Austin, TX

Texas high school football: Austin-area UIL scores, highlights from Week 12 playoffs

Published

2 months ago

November 15, 2024

Texas high school football: Austin-area UIL scores, highlights from Week 12 playoffs

Mark Champ
| Special to Austin American-Statesman

The playoffs are here for Texas high school football. Pflugerville kicked things off on Thursday night for Central Texas with a 63-13 win over San Antonio Burbank, the Panthers’ first playoff win since 2012.

All of the top Austin-area schools are in action Friday night, including heavyweight programs Westlake, Lake Travis, Vandegrift, Cedar Park, LBJ, Liberty Hill and Bastrop.

9 UIL PLAYOFF TEAMS TO WATCH INCLUDE STATE TITLE DEFENDERS, HOPEFULS

FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

CLASS 6A | CLASS 5A

Follow this thread throughout Friday night for live updates and scores from playoff games throughout Central Texas:

On Georgetown’s first possession of overtime, Georgetown’s 2000+ yard ball carrier Jett Walker scored from 17 yards out as the Eagles regained the lead 42-35 lead over Burleson Centennial.

Angleton has ended Weiss’ season with a 35-28 win in the 5A-Division I bi-district win.

The Cavaliers have advanced to the Area Round with a 41-14 win over Round Rock at the Palace on Parmer in a 6A-Division 1 playoff opener.

Lake Travis faces San Antonio Johnson next week.

Georgetown marched the length of the field to tie Burleson Centennial 35-35 as Jett Walker scored his 2nd TD of the night, this one on a 4-yard run.

The game is heading to overtime.

Johnson is pounding Laredo United 31-0 in the 3rd quarter.

Dripping Springs is 35 points better than McNeil 49-14 in the final stanza.

JD Jackson has scored again, this from 6 yards out, for Vista Ridge but Westlake leads 46-17 midway through the fourth quarter.

LBJ has increased its lead to 32-14 over Fredericksburg in the 3rd quarter.

Cedar Park has scored for the first time since the second quarter, but the Twolves still trail Red Oak 35-15 with 7:26 left in the contest.

Following a punt, Centennial has shocked the Georgetown home crowd with an 86-yard TD pass with around 2 minutes left in the game. The Spartans lead the Eagles 35-28.

Reggie Hurley has taken a 36-yard pass from Garrett Marshall for Round Rock but Lake Travis still leads 41-14 with 2:58 left in the fourth quarter.

Westlake has scored its fourth TD of the second half as the Chaps lead Vista Ridge 46-10 with 9:17 remaining in the game.

Though down early, LBJ has rallied to take a 25-14 lead over Fredericksburg at the half.

Weiss is now tied with Angleton at 28 in the 4th quarter.

La Porte leads Anderson 28-21 in the final quarter.

Burleson Centennial has come all the way back as the Spartans marched 83 yards to tie Georgetown at 28 with about 5 minutes left in the game.

Vandegrift leads Austin High 49-7 in the fourth quarter.

Liberty Hill has extended its lead to 27-18 over SA Sam Houston early in the third quarter.

Bastrop is not having any problems as the Bears are whitewashing SA Lanier 42-0 in the third quarter.

Brody Wilhem just took a pass from Rees Wise for 43 yards as Westlake now leads Vista Ridge 32-10 in the third. That is two TDs in 2 possessions for the Chaps in the third quarter.

It looks like Lake Travis will advance in the 6A-Division I playoffs as the Cavs’ Chaston Ditta has scored from 2 yards out. Lake Travis leads Round Rock 38-7 lead late in the third quarter.

If the score holds up, Lake Travis will face SA Johnson in next week’s Area round.

Burleson Centennial is rallying as they now trail Georgetown 28-21 in the fourth quarter.

Josiah Thomas has hit the trifecta as he has hauled in a 23-yard throw from Chaston Ditta for his third TD of the night as Lake Travis leads Round Rock 31-7 with 9:20 left in the 3rd.

QB Jack Appl has not played yet in the 3rd quarter for Round Rock.

