Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
Austin/San Antonio 4A Teams Are Ready To Make 2019 Statements
2019 UIL 14-4A Division I Projected Finishes: Experienced Liberty Hill Faces New Challenges
Liberty Hill returned to the UIL football state championship game and recorded a UIL 4A Division I runner-up finish in 2018, but only has five returning starters in 2019. The Panthers are expected to compete for a multi-round playoff appearance again this season because they have been one of the state's most consistent programs since the mid-2000's. In addition, they have notable talents in tight end/defensive lineman Walker Baty, defensive back Brady Brewer, linebacker Austin Knox, offensive lineman/linebacker Hadley Weems, quarterback/defensive back Jacob Cearley and a pair of successful kickers in Matthew and Mason Shipley.
Lampasas heated up in district play and earned a UIL 4A Division I area round finish in 2018, and is expected to add another successful campaign in 2019. The Badgers have 14 returning starters and impactful players in receiver/defensive back Cameron Everts, quarterback Ace Whitehead, defensive back Koby Allen, defensive linemen Ethan Rascoe and Dustin Engdahl, offensive lineman Austin Kielpinski, running back Jack Jerome and receivers/defensive backs Jalen Porter and Clayton Bever.
Canyon Lake won seven games and advanced to the UIL 4A Division I bi-district round in 2018, so its eight returning starters are planning a return trip to the postseason in 2019. The Hawks will lean on defensive back/running back Nic Rivera, defensive linemen Alex Hardin and Hudson Duke, linebacker Daniel Neel, quarterback Peyton McMullen and defensive back Cody Kline.
Fredericksburg missed the UIL 4A Division I postseason because of a head-to-head tiebreaker in 2018, but it should punch its playoff ticket with 15 returning starters in 2019. The Battlin' Billies have notable players in receiver/defensive back Jarrett Beard, two-way linemen Travis Cates and Jack Gallagher, tight end/defensive lineman Cristian Avilez, quarterback/defensive back Tucker Elliott and running back/linebacker Dylan Ahrens.
Taylor won a quartet of games in 2018 and has seven returning starters in 2019. The Ducks have notable players in quarterback Michael Schneider, running back Jason Martinez, two-way lineman Alex Estrada, offensive lineman Josh Farley and running backs Jayson Saucedo and Dyant'E Vincent to give themselves another shot at the postseason.
Burnet only won two games in 2018, but can record a better season because of its 15 returning starters in 2019. The Bulldogs have notable players in receivers/defensive backs Blaine Burkhalter and Jaxson Denton, running back/defensive back Marcus Escamilla, linemen Braeden Howell and Hayden Henry, quarterback Matthew Tippie, receiver Devonte Miller and linebacker Freddy Park.
2019 UIL 15-4A Division I Projected Finishes: La Vernia Motivated By '18 Region Title Game Loss
La Vernia marched to the UIL 4A Division I Region IV final in 2018, and has 13 returning starters to advance to the state final four in 2019. The Bears will lean on receiver Daryl Dulak, running back Diego Mendoza, linebackers Jarrett Lubianski and Ty Halsey, offensive lineman Zaine Derby, receiver/defensive back Kyle Gates, offensive lineman/linebacker Logan Wilson and quarterback Gage Lowry.
Boerne lost a number of college football recruits to graduation, but its eight returning starters can help it build on 2018's nine-win season and UIL 4A Division I area round finish. The Greyhounds expect big seasons from quarterback Rashawn Galloway, linebacker/defensive back Logan Hanse, offensive linemen Michael Tinch and Jacob McDanel and linebackers Elijah Marshall and Gavin Uhl.
Beeville Jones only won six games and advanced to the UIL 4A Division I bi-district round in 2018, but can have a better season with its 16 returning starters in 2019. The Trojans have notable players in quarterbacks Seth Gomez and William Harper, linebacker Andrew Wessels, offensive linemen Jared Silva and Ambrose Patton, receivers Gabriel Carranco and Jalen Spicer and running back Devon Palacios.
