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A trip to AT&T Stadium is on the line in these matchups for Austin/San Antonio schools
The state semifinals are here. A trip to AT&T stadium and a chance for a state title is on the line. We take a look at the Austin and San Antonio schools vying for those spots and preview their matchups.
GILMER HARMONY VS POTH
Friday, December 9th, 7:00PM | Cypress' Cy-Fair FCU Stadium, Cypress Texas
Don't let Harmony's 5 losses fool you they are deserving to be in this state semifinal. Poth meanwhile has been consistent over the last few years but is looking to get back to the state championship for the first time since 1968. Poth, whose offense has been great all season, won a defensive battle against Tidehaven last week with 4 turnovers while quarterback Zane Raabe and the Pirate offense did just enough. They will need another game like that from their defense this week if they want to get to AT&T Stadium.
CUERO VS WIMBERLEY
Friday, December 9th, 3:00PM | Alamodome, San Antonio Texas
Cuero played in what was arguably the game of the year last week where they defeated Silsbee in a 3 overtime classic 58-56. Quarterback Mason Notaro threw for 247 yards, rushed for 75 more and had 4 total touchdowns in the win, while running back Tycen Williams led the way on the ground for the Gobblers with 158 yards, and another 71 on the ground, with 5 total touchdowns. They'll be faced with facing a Texans offense that has heated up as of late, including last week in their 49-30 win over the Vikings. In that game running back Johnny Ball could not be stopped as he had 303 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns. Both offenses are going to score, so the key to this game will be which defense can make the stops at the right time. Cuero has won 5 of the last 7 matchups against these two, including winning 2 of the last 3 games in the postseason in that span.
TYLER CHAPEL HILL VS BOERNE
Friday, December 9th, 7:00PM | Alamodome, San Antonio Texas
These two teams are coming off two very different games, behind the arms of Sophomore quarterbacks, in the Regional Finals. For Boerne they rolled past Calallen in a 49-19 win behind Sophomore quarterback Jaxon Baize's 233 passing yards and 3 touchdowns and TJ Dement's 146 rushing yards and 1 touchdown and 61 receiving yards. Meanwhile Tyler Chapel Hill won a thriller against Kilgore 24-21. Sophomore quarterback Demetrius Brison totaled 315 yards of offense and 3 total trouchdowns in the contest which was just enough to get past Kilgore. Boerne's offensive line could be the difference in this one as they have given Baize all day to throw all season long. But if Boerne's defense can't stop the speed of Chapel Hill it could be a long day at the office.
PORT NECHES-GROVES VS LIBERTY HILL
Friday, December 9th, 7:00PM | Katy's Legacy Stadium, Katy Texas
Liberty Hill faced some adversity early on in their game last week against Corpus Christi Flour Bluff losing 2 of their 3 leading rushes in the game. That was no problem for the Panthers who tallied 545 yards of offense while their defense came up huge to help them secure a 63-43 win. Meanwhile Port Neches-Groves avenged their regular season district loss to Fort Bend Marshall with a 29-21 win over the Buffs. Liberty Hill came into the season with only 3 returning starters on defense and has done a great job of developing those new players on defense this season. How the Panthers defense handles this Port Neches-Grove's offense that is humming will be the story in this one.
KATY VS VANDEGRIFT
Saturday, December 10th, 7:00PM | Alamodome, San Antonio Texas
Vandegrift has been on a roll since their 3 point Week 1 loss to Dripping Springs. Last week they got their revenge on the Tigers defeating them 27-24. The Vipers defense came up huge in the game after stopping a Tiger 19 play drive in the 4th quarter on 4th and short. Quarterback Brayden Buchanan was as good as ever throwing for 150 yards and a touchdown while running back Alex Witt added 165 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile Katy used a huge second half to cruise to a 56-34 win over C.E. King. Running back Seth Davis ran for 301 yards and 6 touchdowns to lead the way for the Tigers. That will be the key to the game. Can Vandegrift stop the run game of Katy. I think Vandegrift's offense is going to put up some points. But if their defense can't stop the run, it won't matter how many points the Vipers put up.