Grady Bartlett has scored on an 8-yard run for Westlake as the Chaps lead Vista Ridge 25-10 in the third quarter.

Red Oak has pushed its lead over Cedar Park 35-14 with 5:40 remaining in the third quarter.

Dripping Springs leads McNeil 21-7 in the third.

Vandegrift still leads Austin High 42-0 in the third.

Johnson is up on Laredo United 24-0 at the half.

Unofficially, Lake Travis’s Josiah Thomas has hauled in 5 passes for 161 yards and a pair of scores to lead the Cavalier offense. Defensively, USC commit Gus Cordova has 3 sacks of the Round Rock quarterback with a pair of pass deflections.

Georgetown looks like it will be playing next weekend as the Eagles lead Burleson Centennial 28-0 lead in the third quarter.

Red Oak is doubling up Cedar Park 28-14 in the third.

La Porte has taken a 20-14 lead over Anderson in the third.

Angleton has rallied to tie Weiss 21-21 in the third quarter.

Liberty Hill 14, SA Sam Houston 12 (2nd)

Bastrop 28, SA Lanier 0 (2nd)

Elgin 24, SA Jefferson 10 (half)

Fredericksburg 7, LBJ 3 (2nd)

Canyon Lake 14, Travis 2 (2nd)

Somerset 28, Taylor 0 (2nd)

La Vega 42, La Grange 0 (2nd)

Lago Vista 35, Bandera 3 (2nd)

Llano 27, Crystal City 7 (2nd)

Thrall 23, Tidehaven 14 (half)

Thorndale 21, Riesel 21 (3rd)

Vandegrift 42, Austin High (half)

Lake Travis 24, Round Rock 7 (half)

Dripping Springs 14, McNeil 7 (2nd quarter)

Westlake 18, Vista Ridge 10 (2nd quarter)

Johnson 10, Laredo United 0 (2nd quarter)

Georgetown 28, Burleson Centennial 0 (half)

Red Oak 21, Cedar Park 14 (half)

Highland Park 34, Rouse 0 (half)

Weiss 14, Angleton 7 (half)

Anderson 14, La Porte 14 (half)

Weiss has taken a 14-7 lead over Angleton at intermission in a 5-A Division I tilt.

Aiden Archer returned an interception 55 yards and a touchdown as Lake Travis extended its lead over Round Rock to 24-7 with 1:08 left in the half.

Vista Ridge has kicked a field goal to narrow the Westlake lead to 8, 18-10 in the second quarter.

Red Oak has scored 14 unanswered taking a 21-14 lead over Cedar Park with 2:22 left in the half. Red Oak’s Kingston McAdams scored on a two-yard run while Jacque Overton has scored on a 37-pass.

SA Sam Houston has taken a 12-7 lead over Liberty Hill in the second quarter.

Westlake has cashed in a Vista Ridge turnover as Rees Wise called his own number on a one-yard power run over the left side. The Chaps lead 18-7 in the second quarter.

Liberty Hill leads San Antonio Sam Houston 7-6 in the opening quarter.

Highland Park is dominating Rouse 27-0 in the second quarter in a 5A-Division 1 playoff match up.

Granger leads La Pryor 28-0 in the second quarter.

Thorndale has reached half as the Bulldogs are tied with Riesel at 21.

Thrall leads Tidehaven 16-14 in the second quarter.

Johnson leads Laredo United 7-0 in the opening quarter.

Elgin and San Antonio Jefferson are tied 10-10 in the second quarter.

La Vega is up 21-0 over La Grange in the first quarter.

Llano leads Crystal City 13-7 in the second stanza.

Vandegrift leads Austin High 21-0 in the second quarter. in a 6A Division II bi-district affair.

La Porte leads Anderson 14-7 in the second quarter.

Georgetown leads Burleson Centennial 14-0 in the second in a 5A-Division I playoff opener.

Bastrop leads SA Lanier 14-0 in a 5A Division II bi-district championship tilt in the opening quarter.

After converting on a fourth down, Grady Bartlett scored from 2 yards out to give Westlake the lead back 12-7 with 11:51 left in the opening half.

