HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PRESEASON TOP 10 No. 10 Wimberley
In Central Texas, August means scorching days and heated preseason debates about the area's top high school football teams. Leading up to the season's kickoff, we unveil our Top 10, as selected by our high school reporting staff. Coach: Doug Warren (47-7, fifth season) 2019: 12-4, Class 4A Division II area finalist Hello: WR/DB Christian Wimberly running back Moses Wray leaps over the Geronimo Marshall, RB/DB Juan Navarro defense in a playoff game last season. Wray, now a Olmedo, RB Moses Wray junior, ran for 1,254 yards and 17 touchdowns in his varsity debut Goodbye: QB Cooper in 2019. [RONALD CORTES/ FOR STATESMAN] McColl um, Ol/DL Carson Minnix Wimberley in ttie regular in a big way last year as a Returning starters: 6 offense, season to claim the district sophomore, rushing for 1.254 8 defense title, but the Texans exacted yards and 17 touchdowns. At 2019 stats: Averaged 40.5 vengeance in tlhe playoffs 5-11 and 215 pounds, with a ppg, allowed 27.3 ppg with a 42-12 win in the 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash, regional championship. Wray has the size to bludgeon QUESTIONS TO defenses and the speed to PONDER NEW DISTRICT, NEW take any carry to pay dirt He PROBLEMS also has a compelling personal Who wil start at quarter story; he was adopted by 1 back for the Texans? The Neither Wimberley nor Andrew and Sheila Wray from departure of Mccollum leaves Navarro was happy with the his native Liberia, a country of a big hole in Wimberley's UIL after the biennial realign 4.7 million people on the west lineup, and three players are ment in February. The two coast of Africa, when he was 2 battling for the starting nod. powerhouses found them years old. Senior Cole Schroeder is one selves in a district with New of the toughest players on the Tech and Eastside Memorial, DID YOU KNOW? squad and has a firm grasp of which went a combined 1-19 the system, while junior Kyle last season; San Antonio Warren, who was an assistant Mitchell impressed as the YMLA, an in-district charter on the Texans' 2011 state junior varsity's quarterback school starting up a football championship team, is one last season. But Matthew program; and Austin Achieve, offive head coaches in the Tippie, a senior who started a former charter school Austin area to have worked on for Burnet a year ago, has moving up from six-man the staff of his current school the ability as well as the football. Concerned about the during a championship season. experience to step in and competitive contrast as well Todd Dodge (Westlake), Hank start from the first snap when as subvarsity competition, Carter (Lake Travi~ , Carl Wimberley opens the season both Wimberley and Navarro Abseck (Cedar Park) and Jeff against visiting canyon Lake appealed their placement Walker (Liberty Hill) are the on Aug. 28. The UIL denied both appeals. others. What player is indis 2 pensable to the Texans' OH, LINE OURTAKE defense? Schroeder's experi ence might earn him snaps at Warren said rebuilding his Where does Wimberley rank quarterback, but he's also the offensive line is a priority among area football programs? heart of Wimberley's "Code during summer camp. Ryan ThomasJones: I rank the Red" defense. A unanimous Rubio, a 6-3, 275•pound Texans behind only Lak.e all-district selection at all-state selectiion a year Travis and Westlake, primarily linebacker a year ago, the ago, recently joined summer because of their playoff runs. 5-foot-9, 190-pound ball hawk workouts and will anchor Wimberley always seems to makes all the defensive calls the young group. Keep an get better as the season pro and led all returners in tack- eye on players such as Walt gresses; the program has won les a year ago. Gold, Reece Randig and Ethan at least two playoff games in What team looks like Lancaster; all of them played five of the past six seasons. 3 the biggest threat to primarily on defense a year Rick cama: Central Texas Wimbertey's regional crown? ago but might start on the produces some top-flight The Texans won't have to offensive line, especially football t-eams that have won look far to find their fiercest early in the season, when state championships. Six-time competition. District 14-4A the younger linemen are still winner Lake Travis leads the Division II will come down learning the ropes. crop. Westlake would be my to Wimberley and Geronimo No. 2 team, followed byCedar Navarro - again. The rivals PARTING THE Park atNo. 3 and Wimbertey at have spent the past decade DEFENSES No.4. batt1ing for district suprem acy. Last year Navarro beat Wray burst onto the scene Thomas Jones HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PRESEASON TOP 10