Gonzales won six games and advanced to the UIL 4A Division I area round in 2018, but only has six returning starters in 2019. That's why the Apaches need impactful efforts from defensive linemen Lion Williamson and Diego Diaz DeLeon, offensive linemen Nico Anzaldua, Desmond Bolden and Christian Almaguer, defensive back Heath Henke, running back Dillen Ramos and punter Adrian Rodriguez.
Pleasanton added to the competitiveness of 15-4A Division I with a .500 record in 2018, so its eight returning starters will move it towards the postseason in 2019. The Eagles have notable players in receiver Dalton Hobbs, defensive lineman Louis Arguijo, quarterback Nathaniel Acevedo, linebacker Cass Campbell and running backs Joel Arevalo and Daniel Valadez.
2019 UIL 8-4A Division II Projected Finishes: Salado Guns For A Playoff Spot
Lorena is coming off an 11-win season and a UIL 4A Division II Region II Semifinal appearance, and has 11 returning starters to defend that run in 2019. The Leopards have a quarterback in Bradley Lina, defensive back in Zane Grimm, receiver in Ty Moore, running back/receiver in AJ Brem and defensive back in Julius Salazar.
Waco Connally won eight games and advanced to the UIL 4A Division II area round in 2018, and is expected to top that with its 16 returning starters in 2019. The Cadets also have notable talents in defensive back/receiver Korie Black, running back Jayveon Sunday, offensive lineman Trent Pullen, receiver Je'Juan Forward and defensive lineman Kary Turner.
Fairfield won nine games and recorded a UIL 4A Division II area round finish in 2018, but lost notable talents to graduation and only has eight returning starters in 2019. The Eagles need big seasons from linebacker Jar-Mychael Hudson, defensive lineman Chandler Noble, athlete Justin Abram, offensive lineman Drew Williams and linebacker/kicker Tyler Haynes.
Robinson only won five games and advanced to the UIL 4A Division II bi-district round in 2018, but its 15 returning starters will be a great starting point for the 2019 season. The Rockets have notable playmakers in defensive back/running back Malik Ford, quarterback Jordan Rogers and receiver Jace Walker.
Madisonville won five games in a non-playoff season in 2018, but can stay in the postseason race with its 13 returning starters in 2019. The Mustangs expect notable performances from quarterback Tyrese Brown, receivers Donovan Young and Colby Sheppard, running back/linebacker Roderick Holiday and defensive linemen Da'Voszia Mock and Micheil Harrell.
Salado only won four games in 2018, but will make more noise with its 13 returning starters in 2019. The VYPE Austin rep has a running back in Hunter Turk, defensive back in Caleb Self, defensive lineman in Blake Madden and linebacker in Peyton Miller.
Mexia earned both of its 2018 wins during the season's non-district slate, but will lean on a defense with seven of the team's nine returning starters to find more success in 2019's district play. The Black Cats need big efforts from quarterback Jaden Proctor, defensive linemen Dawson Scott and Arik Medlock, running back Dre'Vaun Cooper and offensive lineman Jacob Kyle because they graduated multiple college football recruits.
2019 UIL 12-4A Division II Projected Finishes: Giddings Is Ready For A Deep Playoff Run
Giddings is coming off a breakout season that included 11 wins and a trip to the UIL 4A Division II Region III semifinal, and is expected to move closer to a regional title with its 16 returning starters in 2019. The Buffaloes have a quarterback in Alex DeLaTorre, linebackers in Daven Birnbaum, Jaron Denmon and Bryan Zoch, defensive lineman in Michael Fox, tight end in Drake Moore, athlete in Chad Adams, offensive lineman in Chris Sifuentes and receiver in Gage Jaehne.
Bellville has 10 returning starters from its 2018 UIL 4A Division II area round finish, so it's expected to extend its playoff streak to another season. The Brahmas have a defensive lineman/tight end in Grayson Mays, two-way linemen in Dalton Bills and Alex Marek, running backs/defensive backs in Trevon Green and Robert Briggs, running back in Richard Reese and linebacker in Blayne Ciancone.
