Austin-Area High School Football Playoff Predictions

Central Texas high school football is heating up as the UIL playoffs enter their crucial third week, featuring regional semifinal matchups. The American-Statesman’s dedicated sports team has released their expert predictions, offering insights into which local teams are expected to advance and continue their quest for a state title.

Central Texas Playoff Showdown Enters Round 3

As the Texas high school football season progresses, the stakes are higher than ever. For this week’s coverage, the American-Statesman’s sports editor Rich Tijerina, reporters Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon, and contributor Jay Plotkin have teamed up to provide their weekly picks for the most anticipated games in the Austin area. Staff writer Colby Gordon dives deep into five key matchups, offering detailed analysis and score predictions that local fans won’t want to miss.

Colby Gordon’s Top Regional Semifinal Previews

Lake Travis vs. Laredo United

The Lake Travis Cavaliers are fresh off a competitive 13-7 win against San Antonio Brennan in the area round. However, don’t anticipate another nail-biter this week. Gordon predicts Lake Travis will assert their dominance, securing a commanding victory and booking their spot in the regional final for the third consecutive year. Their momentum is strong, and they’re expected to roll past Laredo United.

Gordon’s pick: Lake Travis 45, Laredo United 6

Vandegrift vs. San Marcos

This matchup presents an intriguing clash between two Central Texas powerhouses. Vandegrift has made a significant statement in the postseason, notably with victories over rival Westlake and a decisive win against San Antonio Brandeis. San Marcos, making its third-round appearance for the first time since 2006, has enjoyed a commendable season. However, Gordon forecasts their impressive run concluding here.

Gordon’s pick: Vandegrift 26, San Marcos 14

Dripping Springs vs. Medina Valley

While Dripping Springs is expected to face tougher competition deeper into the playoffs, this week’s game against Medina Valley is not anticipated to be their biggest challenge. The Tigers are projected to secure a comfortable win, likely by at least four touchdowns. This victory would set the stage for a potential all-Central Texas regional final against Vandegrift, an exciting prospect for local fans.

Gordon’s pick: Dripping Springs 49, Medina Valley 10

Weiss vs. Barbers Hill

The Weiss Wolves appear to be hitting their stride at the perfect time, demonstrating their best football during the playoffs. Following impressive wins against Anderson and La Porte, they routed Lufkin 52-14 in the area round. While this game against Barbers Hill is expected to be competitive, Weiss’s superior talent and current form are predicted to be the decisive factor.

Gordon’s pick: Weiss 42, Barbers Hill 28

Bastrop vs. Richmond Randle

Bastrop’s offense has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, consistently putting up points with ease. In their 11 wins, they never scored less than 48 points, and crossed the 60-point mark nine times. However, they face a formidable opponent in Richmond Randle, who boasts an incredible 28-game winning streak and is on pace to repeat as Class 5A Division II state champions. Despite Bastrop’s phenomenal year, their playoff journey is predicted to end here.

Gordon’s pick: Randle 50, Bastrop 32

American-Statesman Staff Consensus Picks

Beyond the detailed breakdowns, the American-Statesman staff — Colby Gordon, Rick Cantu, Jay Plotkin, and Rich Tijerina — have weighed in on a broader range of regional semifinal games. Here’s how the experts are leaning for some of the key Austin-area matchups:

Meet the Predictor: Colby Gordon

This week’s detailed insights come primarily from Colby Gordon, an Austin American-Statesman staff writer since 2018. Gordon covers both Austin FC and high school sports, bringing a wealth of experience from previous work with publications like the Kansas City Star, Dallas Morning News, and Toronto Star. Originally from the Midwest, his deep understanding of Texas sports provides valuable context to these critical playoff predictions.

What to Watch Next?

The regional semifinals promise thrilling high school football action across Central Texas. Be sure to check statesman.com this weekend for comprehensive live coverage and results of all the Central Texas high school football playoff games. Don’t miss out on seeing if your favorite local teams advance!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who made the playoff predictions for the Austin American-Statesman?
  The predictions were made by the American-Statesman’s sports team, including Rich Tijerina, Rick Cantu, Colby Gordon, and Jay Plotkin.
• Which Central Texas team is predicted to have the most dominant win this week?
  Lake Travis is predicted to roll over Laredo United with a score of 45-6.
• Is San Marcos expected to continue their playoff run to the regional final?
  No, Colby Gordon and the staff predict San Marcos’s impressive run will end against Vandegrift.
• What is Bastrop’s key strength, and what challenge do they face?
  Bastrop’s key strength is their high-scoring offense, which has tallied at least 48 points in all their wins. However, they face Richmond Randle, who has a 28-game winning streak and state championship aspirations.
• Where can I find coverage of these playoff games this weekend?
  You can find comprehensive coverage and results on statesman.com.

Stay tuned to statesman.com for continuous coverage and updates as the Central Texas high school football teams battle it out in the UIL regional semifinals, vying for a coveted spot in the regional finals.

Austin Football Playoff Semifinal Picks