Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
13-6A Football Preview: Vandegrift Is Favorite In Competitive District
2019 13-6A Projected Finishes
Austin Vandegrift Vipers
Round Rock Cedar Ridge Raiders
Round Rock Dragons
Pflugerville Hendrickson Hawks
Round Rock Stony Point Tigers
Round Rock Westwood Warriors
McNeil Mavericks
Leander Lions
Cedar Park Vista Ridge Rangers
Preseason Awards
MVP: Round Rock WR Collin Sullivan
Defensive MVP: Austin Vandegrift DB Tyler Mongauzy
Sleeper Team: Round Rock Westwood
The Prospectus
Austin Vandegrift made a statement when it won its first 12 games in 2018, and plans to lean on its 11 returning starters to add a second consecutive 13-6A district crown in 2019. The Vipers also have the necessary talent in quarterback Dru Dawson, defensive backs Tyler Mongauzy and JJ Parker, linebacker Jax McCauley and receiver Trey Mongauzy.
Round Rock Cedar Ridge is two years removed from its last district title, so it will put a lot of emphasis on the September 13th home game against Austin Vandegrift in 2019. The Raiders have Division I senior recruits in running back Deuce Vaughn, quarterback Jalen Brown and offensive lineman Marcus Bryant, so they will stay in contention for the district crown.
Round Rock bounced back from a disappointing 2017 season with a UIL 6A Division I area round finish in 2018, so it plans to continue the upward trend in 2019. The Dragons have a Purdue commit in wide receiver Collin Sullivan, plus other notable players in offensive linemen Tobias Campbell, Beck Kipperman and Sam Eickenhorst, athlete Jordan Smart and quarterback Seth Ford.
Pflugerville Hendrickson went 7-3 and recorded a UIL 6A Division II bi-district finish in 2018, but has to find replacements for recent graduates before it can add a 12th year to its current playoff streak in 2019. The Hawks have three returning starters on both sides of the ball, but still have a leader in defensive end Gabriel Hunter. He'll take the field with Michael Ike, Jalen Phoenix and Jaden Williams.
Round Rock Stony Point went 6-4 in a non-playoff season in 2018, so it's hungry for a postseason spot in 2019. The Tigers have 13 returning starters, and key players in quarterback Kyle Overton, running back Kendall Thomas and defensive end Tim Landry.
Round Rock Westwood won four games in 2018, but two important factors are in its favor in 2019. The Warriors have 14 returning starters and notable players in quarterback RJ Martinez and running back Nate Anderson. If they have another fast start and pick up a few more wins in district play, they could challenge for the district's final playoff spot.
McNeil nearly recorded a .500 record against 13-6A opponents in 2018, but only has seven returning starters to move closer to the postseason in 2019. The Mavericks will lean on 1,000-yard rusher Winston Hutchison, as well as receivers Malik Gordon and Blake Henke and defensive back Jason Powell.
Leander went 1-9 in 2018, but its 15 returning starters should kick off the Kris Price coaching era on the right note. The Lions will lean on an experienced offensive line that includes Mi'Tiy Carter and Noah Holifield. They will protect new starting quarterback Garrett Landry. Also look for running back Xavier Dotson and linebacker Evan Smith to leave their mark on the field.
Cedar Park Vista Ridge's only win in 2018 came in district play, but will lean on a defense that has eight of the team's 11 returning starters in 2019. The Rangers have big playmakers in defensive backs Canon Kromis and Emon Allen and linebackers Bryce Christian and Jake Robertson, but filling important roles on the offensive side will ultimately decide their fate.
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