VYPE/ESPN Austin Central Texas Game of the Week Preview: Cedar Park vs. Lake Belton

The Cedar Park Timberwolves can’t look ahead.

Yes, they close out their regular season against traditional rival Georgetown and yes, that game may determine the district title -- but not if the Timberwolves don’t take care of business first. That starts with a tricky road matchup Friday night (10/25) at Belton High School’s Tigers Stadium against a relative newcomer, the Lake Belton Broncos, in the VYPE Central Texas High School Football Game of the Week, simulcast on 102.7 FM ESPN Austin radio.

Coach Michael Quintero’s Timberwolves aren’t yet the fearsome state title threat they were a decade ago, but they might be getting closer. At 5-2 overall, including a double overtime win vs. state-ranked 6A Vandegrift, the Timberwolves have run the table thus far in District 8-5A-1. That 4-0 district mark puts them a game up on Lake Belton, next week’s opponent Leander, and Georgetown, so the T’wolves control their own destiny.

Shutdown defenses have traditionally led Cedar Park clubs to their past dominance. This year’s version of the Black Rain defense isn’t at that level yet, but it’s doing just enough to allow a young and dynamic offense to carry the day.

Sophomore quarterback David Cooper (111-171, 1,497 yds, 13 TDs, 2 INTs) plays well above his tender years, helped by explosive junior running back Trae Hill (113-559, 4.9 YPC, 8 TDs.)

Lake Belton High School didn’t even exist the last time Cedar Park played in AT&T Stadium. Coach Brian Cope’s Broncos (3-1, 5-2) are in just their fifth season overall, third as a member of a district. They’ve seen some success in that short time, with consecutive 8-3 marks and playoff appearances in each of the past two seasons.

Senior quarterback Eli Mascarenas guides the Bronco offense, going 49-81 for 720 yards, 9 TDs and an interception in his five games at the helm. He’s also contributed four rushing touchdowns to a run-heavy offense that features senior running back Tekoa Martin (64-469, 7.3 YPC, 3 TDs) and junior Davion Peters (32-256, 8.0 YPC, 4 TDs).

Lake Belton knocked off mistake-prone Leander 29-15 last week in the first matchup of this four-team round robin – although Rouse and East View aren’t done yet – and also have yet to face Georgetown. Cedar Park held off Glenn last week 34-28.

A Cedar Park win puts the Timberwolves in the driver’s seat; a Lake Belton victory scrambles the standings. Neither team can look ahead.