Cedar Park has regained the lead as Jamal Porter is on the receiving end of a 39-yard scoring pass. The Timberwolves lead Red Oak 14-7 with 7:41 left before intermission.

In 6A-Division I, Vista Ridge leads Westlake after 1 7-5. Using a 58-yard return the Chaps are knocking on the door looking to regain the lead.

Round Rock has scored as Jack Appl evades the Lake Travis rush to score. The Cavs still lead the Dragons 10-7 with 9:24 left in the half.

Braydon Doane has kicked a 27-yard field goal to give Lake Travis a 10-0 lead over Round Rock with 11:51 left in the second quarter.

At Westlake, Vista Ridge has intercepted a Rees Wise pass and returned it deep into Chap territory and JD Jackson has cashed in the turnover hauling in a 8-yard pass to give the Rangers a 7-5 lead with 1:58 left in the first quarter.

Red Oak has responded to Cedar Park’s opening score with one of its own.

Billy Middleton hits Brayden Robinson on a 29-yard scoring pass with 3:48 remaining in the opening quarter.

Westlake has extended its lead to 5-0 over Vista Ridge after a punt pinned the Rangers on the one-yard. One play later, Westlake’s defense swarmed the Vista Ridge running back for a safety.

Cedar Park’s Cameron Graham has scored from 19-yards out as the Timberwolves lead Red Oak 7-0 with 4:42 remaining in the opening stanza.

Meanwhile in Round Rock, Lake Travis draws first blood Josiah Thomas took a short pass from Chaston Ditta 46 yards for a score. The Cavs lead Round Rock 7-0 with 4:21 left in the opening quarter.

After holding Vista Ridge on a fourth down, Westlake took over and marched into the red zone but had to settle for a 28-yard Nolan Barkley field goal. Barkley’s third three-pointer of the year gives Westlake a 3-0 lead over Vista Ridge in the opening quarter.

Round Rock and Lake Travis are scoreless midway through the first as is Cedar Park and Red Oak.

After an initial first down on its first play from scrimmage pushed the ball into Vista Ridge territory, the Ranger defense held and took over as Westlake quarter back Rees Wise was sacked on fourth down.

Vista Ridge, 6-4, takes over near midfield.

Taking its opening possession

The Statesman’s Caleb Yum is at the Cedar Park – Red Oak 5A Division I Bi-district game where there are reports that Cedar Park running back Trae Hill’s season has been cut short due to an injury suffered during the regular season.

Round Rock hosts Lake Travis at Kelly Reeves

In a 6A-Division I matchup, Lake Travis (9-1) heads north into Williamson County as the Cavaliers take on Round Rock (8-2) in a Bi-district tussle.

Offensively, Lake Travis is led by the duo of qb Chaston Ditta and running back Vann Hopping. Ditta has thrown for 2096 yards with 20 TDs, while Hopping contributes 1041 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Round Rock counters with signal caller Jack Appl and a 2-headed monster at running back of Joaquin Maldonado and Moose Garlington. Appl has thrown for just over 1400 yards with 14 scoring throws. He has also added 8 scores on the ground.

Maldonado and Garlington have combined for over 1300 yards and 11 TDs.

The winner will face Johnson SA Johnson in the Area Round next week.

Panthers, Texans and Badgers roll into Area round

Pflugerville, Wimberley and Burnet all scored convincing wins in the Bi-district round of the state playoffs last night.

Pflugerville, the fourth-place qualifier out of 11-5A Division II, stunned 12-5A Division II champ San Antonio Burbank 63-13 at the San Antonio ISD Athletic Complex.

The Panthers, who upped their season record to 8-3, await the winner of the Iowa Colony – Killeen Ellison match-up in next week’s Area round.

Wimberley, 9-2, ran its winning streak to seven as the Texans whitewashed Pearsall 69-0 in the opening round of the 4A Division II playoffs.

The Texans will face the winner of the King vs. Rockport-Fulton in next week’s second round.

