Austin’s UIL Playoff Showdown: Expert Picks for Area Round
The Central Texas high school football season powers into its second week of the playoffs, bringing high stakes and intense matchups to the Austin area. The American-Statesman sports team, featuring Rich Tijerina, Rick Cantu, Colby Gordon, and Jay Plotkin, has weighed in with their expert predictions for the top UIL Area Round games.
Colby Gordon’s Detailed Game Predictions
Staff writer Colby Gordon dives deep into five key Austin-area playoff games, offering insights and his projected winners. From revenge matches to clash of titans, here’s what to expect.
Lake Travis vs. S.A. Brennan
Both teams delivered dominant performances in the bidistrict round. Lake Travis quarterback Luke McBride had a season-best game with 469 yards and five touchdown passes against Round Rock, spreading the ball to five different wideouts. Brennan’s Cayden Glass also accounted for five TDs in their win over San Antonio Reagan. While Brennan is a strong San Antonio contender, expect the Lake Travis Cavaliers, one of Texas’s top teams, to secure a comfortable victory.
Gordon’s Pick: Lake Travis 38, Brennan 17
Vandegrift vs. S.A. Brandeis
Fresh off a dramatic 16-14 victory over Westlake, Vandegrift faces Brandeis. The Vipers’ formidable defense and reliable running game should continue to serve them well. Despite Brandeis quarterback Wynter Smith being a dual threat, Vandegrift is anticipated to grind out a workmanlike win.
Gordon’s Pick: Vandegrift 28, Brandeis 10
Dripping Springs vs. S.A. Harlan
Revenge is a strong motivator for Dripping Springs, who were eliminated by Harlan in this very round last year with a 55-24 blowout. This talented Tigers team is poised for a deep playoff run, and their thriving passing game is expected to lead them to victory this time around.
Gordon’s Pick: Dripping Springs 42, Harlan 24
Hutto vs. S.A. Johnson
The 9-2 Hutto Hippos have been a surprise success story in Central Texas this season, boasting an offense capable of challenging nearly any opponent. This game promises high scores, but San Antonio Johnson, potentially the best team in the San Antonio area, is projected to edge out the Hippos in a close contest.
Gordon’s Pick: S.A. Johnson 45, Hutto 42
Liberty Hill vs. Brenham
Another rematch from last year’s Area Round, Liberty Hill seeks payback for their 30-27 season-ending loss to Brenham. While Brenham is a talented squad, preparing for Liberty Hill’s unique Slot-T offense on a short week is a significant challenge. Expect the Panthers to triumph in a tight game.
Gordon’s Pick: Liberty Hill 35, Brenham 34
American-Statesman Staff Playoff Picks & Performance
The American-Statesman’s team has shared their consensus and differing opinions across the Austin-area playoff slate. Here’s a look at how the experts are leaning for some of this week’s critical matchups.
| Matchup | Gordon | Plotkin | Cantu | Tijerina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hutto vs. S.A. Johnson | Johnson | Johnson | Hutto | Hutto |
| Lake Travis vs. S.A. Brennan | Lake Travis | Lake Travis | Lake Travis | Lake Travis |
| Vandegrift vs. S.A. Brandeis | Vandegrift | Vandegrift | Vandegrift | Vandegrift |
| Dripping Springs vs. S.A. Harlan | Dripping Springs | Dripping Springs | Dripping Springs | Dripping Springs |
| Anderson vs. Barbers Hill | Barbers Hill | Barbers Hill | Anderson | Anderson |
| Liberty Hill vs. Brenham | Liberty Hill | Liberty Hill | Liberty Hill | Liberty Hill |
Last week, the staff had an impressive showing, with Rich Tijerina going 15-0 and Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon both finishing 14-1. Jay Plotkin was close behind at 13-2. For the season, Plotkin and Cantu are tied at 139-40, leading the pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is making these playoff predictions?
The predictions are provided by the American-Statesman sports team, including sports editor Rich Tijerina, reporters Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon, and contributor Jay Plotkin. - When were these predictions published?
These playoff predictions were published on November 19, 2025. - Where can fans find more high school football coverage?
You can find more coverage of Area Round playoff Central Texas high school football action on statesman.com this weekend. - Which game is predicted to be the closest?
Colby Gordon predicts the Hutto vs. S.A. Johnson game to be the closest, with a projected score of 45-42 in favor of S.A. Johnson. - How did the American-Statesman staff perform last week?
Last week, Rich Tijerina was perfect at 15-0, while Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon both went 14-1. Jay Plotkin finished 13-2.
Don’t miss a beat of the Central Texas high school football playoffs! Check statesman.com this weekend for live coverage and updates as these thrilling Area Round matchups unfold across our region.
Austin UIL Playoff Area Round Expert Picks
