With most pundits penciling in perennial powers Westlake and Lake Travis as virtual locks to make the postseason in District 26-6A, the big question coming into Friday night’s (9/27) district opener between Austin High and Del Valle was who was going to emerge to challenge Bowie and Dripping Springs for the third and fourth playoff spots.
The Austin High Maroons took a 23-0 shutout into the fourth quarter and closed out the Cardinals 23-6 from venerable House Park in the VYPE Central Texas High School Football Game of the Week on 102.7 FM ESPN Austin radio. The win gives Austin High the inside lane in this game of Playoff Musical Chairs.
Junior running back Reid Childers rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown while senior running back Bryson Batts tacked on two rushing scores of his own to lead the Austin High attack.
The Maroons’ defense recorded six sacks and notched two turnovers as they stifled Del Valle all night. Senior Kaleel Green logged 7.5 sacks and an interception while senior linebacker Will Peeler added five tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Austin High (1-0, 3-2) faces a big test – and a chance to shake up the playoff race – when they travel to the Hill Country to face Dripping Springs (1-0, 4-1); Del Valle (0-1, 2-3) next hosts Bowie (0-1, 4-1). VYPE will broadcast both games on Friday (10/4).