NORTH SHORE VS WESTLAKE
Saturday, December 9th, 3:00PM | Rice Stadium, Houston Texas
Hands down, these 2 teams have been the 2 best teams since the 2018 season. Each team has 3 state championships in that time while Westlake is currently on a 54-game winning streak and is looking for the 4th straight state title. The last time these two teams met, also in the state semifinals, Westlake came out victorious. Both teams rolled last week with Westlake defeating Brennan 47-7, while North Shore defeated Atascocita 38-7. This game is going to come down to the defenses for each team. Both teams have offenses that have some "holes" though I use that term loosely. Westlake has shuffled quarterbacks this year while Sophomore phenom Kaleb Bailey suffered an injury earlier in the season. Even with that being said, these offesnes have put up ridiculous numbers this year. But now each squad will be playing what is arguably the best defense they've seen all year. For Westlake that means going up against what may be the best secondary in the state while for North Shore, who has relied on the run with the absence of Bailey, that is a Westlake front led by Texas commit Colton Vasek. Whichever offense can get rolling early will be the difference in this one. It's hard to pick against a 54 straight win team though.
Post Thanksgiving Treat: Austin/San Antonio Teams Look to Advance to Regional Finals.
The Friday after Thanksgiving. Most people will be in lines trying to get the "best" Black Friday deals. Others will be watching to see if the US can try and get out of Group B in their matchup against England. But across Austin and San Antonio there will be 12 games taking place where Austin and San Antonio schools look to move on to the Regional Finals. We break down each game below.
HILL COUNTRY CHRISTIAN VS EMERY WEINER SCHOOL
Friday, November 25th, 1:30PM | Allen Academy, Bryan Texas
Hill Country Christian has been dominate this season with their lone loss coming against UIL school Jonesboro. Since then they've been winning by 40+ a game. Meanwhile Emery Weiner has had its share of close games but has been on fire as of late including last weeks 60-14 win over Lone Star North. Give me Hill Country Christian in this one.
LOGOS PREPARATORY ACADEMY VS VERITAS ACADEMY
Friday, November 25th, 7PM | Allen Academy, Bryan Texas
Veritas comes into this game with a 39-34 win over Satin Mary's Hall. They will look to defeat Logos Prep who comes into the game with a 47-12 win over Prince of Peace. This one should be a close one if you look at their similar opponent in Saint Mary's Hall.
ST. PAUL CATHOLIC SCHOOL VS SACRED HEART-MUENSTER
Friday, November 25th, 7:30PM | Robinson HS, Robinson Texas
St. Paul is looking to go for the 5--peat but standing in their way is Sacred Heart-Muenster. The Cardinals tested themselves in non-district and it has payed off to this point. But Sacred Heart comes in at 12-1 on the year and have looked dominate after their lone loss to Lubbock Christian. The Tigers were unable to defeat them in the championship game last season and will look to finally get their revenge, and may have the squad to do it.
HOLY CROSS OF SAN ANTONIO VS CYPRESS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Friday, November 25th, 7PM | Giddings HS, Giddings Texas
Of the private schools left, Holy Cross may have the best shot to get to the championship and win. Their lone loss so far is to Holy Cross of Louisiana and they have been dominate in their games against Texas opponents. To get to the championship game they will need to get past Cypress Christian after their impressive 44-14 win over Boerne Geneva last week.
FALLS CITY VS GRANGER
Friday, November 25th, 7PM | Matador Stadium, Seguin Texas
After a slow start, the Beavers have rattled off 7 wins in a row including playoff wins over Bremond (40-36) and Sabinal (29-20). Now to try and get back to the state championship they will need to defeat the Granger Lions who are 10-2 on the year. Freshman Braylon Johnson has been the key piece to the Beavers late success being the leading receiver and rusher on the team. This one should be a close game, but the Lions look to advance in this one.