In Central Texas, August means scorching days and heated preseason debates about the area's top high school football teams. Leading up to the season's kickoff, we unveil our Top 10, as selected by our high school reporting staff. No. 8 Dripping Springs Coach: Galen Zimmerman (45-13, sixth season) 2019: 9-2, Class SA Division I bidistrict finalist Hello: OL Jack Masters, ATH Preston Alford, RB/LB Hunter Pierpoint Goodbye: DB Hunter Northrup, RB Curtis Cox Reblming staters: 7 offense, 4 defense 2019 stats: Averaged 37.7 ppg, allowed 16 ppg.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Wil Cameron O'Banan 1 be a ful-time quarter back? Probably, based on his experience. O'Banan enters his third season on varsity and understands all the nuances of the Tigers' multiple I-back offense. The 6-foot, 180-pound senior played primarily receiver as a sophomore before splitting duties between receiver and quarterback last season. Plus, playing O'Banan behind center will free up junior Preston Alford to make plays from myriad positions. How will the Tigers 2 make up for heavy graduation losses on defense? All but four starters from last season's salty defense graduated, Dripping Spmgs quarterbad Cameron O'Banan, right, runs for some yardage while but don't expect much being defended by LBJ senlcw linebacker Larnael Hicks In a district game last season. dropoff. Defensive back O'Banan, who has started at both quarterback and receiver In his varsity caieer, could Garrett Betts and defensive become the full-time quarterback for the Tigers tllis season. [STEVE LEWIS/FOR STATESMAN] end Liam Dahl both return after earning all-district touchdowns) and ranked FINALSTRETCH IN OURTAKE accolades, and coaches are second In rushing (747 CLASSSA? excited about the poten- yards). He'll line up every- Will leaving a district tial of senior linebacker where from receiver to Eight years ago, Dripping centered around Austin Hunter Pierpoint, who will running back to quarter- Springs had a little over schools help or hurt the start after splitting time at back and will likely return 1,300 students and were Tigers this season? fullback last season. Ml'm kicks. Oh, and he'll also get dwarfed by district rivals Thomas Jones: Itcould hurt super looking forward to plenty of defensive snaps such as Leander and Vista the Tigers. Although cruis- the season because I finally at safety. Ridge. Four years ago, the ing to guaranteed wins get to start and show what Tigers had more than 1,700 against teams like Travis I can do," Pierpoint said. TRAVELING MEN students. Now? The school and Crockett didn't exactly 3 Can the Tigers avoid reported 2,144 students prepare the Tigers for the Manor In the play- Realignment moved to the UIL, which is just grind of the playoffs, it at offs?In each of the past Dripping Springs from a 76 students below the 6A least allowed the team to two seasons, Dripping district centered around cutoff number. The next develop its depth and rest Springs has entered the teams in Austin to one time the UIL reconvenes some players. Dripping playoffs as a district that stretches south to San for realignment in 2022, Springs won't have that champion and a No. 1 Antonio and Includes New expect Dripping Springs luxury this season, and the seed. In both years, the Braunfels Canyon, Seguin, to find itself in a district team could be worn down Tigers suffered wrench- two programs in the Hays with schools such as Hays, a bit before a first-round ing upset losses to Manor. district in Lehman and Lake Travis, Vandegrift and playoff game against a This year's first-round Johnson, and San Antonio Westlake. physical team such as matchup will once again programs