Two years ago, the Buda Johnson Jaguars were part of a ridiculously overstuffed 9-team District 26-6A that included the likes of Westlake, Lake Travis, Dripping Springs, Anderson, Bowie and others. So, it was good news/bad news when redistricting moved the Jaguars into District 29-6A. While the Jags have fared well in their smaller, less top-heavy new digs; they also found themselves nomads of sorts. Competing against teams from San Marcos through New Braunfels and northern San Antonio, Buda Johnson was often overlooked by folks in Austin and San Antonio alike.
Before Johnson returns to a more levelled out District 26-6A next year, they hope to close the door on their southern excursion with a triumphant 29-6A title. They can take a huge step towards that goal when the Jags face the Schertz Clemens Buffalos in this week’s VYPE Live Series Spotlight.
It’s not unusual that Coach Austin Yager’s Jaguars (2-1, 15-4-2) have a lot of starters back from last year’s regional finalists. What is unusual is how young those starters still are. Second baseman Luke Levasser and outfielder Gannon Plummer are the only two returning senior starters while the rest of the infield – all still juniors – are back as well. The Jags should still be a force to be reckoned with when they return to District 26-6A next season.
Defending district champion Clemens isn’t going to give up its district title without a fight. Like Johnson, Coach Eric Zimmerman’s Buffaloes (5-0, 16-5-1) return a plethora of young players from last year’s Area finalists, including 29-6A Newcomer of the Year RJ Grant and pitcher Hunter Lauinger, the only two returning senior starters.
Clemens has already easily dispatched second-place Cibolo Steele in their first meeting, and swept 4th place San Marcos and 5th place Canyon. That means if Johnson is going to overtake Clemens, they’ll likely have to take matters into their own hands with this series.
What: Buda Johnson vs. Schertz Clemens
When: Tuesday 3/24 and Friday 3/27, 6:50 pregame
Where: Tues. @ Clemens; Fri. @ Johnson
Who: AJ Arevalo
Watch: Broadcast Lineup onhttps://www.vype.com/