Lampasas routed Pecos 53-14 in the 4A Division I Bi-district round to advance to next week’s Area Round.

With the win, the 9-2 Badgers advance to the Area round where they will face the winner of the El Paso Austin – Dumas clash.

Manor New Tech was steamrolled by San Antonio Davenport 91-0 in the 4A Division I Bi-district round to conclude a 3-8 season.

Burnet, 5-6, saw the curtain fall for the season after dropping its fourth consecutive game, 35-21 to Andrews in the 4A-Division I playoff opener.

In the opening round of the 3A Division II playoffs, Van Vleck edged District 13 winner Blanco 48-41.

The Panthers end their season with a 7-4 mark.

Thursday night finals

Pflugerville 63, San Antonio Burbank 13

Davenport 91, Manor New Tech 18

Andrews 35, Burnet 21

Wimberley 69, Pearsall 0

Lampasas 53, Pecos 14

Van Vleck 48, Blanco 41

Westlake, Georgetown, LBJ finish atop regular season Statesman’s Fab Five rankings

#1 Westlake (9-1) hosts Vista Ridge

#2 Vandegrift (9-1) hosts Austin High

#3 Lake Travis (9-1) hosts Round Rock

#4 Round Rock (8-2) visits Lake Travis

#5 Dripping Springs (7-3) hosts McNeil

#1 Georgetown (9-1) hosts Burleson Centennial

#2 Weiss (8-2, 5-2) visits Angleton

#3 Bastrop (8-2) hosts San Antonio Lanier

#4 Liberty Hill (8-2) hosts San Antonio Sam Houston

#5 Pflugerville (8-3) beat San Antonio Burbank 63-13 last night

4A/Others

#1 LBJ (10-0) face Fredericksburg

#2 Wimberley (9-2) beat Pearsall 69-0 last night

#3 Lampasas (9-2) beat Pecos 53-14 last n

#4 Regents (9-1) – TBA

#5 St. Michael’s (9-1) – TBA

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Austin, TX

Leadership of Speaker Dustin Burrows marks a new chapter in Texas House history

Published

6 hours ago

January 17, 2025

Press Room

Leadership of Speaker Dustin Burrows marks a new chapter in Texas House history

AUSTIN, Texas — House Speaker Dustin Burrows was elected speaker with the support of Democrats, who favored him over Mansfield Rep. David Cook.

“Make sure that our speaker is selected by the caucus, is selected by Republicans. And so that’s what we expect of each other. So I was disappointed in that,” said North Texas Rep. Andy Hopper.

What You Need To Know

Rep. Dustin Burrows was elected Texas House speaker over the more hardline Rep. David Cook

That has some members of the party threatening political retribution for the Republicans who voted against Cook

Many supporters of Cook blame Burrows’ predecessor and ally Beaumont Rep. Dade Phelan for the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton

Republicans in Burrows’ corner are confident in a more positive relationship between the two chambers

Cook won the GOP House Caucus nomination, but Burrows continued his campaign for the chair. His success is a failure for farther right members of the party, who are now threating political retribution.

“We will see how our next primaries are going to be,” said Texas Republican Chair Abraham George.

Many supporters of Cook blame Burrows’ predecessor and ally Beaumont Rep. Dade Phelan for the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton and failure to pass a private school voucher bill.

Under Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s leadership, the Senate acquitted Paxton and passed multiple versions of a school voucher plan.

“Patrick understands if he is going to get his legislation passed, he needs to work with the House of Representatives. He has to play the hand that he’s dealt,” said St. Edward University professor of political sciences Brian Smith.

Without Cook leading the House, Patrick is perceived to have less control over the lower chamber’s actions. Patrick said in a statement, “The voters will hold our new speaker accountable to keep his promise of being the most conservative speaker in Texas history.”

The House Democratic Caucus is taking credit for Burrows’ win. Houston-area Rep. Gene Wu, the chair, says they protected the integrity of the People’s House.

“I feel like there’s a glimmer of hope that Texas can move forward, and we can actually take care of business,” Wu said.

Burrows expressed confidence in the House’s ability to govern.