Harlandale, Hendrickson, Georgetown come against District 11·5A Veterans Memorial and DID YOU KNOW? or, gulp, Manor. DI, which includes, yep, Mccollum. It's the fourth Rick Cantu: The UIL did Manor. new district in as many With a good season, Dripping Springs a favor realignments; the Tigers Zimmerman could become by placing the Tigers in a PRESTO, CHANGO competed against Hill Dripping Springs' all-time San Antonio-dominated Country teams such as leader in coaching wins. league. The only real test Look for Alford anywhere Kerrville Tivy and Boerne Howard Ballard won 55 on the district schedule but on the bench. Last Champion from 2016- games in 11 seasons from is Veterans Memorial, but season's district most 17 and faced schools 1995-2006, and Zimmerman look for the Tigers to go valuable player, Alford led such as Cedar Park and will match that number unbeaten in district play. the Tigers in passing (940 Georgetown in the 2014-15 this season if the Tigers yards) and scoring (20 alignment can reach 10 wins. Thomas f Researcher says 'We McGuine, a sports medicine surveyed student-athletes need to give (students) researcher atthe University of in Wisconsin, expanded sports opportunities Wisconsin School of Medicine across the country, reach to keep them safe and and Public Health. ing approximately 13,000 healthy' McGuine was the lead student-athletes in 46 states researcher on a recent and820 counties, from which By GregTufaro national survey of high McGuine and his team col USA TODAY Network school athletes, which illus lected data. trated that the cancellation McGuine said the study While many Texas public of youth sports during the found that approximately schools have begun their coronavirus pandemic has 7oo/o of student-athletes athletic seasons, anincreas taken a significant tollonthe surveyed reported feelings ing number ofschools boards mental health and well-being ofanxiety and depressionat across the country will cancel ofstudent-athletes. levels that would typically the fall sports calendar "I take the opposite view require medical interven- because of the coronavirus that we are putting kids atrisk tion. McGuine said half of pandemic. by giving them sports oppor those surveyed from the high The decision to do so will tunities," McGuine said in a est levels ofpoverty reported Taylor High School volleybal players and their stands weu masks have a profound adverse phone interview with USA moderate or severe anxiety during the Dudls' season-opening volleyball match against Giddings impact on the mentalhealth Today Network New Jersey. anddepression . lastweek at Taylor High SchooL Arecent survey conduc1ed by the and well-being of student "We need togivethemsports "The (Centers for Disease University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found athletes, according to the opportunities to keep them Control a nd Preven tion) that approximately 7°"- of student-athletes surveyed reported results of a national survey safe and healthy." feelngs of anxiety and depression at levels thatwould typically recently conducted by Tim The study, which initially See ANXIETY1 A8 require medical intervention. [HENRY HUEY/FOR STATESMAN] adversely impacting student ANXIETY athletes from impoverished areas. FtomPageA6 The fall season in Texas has already started for most schools in classes 4A and talked about increased risk smaller, with volleyball ofsuicide and (need for) pre tipping off last week and foot vention," McGuine said. "The ball set to begin next week. greatest risk (to student-ath La Grange defensive set1er Schools in classes in SA and letes) is not COVID-19. It's Emma COitrain (11) puts on 6A can begin athletic com suicide and drug use." a mask as she returns to the petition next month. The study also illustrated bench during competition "The results of the study a SO% decrease in physi against Weimar during a high are both striking and con- cal activity levels among Lue 'D'avis Cavaliers players check in and undergo a body school volleyball game at La cerning," Dr. Claudia student-athletes prior tothe temperature check, hand sanitizing and face masking before Grange High School Aug. 11. Reardon, associate professor pandemic, and that the qual entering footbal