Pflugerville Connally v. Round Rock Stony Point
TPI heads to The Palace on Parmer on Thursday night to see Pflugerville Connally take on Round Rock Stony Point.
The Stony Point Tigers established themselves as a CenTex power with a trip to the 5A state semi-final last year, and in some eyes they were a fumble away from going to the championship game. The Tigers also added a Seven-on-Seven state championship to their resume over the summer.
This year the Tiger are once against expected to finish at the top of their district, and will likely contend for a state title.
Last week, Stony Point topped Alamo Heights 31-0 in their season opening game. The Tigers rotated Aaryn Sharp and Gus Barrera in at quarterback on every play. Until one emerges as a more dominant player coach Craig Chessher plans to stick to a two quarterback system.
The Tiger defense has great speed this year according to coach Chessher, who also said he may have the best group of linebackers he has ever coached on his team this year. That group includes, P.I. Lindley, David Fulgencio, and Nathan Godfrey, all three started last year. Look for the Stony Point defense to keep the Cougar’s numbers low.
This game will be the season opener for the Cougars, who have only played scrimmages up to this point. With a year’s experience at the quarterback Dustin Babola will anchor an offense that has talent at wide-receiver in Athony Bryant, and running back with Kenny Defee, and Jim Roberts, all of whom are known for their speed.
The Connally defense, which has seven returning starters, is headed up by free safety Jaceal Davis. Linebacker Zac Aossey is another returning starter who brings leadership and a physical style of play to the defense.
“We’re really going to have to play our best game to beat those guys, and I feel like our kids are up for the challenge,” coach Howard McMahan said.
While I think Connally will likely improve this season, and could contend for a playoff spot in their district, this early season game will go to Stony Point with ease.
My prediction: 45-14 Stony Point.
Westlake versus Lake Travis
Labeled the ‘Great Lake Showdown,’ the Westlake versus Lake Travis rivalry pits probably two of the most similar programs in the Cen-Tex area against each other in a now yearly non-district, and actually 4A v. 5A, showdown. Both schools have a primarily demograpcihcs as far as student body is concerned, and they are situated in almost the same part of town geographically, (Westlake is closer into to downtown Austin), and both have elevated the status of their football teams to a level that seems comparable to a Division three college team. Lake Travis has its own indoor practice facility.
While suburban bragging rights are on the line, the fate of the Cavalier’s 31-game winning streak, the longest current win-streak in the state, may prove a bigger prize. In fact, the last loss Lake Travis suffered came at the hands of the Chaparrals on an early September night in 2007.
In his first game as the starter, with the reigns handed off to him by Garrett Gilbert, junior quarterback Michael Brewer threw for 379 yards and five touchdowns. Thanks to his effort and that of slot-back Andy Erickson (300+ yards of combined offense), the Cavaliers beat Westwood 55-31 last week.
Westlake’s win over Cedar Park helped Westlake fans shake off some of their new coach jitters, as the new Chaparral coach Darren Allman led his team on a 17-0 second have scoring run and a 24-14 win. A win over Lake Travis could certainly go a long way to calming those new-coach-transition fears.
Both teams have offensive strengths and the ability to score. Defense will make the difference in this game, and strengthening defense has been a focus for Westlake’s coach Allman.
Senior free safety Louie Swope heads up the defensive unit, and had a great game on special teams last week, blocking a punt and an extra point. The Chapparals also have a strong linebacker core that features senior Bryce Hager, who played as the team’s starting running back last season.
I’ll go ahead and say that Westlake will win by a touchdown in a game that will likely have 70+ points put on the board between the two teams.
My prediction: 42-35 Westlake.