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STATE SEMIFINALS: Rockwall poised for greatness against Austin Westlake
In the program's second appearance in the UIL State Tournament, the Rockwall Lady Yellowjackets are poised for greatness as they prepare to take on Austin Westlake; the winner punches their ticket to the state title game. VYPE DFW takes a look at Rockwall's season so far and what fans can expect from them:
The Season So Far
Starting their season with a bang, the Lady Yellowjackets opened non-district play with a 3-1 victory over Klein Oak before going on to post several other talented non-district victories over the likes of Stratford (4-0), Franklin (2-0), and Plano West (2-1). Having utilized every opportunity in their preseason schedule to prepare for district play, Rockwall was able to head into their district schedule with a mentality to never settle.
Once in district play, the team allowed only two goals against their opponents while outscoring them on the field. With victories over North Forney (9-0, 4-0), Mesquite (8-0, 4-0), Rockwall Heath (4-1, 2-0), and more to secure an undefeated district record (12-0) and a first-place finish in district play.
Led by the likes of Layla Amaya, Faith Graves, Emma McCarthy, Brinlee Weir, Savanna Clark, Macy Bortz, and other talented athletes, the Lady Yellowjackets headed right into the playoffs ready to take their opponents by storm; allowing only two goals from their opponents (much like district play). The team sent Garland Naaman Forest (7-0), Mansfield (1-0), Garland Sachse (2-1), Tomball (2-1), and Wylie East (1-0) packing before heading into the state tournament.
What To Expect
Austin Westlake is a phenomenal team who will look to put a quick stop to Rockwall's advances, but the Lady Yellowjackets are skilled in their art of starting fast right off of the first whistle. Rockwall fans can expect to see this squad come full force into the semifinals as they take on Austin Westlake on Friday, April 12th in Georgetown, Texas. The game is slotted to begin at 9:30 a.m.
UIL Realignment around the Metroplex
Widely discussed and highly anticipated, the UIL realignment rang through Texas on February 1, 2024. With changes and shifts, plenty of teams were left dodging tough placements while others faced a fate not as generous. VYPE DFW takes a look at the shake-up around Dallas-Fort Worth area teams:
Dodging one of the toughest districts in the state (District 11-6A), often referred to as the "District of Doom" is Mansfield ISD. Instead, the Mansfield ISD teams join District 3-6A alongside Crowley, Fort Worth Boswell, North Crowley, and Weatherford.
Additionally, Dallas ISD made out well with their goal of entering a two-district DISD-only schedule. In District 8-4AI is Dallas Carter, Dallas Conrad, Dallas Hutchins, Dallas Kimball, Dallas Lincoln, Dallas Pinkston, Dallas Roosevelt, and North Dallas while District 5-5AII hosts Adamson, Hillcrest, Thomas Jefferson, Samuell, Seagoville, South Oak Cliff, Spruce, and Woodrow Wilson. With Conrad and Kimball moving to 4A, fans should expect South Oak Cliff to overpower their schedule for the next two seasons.
Kennedale and Lake Worth are headed for new competition as they head to a significantly smaller district for the next couple of years. Leaving a Fort Worth-heavy district, the two teams join District 6-4AI alongside Carrollton Ranchview, Lake Worth, River Oaks Castleberry, and Waxahachie Life.
The newest team in the state joins District 4-5AII against a reigning state champion, a reigning state semifinalist, and a reigning regional finalist. With a booming start to the season last year, the Wildcats join some of the toughest teams in the state with other 5A newcomers like Anna and Melissa. These teams look at playing against the likes of Denison, Frisco Emerson, Frisco Independence, Frisco Liberty, Frisco Memorial, and Lucas Lovejoy.
In what could be considered the most competitive 5A division, Grapevine and Colleyville Heritage join Division 3-5AII where they will face off against Mansfield Timberview, Mansfield Summit, Everman, and two-time state champion Argyle.
Forney and Longview move up from 5A to 6A as they join District 10-6A. The 2023 state semifinalist (Forney) will join a district in which they face off against other powerhouses in their area like Rockwall (who went 6-0 in district play last season) and Rockwall-Heath (who went 5-1 in district play) as well as North Forney, Royse City, and Tyler Legacy.
With plenty more shifts in districts left to discuss, there will be a lot of discussion as schedules fill. Fans can expect high competition throughout the next two seasons. Keep your eyes peeled for huge plays and high-stakes moments!