Week 4 of the Texas High School Football season is here and with that it's time to look at 5 of the top games across the San Antonio and Austin area this week. And this week there may be a reoccurring theme
Lockhart vs Davenport
What some may consider two surprising 3-0 starts, one team will finally earn a loss this Friday as Lockhart and Davenport battle to remain undefeated in non-district action. After their 7 point victory in Week 1, Lockhart has been rolling with big victories against Pflugerville Connally and Lehman. Meanwhile Davenport has had to battle for every win with one score victories against Victoria West and Tivy and a 14 point victory over San Antonio Pieper. This matchup may come down to which defense can stop the run. Both teams are finding success on the ground with Lockhart's Sean Mckinney and Ashton Dickens averaging over 100 yards a game while for the Wolves it is Shastin Golden carrying the load averaging 161 yards a game. But at the same time, this could be a slight edge for Davenport who can lean on Triston Hamlin in the passing game if the running game gets bottled up. Hamlin has thrown for almost 800 yards on the year. If Lockhart can't stop the run it could open up the passing game for the Wolves which could lead to their 4-0 start.
Stony Point vs Vandegrift
Week 4 begins district play for Stony Point and Vandegrift as the 3-0 Tigers face the 2-1 Vipers. After a Week 1 loss to Dripping Springs, Vandegrift has not only clamped down on defense, allowing 0 points the last 2 weeks, their offense has averaged 45 points a game behind the arm of Brayden Buchanan who has put up over 700 yards in the air with 10 TDs. On the other side you have one of the best Running Backs in Texas in Stony Point's Cameron Cook. The TCU commit is averaging over 150 yards a game for the Tigers and though I haven't seen all 3 games, if the scores are any indication that is 150 yards a game while probably sitting most of if not all of the 4th. The Vipers defense has done a great job stopping the run thus far this season, even in their loss, but have not faced a back like Cook thus far. This could come down to Stony Point's passing game and if Vandegrift can contain that like Killeen did against the Tigers in their lone close game this one could be a nail-biter.
Manor vs McNeil
Is the theme of the week rushing attack? Because that is what McNeil will have to be facing when the 3-0 Manor Mustangs take on the 2-1 McNeil Mavericks tonight at 7PM. The key to this game will be Quinten Joyner. After a tough Week 1 game against Austin LBJ, Joyner has rushed for nearly 200 yards a game in weeks 2 and 3 while already scoring 9 touchdowns on the ground. If McNeil has any thought of winning the game they will have to contain him. Meanwhile the Mavericks have a running game of their own with the Running Back duo of Joshua Williams and Kaleb Cooper. McNeil is coming off a close loss to Hendrickson and I feel like Manor may just be on another level this week. The key to this game could be which quarterback makes the fewest mistakes.
Brennan vs Taft
Taft has carried over it's strong 9-3 season last year to a 2-1 start to the 2022 campaign. Meanwhile after Week 1's thrilling 1 point loss to Steele, Brennan has been on fire defeating Brandeis 42-6 and Harlan 48-10. As I've said in previous articles earlier in the year Brenna will go as far as Ashton Dubose can take them and he has looked absolutely phenomenal to start the year. Even in the Week 1 loss he put up 347 yards and 5 touchdowns. Since then? He has gone for 630 yards and another 6 touchdowns. Taft will most likely have to keep him under 250 yards if they hope to come out on top. For Brennan to win they are going to have to...stop me if you heard this before; stop the run. Taft put up 465 total yards rushing in their win versus SA Veterans Memorial and 325 yards in their win against Victoria East. Led by TJ Andrews and Johnie Lott, Brennan can expect a healthy dose of the run. And if that's effective for Taft that could spell trouble for Brennan as Taft as worked in the pass game to perfection with their run game going 18/19 for 278 yards and 4 touchdowns in their 2 games.
Cuero vs Calallen
Stop me if you have heard this one before, the key to this game will be stopping the run. Cuero has been putting up ridiculous numbers on offense so far this year going for 415, 268 and 312 yards on the ground respectively. Calallen after their Week 1 slugfest victory over Gregory Portland has likewise gone for 238 and 346 yards. If both defenses can contain the running game this one may come down to the quarterbacks where I like junior quarterback Mason Notaro of Cuero. His numbers may not jump out like some QBs above, but his game last week (12/17 for 316 yards and 4 touchdowns) showed he can sling it if need be. With that being said you have to feel like Cuero is the favorite in this one. Their running game is on point and can turn to their passing game when needed. Regardless, the outcome of this game will go a long way in showing what both teams are going to be capable the rest of the season.