“Our strength lies not in conformity, but in how we harmonize these diverse perspectives into service for this great state,” he said.

Many of Patrick’s priorities are shared with Burrows, including school vouchers and decreasing property taxes.

“There’s certainly going to be friction, but because they’re both Republicans, there’s going to be a lot more that they agree on,” said Smith.

Republicans in Burrows’ corner are confident in a more positive relationship between the two chambers.

“Policy is what brings us together. And I think that’s what’s going to happen this session,” said Frisco Rep. Jared Patterson.

Next week, the House will debate chamber rules, which will include who chairs committees. Lt. Gov. Patrick is vocally against minority party chairs, but Speaker Burrows signaled a willingness to work across the aisle.

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Austin, TX

Austin Light Rail: Austinites get closer look at project

Published

14 hours ago

January 17, 2025

Press Room

Austin Light Rail: Austinites get closer look at project

Austinites get closer look at light rail

The new light rail system is on track to start construction in Austin in 2027. It is part of the project connect transit plan.

AUSTIN, Texas – The new light rail system is on track to start construction in Austin in 2027. It is part of the project connect transit plan.

On Thursday, residents were able to get a look at images of the light rail stops across the nearly 10-mile stretch.

Austin Light Rail: New images, renderings provide insight into project

What is the Austin Light Rail?

Update on Austin’s Light Rail project

The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) released new renderings and a draft environmental impact statement highlighting the impact the Light Rail will have on traffic, property, acquisitions, air quality, and the environment.

What we know:

According to ATP, the Light Rail System will service an estimated 28,000 riders on a weekday.

A draft environmental impact statement highlighting the impact the light rail will have on traffic, property, acquisitions, air quality, and the environment was made available for residents to view.

“We have a lot of new information to show. We’ve been working diligently over the past year and a half since we last had public meetings in February 2024. We’re here to show how we have worked that into the design and the analysis that is underway,” says ATP spokesperson Jennifer Pyne.

The Austin Transit Partnership set up a display that gives block-by-block visuals of the light rail system and the 15 stops along the 9.8-mile stretch.

“We are proposing a very reliable, frequent service that runs through the center of Austin to UT out East Riverside, down South Congress. The light rail project will include the introduction of light rail in the street, but also looking at how bikeways and sidewalks and trees would all fit into the streetscape as well,” says Pyne.

Photo courtesy: Austin Transit Partnership

Local perspective:

The open house gave residents the opportunity to weigh in on the city’s decision to add the transit system that was approved by voters in 2020.

“I did not, although a lot of people I know did and that was to happen, but the current proposal is almost identical to the one that was rejected by the voters in 2014. I don’t really like the idea. I think, you know, the project is so expensive, and it will serve so few people that it’s really not worth that kind of investment,” says Austin resident Larry Acres.

“For the most part, I really like it. But there are still concerns about safety, about noise, about vibration and stuff like that. Austin is such a great area. Light rail would be fabulous. I just want to make sure we don’t rush into it,” says Austin resident Mary Fealkoff.

What’s next:

The feedback from the meeting will be used to add to the environmental impact statement for the project to receive federal funding.

The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin’s Tan Radford

AustinTransportation

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Austin, TX

Texas lawmakers discuss state Air Force to battle wildfires

Published

22 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Press Room

Texas lawmakers discuss state Air Force to battle wildfires

Lawmakers consider Texas firefighting Air Force

Texas state lawmakers are considering a plan to create a Lone Star Air Force to battle wildfire outbreaks. The operators of an aerial firefighting company were at the Capitol Thursday to help get the idea off the ground. FOX 7 Austin’s chief political reporter Rudy Koski has more.

AUSTIN, Texas – With wildfires still burning in California, Texas lawmakers are considering a plan to create a Lone Star Air Force to battle outbreaks here.

Operators of an aerial firefighting company came to the Capitol to help lawmakers get the idea off the ground.

Texas House move forward after new speaker election

The 89th Texas Legislative Session is now underway. With new leadership roles in place, lawmakers are focusing on which bills to start moving forward.