POTH VS TAFT
Friday, November 25th, 6PM | Memorial Stadium, Victoria Texas
Poth is trying to get back to round 4 and beyond. To do so they will need to get past Taft. Their offense has continued to roll in the playoffs putting up 65 points in the bi-district round and 42 in the Area round. I said to start the playoffs that Poth has a good chance to make it to state this year, and I think they have a favorable matchup this Friday. Expect their offense to continue rolling in this one.
BOERNE VS PORT LAVACA CALHOUN
Friday, November 25th, 6PM | Indian Field, Jourdanton Texas
Boerne travels to Jourdanton to take on Port Lavaca Calhoun to take on the Sandcrabs. Jaxon Baize has continued to roll in the playoffs and I don't see him slowing down this week. The Greyhounds handled Pleasanton last week in the Area Round and if we go off similar opponents Boerne has to be the favorite in this one with Pleasanton defeating Calhoun in District play.
SOMERSET VS CALALLEN
Friday, November 25th, 3PM | Veterans Memorial Stadium, Beeville Texas
A lot of attention in 14-4A D1 naturally goes to Boerne as they have a team that could make the state championship this year. But Somerset is one of those sneaky teams trying to get to the Regional Finals for a potential rematch against Boerne. In their way is Calallen who is undefeated this year and has a new look about them. Under first year Head Coach, and longtime defensive coordinator for the team, Steve Campbell the Wildcats have become a more balanced attack after years of being a run first program. I don't see the Wildcats slowing down here and would not be surprised to see a Boerne vs Calallen game next week.
LAGO VISTA VS NAVARRO
Friday, November 25th, 1:30PM | Hutto Memorial Stadium, Hutto Texas
This is not a prediction, but a fact: a team from 13-4A D2 will make that State Semi-Finals. So far every single team from this district has won in the playoffs (more on that below). But that means for the next 2 weeks it is time for district rematches. First up is what may be the more competitive of these two rematches. In their game earlier in the year Lago Vista came away with a 42-21 victory, but I feel this one could be closer than that Week 7 matchup. Navarro has continued to improve their run game under the new UIL rules for blocking. This one could be as simple as not looking ahead to next weeks potential matchup against Wimberley where both teams almost had the win in the regular season.
WIMBERLEY VS JARRELL
Friday, November 25th, 6PM | Gupton Stadium, Cedar Park Texas
If you had asked the experts they probably wouldn't have had Jarrell in the 3rd round, but here they are after a 32-14 win over Devine in the Bi-district round and a 35-21 win over port Isabel in the Area round. Their main problem now? A rematch against district opponent Wimberley who they lost to 73-14 in Week 7. Wimberley has not slowed down since then under first year Sophomore Quarterback Cody Stoever and I don't see them slowing down here.
GEORGETOWN VS COLLEGE STATION
Friday, November 25th, 6PM | Waco ISD Stadium, Waco Texas
It is a 11-5A D1 rematch as Georgetown and College Station will battle it out in Waco on Friday. In their district matchup earlier in the Eagles dominated much of the game before a rally by the Cougars came up short. Both quarterback Noah Booras and Running Back Andrew Petter had massive games in that one as did Cade Corrcoran and Aydan Martinez-Brown for the Cougars. So just like in the first game, which defense is going to be able to make the stops when needed. While it is always hard to beat a good team twice, I like the Eagles to win here.
SMITHSON VALLEY VS FULSHEAR
Friday, November 25th, 1PM | Matador Stadium, Seguin Texas
Fulshear is only in its 6th year as a varsity program and this year not only won its first playoff game ever, but finds itself in the 3rd round with impressive wins over Sterling and A&M Consolidated . For Smithson Valley, it has been all business in their first year in 5A with their lone loss to 6A Harker Heights who is still in the playoffs themselves. The Rangers are coming off wins over Cedar Park and Manvel and now face another 10-5A D1 team in Fulshear. This one is going to be a good one. Both teams have the firepower. One advantage for Fulshear could be winning in low scoring games. They defeated Manvel 9-7 and in a defensive battle that could give them all the confidence needed. But it's going to be very hard to slow down this high powered Rangers offense. I think this one could be close but I lean Smithson Valley in this one.