practice on June 18 at Lue 'D'avls Hivh School. This was the season opener ofpsychiatryat University of ity-of-life scores for those [JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR STATESMAN) of volleyball for La Grange Wisconsin School of Medicine surveyed were lower than and the first official bigh and Public Health, said in a researchers had previously school sporting event since press release. discovered. pieceofthe puzzle everybody sports created the anxiety March and the coronavirus "We know that exercise "We're not saying this needs to consider when they and depresssion in student shutdown. [STEPHEN SPIU.MAN and physical activity are means all kids should go back decide whether or nottomove athletes and thatother issues, FOR STATESMAN] powerful antidepressant and to all sports immediately," forward." suchas unemploymentorill anti-anxiety interventions, McGuine said in a video McGuine said his survey ness within the family, were and we strongly encourage posted on the University of revealed that female stu- notcontriubting factors. Student-athletes with public health experts and Wisconsin's website. "We're deut-athletes were spiraling "We did some additional financial means from school school administrators to saying that administra downward at rates higher analysis," he said. districts who are canceling thoughtfully consider both tors and public health policy than their male counter - McGuine said student fall sports may pursue club the benefits and risks ofpro experts need toconsider these parts, and that seniors athletes from affluent opportunities, participation longed school closures and negative impacts we are doc were struggling more than communities were better inyouth leagues or personal - sport cancellations. umenting with a hypothetical underclassmen. equippedto dealwiththeloss ized instruction. "We hope that any plan impactthat may take place by "How do you know it's ofschool sports, compensat Shutting down organized moving forward addresses not returning kids (to the playiug just sports?" McGuine said i ug by joining club teams or school sports won't pre only our kids' physical health field) in causing more viable he has beenasked regarding participatinginsports outside vent all student-athletes and safety, but their social spread or other diseases. the survey results indicta- the academic setting such as from training or competing, development and emotional "Weare just saying this isa ing the cancellation ofyouth golf and tennis. but could create inequity, well -being, as well" HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PRESEASON TOP 10 In Central Texas, August means scorching days and heated preseason debates about the area's top high school football teams. Leading up to the season's kickoff, we unveil our Top 10, as selected by our high school reporting staff. No. 6 LBJ COach: Jahmal Fenner (16-6. 3rd season) 2019: &3, Class SA Division I bidistrict round Hello: RB Daqwon Donaldson, DB/WR Andrew Mukuba, DB/WR Latrell McCutchin Goodbye: DEVWR Sean Fresch, DE Gabe Smith, QB Hunter Scott Retumilg starters: 8 offense, 6defense 2019 stats: Averaged 36.3 ppg, allowed as ppg QUESTIONSTO PONDER WII the defense stay 1 dominant? The Jaguars are the highschool version of Defensive Bad< University with talent that many FCS schools would envy. This has helped their defense become dominant the past few seasons, and last year's LBJ's Andrew Mulwba, one of the top defensive back recruits In the nation, also had unit led all Austin-area more than 1,200 yards receiving a year ago. He wil play In al tlvee phases of the game schools in fewest points for the Jaguars. [JOHN GUTIERREZ/FOR STATESMAN] allowed per game. Fresch and Smith are now at if they didn't play at least a interceptions on defense, OURTAKE Division I schools. However, few weeks into the playoffs. and returned fotr kicks for Oklahoma pledge McCutchin scores on special teams. Wil the droptoaass 4A is back from missing all POINTS PROVEN be a good thmg for LBJ's of 2019 with an injury and NAMESTO KNOW footballteam? teams with Mukuba in a LBJ returns eight starters Thomas Jones: From a formidable secondary. on offense, and that doesn't Senior defensiveend Brendan footbal