Smithville won five games and reached the 2018 UIL 4A Division II bi-district round, but should be on everyone's radar because of its 18 returning starters in 2019. The Tigers have notable weapons in receiver/defensive back Kirt Hawkins, quarterback Lane Otto, receiver Tardrick Fowler, linebacker/running back Chris Sanders, linebacker Jacob Bandera, defensive lineman/tight end Cole Johnson and defensive back/receiver Armante Chase.
La Grange has 11 returning starters from its 2018 UIL 4A Division II bi-district appearance, so it's planning a return trip to the postseason in 2019. The Leopards have versatile athletes in defensive backs/receivers Jacob Brandt, Marcus Darden, Brock Gardiner and Dayton Jarvis, quarterback/defensive back Matthew Johnson and two-way lineman Tre Scott, plus running backs Lester McKenzie and DJ Taylor and linebacker Coltin Whitaker.
Caldwell won a trio of games in 2018 and its eight returning starters will keep it in the playoff race in 2019. The Hornets have two-way players in Logan Knesek and Kyle Cunningham, plus defensive lineman Charles Sleeth and linebackers Wade Tittle and Collin Gammage.
Brookshire Royal earned a pair of victories in 2018, but can improve upon that mark with its 12 returning starters in 2019. The Falcons have versatile player Joseph Comeaux, plus defensive back Darian Tucker, defensive lineman Korbin Robinson and offensive lineman Margarito Calderon.
2019 UIL 13-4A Division II Projected Finishes: Past Success Sets Up Fun District Race
Cuero won its first UIL state football title in over 30 years in 2018, but only has eight returning starters in 2019. The Gobblers have notable talents in tight end/defensive lineman Kobe Giles, two-way linemen Storm Dromgoole and Charles Derouen, defensive back Austin Schwarz and running backs/linebackers Jackson Hardwick and Joe Cardenas.
Geronimo Navarro won 10 games and advanced to the UIL 4A Division II Region IV final in 2018, and has eight returning starters to challenge perennial power Cuero in the district title race. The Panthers have running back/linebacker Euler DeLeon, running back Johnny Alegria, two-way lineman Brett Butler, linebacker/tight end Gabriel Means, offensive lineman Cole Booker and running back/defensive back Jean Sims.
Wimberley had a down season by its four-win and UIL 4A Division II bi-district season in 2018, but has a lot of upside for the 2019 season. Quarterback Cooper McCollum has shined when he's been on the field, but needs to stay healthy to add to his program's resume. The Texans also have 14 returning starters and running back/linebacker Moses Wray, two-way lineman Carson Minnix, receivers/defensive backs Christian Marshall and Kennedy Strange and offensive linemen Cameron Coburn, Collin Kincaid and Heath Schake.
Llano has 15 returning starters from its 2018 UIL 4A Division II area round finish, so it plans to extend its playoff streak to another season in 2019. The Yellow Jackets have quarterback/receiver Case Kuykendall, receiver Quincy Prince, linebackers Logan Duggar and Quentin Franklin, linebacker/running back Mason Baker, offensive lineman Heath Godfrey and defensive lineman Guillermo Davila.
Bandera only won two games in 2018, but is excited to take the next step with its 16 returning starters in 2019. The Bulldogs will lean on running back/defensive back Tommy Cardenas, offensive linemen Logan Williams and Colton Perkins, quarterback/linebacker Solomon MacNeil, running back Gunnar Brown and tight end Mason Phair.
Austin Eastside Memorial Early College only scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion in 2018, but has 14 returning starters to enter the win column in 2019. The Panthers have running backs Jeison Otano Perez and Donnell Darks, receiver/defensive back Nathaniel Escalante, offensive lineman Ali Al Zuhairi and quarterback Robert Sanchez.
2019 UIL 14-4A Division II Projected Finishes: Hondo Aims For Outright District Title
Hondo only won six games and advanced to the UIL 4A Division II bi-district round in 2018, but its 15 returning starters will go a long way in the 14-4A Division II district title race in 2019. The Owls also expect a productive year from running back/linebacker Trey Dickens, defensive lineman Mason Bragdon, quarterback Brandon J. Garcia, defensive back/receiver Jayden Gallardo, defensive back Cedrik Munoz, receiver/defensive back Jaxon Pimentel, linebacker Tyler DeLeon and running back Tate Fitzpatrick.