The backstory:

More than 80 aircraft have been used to battle the wildfires in California. The fleet includes assets from Bridger Aerospace. Planes known as Super Scoopers were flown to LA from the company’s airbase in Montana.

“I think large fires are becoming more of an issue and year-round readiness is paramount,” said Sam Davis.

Davis is the CEO of Bridger Aerospace. He was in Austin on Thursday not just to talk about the California fires. His company is trying to help Texas build its own “fire response” Air Force.

“What we want folks to know is that having these assets on contract or owned or operated by the state of Texas at their disposal is the first and foremost strategy of getting ahead of these fires, pre-positioning, responding quickly and doing what we call initial attack when these fires even high threat is in place. Having them at the ready is very key,” said Davis.

What happened during the Panhandle Wildfire hearings?

Texas lawmakers evaluate Panhandle wildfires

State lawmakers evaluated what went wrong during the February wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The fire was the largest in state history and had devastating impacts that are still being felt.

The backstory:

State lawmakers evaluated what went wrong during the February wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The fire was the largest in state history.

The historic wildfires burned across more than 1.2 million acres, killing two people and thousands of livestock. Not to mention, the fire destroyed hundreds of properties and farmers’ livelihoods.

“The big fire started when a power pole blew over, that started the Smokehouse Creek Fire. The other three fires were started in that old oil field that’s over 100 years old,” a speaker said.

The Panhandle Wildfire hearings last year is where the idea for a Texas Air Force was pitched. The recommendation came after landowners complained about the slow response, and how locally owned aircraft, at times, were grounded.

What they’re saying:

The Thursday briefing at the Texas Capitol by Bridger Aerospace was for legislative staffers.

“So, the conversation is how do we get aircraft pre-positioned in the state of Texas? How do we get them responding on a very initial attack when this fire happens so we can work on keeping it small,” said Mel Holtz with Bridger.

The briefing is a chance to get out information ahead of any new hearings that may take place during the legislative session.

“I think it’s really important for the appropriators and for the emergency management people, including the governor’s office, to be engaged in these seminars, to see what their options,” said State Rep. Carl Tepper.

Tepper, a Lubbock Republican, indicated he is leaning toward some type of public private partnership.

“You don’t just jump in the aircraft and fight fires. The aircraft have very extensive maintenance schedules. The crews have very specialized training. There’s even X-rays. The aircraft are X-rayed regularly for cracks and structural integrity. So, there’s a lot that goes into this firefighting. And owning any aircraft, any aircraft owner will tell you there’s a lot of extensive maintenance. And so, the state needs to be careful and cautious about what type of contracts we enter into, what type of aircraft we buy, if we do indeed buy any,” said Rep. Tepper.

California wildfires continue to burn

Millions of people across SoCal are facing a critical fire threat as crews try to gain more control over two of the most destructive fires in the region’s history

A spokesperson for State Senator Kevin Sparks (R) Midland sent FOX 7 a statement about the briefing.

“We have a responsibility to vet and utilize the latest tools and technology to better mitigate all types of natural disasters. The heroic efforts during the 2024 Texas Panhandle wildfires showed the need for greater investment in disaster response including ground and aerial support to protect our communities. By investing in these resources, the state can lead in wildfire preparedness and relief,” said Katie Fields, the Policy Analyst for Sen. Sparks.

An option also under consideration involves the state providing dedicated airfields and refueling pads for contracted aircraft. That kind of footprint is similar to a temporary site built at ABIA several years ago after a fire outbreak across central Texas.

“Selfishly, we want to see this done right, you know, at the state level. And I think this is the right way to see this done right. And take some of the no offense, but a little bit of the federal dysfunction out of the play,” said Davis.

What’s next:

There was no discussion on Thursday about how much this idea would cost Texas taxpayers.

The recommendation from the Panhandle hearing suggested allocating $50 million for six aircraft. But that amount, like the plan itself, is far from being set.

The Source: Information from the 89th Texas Legislative session

Texas PoliticsWildfiresTexasCalifornia

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