LIBERTY HILL VS ALAMO HEIGHTS
Friday, November 25th, 1:30PM | Memorial Stadium, Bastrop Texas
Last year it was the Regional Final, this year it is the Regional Semi-finals. Liberty Hill came away with a thrilling 43-30 win last year and it could be just as good of a matchup this year. Liberty Hill has rolled most of the season with one loss to 6A Hutto. They haven't really been challenged wince Week 7's win vs Veterans Memorial. They came into the season with a very young and inexperienced defense that has seemed to get better and better as the weeks have gone on. Meanwhile after a 3-point loss in Week 1 to Seguin, the Mules have been rolling. Since Week 4 they have only given up more than a touchdown once, that was the
bi-district round versus Kerrville Tivy. As always when playing Liberty Hill can you stop the slot-t? Noah Long has been dominants in his junior year with almost 2,000 yards rushing with Ben Carter rushing for over 1,500 yards himself. If the Mules can't stop the run, it will be another close loss like last season.
LAKE TRAVIS VS BRENNAN
Friday, November 25th, 6PM | Cougar Stadium, New Braunfels Texas
It's a rematch from the Regional Finals last season. It was a blow out win for the Cavs then, but this year could be different. Lake Travis has had to gut out some wins this season without QB Bo Edmundson, including last weeks 24-21 win over Steele. Meanwhile Brennan has rolled since their 1 point loss in Week 1 to Steele. While they may have been looking forward tot the potential rematch against Steele this week, they will gladly take the opportunity to get revenge from last year. Ashton Dubose will be key for the Bears. If him and his receivers can continue to be in sync Brennan could find themselves in the Regional Final again. But they will have to defeat the new look Cavs that have been run first and have leaned on their defense a lot this year. Flip a coin folks, this one feels like a toss up.
WESTLAKE VS SAN BENITO
Friday, November 25th, 2PM | Alamo Stadium, San Antonio Texas
Westlake is now at 52 wins and counting. Their defense has been dominate this year. Their offense has been good as well, but it's not last seasons Chap offense. They do have some struggles on the offense side at times, so if San Benito hopes to stand any chance they will need to capitalize on offense if their defense is able to get some stops. One thing any team that faces Westlake will need to be aware of is their special teams unit which has come up with big plays so far to start this post season, including Jaden Greathouse who has returned 2 punt returns back for touchdowns so far. At this point I'm still under the assumption we are probably headed for a Westlake versus North Shore rematch in the Semi-finals.
DRIPPING SPRINGS VS HARLINGEN
Friday, November 25th, 11:00AM | Alamodome, San Antonio Texas
Dripping Springs has been off to a great start to their 6A play. Their lone loss has come to Westlake in which they were only down 6 early in the 4th quarter. They are looking to join the volleyball team who won state last week and will need to get through 12-0 Harlingen to do so. The Cardinals have not really been tested so far this season with their closest game being a 56-49 win over United. The Tigers will go as far as Austin Novosad will take them. Their defense will keep them in games and if Novosad and the Tigers offense is rolling it is hard to stop this team.
VANDEGRIFT VS HARLAN
Friday, November 25th, 7:30PM | Alamodome, San Antonio Texas
After week 1's loss to Dripping Springs, the Vipers have been rolling under the offensive duo of Brayden Buchanan and Miles Coleman. Meanwhile Harlan finds themselves on a little magical run after wins over Del Rio and Weslaco in the first 2 rounds. To me Vandegrift should cruise. They are on a revenge tour and with Dripping Springs playing 8 hours before them they will have all the bulletin board material needed for this game.