Crystal City won eight games in a UIL 4A Division II area round season in 2018 and has 11 returning starters to make another playoff appearance in 2019. The Javelinas have plenty of weapons in quarterback John Saucedo, offensive lineman Alfonso Mata, running backs Justin Bonilla and Javier Martin, defensive back Robert Flores and receiver Carlos Martinez.
Devine has 10 returning starters from its six-win and UIL 4A Division II bi-district season in 2018, so it'll be in the mix for the district's top prize in 2019. The Warhorses will lean on two-way lineman John Schnautz, tight end/defensive lineman Jayce Hackebeil and quarterback/running back/defensive back Justin Contreras.
Pearsall only won four games in a UIL 4A Division II bi-district season in 2018, but it's set up for more success because of its 14 returning starters. The Mavericks have two-way linemen in Ruben Barrera and Abraham Ortiz, running back/defensive back Joey Amaya, linebacker Klayton Meeks, defensive back Mark Ovalle and receiver/defensive back Ethan Waldrum.
Carrizo Springs only won two games in 2018, but has nine returning starters to bounce back in 2019. The Wildcats will lean on running back Joshua Carrizales, two-way lineman Jesse Lopez, linebacker Noel Gonzalez, fullback Athan Aguilar, running back/defensive back Mark Maldonado and running back Oscar Ramirez.
Poteet didn't win a game in 2018, but has an impressive 19 returning starters to get back on track in 2019. The Aggies expect successful campaigns from defensive lineman Roderick King, quarterback Eric Trevino, offensive linemen Seth Ritchey and Jonathan Lopez, linebacker Julian Moya, receiver Diego Puente and defensive back Tristan Ruiz.
2019 UIL 15-4A Division II Projected Finishes: South Texas Programs To Battle For Playoff Spots
Rockport-Fulton won eight of its 13 games en route to a UIL 4A Division II Region IV semifinal in 2018, but has 11 returning starters to record an even better year in 2019. The Pirates have defensive linemen Cruz Estrada and Brandon Kilough, quarterback/defensive back Garrett Loudermilk, running back Ty Klender, defensive back Adam Muirhead and linebacker Sam Cheaney.
West Oso advanced to the UIL 4A Division II Region IV semifinal in 2018 and has 10 returning starters in 2019. The Bears expect big things from quarterback Malachi Flores, running back/linebacker Cameron Williams, receiver Dominique Baker, receiver/linebacker Justin Powell and defensive lineman Jaylen Patterson.
Ingleside won five games in its UIL 4A Division II bi-district season in 2018 and has nine returning starters to grab another playoff berth in 2019. The Mustangs still have receivers Gilbert Canales and Bobby Gonzales, defensive linemen Anthony Villarreal and CJ Johns, two-way lineman Matthew Valdez, linebackers Rylan Lopez and Jacob Warren, quarterback Luke Snyder, offensive lineman Timothy Hemming and defensive backs Alex Rodriguez and Antwan Gross.
Orange Grove was victorious in a quintet of contests and advanced to the opening round of the UIL 4A Division II playoffs in 2018, and has double digit returning starters to aim for the postseason again in 2019. The Bulldogs expect linebacker Dylan Kotara, receivers Conner Eulenfeld and Jake Marsh, offensive lineman/linebacker Matthew Castaneda and defensive back Josh Forneris to have impactful seasons.
Sinton won a pair of games in 2018, but has nine returning starters to contend for a playoff spot in 2019. The Pirates will lean on running back Rylan Galvan, two-way linemen Elijah Brown and Juan Carranza, receivers/defensive backs Jackson Allen, Robert Hughes, Jacoby Lewis and Melvin Howard, running back/defensive back Chris Burk and receiver/linebacker Daelyn Davis.
Robstown won a single contest in 2018, but has 10 returning starters in 2019. The Cotton Pickers have quarterback Chris Alanis, defensive linemen Zeke Vasquez and Brandon Rodriguez, offensive linemen Elias Borjas and Steve Pena and running back Jacob Flores.
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