Texas in Ottobet' - 164 tilr· The s-.11. l95·POUnd junior from 178yards and two TOs. (Career: riesfor9'7)'ilrdsaf)d 13TDs. Waxahachie caught 30.I~ of 15-187·2.) (Career. 28 Qilmes. tS starts: the team's receptions, the high• 285·1.691-18.) est matk in Cary Patterson's Kansas State Wide receiver: Cet'()ree Lamb. 18years atrcu. Last year. 72 The 6-2. 19I~pound Junior from catches for t,061 yards and 9-.,badcSkylar Thompson. Rk:hmood b