I standpoint, yes, Howc1oes the offense include McCutchin - who Jones was the Disbict U-5A especially since theJags 2 look with a new will get snaps at receiver DI defensive MVP ayear ago won't be banging their ~ Junior oscar as well as cornerback - and will line up at the next heads against schools that Gordon, who moved in coming back from injury. level. senior safety Jalkeam have 2,000 students, such as from Weiss after his fresh• The Jaguars have arguably Maxwell and junior defensive cedar Park and Georgetown, man season, missed last the best set of skill players baci By Mike Craven programinthe country wants races but did rush for nearly May. "After the winning, since 2017. Ewers will join a [email protected] Ewers, the first state quarter 600 yards and nine touch everything else, including loaded quarterbacks room at back to also be the nation's downs last season, when he recruiting falls in place." Texas. Current Longhorns Texas landed the biggest No. 1 overall prospect since led Carroll to the Class 6A He isn't just talented. He's a starter Sam Ehlinger will be fish out there for the Class Houston Madison's Vince Division I state semifinals and cerebral leader who demands gone but Texas' next crop of of 2022 recruiting cycle on Young in 2002. threw for 4,003 yards and 45 respect from his peers despite quarterbacks is already on Friday when Quinn Ewers, a Ewers (6 feet 3, 195 pounds) touchdowns against only not being overly vocal at this campus. Freshmen Hudson five-star quarterback from is the prototypical quarter three interceptions. state ofhis career. He would Card and Ja' Quinden Jackson Southlake Carroll and the backfor the modem era. He's "My sophomore year was be Texas' first five-star quar will compete for Ehlinger' s job cow1try's No. 1 overall pros big, possesses a strong arm great, but we' re looking to terback since Lake Travis' along with Casey Thompson. pectfor that class, committed and is mobile enough to buy go win a state title. That's Garrett Gilbertin 2009. And Jalen Milroe - the state's to the Longhorns. time when he's outside of the the goal," Ewers told the Texas faces questions at Nearly every other major pocket. He won't win many American-Statesman in quarterback for the first time SeeRECRUIT, C3 Southlake Carroll quarterba.dl QuiM Ewers committed to Texas. He's the No. l •ranled overall prospect in the country for the Class of21122; he's about to enter his junior season. [MIKE CRAVEN/AMERICAN-STATESMAN] New offensive coordi RECRUIT natorMikeYurcich wants to develop a vertical From Page Cl passing game andEwers possessesthebiggest arm highest-ranked quar inthe state. He can push terback on the 2021 the ball downfield with Fabulous 55 - is cur ease. He's accurate and rently pledged, too. makes every throw inthe "I can only control passing tree. how much I work and Ewers isTexas' second put into the game," pledge for the2022 class, Ewers said. "Idon't care joining four-star wide about the rankings or receiver Phaizon Wilson. anything like that. I can He likelyistheonlyquar only goto one school" terback Texas will take in The path to a starting 2022 unless the program spot for Ewersdependson experiences transfers or how the young quarter decommitments. backs take to the position. Ewers understands Hewould reshirt and wait the pressures he'll face for his time if someone in Austin. Texas hopes like Card or Jackson takes he'saplayerwhodefines the job in 2021. Or he the future of the pro could arrive and compete gram. And he should for a startingspotimme immediately help on the diately if nobody claims recruiting trail since he's the job when Ehlinger known statewide as the leaves. top player in the class. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW: PRIVATE SCHOOLS AUSTIN SAINTS Kicking off our high school footbaU coverage CcNlch: Taylor Stewart District SPC 3A The 2020 high school football 2019: 4-6 season kicks off Aug. 27, when Postseuon: none private schools and UIL schools Starters returning: 2 offense, 2 in Class 4A and smaller are defense allowed to begin play. Schools Playeis to watch In SA and 6A are not allowed WR/DB Cade Kilbride, sr., 6-2. to begin play until Sept. 24 175 because ofthe coronavirus Ol/DL Malcolm Bums. sr. 6·0, pandemic. Between now and 270 the start of the season, the Ol/DL Oscar Humphrey Ill, jr~ American-Statesman will 6-2, 290 preview private schools as well QB John Houston, soph, 5·11, as schools and distri~ in Class 160 4A and smaller. The Statesman FYI will preview teams and districts Now in their third season as In SA and 6A In Septer-nber. For a combined football program our high school football pre for students at St Stephen's views, please visit statesman. and St AndreW's Episcopal com/Sports/High-School. schools. the Saints have seen a slight uptick in participation The Ae9entS football INm gathers aftler a practice last season. Aslate llnalist a YNf il90 and - of the since low numbers forced the preeminentprivate school programs In the Austin UN, Ae9elltS enters a new era after lotlgtlme coach DB/K Nathaniel Heilig, sr., 5-8, two schools In West Austin to 8eclt Brydon became Ille sdlool's ful-tlme athletic clrector. (STB'HEN SPILlMAN/FOR STATESMAN] 155 team up. ·- Even though two LB Lake Mnls. sr., 5-10, 169 starter-s are back on each side TE Hansen Collie, soph., 6-5, 245 ofthe ball, 16 returning let· 290-pound Humphrey expected WARRIORS Postseaton: state finalist FYI termen should fill the gaps in to start both ways. Starters returning: 3 offense, 4 The Warriors have worked their the roster-• .•• Size won't be an COIICII: Brent Go1ernon defense way into a state powerhouse issue on either side of the ball BASTROP TRIBE District: TAIAO 6-man Division I Players lo walch with the 270-pound Burns and CONSOLIDATED 2019: 12·1 RB Samuel Osborn, sr., 5-9, 160 See PREVIEWS, AS a loss and three Interceptions a ST. MICHAEL'S PREVIEWS year ago while earning all-state CRUSADERS honorable mention. From Page~ Coach: Jeff Dicus ROUNDROCK Dlslriet TAPPS 011·3 CHRISTIANACADEMY 2819: 2-7 in Golemon's three years at the CRUSADERS Postseason: none school, racking up a 33·5 record starters returning: 8 offense, 7 and contending for a state title. coach: Michael Garcia defense •. OSborn triggers a dynamic Dislriet: TAPPS 6-man Ol ll-4A Players 1o waldl rushing attack and amassed 2019: 1-9 LB/RB Joseph Meyer, sr. 5-11, 2,368 yards and 48 touchdowns PostsNson: none 170 on the ground a year ago. Staters retuming: 4 offense, 4 Ol/DLSion Carr, sr~ 6-4, 290 Golemon thinks he'll make defense DB/WR Jack Esparza, jr., 6-4, 190 a push for 3,000 yards this Players to-tdl DB Michael Milliner, Jr. 6-0, 1e season.... The Warriors boast a RB Nick Clark, soph. FYI special-teams weapon in Heilig, TE/DE Dylan Winkier,Jr. Dicus, who led Lake Travis to who made 72 of 74 extra-point QB Taien Myers, soph. its first state championship in attempts last season and had a QB/RB Michael Boring,jr. 2007, has long specialized in long field goal of 47 yards. FYI turning programs around. The Garcia says ayoung team paid pieces seem to be in place in his BRENTWOOD itsdues lastseason and should second season at St Michael's; CHRISTIAN BEARS be better with another year the Crusaders welcome back in his T•formation offensive 15 starters and 34 fetter Yonn· Coacll: COrrey Washington system. __ Clalk had an impres- ners from last year's team. · District: TAPPS 011·3 Jeff Dicus, SHn • 2016 wtien he was East View's offensive sive freshman season, and Senior quarterback Daniel serna 2019: 8-3 coonlmtor, ls In his s«ond season as St. Michael's head coach. his coaches say he'll key the showed flashes last season with Postsason: lost in first round Dicus, who led Lalle ~ftis to its trst sate title in 2807, has long Crusaders' run-heavy offense. _ 1.290 yards and 11 touchdowns Slarters returning: 5 offense. 4 specialized .. lllming slrugging p,ograms aOWld. [TAMIR KALIFA/FOR The football program received passing, and the Crusaders will defense STATESMAN] a jolt of athleticism last season, need to keep developing to keep Players to-tch when Boring Joined the program. the pressure off Meyer and the WR/DB Zack Bfiiante, sr. 5-9, Now In Justhis second year of other running backs.... Esparza 155 stresses the structu'e and Turnley and 6-5 Junior Noah playing football. the Junior Yonll and Milliner lead a deep set RB/DB conner Rohlack. ir. 5-9, distipiine provided by football. Bassett. •. The Bnebad