Week 2 is in the books! What does that mean for the Austin/San Antonio area? Each week I will take a look at some questions from across the Austin-San Antonio area then give you an answer to said questions. I won't always be right, but hey who is?
Question 1: What should we take away from Hutto's 2-0 start?
Hutto is off to a 2-0 start with wins over San Marcos and 5A power Liberty Hill. Their offense has been very impressive to start the year and even though they gave up 49 points to Liberty Hill, I have liked their defense to start the year. Junior Quarterback Will Hammond has been extremely impressive for the Hippos throwing for nearly 600 yards and nearly 9 touchdowns with another 166 yards on the ground. If Hutto's defense can continue to improve and Hutto's offense can stay solid can they make some noise this season?
What do I think?
I think Hutto can definitely make some noise. They have games against Steele (I will get to that game later) and Judson on the horizon and then a district schedule I feel is favorable to them. Coach Compton is building something great in Hutto right now and although I don't know if they will be 4-0 going into district, they stand a really good chance. If Hammond continues to develop, by the time playoffs role around we may be talking about the Hippos as a serious contender.
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Question 2: Is Boerne the team to beat in the Ausitn/San Antonio area in 4A?
Last season Boerne was on fire until running in the buzz saw that was Austin LBJ. But with LBJ moving up into the 5A ranks this season can Boerne make it's way to state? The Greyhounds have started off strong this season with a 2-0 record with wins of CC Flour Bluff and Pleasanton. With upcoming games against Antonian Prep and Gregory-Portland on the horizon, wins against them could be very telling to see how Boerne will fair into district play and beyond.
What do I think?
Their is one other team I have my eye on in 4A-DI in the San Antonio area. That is Davenport. The wolves have come out firing as well this season and could be trouble for Boerne. I have them ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively in our current rankings and it's easy to see why. With that being said I think experience can play a factor here. Boerne has that experience of the playoff runs, while Davenport comes in looking for it's first playoff birth in year 1 of UIL play. If Boerne can get through the coastal teams in the early rounds I would not be shocked to see them playing for a title in December.
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Question 3: How will Hays fair in 5A this season?
Coming into the year Hays found themselves in not only a new district but a new classification with Buda Johnson opening up. Now in 5A, and a couple of years removed from a State semifinal run in 6A, the question becomes how might Hays compete at the 5A level this year?
What do I think?
If their first 2 games are any indication, Hays could make some noise at the 5A level this year. They beat former district opponent Hays 64-14 and then last week beat another 6A opponent Churchill 27-7. Hays has relied heavily on their running game averaging almost 300 yards on the ground, relying heavily on Senior running back Kyree Payton. From what I've seen so far, Hays has all the skill to compete at the 5A level. The End of September and into October will be the real barometer with matchups against Boerne-Champion and New Braunfels Canyon. But for the time being teams shouldn't forget Hays is at the 5A level now because if they do forget, they may come to regret it.
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Question 4: Which player should you keep your eye on in Week 3?
Across Austin and San Antonio there were many amazing performances during Week 2 of the season. From great offensive performances to dominant defensive showings. But of all the amazing performances which one stood out and which should we pay attention to in Week 3?
What do I think?
I'm going to go with Cameron Dickey of Crockett. The Junior Quarterback had a very impressive game against Cedar Creek compiling 401 total yards (10-21 for 141 passing yards, 21 rushes for 260 yards) with 3 Touchdowns and also had 12 tackles on defense. I picked Dickey this week because of the fact he put up the yards he did while also playing on the defensive side of the ball. You usually don't see the QB playing both ways in 5A and 6A. He is going to be one to watch to see how he leads this Cougar team this years. Crockett is coming off a 2-8 season but with Dickey behind center I think they may have a few more wins this season.
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Question 5: What is the most intriguing matchup in Week 3?
There are many must watch games happening across the cities or San Antonio and Austin this week, but to me there is one that stands out above the rest. I teased it above early, but this matchup could say a lot about both squads depending on the outcome. So what is the most intriguing matchup?
What do I think?
It has to be Hutto vs Steele. One of the things I've mentioned since the preseason is if a San Antonio school could finally get past an Austin School. Steele did that last week against Lake Travis which puts some confidence in their sails. And while they defintley should be feeling great after that victory, now they must look to Hutto who is also looking to put themselves in the championship contender category. This one should come down to which defense can make the stops when needed. It is hard to pick against Steele here with the opponents they have beat to start the season, but a win by Hutto here could easily make them a team to watch in Austin as we head into district play.
