Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
No. 1 Regents School of Austin: The Knights have advanced to three straight TAPPS state title games and 19 straight postseasons, so it's gunning for the season's ultimate prize in 2019. They'll be able to achieve it because they have a quarterback in Wilson Long who has seven college football offers. He'll also receive the necessary blocking from offensive lineman Charlie Stone to connect with receiver Charlie Phillips and tight end John Luke Roberts. The defense will feature linebacker Thomas Scully and defensive lineman Ben Schultz.
No. 2 Texas School for the Deaf: The Rangers advanced to the TAPPS 11-Man Division III regional final in 2018, so they want more in 2019. They have multi-threats in quarterback/safety Zarek Nathanson and two-way lineman Jack Scarboro, plus an offensive backfield threat in running back Russell Rohde.
No. 3 Brentwood Christian School: The Bears have 14 returning starters from their 2018 TAPPS 11-Man Division II opening round playoff appearance, so they have the ability to go a couple rounds deep in 2019. Sam Orick is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season, and will trade his running back position for the team's quarterback. He'll be protected by three-year starter at center Austin Balogh, so he'll be able to connect with two-way player Phillip Mach. Isaac Copeland and Luke Jackson are other players to watch because they're coming off productive defensive seasons.
No. 4 Cedar Park Summit Christian Academy: The Eagles advanced to the TAPPS Six-Man Division III state semifinal in 2018 and have the necessary pieces to go after the ultimate prize in 2019. First-team all-state receiver and second-team all-state defensive back Blake Conover will lead the way, while first-team all-state tight end Aaron Campbell and first-team all-state linebacker Nick Hoenig provide important assistance.
No. 5 Hyde Park: The Panthers were one-and-done in the 2018 TAPPS 11-Man Division II playoffs, but are working hard to produce a better season in 2019. Safety/quarterback Luke Hindman and safety/receiver Riley Beckham will be the team's leaders, while slot/nickel Wesley Conquest and two-way lineman Spencer Dye provide important depth.
No. 6 Fredericksburg Heritage School: The Eagles reached the TAPPS Six-Man Division III regional final in 2018, and has the necessary group of talents to top that in 2019. Joshua Hoermann is coming off a second-team all-state season for his running back and linebacker play, and will continue to receive the necessary blocking from second-team all-state two-way lineman Noah Given.
No. 7 Austin Veritas Academy: The Defenders won the TAPPS Six-Man Division I state title in 2018, but have some rebuilding to do to match that success in 2019. They lost 12 of their 14 all-state players to graduation, so first-team all-state running back Briggs Ellyson and second-team all-state linebacker Andrew Cuellar will be important in continuing the program's tradition.
No. 8 Hill Country Christian School of Austin: The Knights were one and done in the TAPPS Six-Man Division I postseason, but will be a team to watch in 2019. They have playoff experience and a young leader in all-state honorable mention slot back Zach Pryor.
No. 9 Austin Saints: The combined Austin St. Andrew's Episcopal School/Austin St. Stephen's Episcopal School team won its first three games in 2018, including a 24-point non-district victory against eventual TAPPS 11-Man Division IV state champ Shiner St. Paul, but needs to add more wins in SPC 3A play to make a run at the 2019 postseason. The team has the necessary two-way players to take the next step this season. Sam Zapalac and Patrick Wilson are receivers and defensive backs, George Breckwoldt is a quarterback and defensive back, David Houston is a running back and defensive back, Ben Ledet is a tight end and defensive lineman and Edbert Wu is an offensive lineman and a linebacker.
No. 10 Giddings State School: The Indians' program has learned to quickly rebuild under longtime coach Sandy Brown, so there's confidence that it can build on its 2018 run to the TAPPS Six-Man Division I state semifinal.
Others to watch: Austin St. Michael's Catholic Academy, Faith Academy of Marble Falls, Round Rock Christian Academy, Round Rock Concordia and San Marcos Academy
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